The 3rd annual Lighthouse LGBTQ+ Pride Party is one way organizers are trying to respond to the needs of not only the Homewood and Flossmoor communities but that of the greater Southland.

Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend the June 28 celebration, which for the first time is being hosted by the village of Homewood. The first two events were held in the parking lot of Flossmoor Community Church.

“We simply outgrew our space,” said Stephanie Wright, one of the event’s organizers. “I think it just shows that the community is really excited about everything we are doing.”

The “we” is Lighthouse LGBTQ+, which Wright founded with Valerie Litchfield in 2016 after connecting as moms of sons who are gay.

Lighthouse LGBTQ+ provides free support for teens & young adults in the south suburbs who are processing their sexual & gender identity.

“It is a way for parents and kids to connect over a shared experience,” Wright said. “We are also trying to investigate and figure out how we can best serve the community.”

Wright met Litchfield through their church. She said her new friend was a mentor to her when her own son came out.

“I was interested in speaking to another mom who had a gay son,” Wright said. “The benefit of that shared experience is you are able to learn so much from each other.”

Wright said Lighthouse LGBTQ+ started with monthly meetings but since those were not well attended the group began shifting things around to include guest speakers such as an attorney who talked about knowing one’s rights as an LGTBQ person.

Then the first Pride Party happened almost like a “happy accident,” she said.

“We kind of threw something out about it on social media,” Wright said. “We dreamt it up and thought maybe we would have 40 people. But 400 people showed up.”

Litchfield said it only seemed natural that they would mark the month of Pride with their own celebration.

“Pride parties and parades continue to be important to the LGBTQ community in a variety of ways,” she said. “First and foremost, people feel seen — some folks for the very first time. It gives members of the LGBTQ community an opportunity to see the community and neighborhoods that they live in come together to celebrate with acceptance and love.”

Litchfield said the Pride celebrations are also a continuing protest and should be seen as an opportunity to learn about policies and laws that still need to be changed, removed or have protections put in place.

“While the Pride movement has come a long way in the 50 years since Stonewall (riots), the struggle for rights, freedoms and protections continues in the LGBTQ community and awareness of this is paramount,” she said.

The Pride Party will take place in Martin Avenue Square as part of Homewood’s Pride Month Celebration.

Wright said the event is family orientated but draws a diverse population.

“All ages and everywhere in between,” she said.

Wright said she is open to having a Pride parade someday.

“Anything that is highlighting and celebrating the LGBTQ community in an intentional way,” she said.

Entertainment at the Pride Party will include students from Homewood Flossmoor High School singing a variety of numbers from musicals. Live music also will be provided by The Eppersons and The Lakeside Pride Ukulele Ensemble. The event includes food offered by local vendors.

The village is also celebrating Pride Month with rainbow flags decorating the downtown area.

Rob Earnshaw is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.