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A group of LGBTQ people holding a rainbow heart celebrating Pride Month.

“The dating apps scare me!”That is the number one thing I hear from single people talking about dating. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get it…I always wished there was an easier way to meet people who were like me. That is one of the many reasons I created Club Lilles. The thing is, we didn’t want to make Club Lilles one of those pages that were just about trying to hook up or find a partner. It started to happen organically which was amazing, but it was not something I personally wanted to take on. I had always wished someone else would make it happen. I guess I manifested that because my friend Sophia did just that! (<a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/groupcoaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/groupcoaching">oh, and if you want to manifest with us click here</a>)<figure id="figure-lq45hkz7varlzx078du"><iframe id="lq45hkz7varlzx078du" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lR6RHdwIVCg" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/lR6RHdwIVCg" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lR6RHdwIVCg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>For years, as Sophia grew her lesbian online presence, she would witness frustrations in her DMs like…“Everyone on dating apps just wants to hook up. Looking for LOVE in a hookup world is HARD.”“I want to meet my future wife too. Can you help connect me with one of your followers?”Just like myself, she heard y’all and thought about creating this platform for over 3 years. In all honesty she was tired of being on the hunt on garbage dating apps herself (same with me). One of the amazing things about Sophia is that she takes action and she created the ultimate WLW dating platform, <a data-mce-href="https://member.queercountryclub.com/invitation?code=D2DC7E" href="https://member.queercountryclub.com/invitation?code=D2DC7E">The Queer Country Club.</a><figure id="figure-thjzcdqffklzx0dz6m"><img id="thjzcdqffklzx0dz6m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/344DYGdA3U4VNJ90N12ijwRUkVBCLLq39tFnfJ2mjAotJyw09gaaOgPpZ0PlBMVp.png" alt="the queer country club, sapphic dating, sophia spallino, jaime messina, club lilles" title="the queer country club, sapphic dating, sophia spallino, jaime messina, club lilles" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/344DYGdA3U4VNJ90N12ijwRUkVBCLLq39tFnfJ2mjAotJyw09gaaOgPpZ0PlBMVp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>I am sharing this with y’all today because I know the importance of finding love. I help people find self love, and now Sophia will help us find love outside of ourselves. If you are one of those people currently manifesting love into your life, be sure to check it out, and if you want to gain clarity around the things that you want in your life like love, that’s where I come in with the Manifest Mastermind!Whether you are ready for love or not, I find it refreshing that so many of us are creating amazing things for our community and working toward being more conscious, present, and intentional in our lives. Thank you, Sophia!<a data-mce-href="https://member.queercountryclub.com/invitation?code=D2DC7E" href="https://member.queercountryclub.com/invitation?code=D2DC7E">JOIN THE QUEER COUNTRY CLUB HERE!</a><a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/groupcoaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/groupcoaching">JOIN THE MANIFEST MASTERMIND HERE!</a>

When The Dating Apps Scare You: The Queer Country Club To The Rescue!

 Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv, Israel. Abstract motion blur effect

My first reaction when someone says, "I don't get why they need a parade" is that I want to bust them upside the head &nbsp;(I swear I'm not a violent person) but in all actuality, most people don't know the story of how the pride&nbsp; "parade" was born. So it makes sense as to why they wouldn't understand.<figure id="figure-1egndxstbtlx0od2bn"><img id="1egndxstbtlx0od2bn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14Fc2iPSOPZHsAba2rt5pxsB8VhnJRIfJom4CvUbCGQE5RIGurm91DHiGe7CHV9e.jpg" alt="pride parade, stonewall inn, lgbtq pride, lgbtq rights" title="pride parade, stonewall inn, lgbtq pride, lgbtq rights" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="5%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> This is the Stonewall Inn. Stonewall is a gay bar in lower Manhattan and has been since the 60's. As you can imagine, gay bars weren't very welcome in those times. Very few establishments welcomed openly gay people in the 1950s and 1960s. Those that did were often hole-in-the-wall bars. At the time, the Stonewall Inn was owned by the Mafia who made a profit by taking advantage of the patrons. People faced being outed, losing their jobs, their families, and their friends by being seen at a bar like this. Gay Americans in the 1950s and 1960s faced an anti-gay legal system and police would often take the opportunity to raid the bar, beat, and arrest the patrons inside. &nbsp; Early on the morning of Saturday, June 28th, 1969, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people had enough and decided to riot following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn. This night and the following nights were filled with protests and riots. This was an important moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. It was also the reason for organizing LGBTQ pride marches on a much larger public scale all over the country. On June 28, 1970, the first gay pride marches took place in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago commemorating the anniversary of the riots. Today, Pride events are held annually throughout the world toward the end of June to mark the Stonewall riots. &nbsp; People march every year to remember...they march so that we never forget. We have come a long way, but still, we have a way to go. We celebrate to remind ourselves that it is OK to be ourselves and to let those who still feel like it's not OK to know that they are not alone. So if you ever find yourself questioning why people need to march, take a moment to appreciate that you have never had to march or protest or fight to be who YOU are...and offer to march with us. #pridemonth

Why Do They Need a Parade?

Pride community at a parade with hands raised and the LGBT flag. 

&nbsp; &nbsp;As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to remind you all that we created Club Lilles so that you can feel loved and supported. You are not alone, we are here with you!Thank you to all who attended the Speed Friending Event this month! 50% of the proceeds ($115) are going to the Trevor Project. As we head into pride month, we feel it's important to remember that mental health awareness should always be a thing, especially in the LGBTQ-plus community. That is why during the month of June we are donating 25% of the proceeds from our new <a data-mce-href="https://clublilles.myshopify.com/" href="https://clublilles.myshopify.com/">Lilles PRIDE Gear line</a> to <a data-mce-href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/" href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a>.&nbsp;During the month of June, you can expect education about the LGBTQ community, Pride Month, and the fight for our rights, which has been going on for many years. We will share that here, as well as in the group. Pride month is more than rainbow gear, parades, and parties. It is about celebrating our freedom to be who we are!<figure id="figure-zp2wae9boklwtfjc31"><img id="zp2wae9boklwtfjc31" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/06TyOXVbNo17YKl6jhUdMxqk2HHgs3E4AwiAimV6PLAYRNlk7FHXWihzO3S8nWhT.png" alt="person using laptop computer" title="person using laptop computer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/06TyOXVbNo17YKl6jhUdMxqk2HHgs3E4AwiAimV6PLAYRNlk7FHXWihzO3S8nWhT.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Who's Who in the Community: Harvey MilkHarvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected in California. He served almost eleven months in office before being assassinated. During his time in office, he sponsored a bill banning discrimination in public accommodations, housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation.<figure id="figure-ety5r3vgolwtfjyu6"><img id="ety5r3vgolwtfjyu6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cSfjDJT4GHykeyYQPS10NXWztEWaIzZYdu83ybSQmuOvUD3HY5XbFozl4mSQQRx.jpg" alt="harvey Milk" title="harvey Milk" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cSfjDJT4GHykeyYQPS10NXWztEWaIzZYdu83ybSQmuOvUD3HY5XbFozl4mSQQRx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>When he first started being active in politics, he challenged the city’s gay leadership stating they were too conservative in attempting to gain political rights for homosexuals. He clashed with Jim Foster who had been active in gay politics for 10 years and refused to endorse Milk. His passion and drive to make change in politics earned him the support of many gay bar owners who had become frustrated by the lack of support in dealing with police harassment.&nbsp;Milk became an icon and martyr in the gay community and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.Lilles Love Stories: The&nbsp; Story of Anna &amp; Jenna!<figure id="figure-xj9ymhretalwtfljq5"><img id="xj9ymhretalwtfljq5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/60Dqq4rJJtTvtwny38nRozZnM19SHj1QPrwRoUeDZH7Gbixd1ea289ETUlZmNodo.jpg" alt="club lilles" title="club lilles" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/60Dqq4rJJtTvtwny38nRozZnM19SHj1QPrwRoUeDZH7Gbixd1ea289ETUlZmNodo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>"Jenna &amp; I both had a rough year in 2022 and were ready to meet new people through Lilles. There was an Atlanta area meet up and I messaged asking if anyone wanted to carpool and then join me for speed dating at MSR later that night. Jenna said that she would love to carpool &amp; go speed dating. We started texting and there was an instant connection. She was a little flirty so I was excited to meet her in person. She picked me up from my house and we hit it off. Everyone at the meet-up thought we were already dating. Later that night we went to speed dating together, but really only wanted to talk to each other. She invited me over to her house on Sunday for dinner. She made me one of my favorites, pasta carbonara, and it was so good! We were rarely apart after that. We felt so comfortable with each other and before we knew it, we had fallen in love &nbsp; We are so grateful to Jaime and Club Lilles for creating a safe space for later-in-life lesbians and ultimately introducing us to our forever person! Jenna and I bought a house in May 2023 and got engaged in August 2023 at Chateau Elan. We decided to go ahead and have a legal ceremony at the courthouse since we were starting our fertility journey. We will have a private wedding ceremony in Mexico on our 1 year anniversary, 8/24/24, and a small reception in November.Thank you Lilles!"Happy Pride Month everyone! Let's stay safe and remember that you always have support and community within Club Lilles!&nbsp;

Pride Month is Almost Here!

Woman holding the Gay Rainbow Flag on a green meadow outdoors. Happiness, freedom and love concept for same sex couples.

Coming out is a deeply personal journey that can be both liberating and challenging. Having a support system is crucial during this time, as it can provide emotional comfort, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. With it being Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to share ways to find support if you need it.Here are some key support systems and resources for those navigating the coming-out process: Friends and Family Close Friends: Sharing your experience with trusted friends can offer immediate emotional support and validation. Family Members: If you have supportive family members, they can provide a stable and understanding environment. However, it’s important to gauge their potential reactions and approach the conversation thoughtfully. LGBTQ+ Support Groups Local LGBTQ+ Centers: Many cities have community centers that offer support groups, counseling, and resources specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals. Online Communities: Websites and forums like Reddit, TrevorSpace, and various Facebook groups like Club Lilles, can connect you with others who share similar experiences, offering advice and solidarity. Professional Support Therapists and Counselors: Seeking professional help from LGBTQ+ friendly therapists can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. Hotlines and Helplines: Services like <a data-mce-href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/" href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project </a>(1-866-488-7386) offer immediate support from trained counselors for LGBTQ+ youth. Educational Resources Books and Articles: Reading about others' coming-out stories can provide insight and reassurance. Recommended books include <a data-mce-href="https://clublilles.com/blog/perfectly-queer-author-bio--jillian-abby" href="https://clublilles.com/blog/perfectly-queer-author-bio--jillian-abby">"Perfectly Queer" by Jillian Abby</a> and "Odd Girl Out: An Autobiography" by Ann Bannon. Online Resources: Websites like GLAAD and PFLAG offer comprehensive guides and advice for those coming out, as well as for their allies. Safe Spaces Community Events: Participating in LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride parades, can foster a sense of community and acceptance. Remember, coming out is a unique journey, and it’s important to go at your own pace. Surround yourself with supportive people and utilize the resources available to ensure you feel safe, respected, and understood.This month in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, 50% of the proceeds from our <a data-mce-href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895514266277?aff=oddtdtcreator" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895514266277?aff=oddtdtcreator">Club Lilles Sapphic Soiree Speed Friending event</a> will be donated to The Trevor Project. Now more than ever, we need to take care of and support one another! Register for the event here: <a data-mce-href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895514266277?aff=oddtdtcreator" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895514266277?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Click Here!</a><figure id="figure-jyfvb11b5clwi7d3f5"><img id="jyfvb11b5clwi7d3f5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3ahe9r1nwd443jdOoSNYdj9fCdkGEwYU8rrEjsgu3QfbHrifzeJPOEsF4TVxN8VL.png" alt="Club Lilles, The Trevor Project, Mental Health Awareness Month, Jaime Messina, Lesbians, Speed Friending " title="Club Lilles, The Trevor Project, Mental Health Awareness Month, Jaime Messina, Lesbians, Speed Friending " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3ahe9r1nwd443jdOoSNYdj9fCdkGEwYU8rrEjsgu3QfbHrifzeJPOEsF4TVxN8VL.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Support Systems and Resources for Those Coming Out

<figure id="figure-gd94ijmdtilwfincqo" class="selected"><img id="gd94ijmdtilwfincqo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10MXMZt6KDwNjgezfeGClz00cDsqZxJ0VEvAHmF1opQyOacto6PfA5cYYenMXiw1.jpg" alt="Perfectly Queer, Jillian Abby, Club Lilles, Lesbian, Lesbian authors " title="Perfectly Queer, Jillian Abby, Club Lilles, Lesbian, Lesbian authors " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10MXMZt6KDwNjgezfeGClz00cDsqZxJ0VEvAHmF1opQyOacto6PfA5cYYenMXiw1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure>Author Bio: Jillian AbbyFrom CPA, to licensed massage therapist, to homeschooling mom, to craft beer bar owner, to author, corporate storyteller and LGBTQ+ advocate– Jillian Abby is no stranger to making major life changes in pursuit of the most fulfilling life. Her path took her from Buffalo, to Bolivia, to Boston and beyond only for her to learn one key lesson: finding alignment and fulfillment is an inside job. Her debut memoir, Perfectly Queer (Hay House 2023), was released worldwide and hit #1 on Amazon’s new releases for LGBTQ Memoirs and Biographies. It was included on Good Morning America’s list of 15 delightful books perfect for spring reading, Wondermind’s 13 Books by LGBTQ+ Authors that Feel Like Therapy and Penguin Random House’s 2023 list of Pride In Your Words: Memoirs that Give Voice to the Queer Experience.Jillian Abby is a motivational speaker, writing coach and ghostwriter for thought-leaders through her business, Storyteller Soul, LLC. You can find more of her quirky storytelling at <a data-mce-href="https://jillianabby.substack.com/archive" href="https://jillianabby.substack.com/archive">Reframe with Jillian Abby on Substack</a>. She lives in Tampa, Florida with her wife, Jen, their two wacky and wonderful children, a rescue cat named Poe and a three-legged dog named Lava.<img id="ayrok3pduflwfisqss" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c7lfjh0g8v6N7XsshmCf2CaDBinh9KcRQ0KQn2ZMfu83DjC9gRITCsEZGXjW5yd.png" alt="Perfectly Queer, Jillian Abby, Club Lilles, Lesbian, Lesbian authors " title="Perfectly Queer, Jillian Abby, Club Lilles, Lesbian, Lesbian authors " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Get Your Copy Of Perfectly Queer" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c7lfjh0g8v6N7XsshmCf2CaDBinh9KcRQ0KQn2ZMfu83DjC9gRITCsEZGXjW5yd.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 55%;" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; object-position: 50% 55%;"><figure id="figure-ayrok3pduflwfisqss"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Order Your Copy Of Perfectly Queer: <a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/3WRpi7K" href="https://amzn.to/3WRpi7K">Click Here!</a></figcaption></figure>

Perfectly Queer Author Bio: Jillian Abby

Each year, Lesbian Visibility Week offers a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse experiences of lesbian women worldwide. This week, typically observed in the last week of April, serves as a vital platform for raising awareness, fostering inclusivity, and empowering the lesbian community.The Significance of Lesbian Visibility WeekLesbian Visibility Week is more than just a time for celebration; it's a call to action. It emphasizes the need for greater representation of lesbian women in all spheres of life, from media and politics to education and the workplace. Visibility matters because it helps to break down stereotypes, combat discrimination, and create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, feels seen and valued.History and Origins The roots of Lesbian Visibility Week can be traced back to various grassroots movements and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting the unique challenges faced by lesbian women. Over time, these efforts coalesced into a dedicated week of recognition, supported by organizations, activists, and allies. The goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that lesbian women are visible, their voices heard, and their contributions acknowledged.Why Visibility Matters Visibility has the power to transform lives. For many lesbian women, seeing themselves represented positively in media, culture, and society can be incredibly affirming. It helps to build a sense of belonging and community, reducing feelings of isolation and marginalization. Additionally, visibility plays a crucial role in educating others, fostering empathy, and promoting acceptance.How to Celebrate Lesbian Visibility WeekI had personally had the opportunity to celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week with three successful Club Lilles lesbian memoirists: <a data-mce-href="https://clublilles.com/blog/perfectly-queer-author-bio--jillian-abby" href="https://clublilles.com/blog/perfectly-queer-author-bio--jillian-abby" title="author Jillian Abby">Jillian Abby</a>, Jen Berlingo, and Melissa Giberson about their journeys.&nbsp;Check it out here<figure id="figure-0ic0crnislwfif0ar"><iframe id="0ic0crnislwfif0ar" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DrXl-06apCA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/DrXl-06apCA?si=mDZVkXSlENqxgMgx" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DrXl-06apCA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> There are many ways to celebrate and support Lesbian Visibility Week:Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history, challenges, and achievements of the lesbian community. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues.Support Lesbian Creators and Businesses: Whether it's through reading books, watching films, or buying products created by lesbian women, supporting their work is a direct way to enhance visibility. Attend Events: Many communities and organizations host events during this week, including panel discussions, film screenings, and social gatherings. Participating in these events can be both educational and empowering. Advocate for Inclusivity: Work towards creating inclusive environments in your workplace, school, or community. Advocate for policies that support and protect the rights of lesbian women. Share on Social Media: Use your platforms to amplify the voices of lesbian women. Share stories, quotes, and resources to spread awareness and celebrate the community. Moving Forward As we celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week, it's essential to remember that visibility is just the beginning. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that lesbian women are not only seen but also respected, valued, and supported in all areas of life. By coming together as a community and as allies, we can create a world where love and authenticity thrive.Lesbian Visibility Week is a reminder of the strength and resilience of lesbian women everywhere. It's a celebration of love in all its forms and a commitment to a future where everyone can live openly and proudly.

Blog

When The Dating Apps Scare You: The Queer Country Club To...

Why Do They Need a Parade?

Pride Month is Almost Here!

Support Systems and Resources for Those Coming Out

Perfectly Queer Author Bio: Jillian Abby

Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week: Embracing Love, Empo...