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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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.

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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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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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Paint with Spirits
Join Us for a night of spooky creativity! We supply the thrift paintings and supplies...you turn it into a new (ghoulish) work of art
October 18th 6pm - 8 pm
BYOB
$20 a person
18+
The Center, 1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

(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!

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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/...

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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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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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Family Friendly Fun!
HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 25
hay rides, bonfire, crafts, haunted house, kids costume contest, and more
The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2501 Rd. Ottawa IL

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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/

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HENRY GERBER – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

chicagolgbthalloffame.org

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 21h

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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LGBT History Month
Henry Gerber
Henry Gerber, an immigrant and US Army veteran, founded Chicago's Society for Human Rights in 1924. It is the first documented gay rights organization in America. He was arrested and prosecuted for his work and, though the charges were eventually dismissed, he lost his life savings and job in the process.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 6d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 6d

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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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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 6d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 6d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 6d

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

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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
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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 7d

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

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

Pride Puppy!, by Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin

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

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

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d

Lunar Boy, by Jes and Cin Wibowo (Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award)

Canto Contigo, by Jonny Garza Villa (Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award)

Learn more about these and other honorees at
www.ala.org/rrt/award/st...

Stonewall Book Awards List

The first and most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table. Since Isabel Miller's Patience and Sarah receive...

www.ala.org

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d

Some Strange Music Draws Me In, by Griffin Hansbury (Barbara Gittings Literature Award)

DEED, by torrin a. greathouse (Barbara Gittings POETRY Award)

Sex With a Brain Injury: On Concussion and Recovery, by Annie Liontas (Israel Fishman Nonfiction Award)

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d

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.

2025 Stonewall Award Winners

Some Strange Music Draws Me In, by Griffin Hansbury

DEED, by torrin a. greathouse

Sex With a Brain Injury: On Concussion and Recovery, by Annie Liontas

Lunar Boy, by Jes and Cin Wibowo

Canto Contigo, by Jonny Garza Villa

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d

Learn more about Banned Books Week here: bannedbooksweek.org

Banned Books Week | October 5-11, 2025

bannedbooksweek.org

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