* The Tribune’s Vivian La traveled to Petersburg, Illinois ahead of its first-ever Pride fest…

Saturday’s event, which will include live music, specials at local businesses and art activities for families, is one of many Pride celebrations being held around the state and across the country this month.

Illinois is known for the Chicago Pride Parade — the biggest in the Midwest — which kicks off Sunday. But even a state considered to be a haven for LGBTQ rights has not been immune to attacks on LGBTQ businesses as the national political climate has turned more heated. […]

“The City Council unanimously voted to shut down the streets for Pride in Petersburg,” Pope said. “And, you know, that probably wouldn’t have happened 20 years ago.” […]

The community members organizing Pride hope to make the event an annual tradition. They’re all confident that it will last.

Olesen said Petersburg has seen change before — the town used to be all farmers — so this is the next step for a community that always tries to support one another.

It’s a good read.

* Lake County State’s Attorney press release on an alleged hate crime at College of Lake County…

Today, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a three-count information consisting of two counts of Aggravated Battery and one Hate Crime count against Jason D. May for an attack against two CLC employees on the CLC campus at Grayslake.

The Aggravated Battery charges are Class 3 felonies, and the Hate Crime is a Class 4 felony.

On June 15, 2023, May approached a CLC staff member while they were at their desk and tore down a Pride flag the employee had hanging behind them. As May attempted to take the flag, there was a struggle between the staff member, May, and a second CLC staff member who tried intervening. May attacked and struck both staff members. CLC Police were called to assist the victims, identify the offender, and begin an investigation.

May, who was a student at CLC at the time of the incident, has been in custody of the Lake County Jail being held on $50,000 cash bond since June 17. Prosecutors sought a bond of $150,000, but that request was denied.

State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart made the following statement Wednesday:

“This was an unprovoked attack not only on the CLC employees, but also on the LGBTQIA community. It is important to point out that this offender went out of his way to enter the workspace of the CLC staff so that he could pull down the Pride flag which proudly represents tolerance, love, and equality.

We appreciate the efforts of CLC police and the CLC administration. Our office will support their community, and we have been in close contact with those who were attacked in order to support them and provide them with any services they need. We know that hate crimes against the LGBTQIA community have been on the rise in this country. Hate has no home in Lake County, and this State’s Attorney’s Office will do everything to protect those who are subject to intolerance or violence simply because of who they are or who they love.”

Based on a report published in 2023 by the United States Department of Justice, there was a 70% increase nationwide in hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community between 2020 and 2021.

The LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County, a local 501(c)(3) organization released the following statement:

“Unfortunately, we are in a time where stigma and violence against the LGBTQ+ community — and specifically against the transgender community — is on the rise. It is so important that we are combating this hatred with adequate support and resources for the LGBTQ+ population as well as increased community education and advocacy. If you are in need of resources including LGBTQ+ support groups and therapists, you can visit our website at lgbtqlc.com”