CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — As communities across the nation celebrate Pride Month in June, Champaign-Urbana’s LGBTQ+ community is highlighting a growing network of organizations, support services and events aimed at creating a welcoming environment for people of all identities.

At the center of many local Pride activities is Uniting Pride, a nonprofit organization that serves LGBTQ+ residents throughout Champaign County and east-central Illinois. The organization provides support groups, educational programs, community events, advocacy and resource referrals while working to promote equality and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals.

According to the organization, its mission is to help create a community where people with historically marginalized gender and sexual identities can live “fulfilling, joyful, healthy and vibrant lives.” The group was founded in 2009 and has become one of the region’s primary LGBTQ+ resource centers.

While Pride Month is celebrated in June, local leaders note that support for the LGBTQ+ community extends year-round.

“Uniting Pride is the only LGBTQ+ resource center of its kind in the East Central Illinois region,” the organization states on its website. The nonprofit offers social and support groups, educational workshops, a food pantry, a lending library, gender-affirming clothing programs and an annual Queer Prom for Illinois teenagers.

Residents celebrating Pride Month this year can participate in a variety of community events, volunteer opportunities and educational programs. Uniting Pride also encourages residents to connect through support groups and community gatherings designed to build relationships and reduce isolation.

The community’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration is the annual Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest, organized by Uniting Pride. The event has grown into one of the largest Pride celebrations in Illinois outside the Chicago area and draws thousands of participants for parades, entertainment and community activities. Although Pride Fest is traditionally held in the fall, organizers continue to host programming throughout June in recognition of national Pride Month.

The University of Illinois also contributes to the area’s inclusive environment through LGBTQ+ student organizations and support resources. Community members on local forums frequently describe Champaign-Urbana as one of the more welcoming communities for LGBTQ+ residents in central Illinois.

Local residents say Pride Month serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of visibility and support.

In addition to organized events, many businesses, faith communities and cultural organizations throughout Champaign and Urbana participate in Pride-related activities during June. The month provides an opportunity for LGBTQ+ residents, allies and families to celebrate diversity while connecting with resources available throughout the year.

For more information, residents can visit Uniting Pride, which includes details about support groups, volunteer opportunities, educational programs and upcoming events.