The Quad City Chamber has launched a Black Business Council and a Women’s Business Council. Now, we are launching two more: an Immigrant/Refugee Business Council and a LGBTQ+ Business Council. We are actively recruiting business owners and leaders from across the region to join a council. Tell us about your business challenges and guide us in how we can be a resource and contribute to your success. Our goal is to foster equity and inclusion in our regional economy and help all businesses grow. “We’ve identified three major barriers for minority-owned businesses: access to funding, limited... Read More

MOLINE, IL – The Western Illinois University Counselor Education and College Student Personnel department has announced the opening of the WIU LGBTQ+ Clinic. The clinic began providing services Sept. 19, in hopes of bringing relief to those in the community who are seeking LGBTQ+ services and for providing internship opportunities for WIU students. “I am excited about the opportunities the clinic will provide for our counseling internship students,” said Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Haley Wikoff. “Preparing students to provide these important services will ensure... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act – legislation to enshrine marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples into federal law. The bill would also formally repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and provide additional legal protections for marriage equality. Despite national support for marriage equality reaching record high levels, 157 House Republicans voted against the measure. “In our country, freedom is sacred. And that includes the freedom to marry the person you love,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “While the vast majority... Read More

From The Weeknd to the soundtrack to “Stranger Things,” synth pop is an integral part of the musical landscape of our times, and has been for decades. Aside from minor blips when it’s faded from style, the sound of synthesizers has been a constant companion for everything from avant garde pop to boy and girl band tracks and even as one of the elements of nu metal. However, the ubiquity of synth pop since its breakthrough explosion as part of the new British invasion of the ‘80s, not to mention its previous dancing along the edges in the ‘70s and ‘60s as part of various acts’ oeuvre,... Read More

Come join in the fun at The Pride Party at Saturday, June 18 at Bass Street Landing in Moline! 5-6 p.m. – Youth Drag Show sponsored by Clock, Inc. 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Live Music by Been There Done That 9-11 p.m. – Drag Performances starring: Candi Stratton – emcee & host Lyrica Simone Dominique Zaire Sinclaire Snaps Chasen El-Lewis Izzy James MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE: PRIDE PARTY  Read More

The Davenport Community School District is hosting an inclusion Night Gala Wednesday, May 11, 2022. John Kliegl, CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, will be there to celebrate the partnership between Special Olympics and Davenport Schools and acknowledge all the wonderful things Davenport’s Unified Champion Schools have done this year. The event is happening 6:00-7:30 p.m. at The Stardust at 218 Iowa Street, Davenport. The Special Olympics Iowa CEO and Superintendent TJ Schneckloth will sign a board to solidify the partnership. Unified Students and parents will attend, mix and mingle to celebrate all... Read More

The Moline Human Rights Commission is seeking input from residents in an effort to identify – and ultimately address – issues of inequality, discrimination or other challenges to inclusivity and rights that may be outstanding in the community. The seven-member committee, appointed by Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati in the fall of 2021, has created a Moline Human Rights Community Questionnaire that is available on the city’s website and social media platforms. The questionnaire asks respondents to share their experiences in areas such as equal opportunity in employment, housing and other services... Read More

Varieties Nightclub St. Patrick’s Day Bash will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, 822 W 2nd St, Davenport! Drink specials, a drag show, live entertainment and more!    Read More

Applications are being accepted for the Western Illinois University Martin Dupuis/Mukti Fund Leadership Award in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Communities. The $1,400 award recognizes a student who has provided leadership either for a GLBT group and/or for GLBT issues. Applicants who meet the leadership criteria must be undergraduate students who will return to WIU for the 2022-2023 academic year. To be considered, students must complete an application, write a short essay and provide a resume and two letters of reference. The recipient of the award will be selected by the University... Read More

During the past year, the Iowa Legislature proposed and even codified into law bills that attempt to normalize discrimination, reduce voting access and hurt many citizens of this state. Legislators are proposing more of the same during this year’s session of the General Assembly. To call out these efforts and stand up for the rights of all Iowa citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, One Human Family of the QCA, along with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Iowa, the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa & Action Fund and Progress Iowa, is sponsoring a free statewide “Iowa... Read More