The Up Center of Champaign County

Support for one. Support for all.

Uniting Pride is the only LGBTQ+ resource center of its kind in the East Central Illinois region. We serve clients from Champaign County and the surrounding areas through social and support groups, events, education, resource referrals and more. We also host the annual Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest each fall. Feel free to browse our website for more information on all our programs and services.

What We Do

The hands on the left and center hold rainbow flags; the hand on the right makes a peace sign; and the hand second from the left holds their hands in the

CU Pride Fest

Our annual Pride Fest is the 2nd largest in Illinois, and our programming gives the whole community a chance to come together.

Picture A group of diverse people are gathered, appearing to be celebrating or enjoying each other's company. They are portrayed in a stylized, cartoon-like manner with light, pastel-colored outlines and simple, yet expressive features, against a plain white background.

Social & Support Groups

Our volunteer-run groups give community members of all ages a chance to make connections and get the support they need.

Two feminine presenting individuals are seated at a table, engaged in a conversation. The person on the left, light-skinned with short, light-orange/blonde hair, is positioned slightly angled towards their left. They appear to be listening or thinking, as indicated by the thought bubble above their head. They wear a light bluish-gray, long-sleeved shirt. The person on the right, also light-skinned with a bun of brown/light-brown hair, is angled towards the person on the left, and they have their upper body facing them. They appear to be speaking, as suggested by the speech bubble above her head. She wears a light-beige/cream colored, long-sleeved shirt with a slightly lighter color around the neckline. Her hands are gesturing in a conversation. Both people are seated at a table with a laptop computer in front of them. The laptop is light gray/silver. There are also cups and a notepad present on the table surface, along with writing utensils. The background includes a light-colored wall and a window frame. The style is a simple, sketch-like line drawing.Picture

Education & Training

We work with businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, non-profits, faith groups, and more to build LGBTQ+ cultural competency.

A cartoonish, stylized illustration of a colorful party popper. The popper is a variety of shades of orange with a scalloped edge. Small, light blue, orange, and light green confetti pieces along with small curly ribbons are strewn around and above the cone, suggesting they are erupting out of it. Picture

Events

Throughout the year, we organize events that keep our community happy and connected. Check our calendar to find out what's coming up next.

A cartoon-style illustration of a person. The person is depicted from the mid-chest up and is wearing a plain white t-shirt. Both hands are pointing towards their mouth, with one finger on each side of the mouth. The person's expression is friendly and cheerful. Picture

Gender-Affirming Items

UP & Away, Uniting Pride's Free Binder and Waist Cincher Program, helps get gender-affirming clothing items into the hands of those who need them.

PictureThree hands hold smartphones. Above and between the two phones, small, red hearts are floating downward, suggesting likes or affections. Two speech bubbles with hearts inside them are coming from the top corners of two of the phones.

Discord Server

Our server for LGBTQ+ adults provides a platform for everyday connection. Click the link above to email us or reach out to [email protected] to find out more.

Newsletter

Our twice-monthly newsletter helps keep you up-to-date on UP programming and all things LGBTQ+ in Champaign County and beyond.

PictureA feminine presenting individual, depicted in a light, informal line-art style, is holding a magnifying glass up to their face. They are wearing a white shirt and kaki skirts.

Resources

Whether you're an LGBTQ+ community member or someone looking to understand the community better, our resource pages will help you find the information you need.

Affirming Directories

Our Community Directories can help people in Champaign County find LGBTQ-affirming faith communities, businesses, and medical providers.

Love Fest

Help us raise funds that support our year-round work while celebrating Valentine's Day in style. This incredible evening of dinner and a show reminds us that LOVE IS LOVE!

Queer Prom

Each spring, Uniting Pride hosts a free Queer Prom for Illinois students 13-18 years old. We provide a safe and affirming space for them to dance and make new friends.

Food Pantry

Our food pantry program, Eat UP, stocks non-perishable food items which are available to anyone who experiences food insecurity.

I chaperoned a group from middle school to [Queer Prom], and they had a fantastic time. They enjoyed everything; the photo booth, the dance floor, the makeup, the quiet room, the art. The biggest hit, though, was definitely the clothes. They were very excited to have the chance to try on gowns and ties and coats, and almost everyone left with some favorite piece of new clothing . . . I can't overstate how wonderful it was to see all of them so happy and excited to just celebrate being themselves!"

Tonia Lopez-Fresquet

Volunteer

Being visible as a trans person can be terrifying. Especially when you first begin the steps of living as your true self, things that may seem simple baby steps at first feel like crossing a vast ocean. For me, I found TransUP right near the beginning of my transition, and I have met so many amazing people who have helped me feel comfortable with myself, and mentored me to make this process so much easier. I no longer feel alone. I have made lifelong friendships, and I eagerly look forward to each meeting we have, every few weeks. I would greatly recommend attending any UP center group to anyone who needs support, an escape, or even just would like to meet friends. It has made a huge impact in my life.”

Trans UP participant

I have been involved with Uniting Pride for many years. I love Pride Fest because it gives me the chance to celebrate all the members of our beautiful rainbow community. I have chaperoned Queer Prom and it is wonderful to see young people celebrate with one another without fear or discrimination. My child joined a support group for queer tweens to meet other kids in the area with whom ze identifies in a different way than with many of zir other friends. Uniting Pride holds a important place in this community, and I am so very grateful to have discovered how special it is!”

Martha A. Mills

President-Emeritus, Board of Directors

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