Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: September 6–12

THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL EVENTS (please see below for regular weekly events and announcements)

WHAT: Screening of This Is My Journey

WHERE: The Art Theater

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

This Is My Journey is a documentary by filmmaker Kate Brickman that explores the transitioning process for three transgender people in Central Illinois.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Official trailer:

Trailer for “This is My Journey” from Kate Brickman on Vimeo.

WHAT: eCISSA Meeting

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

The goal of eCISSA is to eliminate all bullying of LGBTQ students and to create a school environment where youth feel nurtured and safe to be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All middle and high school youth are invited to attend. Youth participation is kept strictly confidential.

For more information, please contact Megan.

WHAT: Hate Crime Vigil

WHERE: Allen Hall Front Porch

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a moment of silence for the loss of 19 year old Marcellus Richard Andrews, victim of a homophobic hate crime.

Candles provided; flashlights recommended.

Remarks given by members of Q, the Allen Hall LGBT group.

WHAT: Friday Films! Bi the Way

WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, 2:00 p.m.

Bi the Way takes its audience on an adventure-packed road trip through the changing sexual landscape of America. From a former cheerleader in Memphis who must choose whether to hide her sexuality or face a life on the streets, to a swinger in Los Angeles whose fantasies usher in her darkest fears, to a hip-hop dancer whose internet fling becomes a love that forces him to confront his family, his religion, and himself. This stunningly beautiful, provocative film portrays a generation that has embraced sexual ambiguity in a style entirely its own.

Official trailer:

WHAT: Transgender T-Party

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 4:00–6:00 p.m.

This is a meet and greet opportunity for members of the transgender community. Tea and snacks provided. Private changing room available next to the meeting space. This event is free.

For more information, please contact Lee.

WHAT: Mindful Mondays: Stress Management and Relaxation 101

WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union, (Room 323)

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 12, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Come to the LGBT Resource Center to discuss topics to help keep you and your community healthy and whole.

Speaker: Anita Hund, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

WHAT: Sober UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 12, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Sober Up is a discussion group that meets to discuss issues and/or concerns and questions regarding addictions or potential addictions This is a safe place for members of the LGBTQ community to get together and voice their concerns about either themselves, their friends and family, or issues in the LGBTQ community.

This is an open discussion forum, and is not affiliated with any twelve-step groups or other treatment programs, although those programs may be discussion topics.

For more information go here, or contact Kelly.

REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
                24 E. Green St., Suite 14
                Champaign

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Mpowerment is a local social and HIV prevention group for young gay/bisexual men. Meetings are open to all young gay and bisexual men interested in becoming involved.

For more information, please contact Carrie Keenan.

WHAT: Man UP: Men’s Support Group

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

This group is geared toward adult men, ages 18 and up. We meet in a peer support setting with focused discussions on topics such as the coming out process, developing friendships within the community, dating, and more.

For more information go here, or contact Kevin.

WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
                24 E. Green St., Suite 14
                Champaign

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

B II B is a social group for young men of color who have sexual or loving relationships with other men. The goal is to create a strong positive and healthy community for men of color in Champaign-Urbana.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Illinois Bi-Pride Meeting

WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Illinois Bi Pride is a registered organization at the University of Illinois dedicated to supporting bisexual, pansexual, queer people, and our allies.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Coming Out Support Group

WHERE: Illini Union (Room 317)

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

This group is a safe, informal space for U of I students to listen, discuss, and learn about aspects of identity and coming out. It is open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, and those who do not choose to label themselves.

This is a confidential space; we always respect your privacy.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Boys Night Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 9:00 p.m.

Every Wednesday is Boys Night Out at Boltini Lounge.

  • DJ Randall Ellison at the decks
  • FREE candy and condoms
  • Half price food specials (4:00–6:30 p.m. only)

WHAT: Among Women: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning Support Group

WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

We are: an informal support group made up of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women students; a place to meet other women who share your concerns and to form or broaden your social support network; an opportunity to decrease the alienation and isolation of being a lesbian or bisexual woman in a majority heterosexual environment; and a great chance to exchange ideas, experiences, and opinions. Among Women is open to all graduate and undergraduate students.

For more information, please contact Alexandra.

WHAT: Building Bridges

WHERE: Illini Union (Room 211)

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Building Bridges exists to provide an open, accepting, safe space space for U of I students who identify as LGBTQ and Allies and are drawn to Christianity.

We aim to foster personal growth in ourselves, our spiritual health, and our community through honest spiritual discussions, sharing of personal experiences, and promoting social interaction. We respect the diversity of members’ spiritual backgrounds and are committed to breaking down stereotypes and to building an understanding between diverse groups.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Pride Meeting

WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 12, 8:00 p.m.

Pride is the largest student organization for LGBT persons and their allies at the University of Illinois. We offer resources and social activities for LGBT students, including support with coming out, scavenger hunts, bar crawls, and an annual camping trip, an more.

This Monday, Pride will discuss National Coming Out Day, The LGBT Barn Dance, and Safe Sex.

For more information, please email Kyle.

WHAT: Nekromancy

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Monday–Tuesday, Sept. 12–13, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Every Monday, DJ SorceryKid crafts a continuous audio-visual mixshow of the latest and the greatest in dark alternative and underground dance music.

Doors: 9:00 p.m.
Cover: $2.00
Age: 19+

 

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PRIDE AROUND THE REGION

 

WHAT: Gay and Lesbian Association of Decatur, IL (GLAD)

WHERE: Peerless Training Facility
                1304 N. 20th Street
                Decatur

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.

On the second Saturday of each month, GLAD has its social meeting and potluck dinner. The socials average between 25 and 30 people of all ages-both men and women.

This month’s social welcomes guest speaker, U of I professor Ramona Faith Oswald. She will address how LGBT life in downstate Illinois has changed over the past ten years, giving special attention to Decatur. She will be presenting data from the 2000 and 2010 Rainbow Illinois Surveys

The Social starts at 6:30 p.m., with potluck dinner at 7:00. Please bring a dish to share. A suggested $5.00 donation is appreciated.

For more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company announces auditions for The 2nd annual Rocky Horror Weekend!

Auditions dates:

Saturday, Sept. 10, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 11, Noon–3:00 p.m.
Callbacks: Sunday, Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m.

Auditions will be held at the CUTC office at 608 N. Cunningham Ave. in Urbana.

Please bring 32 bars of a rock oriented song with piano sheet music prepared. An accompanist will be provided. All auditionees must be 18 years or older.

Be prepared at callbacks for dance audition.

Directed by Kyle Pollio
Music Direction by Aaron Kaplan
Choreographed by Whitney Havice

Show date is Saturday, October 22 at the Canopy Club.

For more information

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Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships Available

The Acorn Equality Fund is a grassroots organization that provides academic scholarships for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) persons and their children in Illinois’ downstate counties.

Application deadline: Friday, September 30, 2011

For more information, please email.

 

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Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all LGBTQ events in our community. Please always feel free to email me or post other events/updates/corrections in the comments.

Except on rare occasions, all language is taken directly from event pages and websites, and only minimally edited. If I attempted to write this myself, I’d never get it done.

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