MOLINE, Ill. — Update Nov. 23, 2023: Clock Inc.'s first Thanksgiving meal was a success, according to organizers. The LGBTQ+ community center in the Quad Cities has hosted Christmas celebrations for the past few years, with Thursday's dinner being the first event for Thanksgiving.
"We were excited to kind of branch out and hold this," Adam Peters, Director of Operations for Clock Inc., said. "We've already seen so many folks here today enjoy themselves. So much food, so much laughter, and just building community in the Quad Cities and in the LGBTQ+ community."
Peters added that the dinner had a larger turnout than any of the organization's previous Christmas celebrations.
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Thanksgiving is a time to get together with your family, friends and loved ones. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, they don't feel as welcome to gather. A study by the Human Rights Campaign found, "only 24% [of LGBTQ+ youth] report they can definitely be themselves at home". So if you don't feel welcome at home, what can you do?
Clock Inc., the LGBTQ+ community center in Rock Island, is hosting a "Clocksgiving" event. It's an event where anyone, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community can come, be accepted and enjoy the holiday together.
"We find the statistics are higher and higher every single year, especially with the demonetization and politicization of the LGBT community" said Adam Peters, Director of Operations for Clock Inc. "These spaces are needed at our community center, our dinner is welcome to all and I just want to make sure people know that," Peters went on to say.
The Clocksgiving event is geared toward the LGBTQ+ community but anyone is welcome to attend.
If you would like to attend Clocksgiving, you are asked to RSVP by clicking here. Clock Inc. will provide the beverages and turkey and ham. Guests are asked to bring a dessert or side dish to pass.
Clock also does a similar event for Christmas where about 50 people attend, according to Clock.
"Every year we get more and more folks that attend," said Peters.
Clock Inc. also offers programs year round for people in the LGBTQ+ community such as groups, counseling, training, workshops, and a clothing closet.
The groups include and LGBT+ middle school group, high school group, adult transgender / nonbinary group, youth transgender nonbinary group, and parents group.
Clock also offers individual, couple and family counseling which range from 30 to 60 minute sessions.
Clock's clothing closet offers "a safe space where transgender & nonbinary people can browse, try on, and take home gender-affirming clothing for free, without fear of judgement or harassment," according to Clock's website.
You can learn more about Clock Inc by clicking here.
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