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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.

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!

Movie Night

Tuesday, 6/23 @ 7pm

Pride Night at Judge's

Wednesday, 6/24 @ 7pm
Celebrate community, inclusion, and a great cause! Join us for Pride Night at Judges 2026 for an evening of fun, food, and giving back.

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

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.

Queer Youth Prom 2026

Saturday, 6/27 @ 6pm
THE MAGIC IS REAL, JOLIET!

We thrilled to announce that the Joliet Pride Network’s Queer Youth Prom is officially back for 2026! Get ready to step into a world of wonder because this year’s theme is… ‘Enchanted Forest: Celebrating Every Kind of Magic’

Whether you’re a woodland fairy, a dapper elf, or just ready to bring your most authentic, magical self to the dance floor—this night is for YOU. This is a safe and inclusive space for our LGBTQ+ youth and allies to celebrate exactly who they are.

WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 6pm – 10pm
WHERE: Joliet Area Historical Museum
WHO: Ages 13 – High School

Expect a night of dancing, incredible music, and a celebration of the magic that happens when we all stand together.

Game of Tones

Thursday, 7/2 @ 7pm
Forget everything you know about your grandma’s bingo hall. No rolling cages, no dusty daubers, and definitely no silence.
Every first Thursday of the month, Critical Grind transforms into a battlefield of beats and rhythms for Game of Tones Musical Bingo! If you’ve got a “critical hit” ear for music and a competitive streak, this is the night you’ve been waiting for.
Hosted by the high-energy legends at Liquid Kourage Entertainment, this isn’t just a game—it’s a party. Instead of listening for “B-12,” you’ll be listening for song snippets.
  • Hear the Hook: A song blasts through the speakers.
  • Check the Card: If that track is on your bingo sheet, mark it off.
  • Claim Victory: Be the first to shout “BINGO” and bask in the glory!
Whether it’s 80s hair metal, 90s pop anthems, or modern chart-toppers, Liquid Kourage keeps the playlist fresh and the energy electric.

JPN Bowling League

Friday, 7/10 @ 6pm

Eleganza Royale Drag Brunch

Sunday 7/12 @ 11am
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.

✨ Featuring the iconic NAYSHA LOPEZ! from Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race✨
Plus an unbelievable lineup of superstars:
πŸ”₯ Mahogany Charlotte
πŸ”₯ Tahlia D’Secret
πŸ”₯ Keri Traid
πŸ”₯ Robert Pineiro
πŸ”₯ Jourdin K LaRue

πŸ₯‚ THE DETAILS:
πŸ“… When: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
πŸ“ Where: Posh Banquets & Events
🍳 Included: A delicious Breakfast Buffet & πŸ₯‚ BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS!
🎟️ TICKETS & TABLES: • Individual Tickets: $50.00 • Full Table (Gather your crew!): $450.00

Seating is limited and this will sell out! Grab your besties, dress to impress, and let's do brunch the royal way. πŸ’‹

Gayme Night

Thursday, 7/16 @ 7pm
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.

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.

Wallyball

Saturday, 7/18 @ 11am
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.

Prose & Pride

Sunday, 7/19 @ 2pm

Join us for this month’s book club featuring the thriller/mystery “Seat 11C” by local award-winning & bestselling author Rita Potter.

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.
That’s our wrap for this time! Thanks for being an essential part of what keeps this community moving forward. Until next time, take care of yourself—and each other.

The Joliet Pride Network Board
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