Out in Fox Valley hosts the first Tri-Cities Pride on the Fox June 11-20
June is traditionally LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and it has never been celebrated in the Tri-Cities as widely as in 2021.
Out in Fox Valley, a nonprofit group organized earlier this year is sponsoring and participating in many activities during the month.
The mayors of St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia have all proclaimed June to be LGBTQ+ Pride month in their cities, and Geneva and Batavia are flying Pride flags in their cities.
The month celebrates the history, accomplishments and contributions of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or other gender identities and their allies.
It comes in June, to commemorate the June 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City that is said to have been the catalyst of the modern-day movement to gain and protect the rights of LGBYQ+ Americans.
Out in Fox Valley is sponsoring the first Tri-Cities Pride on the Fox activities kicking off June 11-13 in Batavia.
On Friday, June 11, Beau De Jour, noted local drag personality, will perform a Drag Queen Storybook reading at 6 p.m. at Paula's Couture Consignment, 4½ W. Wilson St.
On Saturday, June 12, vendors and organizations have been invited to set up information tables on the riverfront terrace behind Bulldog Cellar at 1 E. Wilson St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A cookout featuring dance music and drag entertainers will take place at Bulldog Cellar from 2 to 5 p.m., and a dance party begins at 6 p.m., featuring Drag Show entertainment at 9 p.m.
Then on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., a family friendly buffet brunch also featuring Drag Queens will take place at Andres Restaurant, 5 Webster St., also in Batavia.
Later in the month, activities turn to St. Charles. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 17, there will be Drag Bingo at Bogarts, 219 W. Main St.
On Sunday, June 20, Out in Fox Valley will sponsor dinner and a family friendly drag show at 4 p.m. at Kava Diem, 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles. Earlier that day, LGBTQ+ affirming non-profit groups and businesses may reserve information tables inside the restaurant.
Details for all upcoming events can be found at the Out in Fox Valley group at www.facebook.com/OutInFoxValleyIllinois/.
Out in Fox Valley was founded in 2021 as an Illinois Not-For-Profit, by a group led by St. Charles resident Michael Stroud, who serves at the group's president. Stroud's email address is michael@outinfoxvalley.com.