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Welcome, beautiful humans!
Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning, just discovered our community, or are stopping by as a proud ally, we are absolutely thrilled to have you here. This newsletter is your go-to hub for everything happening in our vibrant local LGBTQ+ community.
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Inside each issue, you’ll find updates on upcoming local events, spotlights on community members and grassroots initiatives, resources, and meaningful ways to get involved. Thank you for bringing your unique energy, voice, and heart to our community. Together, we are building a more inclusive, connected, and colorful Joliet!
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JPN Summer Bowling League
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Fridays, Starting July 10th @ 6:00pm
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Get ready to roll, Joliet! 🌈✨
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Looking to strike up some fun this summer? The Joliet Pride Network’s Summer Bowling League is officially hitting the lanes, and we want you to be a part of it!
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Whether you’re a seasoned pro aiming for a perfect 300 or a certified gutter-ball champion just here for the high-fives and great vibes, this league is all about community, celebration, and a little friendly competition.
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- Kickoff: Friday, July 10th at 6:00 PM
- Team Size: 4 players per team (Sign up as a full squad, a duo, or a solo player and we’ll pair you up with some awesome new friends!)
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Lace up those rental shoes, bring your best team spirit, and let’s make some noise. Let's see those strikes, Joliet—see you on the lanes! 🎳🏳️🌈
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Joliet Slammers' Christmas in Margaritaville
Saturday, July 11th @ 6:35pm
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Fins Up, Festive Spirits, and Pride! 🌴🎄⚾
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Trade your snow boots for flip-flops and celebrate Christmas in July with a tropical twist! Join the Joliet Pride Network for a special night at the ballpark on Saturday, July 11th at 6:35 PM as the Joliet Slammers present Christmas in Margaritaville Night!
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We are selling discounted tickets for just $10, and 100% of the proceeds from every ticket we sell goes directly to supporting the Joliet Pride Network. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a night of baseball, island vibes, and holiday cheer while giving back to your local community.
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How to get your tickets: Grab your discounted $10 tickets directly from a Joliet Pride Network board member, or purchase them online right now at Joliet Pride Network Event Page.
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Don't wait—dust off your favorite Hawaiian shirt, throw on a Santa hat, and secure your seats today! We can't wait to see you there!
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Eleganza Royale Drag Brunch
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Sunday, July 12th @ 11:00am
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Get ready for the most glamorous event of the summer! The Joliet Pride Network invites you to a spectacular Sunday filled with jaw-dropping performances, incredible fashion, and pure royalty.
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✨ Featuring the iconic NAYSHA LOPEZ! ✨
Plus an unbelievable lineup of superstars:
🔥 Mahogany Charlotte
🔥 Tahlia D’Secret
🔥 Keri Traid
🔥 Robert Pineiro
🔥 Jourdin K LaRue
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🥂 THE DETAILS:
📅 When: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Where: Posh Banquets & Events
🍳 Included: A delicious Breakfast Buffet & 🥂 BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS!
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• Individual Tickets: $50.00
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• Full Table (Gather your crew!): $450.00
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Seating is limited and this will sell out! Grab your besties, dress to impress, and let's do brunch the royal way. 💋
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Monthly Gayme Night
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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 7-11pm. JPN covers the $5 admission fee.
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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.
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Monthly Wallyball
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Saturday, July 18th @ 11:00am
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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!
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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.
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Prose & Pride Book Club - 'Seat 11C' by Rita Potter
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Join us for this month’s book club featuring the thriller/mystery 'Seat 11C' by local award-winning & bestselling author Rita Potter.
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There will be an author reading, followed by discussion questions, Q&A from the audience, and finally by a book signing. The author requests that you purchase your copy of the book from https://amazon.com. Also, copies for purchase will be available at the event.
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Joliet Slammers' Swiftie Night
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Friday, August 12th @ 6:35pm
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Are you ready for it, Joliet? 🎵✨
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Join the Joliet Pride Network for a magical, music-filled evening at the ballpark for Swiftie Night with the Joliet Slammers! Whether you’re in your Fearless era or your 189 era, come out on Thursday, August 21st at 6:35 PM to celebrate community, pride, and the music of Taylor Swift.
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Even better? Joliet Pride Network is offering discounted tickets for just $10, and 100% of the proceeds from the tickets sold through us go directly toward supporting our local LGBTQ+ community programs and advocacy.
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Don’t let this be a Sad Beautiful Tragic moment—grab your crew, put on your favorite era-inspired outfit, and secure your tickets today! You can purchase them directly from a Joliet Pride Network board member or online right now at jolietpridenetwork.org.
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Let’s make the whole place shimmer! ⚾️🏳️🌈✨
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Save the Date - PrideFest 2026 is Coming!
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Saturday, September 19th @ 12pm
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Get Ready to Shine: Joliet PrideFest is Back! 🎉🌈
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Mark your calendars, grab your glitter, and dust off your rainbow gear because the Joliet Pride Network is bringing the energy, the love, and the community back to town! On Saturday, September 19th, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will transform into a vibrant, rainbow-filled celebration for this year’s highly anticipated theme: "Rooted in Pride".
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Running from Noon to 5:00 PM, the free, family-friendly daytime festival is all about connecting, celebrating diversity, and creating unforgettable memories. No matter who you are or who you love, there is a place for you to stand loud and proud!
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✨ What’s in Store For You:
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💃 Show-Stopping Entertainment: Catch the spectacular daytime drag show and cheer on local stars at the Community Talent Show!
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🚚 Delicious Food Trucks: Fuel up for the day with a fantastic lineup of local eats.
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🛍️ Massive Vendor Market: Shop and support local LGBTQ+-affirming businesses, artisans, and organizations.
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🎨 Fun for All Ages: Dedicated Kid Zones filled with family activities and interactive Teen Zones mean the whole crew can join the party.
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🌙 PrideFest After Dark (18+, must buy tickets): Keep the celebration rolling from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a sizzling, exclusive nightime drag performance!
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Vendors & Non-profits Wanted!
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CALLING ALL CREATORS, MAKERS, & SHAKERS!
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Want to showcase your brand to an incredible, vibrant crowd? Vendor applications and Non-Profit applications for Joliet PrideFest 2026 are officially OPEN!
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We are looking for unique vendors to bring the energy on September 19th. Whether you craft handmade goods, create stunning art, design clothing, or sling must-have accessories, we want your magic at PrideFest.
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