The non-profit LGBTQ+ Center Lake County will host its third annual PrideFest Saturday, June 10 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. The family-friendly outdoor festival is free, kicks off at noon and ends at 10:00 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Center Lake County was founded in 2021 and, according to its website, makes "Lake County a place for LGBTQ+ folx to thrive and is dedicated to providing space, diverse programming, educational and cultural activities in an affirming, compassionate and safe environment in the greater Lake County area."
A resource fair, craft and artisan market—as well as family-friendly entertainment including arts and crafts, face painting, drag queen story time, an inflatable soccer field, mobile gaming unit and more—will start off the festival.
Later in the afternoon there will be performances by Auntie Heroine and Friends hosting their drag bingo and variety show; Mariachi Viva Jalisco; and local Libertyville band Charlie Foxtrot. The headliner this year will be performed by indie alternative rock group BETTY, best known for penning and performing The L Word's theme song, "The Way That We Live," which was utilized for most of the original series; the group also performed occasionally on the show.
"To me, Pride is not only about celebrating who we are and living our most authentic lives, but it is about remembering those who made these lives possible," said Auntie Heroine. "[That includes] trans women of color who fought to be seen and treated as equals, an entire generation of LGBTQIA people who were lost to the AIDS epidemic, and those who succumbed to suicide, only to have the story of their experience pave the way for organizations like the Trevor Project. I am so happy to bring this message to Lake County PrideFest through the art of drag."
Additionally, there will be raffle drawings, including live-painting mural by New York City-based decorator-for-the-stars Mike Harrison. He is known as The Dressing Room Guy because his claim to fame is that he has designed over 150 dressing rooms on Broadway for Andrew Garfield, Sara Bareilles, Patti Lupone, Allison Janney, Amy Schumer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr, Ben Platt, Laurie Metcalf and Tom Hiddleston among others.
"Any time that my talents can be utilized to promote community, safety, inclusion, authenticity and celebration is exactly where I want to be," said Harrison. "I am most looking forward to interacting with all those that attend while creating the piece (live painting). I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of (Lake County) PrideFest."
One lucky winner will get to take the painting home that day.
"I joined the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County's board on October 2021," said LGBTQ+ Center Lake County Board Chair Javier Martinez. "I decided to do this because growing up, coming out was very scary and the path to finding myself was something I had to face alone. I now love my true self and I want others to also love themselves for who they truly are and not feel like they have to hide themselves to please others. We have been creating safe spaces for people to find pride and happiness in who they are and that is what pushes me to do my best as a Board member every day.
"What's so special about this year's PrideFest is that we are always making things bigger and better, and this year is no exception. Our board has been working so hard to make PrideFest an enjoyable and safe event for all in the Lake County community. Between amazing acts, our kiddie corner and great food and more, we have something for everyone to enjoy."
"I grew up in Lake County when there were no resources or representation for the LGBTQ+ community," said LGBTQ+ Center Lake County Program Manager Jen Houghton. "After living all over the world for the past 20 years, I feel incredibly excited and moved that I get to come back to where I grew up to help make a difference for our community. I have spent the last 15 years producing theatre and events and I'm thrilled to bring these experiences to help make this year's Lake County PrideFest the biggest it's ever been. We have dozens of local food and beverage vendors, over 20 amazing artisans, tons of exciting activities for kids of all ages, two sensory-friendly spaces, resources from all across the state and of course a full line-up of non-stop entertainment."
When the festival closes, guests are invited to a late-night after-party at Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake, featuring a DJ and dancing.
"Freedom to express oneself without any fear of being vilified is by far the most basic and the highest need of any human being," said Light the Lamp Brewery Owner Jay Kolli. "That I believe is the greatest liberty of all. Life is tough enough already to get through the societal pressures and demands, and I can only imagine the agony a child or an adult might have to go through when this basic need to express oneself freely is taken away. I support PrideFest because it signifies Love and Inclusion."
Old National Bank and Boy Scouts of America- Northeast Illinois Council are among this year's presenting sponsors.
See lgbtqlc.com/ .
