Pride Month 2024

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month. Throughout the month of June, DCEO, through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is hosting and collaborating on a series of business resource events and elevating community events, spotlighting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses in Illinois, and more.

Online with OMEE - Overview of Financial Capital Resources
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual | Register

The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) Business Development Managers will host an online conversation for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for funding especially those in traditionally underrepresented and marginalized communities. Team OMEE will provide you with the latest updates on financial resources from federal, state, local and private programs, and answer questions you may have related to the topics discussed. In celebration of Pride Month, we will highlight specific LGBTQIA+ small business resources as well.

Spectrum of Success: Negotiating Growth and Scaling Your Business
Thursday, June 27, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Register

Location: Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL

Are you an LGBTQIA+ business owner looking to take your business to new heights? Join us for an insightful panel discussion on "Negotiating Growth: How to Negotiate Terms and Contracts". In this first installment of the Spectrum of Success Series by PrideArts, presented in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), we'll dive into the art of contractional design and negotiation techniques as pivotal roles in scaling your business. Our esteemed panelists, Ri Prasad, Managing Director at AR2 Homes; Roux Nolan, Principal at Co-op.Partners; and Elizabeth Carter, Managing Attorney at ELCESQ, will share their expertise on navigating contracts with landlords, suppliers, distributors, leases, officials and financial institutions. Tickets are limited so please make sure to secure your spot by registering for this empowering event!  Download the event flyer.

Pride Festivals in Illinois | Website
Mark your calendar for this summer’s celebrations of love and equality!

Pride in the Middle of Everything | Website
Whether you're visiting during Pride Month in June or enjoying a trip any other time of year, Illinois is alive with color. From Galena to Springfield, Peoria, and of course, Chicago, Illinois' inclusive communities welcome all.

Pride Brunch Kick-Off
Sunday, June 2, 2024 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | In-Person | Register
Hosted by Equality Illinois
Venue West
221 N. Paulina, Chicago, IL

StartOut + OUTspoken: An Evening of Queer Storytelling
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Register
Hosted by StartOut
Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

Chicago Pride Kick-Off Urban Queer Art Show & Market
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – Sunday, June 9, 2024 | In-Person | Register
Hosted by Dysfunctional Goddess
Pride Arts Center
4139 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago, IL

Cheers to Queer Social
Thursday, June 13, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 pm | In-Person | Register
Hosted by The Metropolitan, PR!DEArts, The Night Ministry, and the Lighthouse Foundation
The Metropolitan
233 S. Wacker Dr., 67th Floor, Chicago, IL

Pride Time @ PrimeTime Networking Event
Monday, June 24, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | RSVP
Hosted by North River Commission / Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
Prime Time Bar & Grill
3057 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL

3rd Annual PRIDE in TECH CHICAGO
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Register
Hosted by Chicago:Blend & TechNexus Venture Collaborative
TeamWorking by TechNexus
20 N, Wacker Dr,, 12th Floor, Chicago, IL

LGBTCC 2024 Annual NetWERQ on the Water Boat Cruise
Monday, July 22, 2024 | 6:45 PM – 9:30 PM | Register
Hosted by: LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois Chicago's Classic Lady
112 E. Wacker Drive (along the Chicago Riverwalk), Chicago, IL.

Reeling 2024: The 42nd Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
September 19 – October 6, 2024 | Website
Hosted by: Chicago Filmmakers
Firehouse Cinema
1326 W Hollywood Avenue, Chicago, IL

Business and event resources and directories which include LGBTQIA+ businesses and nonprofit organizations:

Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) Chicago | Website
One of the oldest Latinx LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States.

Clock, Inc | Rock Island | Website
A non-judgmental, safe, and reliable community center for LGBT+ individuals to reduce any feelings of discrimination or isolation.

Equality Illinois | Website
The state's oldest, largest and most effective advocacy organization dedicated to defending rights for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans

LGBT Business Resource Page | City of Chicago | Website
Identifies business development opportunities for LGBTBEs as well as promote opportunities within the City’s procurement process

LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois | Website
Promoting Economic Opportunities for the LGTBQ+ Business Community

Naper Pride | Naperville | Website
Advocates for the equal treatment of people of all gender-expressions, sexual orientations, and any member of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

Peoria Proud | Peoria | Website
Encourages and supports diversity and equity throughout the Greater Peoria Area, and seeks to unify the community, through advocacy, education and social outreach.

Prairie Pride Coalition | Bloomington-Normal | Website
Dedicated to the implementation of full civil rights protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people (the GLBT community).

Taskforce Prevention and Community Services | Chicago | Website
committed to addressing the HIV/STI-related needs of adolescents and young adults living in systemically disenfranchised communities with limited resources

Uniting Pride of Champaign County | Champaign | Website
Advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQ+ communities in Champaign County.

Youth Outlook | Naperville | Website
The first and longest-running social service agency in Illinois solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.