iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

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

graphic of a library table with shelves full of books in the background and one book fanned open on the table. An illustrated writer in a hat and scarf sits at the table, writing in a notebook. Text says: Coming Soon, HKI Online Library

1105

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

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.

Out Loud open mic night
Every 4th Friday, 7 pm
Telling your story is a powerful tool. Whether you are part of the Community or an ally, come and let your voice be heard.
Every 4th Friday at The Center. Tell a story, read a poem, sing. JUST DO IT OUT LOUD.

The Center, 1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa

011

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

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.

Green loch ness monster cartoon with purple hair, pink nails, and a rainbow butterfly on its back. Text says Believe in yourself

Rainbow bigfoot silhouette that says No More Hiding: Believe In Yourself

Kraken drawing with rainbow splatter, red framed glasses, and pink hair. Text says Believe in Yourself

Mothman in front of a pride rainbow, wearing hot pink thigh-high heeled boots. Text says Believe In yourself

141

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

🚨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).

011

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

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

110

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

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...

Pride Prom 2026
2nd Annual Pride Prom
Back to the 80s
February 21, 7 pm - 11 pm
The Center
1660 N. 2501st Rd. Ottawa

$40/ticket ($60/pair) until 12/24

111

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

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 Holiday Giving 50/50
Live drawing before midnight
December 31, 2025
Proceeds benefit the mission of HumanKIND Initiative

Perfect stocking stuffers or envelope additions!

121

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

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!

NYE Game Strava Ganza Palooz Aroo
Ring in the new year with a low-key night of gaming, snacks, and laughs

December 31
6 pm - 1 am
Come for an hour, or stay for the ball drop.
BYOB

The Center
1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa

011

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

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

LGBT History Month
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera was a key figure in the Stonewall Riots. A transgender woman, she later cofounded the Gay Liberation Front and worked with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson to create the trans rights group STAR. Her work was revolutionary in its inclusion of trans people in the gay liberation movement of the 60s and 70s.

151

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

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

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

121

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

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

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

131

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

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

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.

130

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

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

171

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

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

131

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

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

111

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

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

162

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

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

152

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Books are a critical vehicle for LGBTQ+ creative expression, and LGBTQ+ representation on library shelves is vital to creating a world where are people are treated with respect and kindness.

25% of book bans target those with LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
All this week, HumanKIND Initiative will be sharing LGBTQ+ titles and authors to help pack your TBR list.

Share your favorite LGBTQ+ books and writers in the comments!

Banned Books Week
October 5-11, 2025

131

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

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!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Trivia Night at The Center
Thursday, October 9
6-8 pm
Cash Prize!
$10 per person
teams up to 8 people
tickets at [link provided]
Proceeds benefit the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2051st Rd. Ottawa IL

132

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Calling all fiber artisans & crafters! Starting Sunday, October 5, you can join your fellow enthusiasts the new Fiber Arts Craft & Chat group. Bring your current project to The Center anytime between 10 am and 1 pm for cozy crafting and conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.

New at the Center
Fiber Arts Craft & Chat
Knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, rug hooking, felting, etc
Every Sunday
10 am - 1 pm
the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa, IL

011

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Spooky Season is upon us! It's time for HumanKIND Initiative's first Paint & Sip...er...we mean Paint with Spirits! Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings. Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits

HumanKIND Initiative
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
$20 a person
18+
BYOB
The Center, 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa

132

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

If you love Halloween as much as we do, you'll want to SAVE THE DATE for the HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. It's going to be a ghoulishly good time.

Save the date
HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, Octdober 25
hay rides, bonfire, crafts, haunted house, outdoor movie at dusk, and more
The William E. Heisler Center fro KINDness
1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa IL

021

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Trivia is tonight! DID YOU KNOW that all those factoids cluttering up your brain can be a powerful force for real change in the world? It's true! Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday

A very 80s/90s neon themed ad.
Trivia at The Center
80s&90s
Cash prize!
Thursday, September 25, 6-8 pm
$10 per person, up to 8 per team
Register your team at the link.
Proceeds benefit the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2501st Rd. Ottawa

111

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Throw on your leg warmers and put The Spice Girls on stereo, because Trivia is going back in time to the 80s & 90s. Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.

041

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

Doctor's orders! 🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group 🟠Thursday, August 21 🟡 7 pm 🟢The Center 🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL 🟣All writers welcome! Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.

David Tennant as Doctor Who pointing at the viewer saying YOU SHOULD BE WRITING

Rainbow Quills Writing Group
Thursday, August 21
6 pm
The William E. Heisler Center for Kindness
1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa

151

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

It's FRIDAY! Lots of pressure to make it "great," amirite? But at The Center, you can just be. We've got board games, video games, air hockey, books, movies, a giant beanbag, and best of all--KINDNESS. Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL

Photo of an inviting community room with gaming tables and shelves full of books, games, and movies. Stick figures with various pride flags for heads are enjoying themselves: one is reclining on a big orange beanbag, two are talking, one is reading. There's a green blob guy holding a mug in the foreground. Text says, Be Yourself at The Center

030

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Lots of August activities! We have board games, video games, air hockey, movies, puzzles...Come and hang out! (Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy) Hours: 🔴 Mon 5-9 pm 🟠 Tue 5-9 pm 🟡 Wed (group only) 🟢 Thu 5-9 pm 🔵 Fri 5-11 pm 🟣 Sat 9am-11pm 🟤 Sun 9am-8pm Www.humankindinitiative.org

August 2025 calendar of events at The Center. Includes events:

Queer Parents Social 12-2 pm every Sunday starting 8/10
D&D 7-9pm every Monday
Trans Support Group 6-8 pm on 8/6
PrideFit every Saturday 9-10 am
Movie nights fun 630-930 pm on 8/9 and 8/23
Veterans Support Group 6-8 pm on 8/13
Trivia 6-9 pm on 8/14 and 8/28
Family Matinee 1-3 pm on 8/17
Queer Chat Support Group 6-8 pm on 8/20
Rainbow Quills writers Group 6-7 pm on 8/21

020

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Did someone say BOWLING? The fall season of the LaSalle County Pride Bowling League starts September 19. 🔴7 pm 🟠every Friday for 12 weeks 🟡The Alley, 1758 Ottawa Ave, Ottawa 🟢ages 18+ 🔵$20/person/week 🟣Non-professional, pro-fun Register here: forms.gle/qkzdPwwrFdBw...

HumanKIND Initiative presents...LaSalle County Pride Bowling League
Friday nights 7 pm at The Alley in Ottawa
League begins September 19--teams must have 5 players. We can assign you a team if needed! Register at our web site

$20/week
One free pizza per team and one drink per player every week
$5.00 goes to the HumanKIND Fund

110

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Attn nerds of the IL River Valley: save your Monday nights for D&D at The Center in Ottawa 🔴begins Monday, August 4 🟠6 pm - ? 🟡1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa, IL 🟢ages 18+ 🔵starting Level 1, new players welcome 🟣refreshments will be available for purchase (benefitting HKI/The Center)

Starts Monday, August 4th!
Dungeons & Dragons
The Center
1660 N. 2501st Rd. South Ottawa (IL)

Illustration of a D&D party--elves, humans, warriors, etc--around a feast table. Characters are saying:
Every Monday at 6 pm
Ages 18 and up...
So excited!

020

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Veterans Support Group Wed, Aug 13 6-8 pm William E. Heisler Center for Kindness 1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL If you are a veteran who identifies as LGBTQIA+, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.

Veterans Support Group
Meet up with other veterans and discuss similar issues.
This is a private group, and the Center will be closed to the public during group.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month
6-8 pm
1660 N 2501st Rd. South Ottawa

131

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Trans Support Group Wed, Aug 6 6-8 pm William E. Heisler Center for Kindness 1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL Age 18+ If you identify as trans, nonbinary, or anything else under the transgender umbrella, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.

Trans Support Group
Connect with other trans-identifying individuals, ages 18 and up, and discuss similar issues. This is a private group, and the Center will be closed to the public.
Every 1st Wednesday of the month
6-8 pm
1660 N 2501st Rd.
South Ottawa

Be true to yourself

131

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Every day brings new executive orders, bills, laws, and court decisions that threaten the rights, liberties, and very lives of LGBTQIA+ folks. If only a hero would save us! Guess what? THERE IS NO HERO. 🧵/1

Progressive pride flag against a red background. Black letters say "I stand with HumanKIND" and includes the web site

QR code to the donation web site that says "All donations are tax deductible"

1138

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Sharing with alt text because advocacy and accessibility go hand in hand.

Lambda Legal
Know Your Rights: Passports
Virtual Info Session on passports for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people
Feb 26, 2025
3 pm ET / 12 pm PT
Join us for a free educational broadcast explaining the current landscape of the federal government's new passport and federal identity document policy. Legal experts will navigate common questions and provide information on recent developments.
RSVP today
lambda legal dot org slash id hyphen info hyphen session
Speakers:
Paul Castillo, deputy legal director, lambda legal
Carl Charles, senior attorney, lambda legal

000

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Update from Governor Pritzker's office. A new Bill will go into effect March 1st that will take away the requirement of the newspaper publication for announcing your name change. This is such an important step toward safety! 💜

051

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Saturday, February 8th, 11am-2pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa (717 Chambers St). We will have folks on hand with resources and information to answer your questions, plus forms for you if you need help filling items out. Email Dylan at Humankindinitiative@gmail.com with any questions.

000

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

There is always someone to reach out to. ALWAYS. You are not alone. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

023

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

It is time to sign up for the LaSalle County Pride Bowling League! For this first time out, the League will play on Friday nights at 7pm at The Alley in Ottawa starting March 14th. You can head to www.humankindinitiative.org/newsandevents/ for more details and to sign up!

031

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

A Night for HumanKIND is on Saturday, March 29th from 6-10 at the River's Edge Event Center in Ottawa, Illinois. Head to www.givebutter.com/pridecenter to grab your tickets today!!

021