Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland

Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland (lf) is a black lgbtq+-led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for black lgbtq+ people through empowerment, education, and entertainment. In 2022, we engaged 1180 people through 37 community events as part of the following programs:the black queer equity index (bqei) is a black lgbtq+ community-led participatory action research project to address health inequities through improving nonprofit workplaces. We hosted our first bqei happy hour for black lgbtq+ nonprofit staff and board members. We also began planning our inaugural workforce development conference.life groups are peer-to-peer groups that met regularly to foster community for two marginalized sub communities (20-30 year olds and 50+).our coalition of accomplices for racial equity (care) is made up of 16 churches and community organizations. Care helped to organize a fundraiser, brunch, and revival to mobilize accomplices in support of the bqei. We hosted our first self-care recharge where we facilitated for bipoc lgbtq+ chicagoans having the opportunity to access culturally-responsive renewal services with black lgbtq+ vendors. We hosted we decided to spread black queer pride (bqp) over several events the year as a celebration of black lgbtq+ culture and a way to pay gig workers who were hard hit by the covid-19 pandemic. This included our skate party, the largest event of the year with 157 participants.our black queer caucus met monthly to plan events. From lgbtq family play date, to bi/pan social and accessible sex for all bodies, these events fostered empowerment, spiritual wholeness, and community as a determinant of health.