June is traditionally LGBTQ + pride month, and it’s never been celebrated in the Tri-Cities as widely as in 2021.

In Fox Valley, a nonprofit group organized earlier this year sponsors and participates in many activities during the month.

The mayors of Saint-Charles, Geneva and Batavia have all proclaimed June as LGBTQ + pride month in their cities, and Geneva and Batavia are displaying pride flags in their cities.

The month celebrates the history, achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or other gender identities and their allies.

He comes in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City, which is said to have been the catalyst for the modern movement to secure and protect the rights of LGBYQ + Americans.

Out in Fox Valley is sponsoring the first Tri-Cities Pride on the Fox activities which will begin June 11-13 in Batavia.

On Friday, June 11, famous local cruising personality Beau De Jour will perform a reading from Drag Queen Storybook at 6 p.m. at Paula’s Couture Consignment, 4½ W. Wilson St.

On Saturday, June 12, vendors and organizations were invited to set up information tables on the riverside terrace behind Bulldog Cellar at 1 E. Wilson Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A barbecue with dance music and drag artists will take place at the Bulldog Cellar from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and a dance party will start at 6 p.m., with Drag Show entertainment at 9 p.m.

Then, on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., a friendly family brunch featuring Drag Queens will take place at Andres Restaurant, 5 Webster St., also in Batavia.

Later in the month, activities turn to Saint-Charles. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, there will be Drag Bingo at Bogarts, 219 W. Main St.

On Sunday, June 20, Out in Fox Valley will sponsor a dinner and family drag show at 4 pm at Kava Diem, 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles. Earlier today, LGBTQ + affirming groups and nonprofits can reserve information tables inside the restaurant.

Details of all upcoming events are available on the Out in Fox Valley Group at www.facebook.com/OutInFoxValleyIllinois/.

Out in Fox Valley was founded in 2021 as an Illinois nonprofit, by a group led by St. Charles resident Michael Stroud, who is the group’s president. Stroud’s email address is michael@outinfoxvalley.com.