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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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Monthly Gayme Night
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Thursday, July 16th @ 7pm
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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 @ 11am
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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 at Critical Grind in Shorewood 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 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, along with the author's other books.
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JPN Movie Night - 'The Odyssey'
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Join us on Tuesday, July 28th, for a fun evening out as we watch the newly released film The Odyssey (2026) at Regal Cinema Bolingbrook.
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Relax, unwind, and enjoy great company with the Joliet Pride Network!
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Tickets: $5 each (discounted by JPN!)
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● 6:30 PM – Doors open to attendees
● 7:00 PM – Movie with short previews begins
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Concessions will be served and ready upon arrival.
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The Odyssey follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. During his ten-year journey, he faces monsters, gods, storms, and temptations, while his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, fight to protect their home from suitors who believe Odysseus is dead. The story is about courage, perseverance, loyalty, and the longing to return home.
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JPN Popcorn Fundraiser
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August 9th 8:30pm - August 16th 8:30pm
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Popcorn with a Purpose: Support Joliet PrideFest! 🍿🏳️🌈
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Get ready to snack for a cause! The Joliet Pride Network is teaming up with Double Good for a virtual popcorn fundraiser from August 9 to August 16. Every delicious bag of ultra-premium popcorn you buy helps directly fund Joliet PrideFest on September 19th, keeping our community celebration vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to all.
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Whether you’re craving Sweet & Salty, White Cheddar, or something with a kick, 50% of all sales go straight toward making PrideFest an unforgettable day of love, unity, and entertainment. Mark your calendars, stock up on your favorite flavors, and help us crush our goal!
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Want to champion the cause? You can also set up your own virtual pop-up store during the fundraiser week to sell to friends and family! The top seller will win 4 VIP tickets to PrideFest After Dark.
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Stay tuned for the link to buy and share! If you are interested in setting up your own pop-up store please send an email to info@jolietpridenetwork.org .
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Joliet Slammers' Swiftie Night
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Friday, August 21st @ 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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Joliet PrideFest 2026
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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:
💃 Show-Stopping Entertainment: Catch the spectacular daytime drag show and cheer on local stars at the Community Talent Show!
🚚 Delicious Food Trucks: Fuel up for the day with a fantastic lineup of local eats.
🛍️ Massive Vendor Market: Shop and support local LGBTQ+-affirming businesses, artisans, and organizations.
🎨 Fun for All Ages: Dedicated Kid Zones filled with family activities and interactive Teen Zones mean the whole crew can join the party.
🌙 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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JPN's Got Talent
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Saturday, September 19 @ 12pm
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JOLIET PRIDEFEST 2026 — JPN’S GOT TALENT! AUDITIONS ARE NOW OPEN!!!
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Do you have a talent that’s ready to shine? We’re looking for a unique talents to compete in JPN’s Got Talent at our JPN Joliet PrideFest!
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Compete for the Grand Prize 🏆of $350 cash, a trophy and JPN merchandise!
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Event Date: September 19, 2026
Location: Bicentennial Park, Joliet
Talent Show: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Don’t miss your chance to perform, inspire, and be part of an unforgettable celebration. Apply today and show us what you’ve got!
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