Local bar raises money for Pride Festival

PEORIA (25News Now) - Central Illinois’ LGBTQ Community is kicking off Pride Month. In Peoria, it’s started at a west side bar.

Tartan Inn hosted one of the first pride events this year. It was an adults-only event, and 10% of all bar proceeds went toward the larger Peoria Pride Festival later this year.

Peoria Proud president Cassie Lucchesi said it’s important for her community to be visible in the current national political climate. She also wants to create events that are safe spaces for people of any sexual orientation.

“Part of it is creating spaces where people feel safe to come,” Luchessi said. “Having the variety of events for people to be able to show up to maybe their neighborhood bar where they feel more comfortable going as opposed to a big river city pride festival for the first time. It is important for us to do that.”

The pride festival has tripled in size, according to Lucchesi, which is why they’re raising funds. Lu

There will be more events this month including a family-friendly cookout next Saturday and a vendor fair June 16th for LGBTQ businesses and allies, according to the group’s Facebook page.