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Fall is packed with opportunities to help support The Project of the Quad Cities, or to partake of its events and social opportunities.

Here are six ways to connect with TPQC and its efforts to provide counseling, support groups, LGBTQ+ health care, HIV and STI testing and treatment, gender transition care, harm reduction and more throughout the Quad Cities and 22 total counties in Illinois and Iowa:

Nurturing Queer Joy

Oct. 9 (Wednesday), 6-8 p.m.
Enjoy a great meal while also learning about LGBTQ+ culture. This night of education and cuisine covers topics including being an ally, gender affirming care, legislative updates that affect LGBTQ+ people and more. Facilitator Viminda Shafer is TPQC’s community relations and development coordinator, and host The Current Iowa will also serve a gourmet meal that includes a drink ticket and vegan options. Admission is $35 for this event at 215 N. Main St., Davenport; RSVP here.

Lotería Night

Oct. 11 (Friday), 6-8 p.m.
This traditional Mexican game actually originated in Europe, starting in Italy and arriving in Mexico in the late 17th century, when it became a national tradition (History of La Lotería).  It’s like bingo, but with cards and images rather than numbers. This event is at TPQC heaadquarters, 4101 John Deere Rd. No pre-registration necessary for this free event; learn more here.
Oct. 15 (Tuesday), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find free safe sex supplies, and HIV/STI testing, all day long. Snacks also provided — along with bilingual services. Learn more here.

Queer Spooky Open House

Oct. 19 (Saturday), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
TPQC teams with The Atlas Collective Books & Brew, Moline’s new independent bookstore, for a night of “spooky drinks, snacks, and a horrifically good time.” Check out this event at The Atlas Collective Facebook page, or TPQC’s event page.
Oct. 21 (Monday)
Here’s another chance to learn about LGBTQ+ culture from Viminda Shafer, head of community relations and development, on topics like being an ally, gender affirming care, and deconstructing gender. Learn more here.

Looking Ahead: Red Ribbon Candyland Ball

Dec. 6 (Friday)
Dessertiers are still joining on for this tasty new twist on TPQC’s former Red Ribbon Ball.  With nationally-known drag star Lady Camden leading the way, attendees will taste dessert creations and peruse silent auction items, and help choose the winner of a dessert competition. Also performing: Miss Jaide and Myling Belle. The event takes place at the Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport.   Learn more here.
 
 
Learn more about The Project of the Quad Cities at its website, tpqc.org, or Facebook page.
Cover photo shows (clockwise from top left): Loteria Night logo, Putts Fore Pride logo, Queer Spooky Mixer logo, and educator Viminda Shafer and community development leader Tyler Mitchell at a previous year’s Putts Fore Pride, courtesy of Wezz De La Rosa Photography. This article is part of The Project Pages, a multi-year collaboration between The Real Mainstream and The Project of the Quad Cities  to help spread word about The Project’s work in HIV and STI testing, harm reduction, mental health counseling and support, gender transition care, and more in the Quad Cities region and 20 other counties in Illinois and Iowa.