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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

PRIDE 2024

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The Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association at the River Forest Memorial Day Parade TODD A. BANNOR

PRIDE MONTH EVENTS PAGE 22

ANGEL LEBARE

OPALGA+ SCHOLARSHIPS

FOREST PARK PRIDE

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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

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PRIDE 2024

Annual Pride Month is in full swing Celebrations of identity and selfexpression invigorate the West Suburbs and Chicago

By ALEX GOLDSTEIN Contributing Reporter As June marks a month of celebration in LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, the Western suburbs and West Side are no strangers to the festivities.

Looking to celebrate? Here are concerts, parades, scavenger hunts and other events you don’t want to miss.

Oak Park/River Forest Wednesday Matinee Film Series: “Pride” Wednesday, June 12, Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This film screening highlights a friendship between a mining community in Wales and a group of London-based queer activists. Registration is limited.

Grandad’s Pride Parade & Craft Monday, June 17, Oak Park Public Library outside plaza, 11 a.m. to noon This craft hour will start with a reading of “Grandad’s Pride” outside the main library. Afterward, staff will scatter ribbons throughout Scoville Park for participants to find to create their own rainbow wands.

Pride Shake, Rattle & Read with Oak Park Public Library Tuesday, June 20 , Lindberg Park, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This storytime session features books, songs and games centered around identity, self-expression and love. Weather permitting, the event will feature a visit from the Oak Park Book Bike, OPPL’s mobile library where patrons can learn about services and programs, check out books and apply for a library card.

2024 Oak Park Pride Party Saturday, June 22, Village Hall South Lawn, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants should bring their rainbow-themed outfits

for this family-friendly celebration. Hosted by the Village of Oak Park, it will feature ice cream, face painting, a DJ, games, a bounce house and a magician.

Brunchin’ Beauties drag show Saturday, June 29 Two shows at Kettlestrings Tavern, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event features two drag shows, up from one due to popular demand, along with drinks, mocktails and a fourcourse meal.

Forest Park Pride Kite Kits June 1 to June 17, Forest Park Public Library Starting on the first day of Pride Month, the library will distribute make-your-own kite kits to library patrons for pride-themed decoration. Participants must return their kite by June 17 for display at the library and a chance to win an Escape Factor gift card.

The winner will be drawn July 5. Participants who wish to be entered in the raffle must include their name somewhere on the kite. Registration is limited.

Rainbow Dance Party Pride Storytime Thursday, June 20, Forest Park Public Library Austin Room, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate love and self-expression with a morning of music and movement at the Forest Park Public Library.

The event is designed for children ages six and under, accompanied by a parent. Registration is limited.

Forest Park Annual Pride Fest Friday, June 21, Constitution Court, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Co-hosted by the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association (OPALGA+), Play it Again Sports and Robert’s Westside, admission is free to this evening of drag performances, live music, food and drinks.

Pisco 4 Pride Friday, June 21, Table and Lain, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Featuring cocktails, appetizers, a live DJ, dancing and a drag show, all proceeds from ticket sales for this community party will go towards OPALGA+ fundraising.

Riverside/Brookfield and Berwyn Teen Craft: Rainbow Bookmarks Wednesday, June 12, Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Library patrons are invited to make their own rainbow bookmarks. Registration is required and limited, but walkins are welcome to observe.

Fifth Annual Berwyn Pride Walk Saturday, June 24, Beginning at Stanley Avenue and Gunderson Avenue, noon. to 2 p.m.

The Progress and Pride LGBTQ+ Youth Advocate Panel will precede the parade at noon at Youth Crossroads, where youth activists will welcome participants and provide insights on challenges and triumphs in the community.

The parade starts outside Youth Crossroads at 1 p.m., loops around Proksa Park and ends at 2 p.m. with a Juneteenth celebration.

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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

PRIDE 2024

West Side/Chicago

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Pride Picnic — Chicago Urban Pride Sunday, June 30 Beginning at Jackson Park from noon to 8 p.m. with an after party at The Promontory from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

This free and family-friendly picnic will feature live DJs, entertainment, giveaways and food. The after party is limited to patrons 21 and over.

Film screening: The Kids Are Alright Wednesday, June 5, Chicago Public Library — Austin Branch, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This romantic comedy is a tale of commitment and the emotional flows of raising children in a queer relationship. It’s a part of the Chicago Public Library’s Community Cinema program.

West Side Chicago Gay/LGBTQ+ Ride Sunday, June 23, Starting at 2 p.m. at Joey G’s Mac n’ Cheese, Augusta Boulevard. and Western Avenue This event is tailored to enthusiasts of bikes, motorcycles, scooters and other two-wheeled contraptions. Joey G’s Mac n’ Cheese organized the ride through Chicago’s West Side as a celebration of love, identity, diversity and the community formed around riding in groups. Participants are free to don their pride-themed gear, and no prior registration is required.

Chicago Pride Parade

Film screening: Bros Thursday, June 27, Chicago Public Library — Austin Branch, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.,

This coming-of-age film follows a gay couple’s journey from attraction to commitment as they expose their vulnerabil-

WIKIPEDIA

Celebrate diversity with Check out our events schedule for Pride month & beyond www.opalga.org info@opalga.org facebook.com/groups/opalga meetup.com/opalga-socialgroup instagram.com/opalga_plus_ P.O. Box 1460, Oak Park, IL 60304

ities. It’s shown as a part of the Chicago Public Library’s Community Cinema program.

Dr. Stephen Whitfield A Compassionate Advocate for Inclusive Care CONTACT US 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park 708-524-8600 lakestreetfamilyphysicians.com

PRIDEChicago’s Chicago Pride Parade Saturday, June 30, Starting at West Sheridan Road and North Broadway at 11 a.m.

On the last Sunday of June for more than 50 years, the organization PRIDEChicago has topped off the month of celebration with a procession through Lakeview and Lincoln Park. It’s one of the city and country’s most widely known and well-attended pride events, and one of the world’s largest neighborhood parades.

This year’s parade features 150 registered entries including community organizations, businesses, government officials and individual community members. It’s decked out with floats, outfitted vehicles, marching bands and performance groups.

Dr. Stephen Whitfield, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, brings a passion for community-focused healthcare to Oak Park. Completing his residency at Northwestern, he is board-certified in family medicine with a specialization in HIV treatment and LGBTQ issues.

Dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusivity, Dr. Whitfield provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

Fluent in Spanish, he strives to ensure that every patient receives culturally competent treatment.

Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys listening to comedy podcasts, engaging in friendly games of chess, and spending quality time with his siblings.

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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

PRIDE 2024

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Pride is ‘loving who you are,’ Angel LeBare says Forest Park’s famous drag queen shares insights into their life behind the stage

By JACK HELBIG

and dance and am also ballroom instructor and musical theater teacher.

Contributing Reporter

Reporter: So, you were, like, a theater kid growing up?

Angel: I did plays and musicals growing up. Roles I have played outside or drag include Paul in “A Chorus Line,” The Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” Emmett in “Legally Blonde,” Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” The Tin Man and The Lion in “The Wizard of Oz,” The Scarecrow in “The Wiz,” and Skimbleshanks and Munkustrap in “Cats.”

Angel LeBare, Forest Park actor, ballroom dancer, drag queen sublime, used to host shows for five years at the late, lamented Oak Park branch of Hamburger Mary’s, but now hosts at the original Hamburger Mary’s in Andersonville.

LeBare also hosts events throughout the suburbs and is one of the forces behind the Forest Park Pride Celebration Friday, June 21, that was founded three years ago by Forest Park business owner and resident, Erich Krumrei, LeBare, and their partner, Dan Walsh.

The event includes Pride Drag Performance at 7 p.m. at the Constitution Court in downtown Forest Park, which LeBare, naturally, hosting. The event also includes a retinue of other performers: Fox E. Kim, Andromeda, Alex Kay, Akasha Voyer, Elle Bowz, Britney Taylor, and London BaCall. After the event, an afterparty with additional drag performances will be held at the 2nd floor of the nearby Scratch Public House.

Reporter: How did you get into drag?

Angel: I got into drag when I played the role of Angel in a production of (Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical) RENT. Side note: Angel is an ambiguous character in RENT who some believe is a drag queen, others a transgender woman, and others read as genderfluid; the author never specified. The piece itself is incredible, and I felt honored to be able to be a part of telling that story.

The performance as Angel inspired my drag career and will always hold a very special place in my heart.

While performing as Angel, I entered a local drag competition and won. That led to competing the following month.

I continued to win, which led to me being offered a host position. While performing there, various other venues approached me about performing for them and things just sort of took off.

We recently caught up with Angel to discuss their life and career. The conversation has been lightly edited for clarity, style and length.

Reporter: You have been performing drag for how long?

Angel: 15 years.

Reporter: What do you like best about performing drag?

Angel: Things I like most to perform in drag are impersonations or female artists.

I like to pay homage to their looks and performance styles. I do impersonations of Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, JLo, Cher, and Pink. I also enjoy doing cosplay and character drag, performing various superheroes, cartoon characters, and Disney characters.

I have costumes for almost every Disney Princess, superheroes and villains. Every Halloween my performance troupe does a Hocus Pocus tribute. I play Winnifred.

Reporter: Who were the performers you idolized growing up?

Angel: The Spice Girls, Judy Garland, Charlie’s Angels Reporter: Who, other than yourself, is your favorite performer?

Angel: Beyonce Reporter. If you could meet anyone in history, who would you meet and why?

Angel: Judy Garland. I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan.

Reporter: Where have you performed?

Angel: I have performed extensively throughout the Chicagoland area, I ANGEL LEBARE was a hostess at the Hamburger Mary’s in Andersonville for 8 years and the Reporter: What was the last movie or Oak Park location for 5 years. I’ve also TV that really touched you? performed at every other performance Angel: I am currently entrenched in venue in Chicago’s Boystown, as well watching Bridgerton. The storyline is as The Office in Rockford, LaCage in great and the costuming is sublime.

Milwaukee, and Club Icon in Kenosha.

I have also performed at venues in New Reporter: How did you get into perYork, Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. forming?

Angel: I have been a performer my Reporter: How long does it take you to whole life. I have always been a natural get ready for a show? performer. I have studied theater, music, Angel: It really depends on the look I am

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doing and how extensive the make-up and/ or costuming is. Generally, about 2 hours.

Reporter: Do you become someone different when you become Angel, or is Angel just another side of your real life personality?

Angel: Angel is absolutely an extension of me, Angel is a very extroverted version of me.

PRIDE 2024

Reporter: This is not your first Pride event in Forest Park. What is it about this event that keeps you coming back?

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Angel: Loving who you are and striving to be the best person you can be.

Reporter: What does Pride mean in Forest Park?

Angel: I can only speak for what Pride means to me, but I would assume the feelings would be similar for the village of Forest Park — Pride in oneself and pride in the community.

Angel: This has been a project my partner and I helped to build and create from the ground up three years ago and we are very proud and honored of what we have built and hope everyone will join us. Our first year was a trial, setting up the event with the village. It went well, so the next year we added some elements and this year we are adding more. The

Reporter: As a Forest Parker, do you find the community welcoming? A good place to live? Open to the LBGTQIA+ community?

Angel: Yes, I do. I have been a part of various Pride events in Forest Park, Oak Park and Berwyn, and have always felt that the general populace is welcoming and inclusive.

Reporter: What do you like to do when you are not on stage?

Angel: I like to play video games and enjoy time with my partner and pets. I have two Pomeranians, a Shiba Inu, and two Persian cats.

Reporter: Are you developing something special for the show in Forest Park in June?

Angel: I have created three new looks for the Forest Park Pride Performance and the after party at Scratch Public House. I am looking forward to presenting them.

Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

ANGEL LEBARE

community really seems to love it so that is why it has continued into year three.

Reporter: What does Pride mean to you?

Reporter: How do you create energy and a sense of community in your shows?

Or is it just something you have always been able to do?

Angel: I don’t really think about it to be honest. Once the show starts it just sort of naturally happens. I am a people person and I try to make everyone at my shows feel welcome and a part of it.

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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

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PRIDE 2024

OPALGA+ celebrates 2024 scholarship awardees

Discover the inspiring stories behind the recipients and their journey toward advancing LGBTQ+ representation and advocacy

By HECTOR CERVANTES

ARCHER BERT

EMMA COSTELLO-WOLLWAGE

SEAN GROH

SHERLYN HERRERA

JUDE KENNEDY

ASPYN LAWRENCE

DELANEY MCHUGH

KENNEDY SMITH

EMILY GONZALEZ

TAYLOR MONTES-WILLIAMS

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Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Plus Board of Directors and its Scholarship Committee have announced the recipients of the 2024 OPALGA+ Scholarships.

Each scholar will receive a $5,000 award to support their academic pursuits in the 202425 academic year. This initiative underscores OPALGA+’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to LGBTQ+ students and allies from Cook County who have shown commitment to serving and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community or the broader community.

“I think all the students were excited and thankful and we have been doing this scholarship for several years,” said OPALGA+’s Co-Chair John Becvar. “Every additional dollar we give them can help them focus on their studies or extracurricular activities.”

The recipients of the OPALGA+ Scholarship include Archer Bart and Aspyn Lawrence from Lyons Township High School, Emma Costello-Wollwage and Jude Kennedy from Oak Park-River Forest High School, Sean Groh from Lane Tech College Prep, and Sherlyn Herrera from Steinmetz College Prep High School.

Delaney McHugh from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and Kennedy Smith from Lindblom Math & Science Academy also have been awarded scholarships. Returning scholars include Taylor MontesWilliams, who attends the University of New Mexico, and Emily Gonzalez, who attends Dominican University.

Each scholar possesses their own unique narrative, and this scholarship holds significance within the LGBTQ+ community by not only offering financial assistance but also by affirming and bolstering the identities of its recipients, officials said.

McHugh said they have been on a personal journey of self-discovery within the queer

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The scholarship aims to provide a network of support for LGBTQIA+ students.

community. While grappling with their own identity, McHugh found inspiration in the writings of author and feminist Angela Davis. This quote from Davis evolved into a guiding principle for McHugh: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

Encouraged by their sister, Lawrence participated in the Day of Silence at age 10, sparking a sense of activism. Lawrence often reflects on how that day ignited their passion for making a difference.

Before entering high school, Groh publicly identified as bisexual. During his freshman year, noticing the absence of LGBTQIA+ representation in school policy decisions, he collaborated with Lane Tech’s Gender Sexual Alliance and school counselors to establish an LGBTQIA+ Board. This board reviews all proposed policy changes to ensure they are considered and phrased appropriately concerning LGBTQIA+ issues.

Becvar noted that this scholarship provides a strong network of support provided by the organization for the LGBTQ+ community.

“It is scary being an LGBTQ+ kid, and knowing that the community is behind you gives a great sense of pride. Pride Month is coming around the corner, and we want them to know that we are proud of them and support them as a community,” Becvar said.

In the scholarship application process, OPALGA+ requires candidates to complete an application, submit essays, and provide letters of recommendation.

“We are looking for strength of character as leaders in the LGBTQ+ community and identifying those who, during their high school career, have gone above and beyond.

They can be allies or LGBTQ+ parents, but they must have done things to help the community at large. Selection is based on the strength of the essay and the recommendations,” Becvar said.

Returning scholars play an important role with mentoring the new scholars for OPALGA+.

“We want them to demonstrate that we support and care for the new generation entering our organization. As our organization becomes younger, originally formed by 35 members, we involve people from various backgrounds, aiming to cultivate them into leaders and encourage their long-term commitment,” Becvar said.

Throughout the year, OPALGA+ organizes approximately 40 social engagement events,

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PRIDE 2024

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OPALGA+ Co-Chair John Becvar including monthly potlucks, family outings at the park, and visits to sponsors. Upcoming activities include attending the Cubs’ Pride Night and volunteering at Oak Park’s Farmers Market, where they will raise funds by making donuts. Additionally, their scholarship program remains their largest fundrais-

ing effort, supplemented by smaller events throughout the year.

“We do about 40 social engagement events throughout the year. Every month, there is a potluck, and we have family outings at the park. We visit sponsors once a month.

Next month, we will attend the Cubs’ Pride Night. This month, we did an architectural tour with the Chicago Architecture Center,” Becvar said.

OPALGA+ generates funds by reaching out to its members year-round, hosting a fundraising Scholarship Gala each October, and securing corporate sponsorships from local businesses.

Supporters can join OPALGA+ in recognizing the 2024 scholars at the OPALGA+ Scholarship Gala Oct. 19 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park.

The theme for this year’s gala is “Equality for Everyone.” Tickets will be available starting in August, with proceeds benefiting the 202526 scholarship program.

Relying solely on private donations, OPALGA+ does not receive any government funding. Those interested in contributing to next year’s scholarship can visit opalga. org/donate.

H S E R F CAL O L & NEWS

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PROVIDED

OPALGA+ hosts 40 social events throughout the year.

Happy Pride Month!

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe

Serving the community for 29 years 1031 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 445-9032 | khyberpassrestaurant.com

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Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

PRIDE 2024

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How to change your gender on Illinois state IDs A new law permitting this went into effect in April — what does that mean for nonbinary residents?

By ELIZABETH SHORT Contributing Reporter

As of April 1, Illinois residents now have three gender options, “M,” “F,” and gender-neutral “X,” on driver’s licenses and state identification documents. By doing this, Illinois joins 21 other states with similar policies.

A 2019 law allowed gender-neutral markers on Illinois IDs, but it wasn’t until this spring that residents had the opportunity to select the gender-neutral option for IDs, because the Secretary of State’s office needed to update its card issuance system.

Shortly after the new policy came into effect, Christopher Jensen, board member of LAGBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ bar association, went to the DMV to change their ID. Jensen uses he and they pronouns and was the first openly nonbinary memmber on the board.

“I was excited,” they said. “I wanted it so badly. I was just really excited to have it, for it to accurately reflect who I am…It’s a really powerful affirmation from the state, and it takes a step towards taking away that erasure, giving people their identities back, hearing their voices.”

The National Center for Transgender Equality’s 2022 U.S. Trans Survey Early Insights report showed that 22% of respondents had been “verbally harassed, assaulted, asked to leave a location, or denied services” after showing an ID with a name or gender that did not correspond with their presentation.

Gender incongruent identification can result in denial of employment, t, housing, and benefits and bring harassassment and violence, according to the NCTE’s 2015 National Transgender Discrimination Survey. Accurate and consistent identification is necessary to open bank accounts, starting jobs, enrolling in school, and traveling.

For transgender and nonbinary individuals, affirmation of gender and pronouns can also be life-saving and vital in suicide prevention. According to the Trevor Project, respecting gender identity among young transgender and nonbinary people is consistently associated

with lower attempts of attempted suicide.

“For people who are getting it, it’s a peace of mind,” said Jensen. “There is a comfort in knowing that the state acknowledges that we aren’t male or female, and that’s okay.”

Jensen also said that having documentation of nonbinary residents in Illinois could help to create new programs for nonbinary and transgender residents.

“I think if they noticed that there is a significant enough amount of the population then they can say this is a community that needs to be addressed,” they said.

However, some people are hesitant to How iden identify as nonbinary on IDs. The trans co community experiences high levels of vi violence, especially transgender peop of color and Black transgender ple women. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Illinois State Report, 69% of respondents who interacted with police or other law enforcement who knew they were transgender reported experiencing mistreatment. Especially for those with additional identities targeted by police violence, the “X” marker as an automatic signifier of a trans identity brings some concerns.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people a about this and a lot of them are co concerned about the fact that it is goin to be a signal immediately to a going police officer that they’re trans,” Jensen id “Just “J said. by handing over their ID. Same for TSA security, bars checking IDs… I think there’s some personal safety concerns that people have about sharing that information with everyone they encounter.”

Some people have advocated for an elimination of gender altogether on identification documents.

“While including a gender-neutral option on identity documents is a step in the right direction, it would be better to eliminate gender from IDs altogether. It’s not

relevant anymore since the photo ID became prominent,” Stephanie Skora, executive director of Brave Space Alliance, a Black- and Trans-led LGBTQ center on the South Side, told the Chicago Sun-Times in 2019.

For people who do choose to change the gender on their ID, the nonbinary option can bring security, comfort, and affirmation.

“The most important thing is for affirmation of individual people’s gender identity,” said Jensen. “For me, having a state ID that says accurately what my gender is, rather than being forced to pick between one of two things that don’t apply, there’s a psychological benefit to that for individuals.”

To ensure that this new policy is positive, regular trainings could be essential. “Anybody that interacts with the public, as a government official, should have some kind of training on how to have a respectful conversation with people that you may not understand or even agree with,” Jensen said. “It’s still none of your business. You still have to treat them with as much respect as you do anyone else.”

Since April 2022, United States citizens also have been able to choose the nonbinary “X” gender on passports.

The government has resources for nonbinary international travelers: https://ow.ly/SIIf50S7gzm Illinois residents wanting to change their gender can go to the DMV and complete a gender designation change form. The fee for a new driver’s license is $5 and for a new state ID card is $10.

Planned Parenthood has a comprehensive guide on how to change gender and name markers in Illinois: https:// ow.ly/b0GO50S7gI2 To find more information on different states’ policies on ID documents and gender, visit transequality.org/documents.

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PRIDE 2024

Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

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Third annual Forest Park Pride Festival is ‘for everyone’ The event will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Constitution Court in Forest Park

By MARTHA BRENNAN

val in 2023. The festival is also partnered with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.

“We wanted to participate as soon as Mayor Hoskins heard “I’ve had a lot of people come up to me after and during the about it,” Roach said. “It has become a way for people to come event and share really moving and powerful stories,” said Er- together. We want everyone to feel valued.”

Last year’s celebration also involved eight drag performers. ich Krumrei, owner of Forest Park Play It Again Sports on They took photos with attendees and chatted up customers Madison Street in Forest Park. inside Madison Street businesses, such as The Brown Cow Ice He organized the festival when it first premiered in 2022.

“There was really no pride events in the area between Cream Parlor and Kribi Coffee Air Roastery.

“It’s free, it’s open to the public,” Krumrei said. “I just would the surrounding villages so I wanted to do something,” hope that people who have never been to a drag performance said Krumrei.

Krumrei, an Iraqi war veteran, premiered the event on before maybe stop by and come with an open mind.”

This year, the event will be held at dinnertime to promote his own. In subsequent years, he partnered with the Village of Forest Park and other community organizations. family attendance.

“I think it’s a way to celebrate all families,” Roach said. “It’s Because his son is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Krumrei said he wanted to show his support, both for his also hosted by the OPALGA+ and they are very involved, helping to get the word out there.” son and the entire community.

Cas Scaman, co-chair of OPALGA+, is hoping for a recordIn 2023, the event attracted roughly 450 people. Attendees included members of the LGBTQ+ community and al- setting festival turnout.

“It has been really great for the community the past couple lies. Megan Roach, the executive assistant to Mayor Rory E. Hoskins, emphasized that the main purpose of the event of years. It’s really great to do cross-community events like is to build a supportive community within Forest Park and this,” Scaman said. “It’s really important for the LGBTQ+ community to have this kind of support.” surrounding areas.

Last year, OPALGA+ gave Krumrei an award for his organi“It’s definitely for everyone and everyone in the community zation of the festival. Before this event, members said they felt is welcome. We want people to feel respected,” Roach said.

The village became involved with organizing the festi- that not much had been done to celebrate pride in the area.

Still, Krumrei is quick to deflect the focus off of himself.

“It’s a community event,” he emphasized. “I don’t want this to be seen as my event or a Play It Again Sports event.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

OPALGA+ merchandise will be sold at the festival to raise funds for its scholarship fund, which is donated annually to LGBTQ+ members and allies for their future endeavors.

In addition to the support that the festival provides to the LGBTQ+ community, there are also economic benefits for Madison Street businesses.

“It encourages people to walk up and down the strip and visit those businesses,” Scaman said. “ TODD A. BANNOR Robert’s Westside, located at 7321 Madison St., debuts Drag queen Angel LeBare performs at the Pride event in Constitution Court.

Contributing Reporter

TODD A. BANNOR

Children celebrated the Walk & Roll and created fun memories throwing colorful powder into the air to celebrate the beginning of Pride month. its first year of involvement in the Forest Park Pride Festival. At the event, they are going to have a band and be a drink vendor.

“We’re looking to create a fun, family friendly event for everyone,” said owner and founder of Robert’s Westside, Donnie Biggins. “We are working on adding a few more vendors for food and, hopefully, ice cream.”

Biggins also noted that the band will run from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and will be followed by drag shows from 7 to 8 p.m. on Constitution Court. For adults who wish to continue the festivities after 8 p.m., Robert’s Westside will be hosting an afterparty.

Scratch Public House will be hosting an afterparty that will be partnered with the drag queen performers. Both afterparties will allow attendees under 21 if a guardian is present.

“This is our first opportunity to do something outside of our space and I’m just excited for Forest Park to be hosting this event,” said Biggins. “I think it’s needed for our community.”

Biggins acknowledged that Forest Park is quick to practice inclusivity.

“The village has always, from my perspective, been one to include the LGBTQ+. I feel like we’re joining a community that’s already inclusive.”

He noted that “[his] stage is always welcome to everyone.”

Biggins also said festival attendees should bring their own lawn chairs to ensure that there is enough seating for everyone. Chairs and tables will be limited.

Krumrei captured the event’s purpose in a nutshell.

“At the end of the day, it is about spreading awareness and recognizing that we are all human beings. The world would be a pretty miserable place if we all looked the same.”

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PRIDE 2024

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L E A D I N G W I T H LOV E

RIVERSIDE ARTS

WEEKEND

JUNE 8&9

SATURDAY, 10 am - 5 pm • SUNDAY, 10 am - 4 pm Make plans to join us for this family-friendly event!

Enjoy refreshments from local vendors, art demonstrations and musical entertainment in historic downtown Riverside.

A safe place to find understanding and support for all families, friends, allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community Serving the Oak Park area for 22 years

We meet on the 4th Sunday • First United Church of Oak Park 848 Lake St., Oak Park (at Kenilworth) 3 pm - 5 pm This is a place of confidentiality.

Support....Education...Advocacy Back to in-person meetings!

773.491.6194 • pflagoakpark@pflagillinois.org Come to our annual bake sale: Oak Park Farmers Market, Saturday, August 31st.

35+ Artist Exhibits Including ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, watercolor, wood working, and more!

Children’s Art Activities • Live Music & Performances • Local Food & Drink Vendors • Secure Bicycle Valet • FREE ENTRY Thank You to Our 2024 RAW Sponsors!

Garland Flowers Celebrating Pride!

Kate McGuire Kroker long time president of PFLag

November 1, 1942 March 5, 2024

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PRIDE 2024

Wednesday Journal, June 5, 2024

31

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

Assistant Majority Leader Camille Y. Lilly, 78th District 6937 W. North Ave, Oak Park 773-473-7300

Assistant Majority Leader Senate President

Camille Y. Lilly

Don Harmon

Senate President Don Harmon, 39th District 6941 W. North Ave, Oak Park 708-848-2002 www.donharmon.org