Best-selling author to speak at IVCC

Best-selling author Joe Chianakas will speak at Illinois Valley Community College on Monday, Oct. 20, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month activities.

Chianakas is the author of a series of popular young-adult novels: “Unveiling Aiden,” “Darkness Calls,” and “Rabbit in Red.” Copies of “Singlets and Secrets" – one of the “Aiden” series – will be available at the presentation, which begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Jacobs Library Active Learning Space.

The professor of communication at Illinois Central College in East Peoria is recognized for his advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. He will share stories about his experiences and his inspiration, and motivational stories about the power of persistence, community, and pride.

The public is also welcome to attend the free presentation, which is sponsored by the IVCC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance.