Dupage Policy Journal

The Village of Glen Ellyn is hosting a party at its village-owned public pool for homosexual, bisexual and so-called "trans-sexual" tweens, teenagers and adults.

The "Chicago(land) | Body Positive Pool Party" is scheduled for Sat. July 30 at Sunset Pool, 438 Fairview Ave. in Glen Ellyn, according to an event listing on the web site of Young: Equal, a group that encourages youth to engage in sexual behavior.

"Join your Young: Equal friends for an after-hours pool party!," the web site said. "Enjoy Sunset Pool in the company of fellow LGBTQ+ peers while donning the swimwear that makes you feel your best. Nosh on snacks, cannonball off the diving board, splash alongside friends familiar and new - this is a private party just for YOU!" 

"People in the rainbow identity & allies are welcome to attend, ages 13-24. Pizza donated by Billy Bricks & cupcakes donated by Foiled Cupcakes! RSVP to let us know you're coming - can't wait to see you there!," it said.

In June, group hosting the event sponsored an event titled "Let's talk: Queer Creativity and Joy" for high school students at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.

That event promised to "celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month by sharing ways to bring joy, connectivity, and creativity to life and listening to personal stories about being out in Glen Ellyn."

Students from "Glenbard East and West Prism Clubs, and the West Chicago Suburbs Chapter of Young: Equal" led the discussion.

"Prism Clubs" at Glen Ellyn high schools are "intended to foster feelings of acceptance and worth for all individuals."

"PRISM Club continues at the high-school level. The club's acronym stands for: Pride, Raising Awareness, Involvement, Support, Mentoring," according to its web site.

Rochelle P. Walensky, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said last week that two youths who had contracted Monkeypox did so by being in contact with homosexual adult men.

"“Both of those children um are traced back to individuals who come from the men-who-have-sex-with-men community, the gay men, community…," she said.

Last fall, the Glen Ellyn public library held a celebration for "A Hindu and Buddhist festival called "Diwali," but nothing for Veterans Day.

Sunset Pool opened for the season on May 28. Village residents can use it if they have a season pass, 5-visit pass, or have paid the daily admission fee is required for entry into the pool.