HumanKIND Initiative

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

Replying to @humankindpride.bsky.social

This #GivingTuesday (and beyond), please donate to HumanKIND Initiative. We accept one-time or monthly recurring donations, business sponsorships, and more through our website here: www.humankindinitiative.org . /3

HumanKIND Initiative is putting together an online library of books written by LGBTQIA+ authors. These voices are frequently excluded from traditional publishing, so we are dedicating an entire section of the library to indie and self-published authors. Is this you? THEN READ ON

Books do not have to feature LGBTQIA+ content, but they must be written by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Intersectionality is fantastic! We want our library to include as many diverse voices as we can. No AI-generated content will be included. This includes text and graphics.

forms.gleHumanKIND Initiative Online Library: Indie AuthorsHumanKIND Initiative is putting together an online library of books written by LGBTQIA+ authors: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc. Because LGBTQIA+ voices are frequently excluded from traditi...

If you'd like to be included, fill out the form at the link below. You are welcome to submit multiple books; however, you'll have to complete a separate form for each title. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lea Anne at marketing@humankindinitiative.org. forms.gle/DrdMLuhyXcu7...

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

The purpose of this project is to be an online resource for people specifically looking for LGBTQIA+ titles. Books will be listed on our website at www.humankindinitiative.org with title, author, cover, relevant representation, and links to where readers can learn more and/or buy the book.

We will not take any commissions, run a shop, promote sales, or otherwise participate in selling your book. It is strictly a list of books.

24 June

Are you ready to get loud? HKI's popular open mic night returns this Friday, June 26, at 7 pm. Bring your voice, your ears, and your heart to The Center (1660 N 2501st Rd in Ottawa), and get ready to live OUT LOUD.

4 May

We are less than 40 days away from Pride Fest, and our new 2026 Pride Tees are ready for purchase! Fan of cryptids? Pick your favorite and place your order (color selections on the website). These can ship nationwide, or you can pick them up right here in Ottawa at SS Shirts N More.

4 May

The link to these designs, and the rest of our merch, is below. Wait until you see the new items SS Shirts & More is bringing to Pride this year!! Custom laser engravings, journals, hats...they are ready to go! www.ssshirtsnmore.com/collections/...

20 Apr

🚨NEW PROGRAM ALERT🚨 Stories are powerful. Share yours at Out Loud, our new open mic night! Share your story. Read a poem. Sing a song. It all builds the kind of community that's so critical right now. It all starts Friday, April 24th, at 7 pm, at The Center (1660 N 2501st Rd in Ottawa).

Happy Friday! Lea Anne here, speaking directly to my fellow cishet folks. Ally is not a title you can claim for yourself. (The title shouldn't even be the point, but anyway.) It's something you have to prove yourself worthy of through your actions.

humankindinitiative.orgWorkshops & Conferences - The HumanKIND Initiative

Wanna learn more about being a good ally? Come to our Ally Workshop on March 14! Info on program content and more at humankindinitiative.org/workshops-co...

zeffy.comDonate to HumanKINDYour 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...

Also, you can donate directly to HumanKIND Initiative here. Every single dollar counts. We're doing the work every day to make this a better, safer, kinder place for LGBTQIA+ people. www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundra...

4 (con't). Stuff envelopes instead. Talk to your neighbors. Call your political representatives. Donate to a charity like Humankind Initiative. All of these are more than valid, they're necessary, even if they're not "visible" activism.

You might only do one thing today. But if each and every one of us does just one thing, imagine how much we could accomplish. Now, stop waiting for someone to do something, and go do something!

3. Do your own reading. It's not queer folks' job to educate you. They need their time, energy, and brainspace for other things. Many are happy to help; others may not be. Be respectful and graciously accept a no.

4. Remember that there are tons of ways to help affect change. Everyone has their own strengths and interests and preferences and capacity, and that's okay. You don't want to/can't protest? That's fine!

1. Hatred and bigotry are *our* problem to fix. It's not queer folks' responsibility. Cishet allies need to confront our peers, every day, in our own personal lives. "Hey, that's not cool" can go a long way.

2. Follow the lead of queer folks who are already doing the work. Don't assume you know what is the best course of action to take on their behalf, and don't waste time reinventing the wheel. If you're not sure, ask! That said.....

You don't have to be perfect--everyone makes mistakes, and we all have opportunities to grow and improve. Here are some things to remember:

28 Dec 2025

The Center will be closed today (Dec 28). Sorry for any inconvenience!

At HumanKIND Initiative, 2025 has been a busy year of serving, celebrating, and planning for the future. We have helped more people in one way or another in the past 5 months than we could have ever imagined, and the momentum is building. #GivingTuesday /1

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

And because we’re a registered 501c3 nonprofit, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We cannot thank you enough. #GivingTuesday /4

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

People often ask us what they can do to help. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s time, effort, and material donations—they are why we’re able to do what we do. But if we are to continue—and expand!—our mission in 2026, what we need most is your financial support. #GivingTuesday /2

Our 2nd Annual Pride Prom is Saturday, February 21st, and we are taking it back to the 80s! We are decking out The Center, and now's your chance to attend the Prom as your true self (if your school missed out on the fantastic opportunity of meeting the real YOU). www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

zeffy.com2nd Annual Pride Prom2nd Annual Pride PromJoin us for a night where creativity and community shine. Hosted by the Humankind Initiative, the 2nd year of Prride Prom is more than an event—it's a celebration of self-expressi...

Just make sure that you are bringing the you from the 80s, cuz it's about to get, like, totally rad that night! Community members and allies 18 and up are invited, and are encouraged to take advantage of the Holiday Price! These tickets are great gifts. www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Tickets are $40/individual or $60/pair of tickets BEFORE midnight on Christmas Eve. From December 25th through February 21st, tickets are $50/individual or $75/pair. Click below and get them early! www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Don't be the only one without ticket to Santa's Slay this New Year's Eve! We have people buying these as gifts, but, more importantly, for themselves (don't forget to treat yourself this Holiday season). Go to www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s... and buy yours today.

Santa's Slay tickets can be digital, or we can give you physical tickets to give away. Live drawing on New Year's Eve at our party at the Center! The more tickets we sell, the more people Humankind Initiative can help, PLUS the more money the winner gets! www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s...

zeffy.comzeffy.com

Ring in the New Year's with HumanKIND! Game tournaments, karaoke, food, and laughs--the best way to start a new year. Add a welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and this is THE best spot to be to welcome 2026. We may even have a surprise or 2 that night....see you then!

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

29 Oct 2025

Have you signed up for our newsletter? The HumanKIND Initiative delivers a monthly Cup O' Kindness directly to your inbox. It's a great way to keep up to date on what we're doing and how you can get involved. Sign up here: www.humankindinitiative.org

humankindinitiative.orgHome - The HumanKIND InitiativeLocated in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

29 Oct 2025

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

15 Oct 2025

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. /1

npg.si.eduSylvia Rivera: Activist and Trailblazer | National Portrait GallerySylvia 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...

15 Oct 2025

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

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. /1

zeffy.comPaint with SpiritsIt'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...

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

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! /1

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

(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

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. /1

chicagolgbthalloffame.orgHENRY GERBER – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

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

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. /1

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

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

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

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

zeffy.comTrivia ThursdayGrab a group of your smartest friends (or at least throw a couple of smart ones in the mix) and join us every other Thursday for TRIVIA THURSDAYS at The Center! Teams of up to 10 brains can sign up to...

Be ready to slay the bloodthirsty competition at trivia! It's all Buffy at The Center this Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 pm. Get tickets early at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or message us to know you'll pay in cash at the door. No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1

HumanKIND Initiative@humankindpride.bsky.social

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!

As always, proceeds benefit the Center and its work providing a safe, welcoming place for everyone--even vampires, if they are kind. /2

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