Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: Sept. 27 – Oct. 3

WHAT: Same Sex Sunday Podcast

WHERE: Right here. And also here.

WHEN: Every Sunday

Phil Reese interviewed Shannon Cuttle of the Safe Schools Action Network. He also interviewed Publisher of the Windy City Times and author of the new book, Obama and the Gays: A Political Marriage, Tracy Baim.

Later, our round table heated up when GOProud Chairman of the Board Chris Barron, came out swinging during a discussion about the Republican filibuster of the Defense Authorization Bill. Outserve’s JD Smith offered his insider perspective on the future of DADT legislation and what military men are discussing behind closed doors. Change.org‘s Michael Jones held fast against Barron’s attacks against progressives. Straight ally and the nation’s top expert on Presidential Campaign YouTube videos and former Politico contributor James Kotecki offered great insight into yet another conservative anti-gay pastor’s gay sex scandal.

Check it out.


WHAT: Talk it UP

WHERE: Independent Media Center (Suite 203)

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 27, 7:00–8:00 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 and support 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.

Snacks are provided.

For more information, please contact Megan.


WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

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

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 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.

WHAT: eQuality C-U Meeting

WHERE: Rainbow Coffeehouse at Green and Goodwin

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 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: Coming Out Support Group

WHERE: 317 Illini Union

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

A safe, informal space for U of I students to listen, discuss, and learn about aspects of identity and coming out. Open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning studentS, and those who do not choose to label themselves.

Coming Out Support Group is a confidential space; we always respect your privacy.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Boys Night Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 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 (4:00–6:30 p.m. only).

WHAT: Emerald City Lounge Welcomes Mike Ingram

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 30, 8:00–11:00 p.m.

Come down and enjoy a music filled evening with Mike Ingram.

Also enjoy our 1/2 price wine by the glass, accompanied by 1/2 price cheese plate, your selection. No cover.

WHAT: Pride Annual Fall Camping Trip

WHERE: Cherokee Village Campground

WHEN: Friday–Saturday, Oct. 1–2

Cost: $20 per person.

Cost includes Campground fees, tents, firewood, food, and soda. Please bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and personal items.

We are carpooling to the campground, and looking for drivers and cars. Drivers don’t have to pay the $20 fee for the trip, so please let us know if you’re willing to drive and what type of vehicle you have (email Minsu Kang). We will let you know if you’ve been selected to drive.

WHAT: Friday Films: Outlet

WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, 323 Illini Union

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 1, 2:00 p.m.

A film screening and discussion about the film Outlet. This film tells the personal stories of the teenagers who participate in a support group offered by a Bay Area youth organization called “Outlet.” It includes observational footage of their weekly support group and mentoring meetings, giving us a glimpse of the challenges they face at school on a daily basis. Interviews with the support group facilitators, a young gay activist and a transgender teen, address the evolution of contemporary queer issues as they are taken on by local middle school and high school students.

For more information, please email, or call 217-244-8863.

WHAT: Read UP: An LGBTQA Book Club

WHERE: TBA

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 3, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Read UP is an LGBTQA book club. All books will have an LGBT theme. The group meets monthly to discuss the book of the month, and members take turns choosing a book. The first book we will read is Memory Mambo, by Achy Obejas (to be discussed on October 3rd).

For more information, please contact Emily.

WHAT: Shape UP: Fitness Cycling Group

WHERE: 105 N. James Street, Champaign

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 23, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Purpose: 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 includes a pasta dinner!

For more information, please contact Cristina.


Announcements

The UP Center is currently seeking one or two volunteers to coordinate and run the LGBTQ youth support group. Volunteers for this group must have experience in counseling, education, psychology, social work, or a related field and have experience working with LGBTQ youth.

If you are interested in this volunteer position, or would like more information, please contact Megan.

 

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