Peoria Proud

1200 West Gift Ave. Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 472-0470 [email protected]

June 17, 2019

Peoria Park District Board of Trustees 1125 West Lake Ave Peoria, IL 61614

Honorable Board of Trustees

On this the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the pinnacle moment in history that launched the , , Bisexual, , Queer (LGBTQ) Movement into existence, Peoria Proud is thrilled to work with the Glen Oak Amphitheatre staff to bring Pride back to Peoria.

We are submitting this memorandum to provide you with some changes and updates to the festival. The change that has taken place, since our first contact with the Amphitheatre is the name of the festival. Members of our community pointed out that Whiskey City was not a reference that many are aware of in regards to our city’s history. We were also encouraged to reconsider the name as Whiskey City can be seen as discouraging to family participation, and the participation of members of our community that are in recovery. For these reasons we have rebranded as the Festival, to be more inclusive of all segments of our LGBTQ Community.

In our effort to be inclusive of all segments of our LGBTQ Community, we have partnered with the Central Illinois Interfaith Alliance, and Peoria Council of Queer Clergy to show those in our community who are people of faith, that there are faith communities in the Peoria Area that support them. We will open the festival with an Interfaith blessing and opening indigenous drum circle to welcome those of all walks into our festival in a show of unity between the LGBTQ Community and our local Interfaith Community. Members of these faith communities will also have a vendor booth with a list of affirming temples, synagogues, mosques, churches, and secular communities.

We invite you to show your support and solidarity as well, by sending a representative of the Peoria Park District Board of Trustees, to greet and welcome LGBTQ folks from around the region to our festival, alongside city, county, and state officials. This is our moment to showcase how far the Peoria Community has come in 50 years, in affirmation of our LGBTQ residents.

Best regards,

Rev. Marcus Fogliano Vice President & COO, Peoria Proud