PFLAG

Two people sit in a recording studio, at a desk with microphones. They are looking into the camera, and smiling. The teen, in the left of the photo is wearing a red hoodie, over a white T-shirt. They have a yellow beanie hat, over their short hair. They are wearing glasses, and large headphones rest around their neck. On the right, a woman with short black hair and glasses, sits next to the teen. The woman is wearing a yellow floral sweater.

Over the Rainbow social group gives queer teens space to thrive

Michele Steinbacher

Organizers hope to expand a social group for LGBTQ+ youth living in the McLean County area. Over the Rainbow launched in 2023, and now meets twice monthly.

A crowd of rapt kids watch a performance at Pridefest 2023.

Local News

Yes, B-N's Pride Fest is a celebration, but it's also an affirmation of self

Charlie Schlenker

The LGBTQ+ community in Bloomington-Normal was loud, proud, and happy during Pride Fest on July 29 in downtown Bloomington. Attendees said the annual cornerstone event that draws thousands is important both to the LGBTQ community and to all of central Illinois.

Crowds gathered downtown for Pulse memorial

Local News

LGBTQ transplants on finding Bloomington-Normal's evolving queer community

Lauren Warnecke

LGBTQ transplants moving to Bloomington-Normal from a large city may feel a bit of a culture shock. We talked to two about navigating the Twin Cities' queer community.

Pete Aldinger places flowers at a memorial outside of Club Q on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Aldinger traveled from Denver with a friend to pay their respects.

Local News

B-N LGBTQ groups and ISU decry Colorado club shooting

Charlie Schlenker

Bloomington-Normal groups and institutions are decrying the shootings at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs over the weekend and calling for change in national culture and laws.

A green, blue and yellow graphic with five books on the right hand side. The books are titled Gender Queer, Fun Home, and three books collectively titled A Kids Book About being transgender, being inclusive and being non-binary. Text on the left states that the Banned Books Talk takes place August 15 at 7pm and registration is required.

Local News

With queer-themed books on the chopping block, 3 local organizations come together to talk about it

Lauren Warnecke

Banned Books Week is Sept. 18-24 and, according to bannedbooksweek.org, five of the top 10 books targeted for censorship deal with LGBTQ+ issues. As an early kick-off to the initiative that celebrates intellectual freedom, the Bloomington Public Library is partnering with two other organizations for a special book club on Aug. 15.