For the first time in Illinois history, LGBTQ people everywhere in the state can celebrate Pride together during a statewide Pride celebration broadcast organized by Equality Illinois on June 13.
Hoping to gather and engage thousands of LGBTQ Illinois residents and allies from across the state at the same time, Equality Illinois will present "Can't Stop Our Pride: One Day One Illinois," presented by Great Lakes Coca-Cola and Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP.
"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person Pride celebrations have been cancelled in communities across the state, but COVID-19 can't stop our Pride," said Equality Illinois Director of Communications Myles Brady Davis in a statement. "Our stakeholders tell us how important it is for them to gather to honor the diversity, resilience, and strength of the LGBTQ community. This is why Equality Illinois is organizing this historic broadcast."
Beginning at noon on Friday, June 13, people will be able to gather to watch this program. The broadcast will feature an interfaith service, family story hour, cooking and mixology classes led by LGBTQ chefs and bartenders, performances from local LGBTQ artists, and interviews with community and national leaders. Also, there will be community conversations with LGBTQ and allied leaders in Bloomington-Normal, Carbondale, Champaign-Urbana, Chicago, Peoria, the Quad Cities and Springfield.
Participating in this historic event will be U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker, Illinois state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, many members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, members of the Illinois General Assembly and Chicago promoter Kristin Kaza. More LGBTQ and allied dignitaries will be announced.
Tickets for the broadcast are $25 each; proceeds go to Equality Illinois. Visit www.equalityillinois.us/2020/05/cant-stop-our-pride-one-day-one-illinois/ .