Equality Springfield brings ‘Milk’ to movie night

Equality Springfield is taking time this October to celebrate National LGBTQ+ History Month, which recognizes the achievements of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and encourages informative discussions to learn more about the leaders in the movement who drove equality forward.

As part of the celebration of both National LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day – Oct. 11 – Equality Springfield is hosting Pride Movie Night.

“I think it’s about creating space for the community, which is really important to smaller towns where there aren’t as many resources as, say, Columbus or Dayton,” says Kyle Scott, board secretary for Equality Springfield and chairman of the group’s membership committee. “It’s important to create visibility, too, so that if someone is struggling with expression, they can gather together in a safe space with people who are likeminded and who they can share in a community with.”

The movie Milk – which tells the story of gay rights activist Harvey Milk – will begin at 6 p.m. at the Courtyard by Mariott, 100 S. Fountain Ave., in Downtown Springfield. A suggested donation of $10 person can be paid at the door.

In addition to the movie, the event will include sliders, pasta salad, and a cash bar, and the Clark County Combined Health District will be on site with and HIV and PrEP clinic and monkeypox screenings, Scott says.

Lawrenceville Community Church is the presenting sponsor of the event.

“Our main goal is visibility and enriching lives of LGBTQ+ people in the Springfield area,” he says. “Having partners helps us spread our reach, and having paid supporters lets us offer free food and takes away barriers of people attending.”
The event is open to Equality Springfield members and supporters.

“It’s something where you can come and bring a group of friends to have a good time and get information about our community,” Scott says.

Equality Springfield membership is open to anyone 18 and older who shares the core values and mission of the organization. An annual membership fee of $20 can be paid online at www.EqualitySpringfield.org, and scholarships are available of anyone unable to paid the annual fee.

Scott encourages everyone to follow the Equality Springfield Facebook page for posts with more information about the organization and about LGBTQ+ History Month.