Wednesday Journal - Pride 2018

PRIDE 2018

49TH ANNUAL PARADE Guide to Pride Weekend PAGE A2

REACHING OUT

OPALGA combines social good, fun | PAGE A3

NEW LGBTQ POLICY

SCHOLARSHIPS

PAGE A3

PAGE A4

Confronting the Age of Trump

Investing in the future

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PRIDE 2018

June 20, 2018

Chicago 49th Annual Pride Parade Chicago Pride Weekend consists of a two-day festival and our world-famous parade. The two-day festival takes place along Chicago’s famed Halsted strip on Saturday, June 24 2018 and Sunday, June 25, 2018. The parade takes place over a four-mile route on Sunday, June 25, 2018.

How did Pride begin?

The annual Pride Celebration commemorates the rebellion of LGBT patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village in response to a routine police raid on June 27, 1969. The following year, a “GayIn” that took place on June 27, 1970 that was the early progenitor of the current Pride Celebration. Since 1972, the event has been held every year, Since its modest beginnings, Chicago Pride has grown to be one the largest and most well-known Pride events in the world. Pride has come to symbolize several things: the long history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer dignity, the freedom of all people to meaningfully and proudly express their sexual and gender identities, and the commitment of LGBT people to combating oppression.

Ticket to get into Pride?

There is no fee to attend the Pride Fest or watch the Parade. A voluntary donation is

requested at the entry gates to Pride Fest.

This donation goes back to community support programs.

Is there an age limit for entry into Chicago Pride?

The Pride Fest and Parade are open to people of all ages.

Where can I stay near Pride events?

Hundreds of thousands of people from outside Chicago come to the city for Pride each year. Find information on local lodging.

Where can I find parking?

To ease parking congestion, ChicagoPride. com has teamed up with SpotHero, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, to offer parking passes within easy walking distance of the parade route.

We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero. To reserve your parking spot, visit the parking page for the Pride Festival (6/1617) or the Pride Parade (6/24) and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Apart from Pride, Chicago is also known for its world-class public transportation system, so please consider familiarizing

Senator Senator Senator Senator

Don Harmon Don Don Harmon Don Harmon President Pro Tempore President Pro Tempore President Pro Tempore President Pro Tempore 6933 W. North Ave. 6933 W. North Ave. 6933 W. North Ave. 6933 W. North Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 Oak Park, 60302 Oak Park, ILIL 60302 Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 848-2002 (708) 848-2002 (708) 848-2002 (708) 848-2002 329 Capitol Building 329 Capitol Building 329 Capitol Building 329 Capitol Building Springfield, 62706 Springfield, IL 62706 Springfield, ILIL 62706 Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-8176 (217) 782-8176 (217) 782-8176 (217) 782-8176 www.donharmon.org www.donharmon.org www.donharmon.org www.donharmon.org

dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov

yourself with the CTA (for transportation within the city) and with METRA and Pace (for transportation from the suburbs into the city). To find routes from anywhere in the Chicagoland area to Pride Fest and the Parade visit transitchicago.com.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed, including, of course, service animals assisting people with accessibility needs. We do, however, strongly recommend leaving pets at home since both the Parade and Festival are noisy, crowded, and hot. Pets can sometimes be very startled by the crowds and sounds of Pride. In busy areas, it may be difficult to navigate with pets who will be walking on the ground given the high number of stomping feet moving through the crowd.

Visit ChicagoPride.com for the ultimate 24/7/365 online guide to Chicago›s vibrant LGBT community.

CHICAGOpRIDE.GOPRIDE.COM During the Chicago Pride Parade, the streets are lined as far as 12 people deep, while 750,000 people cheer the contingents on and enjoy the show, culture and experience.

For more information, visit online at Chicagopride.gopride.com

Pride Calendar of events 30 UNDER 30 AWARDS Polo Cafe and Catering Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM See EVENTS on Page A6

Proud to Serve

Representative Representative Representative Representative

Camille Lilly Camille Lilly Camille Lilly Camille Lilly 5755 W.Division Division St.St. 5755 W. Division St. 5755 W. St. 5755 W. Division Chicago, IL60651 60651 Chicago, IL 60651 Chicago, IL Chicago, IL 60651 (773) 473-7300 (773) 473-7300 (773) 473-7300 (773) 473-7300 282-S Stratton 282-S Stratton 282-S Stratton 282-S Stratton Office Building Office Building Office Building Office Building Springfield, IL62706 62706 Springfield, IL 62706 Springfield, IL Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-6400 (217) 782-6400 (217) 782-6400 (217) 782-6400 statereplilly@yahoo.com statereplilly@yahoo.com statereplilly@yahoo.com staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com

WWW.OAKPARKDEMS.ORG WWW.OAKPARKDEMS.ORG WWW.OAKPARKDEMS.ORG WWW.OAKPARKDEMS.ORG 1243 WOODBINE, SUITE 101 1243 WOODBINE, SUITE 101 1243 WOODBINE, SUITE 101 1243 WOODBINE, SUITE 101 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302 (708) 386-0090 (708) 386-0090 (708) 386-0090 (708) 386-0090 DPOP@DONHARMON.ORG DPOP@DONHARMON.ORG DPOP@DONHARMON.ORG DPOP@DONHARMON.ORG

PRIDE 2018

June 20, 2018

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OPALGA Plans 22nd Annual Gala

BY LACEY SIKORA

O

Contributing Reporter

n Oct. 13, 2018, OPALGA will host its twenty-second annual Gala at Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century Club, and the planning is already well underway for an event unlike any other. Kendall Alexander, co-chair of the Gala, says this year’s theme is particularly meaningful for the organization, which has been promoting full equality for and positive attitudes toward the LGBTQ community since 1989 in the near west suburbs.

“This year’s theme is Electing our Future because this is a very important election year and we want to make sure that people remember to vote in November. There is also a sense that we’ve accomplished so much, but we need to remember that it’s not done.”

The Gala serves two purposes: to help raise funds for OPALGA’s annual youth scholarships and to gather together to have fun. Last

year, OPALGA awarded $16,000 to area youth who have demonstrated some sort of activism in the community. For Colette Lueck, OPALGA co-chair and co-chair of the event, the dual purpose is built into the celebration.

“We’re planning the Gala to both honor the history of LGBTQ people in the U.S. and to anticipate the future.”

With an eye toward future activists, Lueck says that first and foremost, the evening is a way for the group to honor its commitment to youth. She stresses that LGBTQ youth face a lot more challenges than their peers and the scholarships are a way of letting them know they can succeed. “The scholarships are not just about money. They help the youth in our community know that a group of people have their backs. When you’re that age and you’re struggling, the support can be as important as the money.”

Lueck also calls the night “the best party in town.” The evening includes a d.j., dancing, an auction and a photo booth. Tickets are available at www.opalga.org, and early

PROVIDED

IT’S A PARTY: OPALGA members celebrate at the annual gala. bird pricing of $75 per ticket is available until Sept. 1. After that date, the price rises to $95.

In addition to the fun, the Gala also honors allies and business who aid the OPLAGA mis-

sion. The Founders Award, named in honor of OPLAGA founder Mel Wilson, recognizes contributions to the community. Nominations for the 2018 award will be accepted through 5 p.m. on June 21 at www.opalga.org

OPRF adds protections for transgender students

BY LACEY SIKORA

O

Contributing Reporter

n May 24, Oak Park and River Forest High School’s school board approved an updated equity policy which puts in place procedures to ensure that transgender students, gender nonconforming students and students questioning their gender have a safe, affirming and healthy school environment.

Prior to the adoption of the new procedures, all students were protected from bullying, harassment and intimidation under a policy that all students had an equal right to educational and extracurricular activities.

The needs of transgender and gender nonconforming students were considered on a case-by-case basis.

As student and community calls for a more formalized support system increased and a community-wide petition was presented to the board, Superintendent Joylynn PruittAdams formed a gender equity committee to revise the district policy and develop procedures for the district moving forward. The committee was made up of faculty, staff, parents, representatives of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Gender and Sex Development Program and the School of Public Health at the University

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photogrpaher

SPEAKING UP: Supporters of a new gender-related policy at Oak Park and River Forest High School turned out in force to make sure their message was heard during a May 24 school board meeting where the board of education passed the policy unanimously. of Illinois Chicago. A student focus group also provided input.

Jennifer Cassell, a school board member, said it was clear it was time to formalize procedures. “This had been on the radar of faculty and staff, and we also had a groundswell

of activity from the community. We wanted a policy on the books. No matter happens with school board turnover, this would stay in place.”

She stresses that student input was key. “As board members, we always want to hear from

the students because they are the most important group that we want to serve.”

Noting that many students attended board meetings to speak in favor of the procedures, she says, “It takes a lot of courage for students to talk about their own personal experiences, some of which was very painful.”

Jackie Moore, school board president, agrees that student input was a meaningful part of the process. “I say to the students, ‘this is your school.’ The story of their experiences informs what we do with particular policies.”

Cassell says one of the most important steps will be implementing district-wide training in conjunction with the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance. The new policy requires annual training, and the on-site professional development is for faculty as well as all staff.

Cassell points out, “Counselors and administrative assistants are on the front lines.”

Moore stresses that it will be an ongoing process. “It’s not one and done. It’s a continuing process. Every year, we get new students and new faculty. We can’t rest on the fact that we think we know something. It never hurts to go back and refresh and think about things through new eyes.”

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PRIDE 2018

June 20, 2018

OPALGA scholarships invest in the future

Edward Cross & Son, Inc.

Since 1937

• Tuckpointing • Building Cleaning • Window Caulking • Chimney Repairs • Fully Insured

Lori Hannigan 518 N. Lombard Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302

708-848-8631

BY LACEY SIKORA

F

Contributing Reporter

or the sixth year, the Oak Park Area Gay & Lesbian Association (OPALGA) is offering scholarships to youth in the community for continuing education for graduating high school students, or for continuing college or trade school students.

Each year, OPALGA awards four to five scholarships of $2,000 each to students who are LGBTQ, the children of LGBTQ parents or allies of the LGBTQ community. Among the traits OPALGA looks for in applicants are service, activism and an understanding of the LGBTQ community. Applicants have to have grown up in or lived at least one year in Oak Park or within a 10-mile radius of the village.

This year’s application period recently close, and OPALGA will announce the winners later this summer. Mike Rosanova, OPALGA member, knows that the scholarships can make a real difference. “Two thousand dollars means a lot to students in the days of student loans.

Especially for kids attending junior college.

As a semi-retired professor at Triton, I know what a big impact that money can have. It can

“Two thousand dollars means a lot to students in the days of student loans. Especially for kids attending junior college. As a semi-retired professor at Triton, I know what a big impact that money can have. It can be the difference between having a second and third part-time job.”

Mike Rosanova OPALGA member

be the difference between having a second and third part-time job.”

Rosanova says the scholarships acknowl-

Photo by Jaclyn McGoey

OPALGA participating in A Day in Our Village in Oak Park on June 4.

PRIDE 2018

edge the difficulty facing youth today, noting how difficult it can be for youth to make the decision to join the LGBTQ community.

“There are special challenges, and there’s a need for support for kids who are growing up LGBTQ. They might be in a community in which there’s no fit. Sensitivity and support are necessary.”

Using pseudonyms to protect their privacy, Rosanova describes previous years’ awardees. Brad didn’t realize that being gay would be controversial until he was in junior high in Oak Park. While attending OPRF high school, he found his voice and support system through the school’s Gay Straight Alliance and worked to support the rights of others through the GSA and ACLU and volunteered to protect animal rights as well.

Divonia was an accomplished athlete who suffered severe depression when she came out while attending a Catholic junior high school. After a suicide attempt, she too found her inner strength in high school and was a

leader in her school while participating in athletics and theater. Joy is the adopted child of lesbian parents and acted as an advocate for her mothers as well as her autistic brother and plans to study science in college because she believes the LGBTQ community needs the support of knowledgeable allies.

Rosanova reflects that these ese past award winners embody what the scholarship holarship is all about. “One of the points of the scholarship is to help people who will open up the future for the he LGBTQ community, whetherr they are LGBTQ themselves or allies.”

Interest in the scholarships continues to grow, with approximately 35 applicants this year. While the application period has closed for 2018, 8, more information can be found und at OPALGA’s website: www.opalga. palga. org/scholarshipprogram

June 20, 2018

Provided

TIME TO MAKE THE DONUTS: OPALGA crew makes the donuts at the Farmers Market.

Don’t miss our Annual Bake Sale at the Oak Park Farmers Market • Sat., July 7th

Good Shepherd Lutheran Celebrates

MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender We meet on the 4th Sunday First United Church of Oak Park: 848 Lake Street, Oak Park (at Kenilworth) 3 pm - 5 pm

Start Planning Your Wedding With Us Today!

708.386.3016 www.pflag.org www.oakpark-pflag.blogspot.com

This is a place of confidentiality.

Support... Education... Advocacy

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Join us for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.

www.GoodShepherdlc.org 611 Randolph St., Oak Park | 708-848-4741

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PRIDE 2018

June 20, 2018

Chicago 49th Annual Pride Events and attractions

Whoever you are, Wherever you are on your life's journey, YOU are welcome here!

Worship service and religious education Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

Please join us at 875 Lake Street, Oak Park unitytemple.org • facebook.com/UTUUC

For more information please contact Dawn Ferencak at (708) 613-3329

Pride.

The Wednesday Journal Sales Team, trusted since 1980 to connect your business to your community. Centrally located to give your business the personal attention it deserves.

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS Miller Park Thursday, June 21, 2018 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PRIDE BOWL XI Montrose Soccer Fields Friday, June 22, 2018 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM BACK LOT BASH: WHISKEY, WINE & WOMEN The Annex @ Reza Restaurant Friday, June 22, 2018 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 37TH ANNUAL PROUD TO RUN 600 W Montrose Harbor Drive Saturday, June 23, 2018 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM BACK LOT BASH: ALL DAY BASH Parking Lot Behind Cheetah Gym Saturday, June 23, 2018 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM PRIDE WATER FIXTURE PARTY BY NEVERLAND Deuce’s and The Diamond Club Saturday, June 23, 2018 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE 2018 Boystown Chicago Sunday, June 24, 2018 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM BACK LOT BASH: POST PARADE BASH Parking Lot Behind Cheetah Gym Sunday, June 24, 2018 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday, June 3, 2018 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM PRIDEFEST MILWAUKEE 2018 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Thursday, June 7, 2018 6:00 PM

CHICAGO BLACK PRIDE VARIOUS Friday, June 29, 2018 12:00 PM

PRIDEFEST MILWAUKEE 2018 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Friday, June 8, 2018 3:00 PM

CHICAGO RED STARS - PRIDE CELEBRATION Toyota Park Saturday, May 26, 2018 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST 2018 Andersonville Friday, June 8, 2018 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

FLANNEL FOREVER! PRIDE KICKOFF Fri, June 1, 2018 10:00 PM through Sat, June 2, 2018 2:00 AM

BWFW PRIDE KICKOFF: LIP SYNC BATTLE Friday, June 8, 2018 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

ROCK THE BOAT PARTY CRUISE Burnham Harbor (Dock J - Slip 27) Saturday, June 2, 2018 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

FLIES! THE MUSICAL Pride Arts Center Friday, June 8, 2018 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

NORTH SHORE PRIDE FEST Downtown Highwood Saturday, June 2, 2018 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

THE OFFICIAL BACK LOT BASH SATURDAY AFTER PARTY Sat, June 23, 2018 10:00 PM through Sun, June 24, 2018 3:00 AM

EQUALITY ILLINOIS PRIDE KICKOFF BRUNCH Venue West Sunday, June 3, 2018 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

NEVERLAND PRESENTS ASTROLOGY Sat, June 23, 2018 11:00 PM through Sun, June 24, 2018 5:00 AM

OUT AND PROUD! A RAINBOW CELEBRATION WITH MELISSA YOUNG Broadway Theater Pride Arts Center

ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST 2018 ANDERSONVILLE Saturday, June 9, 2018 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM PRIDEFEST MILWAUKEE 2018 Milwaukee Pride 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Saturday, June 9, 2018 12:00 PM FLAG DAY BEER BUST & BBQ Saturday, June 9, 2018 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

ARTEMIS SINGERS “MORE THAN MUSIC” PRIDE CONCERT First Unitarian Church Saturday, June 9, 2018 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM FLIES! THE MUSICAL PRIDE ARTS CENTER Saturday, June 9, 2018 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST 2018 Andersonville Sunday, June 10, 2018 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM PRIDEFEST MILWAUKEE 2018 Milwaukee Pride 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Sunday, June 10, 2018 12:00 PM 2018 EQUALITY RALLY AT MIDSOMMARFEST MIDSOMMARFEST PRIDE STAGE Sunday, June 10, 2018 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MILWAUKEE PRIDE PARADE 2018 Downtown Milwaukee Sunday, June 10, 2018 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM FLIES! THE MUSICAL Pride Arts Center Sunday, June 10, 2018 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM WINTRUST PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION Networking Reception WinTrust’s Grand Banking Hall Tuesday, June 12, 2018 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

PRIDE 2018

June 20, 2018

Why?

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June 20, 2018

PRIDE 2018

oak park area lesbian & gay association

Proudly representing the LGBTQ suburban community for almost 30 years! join us!

We warmly welcome new members who are interested in having friends, social activities, opportunities to give back and/or engage in LGBTQ activism. Our diverse membership and array of yearly activities provide plenty of opportunities to socialize, laugh, belong, and engage.