Lighthouse LGBTQ Pride Party 2018: Everything You Need To Know

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Lighthouse LGBTQ+ Pride Party returns for its second year outside the Flossmoor Community Church. The event, which this year comes at the start of Pride Weekend in Chicago, has expanded to four hours from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 22.

"We're going to have so much fun celebrating love and community with our friends and neighbors, which is what Pride is all about," said James Austin, an organizer of the event, which he says "will be a great opportunity to physically see and feel the support of the LGBTQ community in the south suburbs in a very real way."

Stephanie Wright, a co-founder of the event, said last year's inaugural gathering was only expected to draw 75 or so people, but about 300 showed up for what was then a short party of a couple of hours. This year, even more are expected to show. Scroll through the images at the time of the article for a look at last year's party

"Having this outdoors one the lawn and in the parking lot, where anyone can come by, is the perfect way to show the people in our community and beyond that Flossmoor Community Church talks the talk and walks the walk," Wright said. "They are not just saying they are open to all people, they are showing us that they are."

The "outdoor" aspect of it is an important one, Wright says.

"Too many times, LGBTQ people feel like they are behind closed doors," she said. "This is outside, not closed to anyone and not hiding anything. We were intentional about having this location and being outside."

Here's everything you'll need to know before about the Lighthouse Pride Party as you plan for Friday.

When?

From 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 22.

Where

The party area will be on the grounds of the Flossmoor Community Church, at their community house at 847 Hutchinson Road in Flossmoor. The church, which serves as a meeting space for Lighthouse LGBTQ, donates their space.

How To Get There

Those who live near Flossmoor Community Church are urged to walk or bicycle to the event as parking is expected to fill up quickly. Parking will be available in the neighborhood. Please observe posted signage.

The nearest train station is at the corner of Flossmoor Road and Sterling Avenue, several blocks away.

When You Get There

Food

Food trucks from Joey's Red Hots in Orland Park and Los Portales in Chicago Heights will be available for anyone looking to eat. Note: Food trucks are cash only.

Alcohol

Both the Blue Island Beer Company and Tito's Homemade Vodka will have alcohol for purchase. Tito's will serve up a "Pride Punch" specifically for the party.

Non-Alcohol

Water, lemonade and ice pops - all from sponsor donations - will be available.

Family Fun

Several sponsors will offer games and family activities. Among them will be a poster-making station and flower cards.

For those looking to celebrate Pride all weekend, Wright says it's a good opportunity to come to Flossmoor and make a unique poster here before bringing it to the parade in Chicago two days later.

'A Neighborhood Potluck'

Wright says the number of sponsors that jumped on for the Pride Party in its second year made planning for the event "truly feeling like a neighborhood potluck."

"All businesses were offering their products and donating funds for whatever we need," she said.

Sponsors

Flossmoor Community Church

Panda Baby Cookies

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Blue Island Beer Company

John Flynn Baird & Warner

Nora of Flower Child

Vicki Burke Stevenson

Coldwell Banker

LouLou Belle

Homewood Florist

Be Well Studio

Birth with Christine

Flossmoor Business Association

Stress and Anxiety Center

Redbird Cafe

UpsaDaisy Boutique

Arbor Eye Care

A Piece of the Pie

Goddess and the Baker

Photos provided