Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: May 20–26

Tracy Nectoux

MONDAY, May 20

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 20, 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 21

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

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

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21, 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, May 21, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Man UP is geared towards adult men, ages 26 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 Bowersox-Johnson.

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WEDNESDAY, May 22

WHAT: Gal UP

WHERE: UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Gal UP is a social/support group for women of any sexual orientation to meet and discuss aspects of our daily lives, such as coming out, being an ally, creating friendships, networking in our community, job-related issues, spiritual/religious concerns, and other topics that members want to talk about. The group is a relaxed, safe environment where women can socialize and steer the direction as interests present themselves.

Feel free to invite any woman you think might be interested.

For more information go here.

WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting

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

WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 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: Boys Nite Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 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 22, 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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FRIDAY, May 24

WHAT: Talk It UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Friday, May 24, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Talk It UP is a peer-run LGBTQ support group for middle and high school youth. LGBTQ youth can expect an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and confidentiality while meeting other LGBTQ youth. The group is co-facilitated by two UP Center board members (one teacher, one social worker); however the group is led by the youth participants.

Topics for the youth group are decided by the youth present.

For more information, please contact Peggy Weyer.

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SATURDAY, May 25

WHAT: Emerald Talent

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Saturday, May 25, 11:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

If you have a talent, Emerald City Lounge wants to see it.

Drink specials all night, and the audience picks the winners:

  • First place: $100
  • Second place: $50

Call (217) 398-8661 or email for information regarding the featured headliner and reservations.

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SUNDAY, May 26

WHAT: Memorial Day Weekend Show

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 11:00 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.

This week is a special Memorial Day Show that will feature both new and veteran performers. All of our local favorites will dazzle us as well. This is a Ceduxion Produxion, and is not to be missed.

Roster includes:

 

 

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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.

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