For the last several months, I have been a part of organizing the inaugural 2009 Peoria Pride Festival to be held Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria Riverfront from Noon-6:00 pm. To all of the other dedicated volunteers I thank you, for we can only achieve success together. I hope everyone who attends has a great time – listening to live music and entertainment, catching up with old friends and meeting new friends, relaxing in the Starbucks Coffeehouse Experience Café, and cruising the vendor and exhibit areas.

Yet, I also hope that everyone reflects on WHY we are holding this Peoria Pride event. After years of being marginalized and discriminated against, LGBT folks across the globe organized and came together to put us all on notice that some of us are actually PROUD to be a part of the LGBT community - What a powerful act! The first step in gaining respect from others is to respect yourself, which is cause for celebration!

The next step should be to support those who support the LGBT community. and our allies & supporters Peoria Pride could never be accomplished without the businesses and organizations that sponsor and exhibit at the event. I encourage all attendees to visit the exhibitors and educate themselves. Peoria has a strong LGBT support system – all of which do incredible work on limited budgets. Please give them your personal thanks and support them in any way you can.

Peoria Pride will be a full day of entertainment and fun. We will have top notch entertainment all day on the main stage and in the Starbucks Café. Food and refreshments will be available. People friendly pets on leashes are welcome. There will be an area with activities for kids of all ages, so make this a day for the entire family. For more information and complete schedule of events, please view the related article later in this issue, or visit the website at www.PeoriaPride.com. Bring your family and friends for the day and be a part of Peoria and Central Illinois history.

Peoria cordially invites the ENTIRE CENTRAL ILLINOIS LGBT community to join us in celebrating our vibrant community. The Hotel Pere Marquette is offering special "Peoria Pride" rates so you can join us at Diesel Bar on Saturday night for a Pride Celebration.

On September 13, please come out to celebrate yourself and your community, and take a minute to reflect on what that means. Be proud of yourself. I am.

Until next month,

Dave Barker
Publisher, Out & About Illinois