CU Queer Calendar

Queer events, updated regularly! Did we forget yours? Then email us at thelavendernewseltter@gmail.com or DM us @thelavendernewsletter on Insta with the info!

Standing Events

THURDAYS
- Thirsty Thursgays
  - Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
  - Time: 9:00 pm - 2:00 am, DJ starts at 10:00 pm
  - Details: $5 cover, cash only, ATM inside, 19+.
SUNDAYS
- Playgroup
  - Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  - Frequency: Last Sunday of the month
  - Hosted by: Uniting Pride, which is an organization that serves and advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities of Champaign County and East Central Illinois.
  - Details: Playgroup is a monthly social group for 2SLGBTQ+ families and children ages 3-10 to connect with other local queer families. It meets in person on the last Sunday of each month from 10am-noon. Contact organizers at youth.manager@unitingpride.org for more details.
- Meet UP
  - Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  - Frequency: Second and last Sunday of the month
  - Hosted by: Uniting Pride, which is an organization that serves and advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities of Champaign County and East Central Illinois.
  - Details: An in-person social group for LGBTQ+ adults looking to make new connections and expand their social circle. Contact organizers at meetup@unitingpride.org for more details.
- Aging UP
  - Time: 3:00 pm
  - Frequency: Every Sunday
  - Hosted by: Uniting Pride, which is an organization that serves and advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities of Champaign County and East Central Illinois.
  - Details: A virtual group for LGBTQ+ older adults to gather and discuss the fears, joys, and complications of aging in a safe and affirming space. Open to call genders. Contact organizers at agingup@unitingpride.org for more details.

Summer Calendar

July 28 - Meet Market
- Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
- Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned LGBTQ+ bar and the only queer bar in CU.
- Details: Whether you are looking for your next crush, your next bestie, or just an early night out, this is the time to trade swipes for sparks. No pressure, just good vibes, cash only or Venmo, ATM inside, 19+.
July 31 - Beach Party
- Location: Amy's Place, 120 n First Street, Champaign
- Time: 8:00 pm - 2:00 am
- Hosted by: Amy's Place is a lesbian-owned LGBTQ+ bar and the only queer bar in CU.

Details: No cover, dress to the theme, music by DJ Leslie, 19+, cash only or Venmo, ATM inside.

August 1 - CUQTBIPOC Book Club
- Location: Satterthwaite Conference Room at The Urbana Free Library, 210 w Green Street, Urbana
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Hosted by: CUQTBIPOC, which is a supportive, community-centered space for queer and trans people of color to connect and share resources.
- Details: Join CUQTBIPOC as they talk about The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez, a groundbreaking novel that reimagines the vampire myth through the eyes of Black lesbian protagonist Gilda, who escapes slavery in 1850s Louisiana and becomes an immortal vampire.
August 1 - Herra's Drag Menagerie
- Location: The Space, 1 E Main St, Champaign
- Time: Doors at 7:30 pm, Show at 8:00 pm
- Hosted by: Herra Winn is a CU-based drag artist and host of Herra's Drag Menagerie. The Space is a restaurant and event space in Champaign.
- Details: Join Herra Winn for CU's most delicious drag open stage every first and third Saturday.
August 22 - Drag Story Hour
- Location: Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar, 2740 s Philo Road, Suite D, Urbana
- Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Hosted by: Good Judys is an LGBTQ+ owned cafe in Urbana, IL.
- Details: Join Good Judys for a family-friendly Drag Story Hour filled with storytelling, creativity, and joyful performances by local drag artists. Each event will feature a unique theme, interactive moments, and activities for all ages.
August 23 - Ephemera Open Mic
- Location: Channing Murray Chapel, 1209 w Oregon Street, Urbana
- Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
- Hosted by: Ephemera Music Collective, which is a collective of CU-based musicians dedicated to created mask-required programming and programming that centers creatives from marginalized identities.
- Details: Ephemera Open Mic is a mask-required and provided open mic and showcase that highlights the work of queer, trans, and BIPOC performers. It opens with a 90-minute open mic, then a 15 intermission with information from a local community org, and closes with a 45-minute set from a queer, trans, and/or BIPOC performer. $5 - $15 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Event also features a collage table, a free clothing rack provided by FreeCU, and a queer, trans, or BIPOC vendor selling their wares.
August 29 - Infodump Craft Hour
- Location: Lewis Auditorium at The Urbana Free Library, 210 w Green Street, Urbana
- Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Hosted by: CUQTBIPOC, which is a supportive, community-centered space for queer and trans people of color to connect and share resources.
- Details: Join CUQTBIPOC for their adult show-and-tell! Share a casual 5-minute presentation on any topic and make bracelets! Niche interests and crafty vibes are encouraged. No presentation required to attend. Mask required.
- RSVP Link: Linktr.ee/cuqtbipoc