Pride Month Highlights Township Pride Program and Community Partnerships
As Maine Township recognizes June as National Pride Month, we are proud to continue doing our part to provide a safe and accepting place for all people, regardless of gender, background or affectional orientation. This includes spreading awareness and providing real local resources for LGBTQ+ youth through the Maine Township Pride Program and other MaineStay Youth & Family Services programming.
The Pride Program provides a safe environment for young people ages 13-17 who identify as LGBTQ+, who are questioning their affectional orientation or gender identity, or who are allies. Meetings have allowed participants to have confidential, educational, and meaningful conversations about gender and gender identities and affectional orientation with peers of similar age.
This month, the MaineStay Youth & Family Services team, which is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Maine Township, participated in the Maine West Pride Celebration hosted by Maine West and SPEAK Des Plaines on Saturday, June 1. Maine Township had a table at the event and led a craft activity for participants as well as a calming room for attendees who wanted a safe space to relax or reflect.
In addition to the Maine West/SPEAK Des Plaines event, there are other Pride events taking place in the larger community. The Park Ridge Community Church is hosting a Pride Fest on June 20th from 6-9 PM (Corner of Crescent and Prospect).
For more information visit: parkridgecommunitychurch.org/events/2024/06/20/pride-in-park-ridge
The Pride Program is offered free of charge to residents of Maine Township or children attending a Maine Township school. Meetings will take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 6-7 pm at the Maine Township Town Hall. To sign up or learn more, please visit mainetown.com/pride.
For more information, please contact Emily Toomey at etoomey@mainetown.com or 224-257-4853.