Pride Month | Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
This city is home to various organizations devoted to assisting the LGBTQ populations as well as thriving, active LGBTQ communities. The groups listed below offer queer neighbors assistance in housing, food, medical care, legal services, and other resources.
Affinity 95
Black and queer-led organization Affinity 95 aims to improve social justice for and within Black LGBTQ communities. It runs a book club, provides support groups, and plans events to give those in need access to resources and wellness information.
Brave Space Alliance
Brave Space Alliance is a Black- and trans-led organization that works to empower and provide resources to queer and trans people, particularly those of color. It has established a local food bank, assisted participants in finding employment, created gender-affirming spaces, and is developing a housing program.
Center on Halsted
LGBTQ individuals can get a variety of health and wellness services at The Center on Halsted. It provides a range of services, such as quick HIV testing, accommodation for elderly LGBT people, therapy, and job training, in addition to cooking lessons and sports. You can donate money or provide your time.
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches
The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches is a collection of more than 80 churches and other ministries in the Chicagoland area that welcome and affirm all people. The group strives to promote the acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in religious settings and to provide resources for its members. It sponsors and takes part in numerous religious and educational events.
Howard Brown Health
Howard Brown Health provides affirming health and wellness care to LGBTQ people. Each year, it provides services to approximately 40,000 people through programs that range from basic health and dental care to services for children and the elderly. Its Broadway Youth Center offers assistance and resources to LGBTQ youth who are homeless. On the website, you can search for volunteer opportunities and donate money.
LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is a Chicago-based organization that supports, promotes and provides resources to businesses in the state.
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black- and queer-led social justice group that seeks to empower LGBTQ people of color in the Chicagoland area. It provides everything from wellness help — it recently hosted a self-care retreat — to micro loans, a book club and entertaining events.
PrideArts
Through performances at its theater, screenings of short and feature films, as well as events that highlight LGBTQ-themed documentaries, PrideArts celebrates the queer experience. Additionally, it helps to create a secure environment for LGBT artists to develop their work.
Transformative Justice Law Project
A group of activists, attorneys, and organizers known as the Transformative Justice Law Project fight for and support transgender persons who are low-income and homeless. Members provide representation for transgender people as well as assistance with legal name changes.