CHICAGO — A local LGBTQ nightlife collective is using Pride Month to raise thousands of dollars for Black-led organizations across Chicago.
A Queer Pride‘s “There Is No Pride Without Justice” campaign launched Monday and has already raised more than $5,000.
The first week of fundraising benefits the Brave Space Alliance, a Black-and trans-led LGBTQ center on the South Side; the Chicago Freedom School, which teaches young people and allies about social movements; and the Chicago Community Bond Fund, which helps pay bond for people charged with crimes in Cook County. Right now, the group is working to free Black Lives Matter protesters from jail.
“Each week, A Queer Pride and other important LGBTQ voices in Chicago will work together to … collect donations to be split with various organizations addressing the evolving needs of Black people in Chicago at this time,” organizers said in a press release.
In the campaign’s fundraising page, organizers behind A Queer Pride said they were inspired by the recent protests to take a stand against police brutality and discrimination against Black people.
“This weekend’s nationwide protests have made it clear we, as the LGBTQ community, have failed our Black siblings,” organizers said. “While Black communities have cried out against the police brutality and discrimination that they suffer on a daily basis, we have too often not lifted our voices in support of their cause.”
Jake Wittich is a Report for America corps member covering Lakeview, Boystown and Lincoln Park for Block Club Chicago.
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