What's Happening?

Springfield IL (May 10, 2026) While the temps have stayed relatively cool, the busy season is heating up.  This week sees many events arriving to keep on your radar.

On May 14^th, the AIDs Foundation Chicago, in recognition of their ‘Getting to Zero’ campaign, will be having an online conversation to discuss the importance of sufficient funding for their continuing success at bringing new HIV cases to zero.  Progress in Illinois’ HIV response has been made possible through sustained public investment in care, prevention, housing, and community-based services. But funding decisions at the federal and state level continue to shape what is possible for communities across our state.

In this Getting to Zero Illinois Community Conversation, join Meg McElroy, AFC Director of Special Projects, and Timothy Jackson, AFC Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, to break down how HIV services are funded in Illinois, what current federal conversations may mean for the future of funding, and why the Illinois state budget plays such a critical role in protecting and sustaining HIV care and prevention programs.

Together, we’ll explore where funding comes from, how it supports communities across the state, and what’s at stake if those resources are weakened. Participants will also learn how they can take action to help secure and protect HIV funding in Illinois.

This conversation is part of the ongoing Getting to Zero Illinois Community Conversation Series, led by AIDS Foundation Chicago, which brings together community members, advocates, and partners to explore the issues shaping Illinois’ path toward zero new HIV transmissions and improved quality of life for people living with HIV.  To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/GTZCCMay2026

Also on May 14^th is another Zoom conversation with the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes and the Illinois State Board of Education called “Youth Voices: Lived Experience with Extremism, Targeted Violence, and Belonging.”  This will be conversation with student leaders about the rise of extremism and targeted violence, creating a healthy school climate, building cultures of belonging, and what adults can do to support today’s youth. This moderated discussion will feature members of the Illinois State Board of Education’s Student Advisory Council.  To register, go to:  https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/4c38ae1ea7a248cdadedb4f22ea9bce9?ticket=4832534b00000008e5f0511d240f87d8e633f4c583a9c58fba85edeb418ffa620265d5e7dc5673bc&timestamp=1778424283871&RGID=r5dc298d443d305d1a0761c6c17324bbc&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false

On May 15, the official Pride Kick Off party for Springfield Pridefest is taking place at 5^th Street GEM at 231 S 5^th Street from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Start you Pride weekend early with friends and take in this new downtown venue as well. 

On May 16^th, Springfield Pridefest takes center stage in the Y-block of downtown Springfield beginning at Noon with the parade and ending later in the evening with the main stage drag show. The main stage will see performers from 12:30 a.m. thru 10:00 p.m. There will be over 140 vendors for all to peruse and enjoy.  Come to downtown Springfield, be yourself, and let your freak flag fly!

On May 17^th, the Capital City Men’s Chorus will be putting on their Spring performance at Laurel United Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “From Sea to Shining Sea” and tickets are $10.00 at the door.