HumanKIND Initiative
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative
@humankindpride.bsky.social
Non-profit in small-town Illinois dedicated to opportunities and resources for every demographic of the LGBTQIA+ Community. We hold Ottawa Family Pride Fest every June on the 2nd Saturday!

Visit us at Www.humankindinitiative.org for more info
Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002). As a trans Latina who spent much of her life homeless, Rivera was particularly sensitive to the struggles of trans people of color and those living in poverty.

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October 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
There's still time to reserve your canvas at Paint with Spirits! BYOB or purchase non-alcoholic drinks and a variety of great snacks from our concessions stand...including delicious Pine Hills pizza.

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October 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Join HumanKIND Initiative at our *free* Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. Bring the kids, grandparents, siblings, your neighbors: this event has something for everyone. Including an outdoor screening of the classic film Hocus Pocus at dusk!

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October 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Henry Gerber (1892-1972), founder of the first documented gay rights organization in America: the Society for Human Rights.

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October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Being a tween can be hard--you're not a kid, you're not a teen, and you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit into the world. Finding the right book can be a huge help! The books here are just a few of the great middle grade titles that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

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October 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Many of the titles on today's feature are probably familiar--they're among the most frequently banned books in recent years. Strong LGBTQ+ voices are more important than ever, and reading LGBTQ+ memoirs and nonfiction is a great way to become a more compassionate, kind person. /1
October 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Romance books can be warm and cozy, sizzling and spicy, and everything in between. And they can come in nearly any genre, from historical to fantasy to comedy. LGBTQ+ romance books are no different!

Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
October 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Our Banned Books Week celebration of LBGTQ+ books continues with a look at children's books. You're never too young to see your family represented in a picture book, and know that you belong and are loved. /1
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Today we recognize the 2025 Stonewall Award winners. The Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table, is the first and most enduring award for LGBTQ+ books.
October 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Books are a critical vehicle for LGBTQ+ creative expression, and LGBTQ+ representation on library shelves is vital to creating a world where are people are treated with respect and kindness.
October 5, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Thursday Trivia in October kicks off with everyone's favorite vampire slayer. Want to prove your Buffy Megafan credentials and win some cold hard cash while fundraising?

Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
September 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Calling all fiber artisans & crafters! Starting Sunday, October 5, you can join your fellow enthusiasts the new Fiber Arts Craft & Chat group. Bring your current project to The Center anytime between 10 am and 1 pm for cozy crafting and conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.
September 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Spooky Season is upon us! It's time for HumanKIND Initiative's first Paint & Sip...er...we mean Paint with Spirits!

Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings.

Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
September 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
If you love Halloween as much as we do, you'll want to SAVE THE DATE for the HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. It's going to be a ghoulishly good time.
September 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Trivia is tonight! DID YOU KNOW that all those factoids cluttering up your brain can be a powerful force for real change in the world?

It's true!

Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
September 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Throw on your leg warmers and put The Spice Girls on stereo, because Trivia is going back in time to the 80s & 90s.

Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
September 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Doctor's orders!

🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group
🟠Thursday, August 21
🟡 7 pm
🟢The Center
🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL
🟣All writers welcome!

Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.
August 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
It's FRIDAY! Lots of pressure to make it "great," amirite? But at The Center, you can just be. We've got board games, video games, air hockey, books, movies, a giant beanbag, and best of all--KINDNESS.

Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL
August 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Lots of August activities! We have board games, video games, air hockey, movies, puzzles...Come and hang out!

(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)

Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm

Www.humankindinitiative.org
July 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Did someone say BOWLING? The fall season of the LaSalle County Pride Bowling League starts September 19.

🔴7 pm
🟠every Friday for 12 weeks
🟡The Alley, 1758 Ottawa Ave, Ottawa
🟢ages 18+
🔵$20/person/week
🟣Non-professional, pro-fun

Register here: forms.gle/qkzdPwwrFdBw...
July 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Attn nerds of the IL River Valley: save your Monday nights for D&D at The Center in Ottawa

🔴begins Monday, August 4
🟠6 pm - ?
🟡1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa, IL
🟢ages 18+
🔵starting Level 1, new players welcome
🟣refreshments will be available for purchase (benefitting HKI/The Center)
July 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Veterans Support Group

Wed, Aug 13
6-8 pm
William E. Heisler Center for Kindness
1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL

If you are a veteran who identifies as LGBTQIA+, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.
July 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Trans Support Group

Wed, Aug 6
6-8 pm
William E. Heisler Center for Kindness
1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL
Age 18+

If you identify as trans, nonbinary, or anything else under the transgender umbrella, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.
July 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM
March 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Every day brings new executive orders, bills, laws, and court decisions that threaten the rights, liberties, and very lives of LGBTQIA+ folks. If only a hero would save us!

Guess what? THERE IS NO HERO.

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March 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM