Welcome !
Who we are...
Instill PRIDE ™ grew out of the Southwest Suburban Activists PrideFest 2018 Committee with many of the original members still in place.
As a South/Southwest Suburb LGBTQ+ group, we strive to have our Admins and Committee members be a true representation of the community and our area. Our board members include people of the LGBTQ+ Community as well as allies, many of whom are parents of children in the LGBTQ+ Community. All positions are volunteer- we are here because we believe in the cause and we are striving to make the world a place where everyone is free to love who they love and be true to who they are without fear of persecution and marginalization, starting at home in the South/Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.
Meet Instill PRIDE
™
Instill PRIDE ™ is a non-profit, grassroots community organization dedicated to helping and providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in the South and Southwest suburbs.
Our goal is to create a culture where everyone is free to be who they truly are, to love who they love, and to do that without fear of ostracization and without risk to their personal safety.
What we are...
Where we are...
At Instill PRIDE ™, we are focusing on the South/Southwest Suburbs to provide the LGBTQ+ Community with events and activities. Our goal is to bring the comradery and acceptance normally only found in the city to our area. We are your safe place.
Meet the current board...
Abbas-Mokena resident and LGBTQ+ advocate and ally for over 25 years. A London born and derby style roller skating vegan, Abbas is a high energy, uber organized Math teacher and tutor.
Charlotte-A lifelong South Suburbs native, Charlotte is a transgender woman, married with two furbabies, she enjoys traveling, landscaping, and playing guitar. She’s a moderator of Gender Explorers, a trans support group based out of Joliet, an activist for women's and LGBTQ+ rights and issues as well as for responsible gun control reform. Her background is in marketing communications.
Mary Beth-Mother, Grandmother, and Mokena resident, Mary Beth is a member of the Illinois Parks & Recreation association Diversity Committee as well as the South Suburban Parks & Recreation Professional Association Diversity Committee. In Mary Beth’s own words, “ My daughter is Bisexual, and I need to live in a world where she is accepted and loved for her true self. Where EVERYONE is. Period.” Being the Co-Chair of Pride Fest and a founding member of Instill PRIDE is Mary Beth’s way of making that world a reality, starting here in the South Suburbs.
Patti-Retired hospice nurse and Southwest Suburban resident, Patti and her husband are proud parents of three and grandparents of five. A fierce momabear to her adopted son and her two LGBTQ+ children and their partners, she is an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community, an activist for women’s rights and issues, and a staunch supporter of gun reform. She firmly believes that change starts with the people, and that the people have to call for a change of how things are to create a world where everyone feels wanted and loved, no matter who they are or love.
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What Do We Do?
Here at Instill PRIDE ™ we are focused on creating events and activities for the LGBTQ+ community in the South/Southwest Suburbs. All proceeds, from our events and wonderful donors, go towards Pride Fest, outreach, and all other events held throughout the year.
Pride Fest Mokena 2020
Saturday, June 13, 12pm-5pm
Once again the premier annual Pride Fest of the South Suburbs is in Mokena at Yunker Farm Park. Like last year, we’ll be offering live entertainment, featuring local bands, LGBTQ+ speakers, and the audience favorite drag show. Our family friendly event will have games for the kids as well as access to the splash pad. We've expanded our range of food vendors to include more vegetarian and vegan options. Just like last year there'll be a wide variety of artisans and vendors to shop at and representatives from groups serving the LGBTQ+ community.
This year will be even better than last year.
We can't wait to see you there.
Due to expected crowd sizes, only registered service animals will be permitted.
Events & Outreach
Pride Fest is our main event, but we also host other events throughout the year.
We've held Movie Nights with a topical discussion afterwards, LGBTQ+ themed Trivia Nights, a seminar about LGBTQ+ travel abroad, and a clothing drive for a LGBTQ+ teen shelter in Chicago.
Moving forward we are planning to host monthly Movie Nights, more Game Nights like Trivia Night, some more seminars, and more clothing drives for all ages. We're always looking for new ideas for events and programs.
We Need Your Support
Instill PRIDE is a non-profit, 501(c)3 pending, group. We are made up of volunteers that believe in the cause, all monies donated go towards the events and outreach of Instill PRIDE ™.
We ask for your donations so we can continue to provide safe spaces and resources for the South/Southwest Suburb LGBTQ+ community. By clicking the button below you'll be taken to a safe and secure PayPal checkout. Thank you for your support.
