Peoria Proud

Peoria Proud encourages and supports diversity and equality throughout the Peoria Metropolitan Area. The coalition seeks to unify the community as a whole through advocacy, education and social outreach.  

We have been serving the community for 10 years in Fall 2023!  The work we do would not be possible without the partnership of other local nonprofits, healthcare providers, and local businesses.  Our activities are family-focused, and intentionally involve our partners and the community to reach as many people as possible and best serve and refer individuals, families, and those new to the community. 

Volunteer Needs are specific for River City PrideFest, our all day festival on the riverfront always held on the 2nd Saturday in July.  There are activities all day long, with 3-hour shifts, to assist with door greeting, Family Zone activities for families, ticket collection, vendor check-ins and hospitality, and running/stocking the hospitality zone. 

Advocacy: Spring and Fall Advocacy Days in Springfield, Statewide partnership with Equality Illinois, monthly networking meetings for legislative updates and to build a coalition of advocates. 

Education Activities: Safe Zone training for community organizations and businesses, partner with other local nonprofits serving the LGBTQIA+ community to cross-promote events, observance of national LGBTQIA+ holidays, annual meeting with the Mayor and Chief of Police.

Social Outreach: RIVER CITY PRIDEFEST, Coming Out Day Bonfire, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Pride Month, Pride History Month, Queertober Ball, to name a few.