Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: Aug. 16–22

WHAT: Same Sex Sunday Podcast

WHERE: Right here. And also here.

WHEN: Weekly, on Sundays

SameSexSunday for August 15th, 2010 features an interview from inside the armed forces. They chat with OutServe‘s co-director, active duty LGBT activist JD Smith (pseudonym). JD will talk life after “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and working with the Pentagon on the troop survey.

Charles Robbins of The Trevor Project calls in to talk about recently out progressive talk show host, Stephanie Miller and protecting LGBT youth.

The LGBT politics round table takes on the Walker decision in Perry vs. Schwarzenegger (and speculation about the stay of the decision) immigration reform, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” the status of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, gay conservatives, pro-gay right wing pundits, and more.

Joining Joe and Phil are Michael Crawford, Jarrod Chlapowski, Andy Szekeres, Dr. Jillian Weiss, and guest panelist Judy Rickard.

Check it out.

WHAT: “Talk it UP” LGBT Youth Potluck

WHERE: Independent Media Center

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 16, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Talk it UP,” The UP Center‘s LGBT Youth Support Group, is holding a back-to-school/end-of-the-summer/celebrate-pride potluck!

All LGBTQ youth in middle and high school are invited to attend, regardless of whether they have attended the support group previously. Just bring your favorite food and get to know The UP Center and some other awesome LGBTQ youth in Champaign County!

For more information, please contact Megan.

WHAT: eQuality C-U meeting

WHERE: Espresso Royale at Goodwin and Oregon

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

eQuality C-U is an LGBTQ activist group for students and community members. If you’re interested in helping in the struggle for LGBT liberation and equal rights for all, then this is a group for you! For more information, please contact: John Kenealy.

WHAT: Look UP

WHERE: IMC Building (Suite 203)

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

What does it look like to combine sexuality with spirituality? Look UP is a discussion group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer individuals where we provide a safe environment to meet people, hang out, and discuss these two ideas and how they can and do coexist. Our goal is to bring together people from the LGBTQ community that have shared experiences, and allow them the freedom to explore these subjects in a respectful, peer-mediated setting.

For more information, please contact Rob.

WHAT: M Spot Drop In Hours

WHERE: The M Spot (Above The Blind Pig)

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Come hang out with the men of Mpowerment. Play games, watch TV or movies, enjoy some snacks or just hang out. Bring a friend or meet new ones. Mpowerment is a social and HIV Prevention Group for young gay/bisexual men.
For more information, please contact Carrie Keenan.

WHAT: Coffee and Equality

WHERE: Espresso Royale
1117 W.Oregon St.
Urbana, IL

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 6:30–9:00 p.m.

With the recent overturn of Prop 8 in California, The Coffee Party of Greater Champaign-Urbana, IL will be having an evening of discussion about the constitutionality of Prop 8, a history of the gay rights movement, and what this means for the rights of the LGBT community. Please join us!

WHAT: Boys’ Night Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 9:00 p.m.

Every Wednesday is Boys’ Night Out at Boltini Lounge. DJ Randall Ellison at the decks. FREE candy and condoms! $4.00 X-Boyfriend & Well Hung martinis; $9 carafe Long Island Iced Tea; $1.50 Miller High Life bottles; $5.00 Classic & Baby Mama Bellinis; and half price food specials (4–6:30 p.m. only).

WHAT: ShapeUP: Fitness Cycling Group

WHERE: 105 N. James Street, Champaign

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 19, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to convene a group of LGBTQA folks from the C-U area who are interested in fitness cycling. We provide weekly training information, that will culminate in the Pumpkin Pie Ride in Ottawa, IL on Sunday, October 3rd.

Thursday’s meeting will discuss bike riding and fitting basics for efficiency, comfort, and safety; including saddle and handlebar position, clothing, and basic rules of the road.

For more information, please contact Cristina.

WHAT: Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest, baby!!

WHERE: Lincoln Square Mall

WHEN: Friday–Saturday, Aug. 20–21, 4:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Come have a blast at Champaign-Urbana’s first Pride Fest! It is sure to be a fantastic time.

All details can be found here, here, and here.

WHAT: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

WHERE: The Art Theater

WHEN: Friday–Thursday, Aug. 20–26, 10:30 p.m.

From The Art Theater’s site:

This movie defies description, but we’ll try: It is based on the stage musical (with the same title) about a fictional rock and roll band fronted by an East German transsexual singer. The film was adapted and directed by John Cameron Mitchell, who also plays the title role.

WHAT: ShapeUP: Fitness Cycling Group, Sunday morning bike ride

WHERE: Country Side School parking lot, SW corner of Kirby and Staley Roads, 4301 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. until finished (1–3 hours)

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

WHERE: The M Spot (Above The Blind Pig)

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, 4:00–6:00 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.

Announcements

The Emerald City Lounge is now open for business! Check out their Facebook page for all the details.

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