As we celebrate Pride and all of our LGBTQIA loved ones in Chicago, it’s important that we remember the attacks we have been seeing in our communities, particularly on our Trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming siblings, and especially those who are Black and people of color.
This year we have seen lawmakers target trans youth’s rights to read about and discuss gender identities in the classroom, to participate in competitive sports, access gender affirming medical care and more. These policies tell our young people that their identities are not valid and that their bodies are not their own. We have seen so much harm inflicted on young people when they are forced to be anything but themselves.
This month we want to celebrate, assert, and validate our identities, and our young peoples right to exist as they wish. We recommit ourselves to fighting for our right to have our whole humanity recognized! 
Resources for talking with children about queerness and identity:
1. Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools
2. Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality
Learn more about the true political power of Pride Month by reading Autostraddle’s “Principles of Pride” Series:
Celebrate Pride Month in Chicago by supporting our local Brave Space Alliance and showing up to June events! They are currently posting celebrations of powerful queer leaders throughout history.
In This Week’s Newsletter
Quick Links
*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!
*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!
Neighborhood Events
1. Horner Park Farmers Market opening TOMORROW, June 4th
2. East and West Albany Park Walking Tours, June 4th
3. Albany Park Scavenger Hunt (all ages), June 5th
4. “Restock the Shelves” Food Drive with The Friendship Center: Until June 17th
The Friendship Center is re-opening on June 2nd and needs your help restocking the shelves for our food insecure neighbors!
Drop off any non-perishable foods to:
-Davis Theater, 4614 N Lincoln Avenue
-Fresh Street Grocery, 6191 N Lincoln Avenue
-33rd Ward Office, 3001 W Irving Park Road
5. Flavors of Albany Park Restaurant Crawl, June 22nd
6. First Annual 312 River Run, June 25th
Housing Support in the Ward
1. “We Will Chicago” Housing and Neighborhoods Community Meeting with the North River Commission: June 14th, virtually 
Youth Opportunities
1. Chicago Summer Programming
*Chicago Public Schools programming found here, and you can call your local school for more information!
2. HANA Center Summer Youth Programming for Albany Park Immigrant HS Students
-Drumming Program, apply at After School Matters!
-Fighting Youth Shouting out for Humanity (FYSH)
–HANA Civic Leaders Fellowship: Apply by June 12th
Covid-19 Resources
1. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.
2. At-Home VaccinationsGet your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!
3. Vaccinations
CPS Students:
– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
– Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS
33rd Ward Vaccination Events
1. Theodore Roosevelt High School
2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome
* More information on City testing sites here!
Community Safety Updates
1. Meet and Greet with CAPS, June 7th
2. Helping Our Kids Stay Out of High Tech Trouble, June 10th
3. 17th District CAPS Meetings
The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person.
Information about Beat Meetings here.
Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.
Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org
Telephone: 312-742-4588