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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 and Game of Tones Update
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As you know, we have held our last 'Gayme' Night and 'Game of Tones' events at Critical Grind due to their closing on October 25th. While we will deeply miss this beloved spot, our community events aren't stopping. Joliet Pride Network is actively and diligently searching for new local venues to host our monthly 'Gayme' Night and monthly 'Game of Tones' musical bingo.
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We appreciate your patience and support as we finalize new locations. Stay tuned to our page for updates very soon—we can't wait to see everyone at our next meetup! 💜
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JPN Monthly Recurring Events
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Community Trail Cleanup Volunteer Opportunity
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Saturday, October 24th @ 11am
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Join the Joliet Pride Network as we give back to our community and spruce up a portion of a the Joliet Junction Trail! 🌲💪
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Whether you're looking to log volunteer hours, meet great people, or just enjoy some fresh air while making a difference, we'd love to have you on the team.
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📅 When: Saturday, October 24th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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📍 Parking / Starting Location: 2100 Theodore St, Joliet, IL 60435
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NOTE: all volunteers are required to fill out a waiver with the Forest Preserve District prior to participating. The waiver has to be filled out only the first time you volunteer: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/699453379
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JPN Movie Night
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Tuesday, October 27th @ 7pm
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We're Doing Something A Little Different This Month!
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Join us on Tuesday, October 27, at the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre, a beautiful venue and a place we’re proud to call home!
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Doors open 30 minutes before the movie. Come say hi, meet our community, and check out our upcoming events at the JPN Welcome Table!
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Admission: $5 per person
Screening: Hocus Pocus
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Location: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
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Please note: This is not a private theatre event. The theatre will remain open to other patrons, but JPN will have a designated seating section for our group.
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The theatre will have a bar and concessions available for purchase, including freshly popped popcorn.
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Have questions about parking? Please message us in advance, and we’ll be happy to help!
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About the Movie:
Hocus Pocus
A teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
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Prose & Pride Book Club
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Wednesday, October 28th @ 6pm
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Just in time for Halloween, we have a spooky book for you for October's book club. We will be reading the latest release, 'Aidan and the Alien Invasion' by local queer author Damian Serbu.
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Remember, you don't have to have read the book to attend book club! We try not to drop any spoilers during the Q&A -- we'll reveal just enough to pique your interest and perhaps convince you to pick up a copy. :-)
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About the Book
Aliens seize control of Earth, descending without warning, cutting off communication systems and crushing military resistance. Aidan and his friends flee home from Chicago to rural Michigan, but learn the aliens control the entire planet.
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Their leaders have dark intentions that Aidan and his friends uncover when they fall in with a revolutionary faction of aliens who desperately seek to save humanity. Human aid to the revolutionaries’ cause is essential but dangerous. As secrets and surprising histories are revealed, Aidan adds to his own chaos when he drifts into an unlikely romance.
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As if ADHD and dealing with young adulthood weren’t enough stress, Aidan has to navigate his role in the conflict, as well as embrace his heart’s desire with an unexpected ally.
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About the Author
Damian Serbu is an author of gay horror/speculative fiction. As David Settje, he was the Department Chair of History and Political Science at Saint Xavier University. He lives in the Chicagoland area with his husband, Paul, and dog, Mika. Mika controls his life, tells him what to write, and threatens to eat him in the middle of the night if he disobeys.
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Coffee & Conversation
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Saturday, October 31st @ 10am
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Looking for a low-key, welcoming space to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ folks in the community? Join Joliet Pride Network for Coffee & Conversation, our new bi-weekly, seriously informal gathering. We’re just going to hang out and chat about anything on your mind. It’s also the perfect spot to get information on upcoming JPN events and perhaps pick up some JPN swag.
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- Location: Ten Drops Coffee - 14903 S Center Street, Plainfield
- Date: Saturday, 10/31 10-11:30am
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Transgender Day of Remembrance Event
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On November 20th, join the Joliet Pride Network as we gather for our inaugural Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) event.
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Together, we will honor and remember the lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals lost to anti-transgender violence over the past year. In a time where community and solidarity matter more than ever, we invite all LGBTQ+ community members, friends, and allies in Will County to stand with us in remembrance, strength, and hope.
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📍 Location & Time Details: Coming Soon
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Wallyball
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Saturday, November 21st @ 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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2026 Grateful Gathering
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Mark your calendars! The Joliet Pride Network invites you to our Grateful Gathering on Saturday, November 28th. If you are looking to spend time and share a meal with friendly faces in our community, we would love for you to join us.
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📍 Details: Full event specifics, location, and timing are coming soon!
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Keep an eye on our page for more details in the coming weeks. We can't wait to spend this afternoon celebrating our community together!
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2026 World AIDS Day Drag Show
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Thursday, December 3rd @ 7pm
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JJC is excited to share that tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 World AIDS Day Drag Show! Join them for an evening of incredible performances, community, and advocacy as we raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS services and prevention.
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- Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
- Location: JJC Theatre
- Tickets: Ludus - Joliet Junior College
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This event promises to be an unforgettable night filled with outstanding local drag performances. Tipping is encouraged, and all proceeds go directly toward supporting HIV/AIDS services and prevention efforts.
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