HumanKIND Initiative
banner
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
November's issue features some new programs (karaoke, teen nights) and old favorites (support groups, D&D, fiber arts craft & chat, trivia), plus special events like the Friendsgiving Potluck on November 23.

Learn more about us at www.humankindinitiative.org
Home - The HumanKIND Initiative
Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.
www.humankindinitiative.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Her work with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson included the creation of STAR House, which provided assistance to unhoused people in the gay community, with special focus on people of color.

You can learn more about Sylvia Rivera here: npg.si.edu/blog/welcome...

/2
Sylvia Rivera: Activist and Trailblazer | National Portrait Gallery
Sylvia Rivera (with Christina Hayworth and Julia Murray) | by Luis Carle |Gelatin silver print, 2000 | National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquisition made possible through the support...
npg.si.edu
October 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Get your tickets now at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits . All proceeds benefit HumanKIND Initiative and its critical work supporting the LGBT+ community, so you can feel good about unleashing your inner Vincent Van Ghoul on an unsuspecting thrifted landscape or portrait.

/2
Paint with Spirits
It's Spooky season and you know what that means! Time for some ghoulish fundraising!On Saturday, October 18th, head on over to The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness (The Center) as we create fant...
www.zeffy.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
(We also accept large bills and recurring donations! And you don't have to live in our area to donate. If you want rural folks to have access to a supportive community and critical resources, we'd love your help.)

All donations are tax deductible! It's win/win!

/3
October 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
While this is a free event, we will be accepting donations to support our work making the world a kinder place for LGBT+ folks. So, if you like what you see and want to keep the (literal and proverbial) lights on, drop a few bucks in our bucket or donate online at www.zeffy.com/fundraising/...

/2
Donate to HumanKIND
Your donation today will help the HumanKIND Initiative continue its Mission to help the LGBTQ+ Community in the LaSalle County area thrive and grow. All money currently being raised is going toward op...
www.zeffy.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
An immigrant from Bavaria who later served in the US Army, Gerber also established a correspondence club that became a communications network for gay men across the country.

Learn more about Henry Gerber here: chicagolgbthalloffame.org/gerber-henry/

/2
HENRY GERBER – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame
chicagolgbthalloffame.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Small Town Pride, by Phil Stamper

Melissa, by Alex Gino

Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff

Lumberjanes (a manga series), by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks

Better Nate than Ever, by Tim Federle

Hurricane Child, by Kacen Callender

/2
October 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson

Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller, by Oliver Darkshire

Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin

/3
October 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe

A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski

/2
October 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
As always, proceeds benefit the Center and its work providing a safe, welcoming place for everyone--even vampires, if they are kind. /2
October 7, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Sword Crossed, by Freya Marske

The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo

Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston

Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree

Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender

/2
October 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My Rainbow, by DeShanna Neal, Trinity Neal, and Art Twink

Uncle Bobby's Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, and Henry Cole

/5
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Jacob's Room to Choose, by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno

When Aidan Became a Big Brother, by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
/4
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
These titles are just a few of the marvelous children's books that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Ask for other suggestions at your local library or bookstore!

Mr. Watson's Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier and Andrea Tsurumi

Pride Puppy!, by Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin

/3
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
And kids who do not have personal experience with people in the Community can learn empathy and understanding that will make them kinder members of the wider world. /2
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM