photo credit // michael oboza
EVANSTON, ILL. -
By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com
A different organization stepped in to plan Pride events in suburban Evanston as its organizers took a break. In response, the organization Out North created "Celebrate Pride" to ensure the local LGBTQ community could still come together.
Jackson Adams, an LGBTQ advocate and Evanston resident, founded Out North to be an LGBTQ and ally adult social club. The group hosts a variety of events, including a book club and community outings.
Adams said Angelica Klow, director of Skylight Vintage Etc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for mental health care, was the visionary and inspiration behind "Celebrate Pride."
Out North hosted the event alongside Evanston Made, 822 Dempster St., and several participating businesses. Lisa Degliantoni, an art advocate and podcast host, founded Evanston Made in 2014 as an artist studio tour to advocate for and connect local artists and artisans. She met co-director Liz Cramer in 2017, and Evanston Made became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization in 2019.
"Celebrate Pride" festivities featured True Colors Drag for All. Founded in 2024 by Lady Orchard and Zizi D-Lite, the troupe consists of drag performers with disabilities who share a mission of inclusion, visibility, self-expression and the spirit of Pride.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities across local businesses. Luna Delgado Botanicals, 800 Dempster St., offered handcrafted and seasonal skincare. Skylight Vintage Etc., 812 Dempster St., hosted a creative space for Pride art and ice cream. Allie Payne Group-Compass, 814 Dempster St., provided a chill lounge with refreshing beverages. Evanston Pet Center, 820 Dempster St., hosted a meet-and-greet with exotic critters.
Community members joined local artists for conversation and live demonstrations at Evanston Made. Stumble & Relish, 1312 Chicago Ave., served beverages to benefit The Trevor Project. Visitors also enjoyed complimentary bite-size treats at Frío Gelato, 1301 Chicago Ave., and sampled pastry delights at Crepe O'Clock, 601 Dempster St. NiceLena partnered with Art Maker's Outpost, 1235 Chicago Ave., to offer queer crafts and activities.
At the end of the second drag show, Adams thanked attendees and left the crowd with a reminder of effort behind the performances, noting that drag is expensive.
A different organization stepped in to plan Pride events in suburban Evanston as its organizers took a break. In response, the organization Out North created "Celebrate Pride" to ensure the local LGBTQ community could still come together.
Jackson Adams, an LGBTQ advocate and Evanston resident, founded Out North to be an LGBTQ and ally adult social club. The group hosts a variety of events, including a book club and community outings.
Adams said Angelica Klow, director of Skylight Vintage Etc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for mental health care, was the visionary and inspiration behind "Celebrate Pride."
Out North hosted the event alongside Evanston Made, 822 Dempster St., and several participating businesses. Lisa Degliantoni, an art advocate and podcast host, founded Evanston Made in 2014 as an artist studio tour to advocate for and connect local artists and artisans. She met co-director Liz Cramer in 2017, and Evanston Made became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization in 2019.
"Celebrate Pride" festivities featured True Colors Drag for All. Founded in 2024 by Lady Orchard and Zizi D-Lite, the troupe consists of drag performers with disabilities who share a mission of inclusion, visibility, self-expression and the spirit of Pride.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities across local businesses. Luna Delgado Botanicals, 800 Dempster St., offered handcrafted and seasonal skincare. Skylight Vintage Etc., 812 Dempster St., hosted a creative space for Pride art and ice cream. Allie Payne Group-Compass, 814 Dempster St., provided a chill lounge with refreshing beverages. Evanston Pet Center, 820 Dempster St., hosted a meet-and-greet with exotic critters.
Community members joined local artists for conversation and live demonstrations at Evanston Made. Stumble & Relish, 1312 Chicago Ave., served beverages to benefit The Trevor Project. Visitors also enjoyed complimentary bite-size treats at Frío Gelato, 1301 Chicago Ave., and sampled pastry delights at Crepe O'Clock, 601 Dempster St. NiceLena partnered with Art Maker's Outpost, 1235 Chicago Ave., to offer queer crafts and activities.
At the end of the second drag show, Adams thanked attendees and left the crowd with a reminder of effort behind the performances, noting that drag is expensive.
