Wheaton Proud: Resident Starts Coalition Of Pro-LGBTQ Businesses

WHEATON, IL — Jacob Kniep moved to Wheaton three years ago, and he loved the community so much, he decided to stay. While living in Wheaton, Kniep has made it his mission to champion LGBTQ causes in the city, most recently by creating a coalition of businesses who openly support LGBTQ causes under the banner #WheatonProud.

Kniep, who runs the organization Outspoken Leaders, told Patch he came up with the idea of #WheatonProud because many LGBTQ pride celebrations can't happen in person during the month of June. Kniep said he decided "The best way to celebrate Pride from afar would be to start Wheaton Proud."

Businesses who sign up to be included in the #WheatonProud initiative get a sticker to display to show their support for the LGBTQ population. They also get named on Kniep's Wheaton Proud website, which lists all participating businesses.

Kniep told Patch that when he launched the idea, he didn't expect the overwhelming response he ended up getting. So far, nearly three dozen businesses have signed up to be a part of the Wheaton Proud project.

According to Kniep, he hasn't experienced anti-LGBTQ sentiments in Wheaton personally, but some of the young people in his support group have. Kniep said Outspoken Leaders started as a support group and grew into a greater initiative to champion LGBTQ causes in Wheaton and surrounding communities.

Kniep said he had a support group growing up and wanted to provide similar resources to give young people in Wheaton a "safe place to be themselves and to hang out with people who are just like them."

Following the success of Wheaton Proud, Kniep also launched Glen Ellyn Proud, a similar initiative in neighboring Glen Ellyn.

Kniep said, "I’m very elated that Wheaton is becoming the community that I’m proud to be in. I’m proud to say I’m from Wheaton because of LGBTQ community and other minorities being accepted in Wheaton.”

He added, "I am indeed Wheaton proud."

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