Pride Month Means Dancing, Decorating And Fun In Aurora

AURORA, IL—Pride month kicks off in one week, and Aurora businesses are getting ready to put on their party hats in celebration.

The Paramount School of the Arts, along with Culture Stock, will celebrate LGBTQ+ artisans on June 4 by providing local artists with safe spots to sell their stocks during First Fridays. The free, event will take place from 5-9 p.m. at both locations.

From handcrafted jewelry, to tarot reading and books featuring LGBTQ+ authors, there will be no shortage of variety.

Participants can also join in on a free WERQ Cardio Dance Fitness sample classes in front of North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd., from 6-7 p.m.

First Fridays Featured Pride Month Artisans:

Culture Stock: An Aurora staple, Culture stock will be featuring books that focus on LGBTQ+ stories and authors.

Paramount Performing Arts Center: Enjoy a one-stop shop supporting local LGBTQ+ creatives.

Hector Ortiz: Hector will be selling his handmade jewelry. Pieces include wire wrapped crystals and beaded earrings, necklaces and pendants.
Instagram: @crafty_tecolote

Annie Hex: Annie will be doing Tarot Card readings, as well as selling some of her books, queer poetry and pride-themed spells and pins.
Instagram: @annie.hex
Website: https://www.hexpoetryapothecary.com/

Jacqueline Franco: Jacqueline is a bisexual artist from Aurora who uses both traditional and digital art mediums. Their work mainly consists of fantasy elements and character work. They also have their own webcomic out called “Yaya the Bean” and record videos for YouTube.
Instagram: jacqueline.franco.art
Website: https://theartofjacquelinefranco.bigcartel.com/

Then, on June 13, the Paramount School of the Arts will join dozens of locals and organizations participating in the Aurora Pride Drive. Due to COVID-19, the physical parade will be canceled again in 2021, but fun can definitely be had.

Aurorans are invited to decorate their homes, businesses, or places of worship, and celebrate Aurora’s LGBTQ+ community.

Participants can decorate their vehicle, and tour the route past Aurora’s most exuberantly decorated locations.

If you choose to submit a photo of your decor, you’ll be entered in the voting for a special prize. Donation boxes for non-perishable food items benefiting Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry will be scattered about.

Sign up here for the June 13th Aurora Pride Drive.

If you’ve craving to get out of your car, The Paramount School of Performing Arts has many activities planned to take place in front of North Island Center, directly across from the Paramount Theatre on June 13.

Noon-1 p.m.: Lip Sync Battle — Challenge your bestie (or frenemy) to a lip sync battle.

1-2 p.m.: Category is: PRIDE — Get your best Pride outfit on and walk the runway.

2-3 p.m.: Are you fiercer than a Drag Queen? — Challenge a professional Drag Queen to a lip sync battle.

3-4 p.m.: Dance Party

Volunteers are needed to help with setup on Saturday, as well as setup and strike on Sunday. Sign up here.