MONDAY, May 13
WHAT: Youth Time
WHERE: UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Youth Time is open time for youth in the UP Center meeting space. During this time, the UP Center meeting space will be open for youth in middle school and high school (13–17) to use to socialize, do homework, relax, or just spend time together. There will be an adult staff member in the space, but otherwise this time is reserved for youth only.
Youth groups Play It UP and Talk It UP will continue from 6:00–7:00, but the UP Center will now be open to youth before group from 3–6 p.m. Please join us!
For more information, please contact Maggie.
WHAT: Nekromancy
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Monday, May 13, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
Every Monday, DJs SorceryKid and Hivemind, craft 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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TUESDAY, May 14
WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Tuesday, May 14, 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 Social Group
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Tuesday, May 14, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Man UP is for adult men, ages 26 and up. A movie is shown, followed by discussion.
For more information go here, or contact Kevin Bowersox-Johnson.
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WEDNESDAY, May 15
WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 7:00–8:00 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 Rage.
WHAT: Trans UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Trans UP is a group for members of the transgender community to come together in a safe space to discuss our lives and socialize.
Topics for discussion can relate to the coming out process, transitioning, becoming comfortable with ourselves, and living as a trans person in general society, dating, and more — all while developing friendships and networking within the community.
A private changing room is available adjacent to meeting space. Privacy and confidentiality are respected and appreciated.
For more information, please email.
WHAT: Boys Nite Out
WHERE: Boltini Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 9:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday is Boys Nite Out at Boltini Lounge. DJ Randall Ellison is at the decks spinning Hi-NRG, dance pop, disco house, and oldskool, gay club anthems.
WHAT: Karaoke Party!
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 9:00–11:00 p.m.
Emerald City hosts Karaoke every Wednesday. Doors open at 5:00. Order some great food, enjoy the drink specials, and at 9:00 p.m. join in on the fun and show everyone what you’ve got!
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THURSDAY, May 16
WHAT: Blend UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Blend UP is a discussion group for same-gender loving people of color in the Urbana-Champaign community. This group is geared toward meeting the social and support needs of LGBTQ people of color in Champaign-Urbana. We welcome men, women, and transgender folks of all identities to join us.
Discussion topics include:
- Family
- Relationships
- School
- Work
- Defining yourself
Blend UP is for young adults and adults (ages 18 and up). For more information contact Lance.
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FRIDAY, May 17
WHAT: Play It UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Friday, May 17, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Play It UP is a social group for LGBTQA middle and high school youth. Play it UP is peer-led, adult-supported, and an official program of The UP Center. The facilitators of the group include two board members and the youth seat on the Board of Directors.
Youth involved in Play it UP organize monthly social events for LGBTQA youth to engage in, including movie nights, putt-putt, bowling, etc.
Information shared at Play it UP is strictly confidential, including youths’ presence at the group.
For more information, please contact Peggy.
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SATURDAY, May 18
WHAT: Spring Concert: Wayfaring Women
WHERE: McKinley Presbyterian Church
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 4:00 p.m.
Since humankind stood up and looked to the horizon, we have been traveling creatures. Songs of the way from here to there have been with us just as long. This May, journey with Amasong as they explore songs of seafaring and train travel, of leaving home and joyfully returning, and tell stories of getting ahead together, and of going it alone.
Amasong will sing in Finnish, Zulu, Taiwanese, English, and even Piratese!
A donation of $15–25 is suggested at the door.
WHAT: Drag King Show
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 11:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
Join Emerald City Lounge every Saturday for a Royal Event. You’ll enjoy the Best and Brightest Stars of Drag that Downstate Illinois has to offer.
Call (217) 398-8661 or email for information regarding the featured headliner and reservations.
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SUNDAY, May 19
WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 11:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
C-Street hosts drag shows every Sunday, with different performers every week. The first Sunday of every month is Open Talent Night, hosted by Ceduxion Carrington, so anyone who wants to sing, dance, or give drag a try can compete for a cash prize.
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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.