Joliet Pride Network

05/31/2026

🏳️‍🌈 We are Bywater Books.
‼️ And we only publish q***r books written by humans!

05/31/2026

Get ready to meet a New York Times bestselling author! The Joliet Pride Network is incredibly excited to announce our upcoming Prose & Pride event featuring the brilliant Don Martin! 📚🏳️‍🌈

We’re celebrating his acclaimed debut, Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire—a spellbinding YA fantasy that blends Appalachian folklore, urban magic, and inclusive storytelling.

If you love tales of witches-in-training, mysterious curses, and books that champion q***r voices, this is the event for you! Don’t miss your chance to hear from Don himself about the world of Foxfire and his hit podcast, Head On Fire.

✨ What to expect:

Live author discussion

A look into the inspiration behind Verity Vox

Connection with fellow book lovers in our community

Let's show up and support an amazing author who’s bringing q***r magic to the forefront. See you there!

Full details & RSVP link:
👉 https://jolietpridenetwork.org/event/prose-pride-verity-vox-and-the-curse-of-foxfire/

05/29/2026

Celebrate community, inclusion, and a great cause! Join us for Pride Night at Judges 2026 for an evening of fun, food, and giving back. 🏳️‍🌈

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1391386476152000

The owners of Judges are generously buying pizzas for the bar starting around 7:00 PM, so come hungry! They’ll also have some fantastic raffle baskets up for grabs and some 50/50 raffles throughout the night.

Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from the raffles will be donated directly to the Joliet Pride Network to support our work in our community.

Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time stopping by, everyone is welcome! Let’s fill the bar with good vibes and help support a wonderful local organization.

05/28/2026

✨It's time for another Volunteer Open House! If you missed our last one, or were hoping for one in person, now is the time! Join us at the Chicago Liberation Center on May 31st from 12:30PM - 3:30PM!✨

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages while taking part in a variety of activities designed to spark conversation, share resources, and build connections. Whether you’re new to TUF or already familiar with our work, everyone is invited to come through, ask questions, and engage in a supportive, affirming space. All ages are welcome to join us! We will have activities for children in attendance.

Register for free today!
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/openhouse

05/25/2026

Honoring Every Hero: This Memorial Day 🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸

Today, the Joliet Pride Network joins our community in pausing to remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

While we honor all those who fell in the line of duty, we hold a special place in our hearts for our LGBTQ+ siblings in arms. We remember the heroes who served with honor, courage, and distinction—often while being forced to hide the very essence of who they were.

For decades, many of our bravest fought for freedoms abroad that they weren't fully granted at home. They wore the uniform with pride, even when the laws of the time didn't allow them to live their lives openly.

They defended our right to speak, while they had to remain silent.

They protected our families, while their own partners often went unrecognized.

They gave their lives for a future where authenticity and service could finally walk hand-in-hand.

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." — Arthur Ashe

Rest in peace, rest in power, and thank you for your service.

05/24/2026

Today, May 24th, we celebrate Pansexual/Panromantic Awareness and Visibility Day!

This day is all about recognizing, celebrating, and uplifting the members of our community who are attracted to others regardless of gender identity. While the labels "pansexual" and "panromantic" are often misunderstood, they represent a beautiful and vital part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

What does it mean?
- Pansexuality: Sexual attraction to people of all genders or regardless of gender.
- Panromanticism: Romantic attraction to people of all genders or regardless of gender.

Visibility matters because it counters erasure and helps everyone feel seen and valid in their identities.

Let’s use today to learn, share stories, and continue building a community where everyone can love openly and authentically.
🩷💛💙

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

Save on registration through 5/31.