Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Champaign County
Pride Month is a big deal to Champaign County. The community is incredibly diverse and inclusive of each and every individual living in our #outsideofordinary area, not to mention Champaign-Urbana’s Pride Fest is the largest downstate Pride Parade.
Pride Month is a chance to remember not only the progress being made in increasing LGBTQ+ inclusivity into every aspect of daily life, but also a chance to celebrate the beauty of every individual. If you’re looking to celebrate Pride Month in Champaign County, here are some great ways to do so, thanks to programming by the UP Center!
1st Annual “Queering UP the Park” Pride Picnic – June 8th, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots & in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please join the community in Hessel Park’s pavilion for an evening of fun with family & friends. Please bring your own picnic &/or potluck style food to share along with your own chairs, blankets, games, etc. This event is co-sponsored by The UP Center along with the Welcoming Congregation Team from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign.
Drag Queen Story Hour: The Kitty Cat Edition – June 9th, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Drag Queen Story Hour just got more fabulous! What could be more fun than jazzing up Story Hour with kitty cat crafts & stories? Expect sparkles, glamorous dress-up, and a friendly atmosphere. And if YOU decide to come dressed as a kitten, that's even more fun! Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) was developed by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions. Many libraries host DQSH events as a way of celebrating diversity, building empathy, and helping to curb bullying of LGBTQ kids. This event is co-sponsored by The UP Center of Champaign County.
Love Wins Crafting: DIY for Pride Month – June 13th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Drop into the Idea Store & create something beautiful for Pride Month! So many fun people - so many fun projects for all ages! Stop in and make something beautiful at this drop-in crafts event for Pride Month. There will be creative art supplies to get you started & special guests with projects to try (including Pride magnets, light-up Pride wristbands & more!) Bring a friend and come celebrate the LGBTQ community! Co-sponsored by the Idea Store & The UP Center of Champaign County.
Pride Contra Dance – June 21st, 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Join the UP Center at Phillips Recreation Center for a Pride-month contra with gender neutral calling, rainbow face-paint, and all the pride you bring for being just as you are! Contra dances are a fun sort of line dance, and if you’ve never participated in one beginners’ lessons start at 7:30. Calling by Jim Hemphill, music by Fiddlin’ Banjo Billy & The Old Time Players.
Pride Month runs all June long, but you can keep up with events like these all year long on the UP Center’s website, as well as news and information surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in our area and beyond.