CHICAGO, IL – Center on Halsted is proud to announce the inaugural Midwest Pride: United in Community convening, taking place April 17-19, 2025, at Center on Halsted in Chicago. This groundbreaking conference is designed to bring together LGBTQ+ organizations, leaders, and advocates from across the Midwest to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and address the pressing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community today.
The three-day convening will feature engaging panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, affinity spaces, and networking opportunities, all aimed at empowering attendees with new strategies and meaningful connections. Key topics will include fundraising, policy and advocacy, gender-affirming care, organizational strategy, and youth programming.
“This event is a powerful opportunity for LGBTQ+ organizations across the Midwest to come together, share best practices, and build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Joli Robinson, CEO at Center on Halsted. “Midwest Pride: United in Community is all about fostering collaboration and creating a space where LGBTQ+ leaders and allies can unite in solidarity to move our collective mission forward.”
Patrick Ryan, Chief of Staff at Center on Halsted, emphasized the importance of regional
collaboration, stating, “We know that many LGBTQ+ organizations across the Midwest, especially smaller and volunteer-led groups, face unique challenges. This convening is an opportunity to amplify their voices, provide resources, and support their growth by learning from one another and tackling issues together.”
Midwest Pride: United in Community Overview:
Midwest Pride: United in Community will provide professional development opportunities and facilitated discussions led by regional experts and community leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in sessions tailored to their specific needs, collaborate on actionable solutions, and build lasting networks to drive meaningful change in their respective communities.
Event Highlights:
- Thought-provoking panels such as “The State of the LGBTQ+ Union” and “2025 & Beyond:
Strategies for Progress and Protection.” - Breakout sessions covering key focus areas including fundraising, advocacy, and strategic
planning. - Affinity spaces for meaningful peer connection and shared experiences.
- Networking opportunities, community happy hours, and a special tour of the Legacy
Project. - A celebration of community resilience, collaboration, and growth.
Event Details:
Dates: April 17-19, 2025
Location: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613
Cost: $350 per participant (limited scholarships available)
For more information or to express interest in presenting, volunteering, or attending, please visit our website or contact Patrick Ryan at pryan@centeronhalsted.org.
About Center on Halsted:
Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to
advancing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer
(LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center daily, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood. Learn more at
www.centeronhalsted.org.