Events & Actions

Here’s some of the ways you can join us at upcoming events and actions.

  • – Oak Park Recognizes TDOR & TDOV
  • – Celebrate With Us at the Butterfly Dance Party!
  • – LGBTQ+ Affirming Community Study
  • – Lesbians in Local Leadership Planning Committee

Sign up to help with planning, logistics, outreach, fundraising, and all the fun stuff behind the scenes!

Help us hit our fundraising goals!

Oak Park Recognizes TDOR & TDOV

Big News – we’re expecting The Village of Oak Park to officially recognize both Trans Day of Visibility (March 31) and Trans Day of Remembrance (November 20)!

This is a powerful step toward acknowledging and uplifting the trans community, especially in a time when trans people and human rights are under relentless attack.

Join us at the Board Meeting of the Village of Oak Park’s Trustees at Village Hall.

The meeting officially starts at 630pm; we may meet up outside before to celebrate before going in to sit through the meeting. We’re still planning the details, so sign up if you can join so we can include you.

Celebrate With Us at the Butterfly Dance Party!

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and beauty—just like the trans community.

So what better way to celebrate TDOV than with a joyful, colorful dance party?Expect:

  • Music & Dancing – Move, groove, and celebrate in community!
  • Costumes Optional – Express yourself however you feel best!
  • A Space for Joy & Resistance – Because trans joy is revolutionary.

Trans people have always existed. We will always exist. And we will always find ways to thrive, together.

Come dance with us, celebrate visibility, and show that Oak Park is a place where trans people are not just welcome, but affirmed, protected, and loved.

Mark your calendars & spread the word! See you at Scoville Park!

LGBTQ+ Affirming Community Study:

We’re thrilled to announce the award of a mini-grant from the Village of Oak Park to conduct a community study on LGBTQ+ affirmation spaces in Oak Park!

At a time when LGBTQ+ people—especially youth—are facing unprecedented attacks, support and affirmation matter more than ever. Research shows that just one affirming space can reduce suicide risk by 35% among LGBTQ+ youth.

While Oak Park has strong commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we need to go further—from simply “welcoming” LGBTQ+ individuals to actively affirming them in our schools, parks, businesses, and public spaces.This study will uncover:

  • Where LGBTQ+ youth and families feel most affirmed in Oak Park—and why.
  • Gaps in community support that need to be addressed.
  • Opportunities for schools, businesses, and organizations to improve affirmation.
  • Practical, immediate steps to create a more supportive and inclusive community.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Participate in the Study – If you’re an LGBTQ+ youth, parent, or community member, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences through our confidential community survey (coming soon).
  • Join a Focus Group – Help spark new ideas on how Oak Park can be a leader in LGBTQ+ affirmation.
  • Spread the Word – Encourage LGBTQ+ friends, family, and allies to take part in the study so we can amplify as many voices as possible.
  • Support the Project – Are you part of a school, library, business, or organization that wants to collaborate? Let’s work together to increase outreach and impact.

The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report that will help shape policy, community leadership, and local initiatives to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park.

Want to get involved? Sign up for updates and volunteer opportunities

Spread the Word – Encourage LGBTQ+ friends, family, and allies to take part in the study so we can amplify as many voices as possible.

Support the Project – Are you part of a school, library, business, or organization that wants to collaborate? Let’s work together to increase outreach and impact.

The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report that will help shape policy, community leadership, and local initiatives to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park.

Want to get involved? Sign up for updates and volunteer opportunities!

Together, we can turn research into action and build a stronger, more affirming Oak Park.

Lesbians in Local Leadership Planning Committee:

Lesbians in Local Leadership (LLL) is an event series designed to highlight and celebrate the contributions of lesbians in leadership roles within our community.

Inspired by a conversation where a junior high student mentioned they had never met another lesbian before, this initiative seeks to increase visibility, representation, and connection for young people.

Not only because representation matters, and that non-patriachcial forms of leadership are more important than ever… but also to showcase our ability to persevere and lead through difficult times.

Concept

We’re creating a platform where young people, acting as community journalists, interview local lesbian leaders. This will take the form of a panel discussion hosted at the Oak Park Public Library, while live-streamed and recorded as a web series.

The goal is to elevate the voices of lesbian leaders, share their insights, and provide guidance on how we can build resilience and solidarity in challenging times.

Event Format

  • Panel Discussions & Interviews – A mix of live, recorded, and possibly streamed conversations.
  • Youth-Led Journalism – Young people will prepare and conduct interviews, fostering curiosity and leadership skills.
  • Library Collaboration – We aim to partner with the library to host the event, ensuring it reaches a broad audience.

Lesbians have historically played a pivotal role in movements for LGBTQ+ rights, mutual aid, and community care—especially during the AIDS crisis, civil rights, abortion access, and more.

Today, powerful lesbian leaders are shaping change right here in Oak Park, Chicago, and beyond – this project aims to honor and learn from them.

Sign up to be involved in the planning process and/or if you’d like to be a panelist (or want to recommend someone!)

Use the form below to send this letter to your reps:

Pass universal healthcare this year in Illinois!

I am writing as your concerned constituent to urge your leadership in advancing universal healthcare. This legislative session offers a historic opportunity for our state to set the standard nationwide by ensuring that every resident has access to life-saving care.

There are currently three universal healthcare bills proposed in the Illinois Congress, with at least two more anticipated. With the Governor’s campaign promise on universal healthcare and a Democratic supermajority in both the House and the Senate, Illinois is in a prime position to lead the way.

In fact, what was once a strong possibility for Illinois to become the first state with universal healthcare has now become even more achievable.

Our collective voice can ensure that every life is recognized as valuable and deserving of care.

This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity.

The coming months present the chance to harness the energy of this political period and drive meaningful change at the local level. Just as Ontario played a key role in Canada’s early adoption of universal healthcare, Illinois can inspire nationwide progress—despite any behind-the-scenes delays or industry pressures.

Healthcare is a human right, and our community deserves nothing less than a system that prioritizes well-being over profit.

I respectfully ask that you work diligently to overcome any obstacles and champion the passage of universal healthcare in Illinois.

Let’s use this historic moment to build a healthier future for all.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.