Bisexual Health Awareness Month
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31 | IL
Bisexual Health Awareness Month (#BiHealthMonth) is observed every March to highlight the unique physical and mental health disparities faced by bisexual, pansexual, fluid, and other bi+ individuals, advocating for better resources and inclusive care, led annually by the Bisexual Resource Center (BRC). This initiative raises awareness about issues like higher rates of mental health struggles, substance use, and lack of affirming healthcare, promoting action to improve well-being for this community.
#BisexualHealthAwarenessMonth

First Joliet Pride Network Book Club
2026-03-15 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Tazza Cofee, 2296 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL, 60435, United States
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new book club! If you love reading, community discussion, and supporting LGBTQ+ voices, this is the space for you.

Our first gathering will be a chance to connect, share some coffee, and dive into our very first selection.

WHEN: Sunday, March 15th

TIME: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

WHERE: Tazza Coffee, 2296 Essington Rd, Joliet

OUR FIRST BOOK: “American Teenager: How Trans Kids are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era” by Nico Lang. This powerful work offers a vital look at the lives, resilience, and joy of trans youth across the country.

SPECIAL OFFER: Thanks to our supporters, we have 25 FREE copies of the book to give away! The first 18 people to contact us at health@jolietpridenetwork.org will receive a copy to get started.

National LGBT Health Awareness Week
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-20 | IL
National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, typically the third week in March,is an annual observance led by the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health to raise awareness about unique health disparities, advocate for inclusive care, and promote equitable health for LGBTQ+ individuals by uplifting community voices, providing education, and encouraging action against discrimination. It highlights issues from mental health challenges to HIV/AIDS, aiming to foster informed dialogue and better health outcomes for all LGBTQ+ people.
#LGBTHealthAwarenessWeek
#LGBTHealth

Bayard Rustin’s Birthday
2026-03-17 | IL
On this day in 1912, Bayard Rustin was born. A Black gay innovator, Rustin is known for being the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, and for working with other civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
#HappyBirthdayBayard

Illinois Primary Election
2026-03-17 06:00 - 19:00 | IL
Don’t forget to turn out and vote!

Youth Outlook’s Joliet/Lockport Drop-In Center
2026-03-17 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-24 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-31 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-04-14 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-04-21 18:30 - 21:00 | IL
Joliet Pride Network sponsors the Joliet/Lockport Drop-In Center run by Youth Outlook. This partnership ensures that LGBTQ+ youth in the Joliet area have consistent access to a safe, welcoming, and affirming space.
Youth Outlook’s Joliet/Lockport Drop-In Center

What Happens: Guided by trained staff and volunteers, the drop-in sessions include:

Group discussions focused on topics like identity, self-esteem, mental health, and healthy relationships.
Recreational activities such as games, movies, and art projects.
Guest speakers and educational activities.
A confidential and safe environment to simply hang out.

Age Range: The drop-in centers typically welcome LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 12–20.
Cost: There is no cost to attend.
Schedule: The Joliet/Lockport Drop-In meets weekly, generally on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, though meeting locations may change and are not publicly advertised to ensure youth safety (participants are usually notified via email).

March Gayme Night
2026-03-19 19:00 - 22:30 | Critical Grind, 852 Sharp Dr. Unit L, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
The Joliet Pride Network hosts a regular “gayme” night at the Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood, IL on the third Thursday of the month from 7-9pm. The “gayme” night is an event designed to promote inclusion, dignity, and acceptance by providing a safe and friendly environment for the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Attendees gather to play various tabletop games, fostering community and social connection.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
2026-03-20 | IL
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) is observed annually on March 20 (the first day of spring) to promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment within American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. First held in 2007, this initiative aims to reduce stigma, honor those affected, and address disproportionate infection rates through culturally appropriate, community-led action.

Trans Up Front Light the Way Soiree
2026-03-21 | IL
Save the Date: Light the Way Soiree
Join us as Trans Up Front Illinois celebrates our first birthday at the Light the Way Soiree—an evening dedicated to community, reflection, and hope. This special celebration brings us together to honor what we have built in our first year, uplift the incredible community that made it possible, and look ahead to a bright future.
As we mark this milestone, we’ll celebrate the impact we’ve made and share our vision for continuing to support and advocate for transgender and gender-diverse youth across the state of Illinois. We can’t wait to gather with you, reflect on how far we’ve come, and light the way forward—together.
Interested in joining the host committee or volunteering?Email us at contact@transupfrontil.com for more information.

March Wallyball
2026-03-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Dr, Bollingbrook, 60440, United States
Joliet Pride Network is Proud to sponsor Wallyball every third Saturday of the month from 11am – 1pm at the Annerino Community Center in Bolingbrook. The event is free to attend, it isn’t a competitive game, and is just a lot of fun!
Join us to meet new friends, create community, and play wallyball! Similar to volleyball except it is played on a racquetball court and you can use the walls. There is no expectation that you have played before or that you are athletic. This is a fun social game for all skill levels. Come on your own or grab a friend and have some fun. The best part, there are no fees because the game is on us.

LGBTQ+ Bowling Social League
2026-03-22 17:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Lucky Strike, 735 Center Blvd, Romeoville, IL, United States

JPN Monthly Movie Night-Project Hail Mary
2026-03-24 18:30 - 21:00 | Regal Theater Bolingbrook, 1221 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
The fourth Tuesday of the month is JPN’s Movie Night!

Join us on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:30 PM for a fun evening out as we watch the newly released film Project Hail Mary at Regal Cinema Bolingbrook.
Relax, unwind, and enjoy great company with the Joliet Pride Network!
Tickets: $5 (discounted by JPN!)
Concessions provided by JPN
About the movie:
Project Hail Mary is a thrilling sci-fi adventure about a lone astronaut who wakes up in deep space with no memory of his mission, only to discover he may be humanity’s last hope for survival. As he pieces together his past, he must rely on science, ingenuity, and an unexpected ally to save Earth from a looming catastrophe.

International Transgender Day of Visibility
2026-03-31 | IL
International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated annually on March 31st to recognize the achievements of transgender and gender-diverse people and to raise awareness about the discrimination they face, creating a positive counterpoint to Transgender Day of Remembrance. Started by activist Rachel Crandall in 2009, it’s a day for celebrating trans lives, advocating for rights, and promoting understanding through education and inclusive events.
#TransDayOfVisibility
#TransgenderDayOfVisibility

Sexual Assault Awareness Month
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30 | IL
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence in the United States. It is observed in April.
Each year during the month of April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses, campuses and individuals plan events and activities to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.
#SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth

International Asexuality Day
2026-04-06 | IL
International Asexuality Day (IAD) is celebrated annually on April 6th, serving as a global effort to recognize, raise awareness, and advocate for the asexual spectrum community, including asexual, demisexual, and grey-asexual identities, challenging their marginalization and promoting understanding within the broader LGBTQIA+ sphere. It’s a day for education, celebration, solidarity, and highlighting the diverse experiences within the ace community worldwide
#InternationalAsexualityDay

April JPN Board Meeting
2026-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Realty Executives Success, 700 W Jefferson St, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Monthly board meeting.

Center on Halsted 2026 Human First Gala
2026-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 | The Geraghty, 2520 S Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
6pm Reception • 7pm Dinner & Program
About Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, including Center on Halsted and Center on Addison in Lakeview and Center on Cottage Grove in Woodlawn.

Day of Silence
2026-04-12 | IL
Day of Silence is an annual day of action organized by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students.
#DayOfSilence

Future Outlook 2026 Conference
2026-04-16 08:00 - 2026-04-17 17:00 | IL
More info to come!

April Gayme Night
2026-04-16 19:00 - 22:30 | Critical Grind, 852 Sharp Dr. Unit L, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States

April Wallyball
2026-04-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Dr, Bollingbrook, 60440, United States

Lesbian Visibility Week
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-26 | IL
Lesbian Visibility Week (LVW) is an annual observance held in late April, dedicated to celebrating lesbian identities, raising awareness of issues faced by lesbians, and showcasing the diversity and contributions of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people. Founded in California in 1990, it’s a time for community building, challenging stereotypes, and promoting solidarity within the wider LGBTQ+ community and beyond, often including International Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26.
#LesbianVisibilityWeek
#LesbianVisibility

Niko Lang "American Teenager" Book Discussion
2026-04-22 | IL

Lesbian Visibility Day
2026-04-26 | IL
Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated annually on April 26th, a day to honor, recognize, and raise awareness for lesbian identities and issues, often as part of the broader Lesbian Visibility Week, which extends from April 20th-26th (or sometimes a broader range like April 25th-May 1st). The observance highlights the importance of representation, combats invisibility and stereotypes, and fosters solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, with events like rallies, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives taking place globally.
#LesbianVisibilityDay
#LesbianVisibility
