The BQEI Explained:
The BQEI is both population-based and place-based, foregrounding the needs of Black LGBTQ people and the organizations serving them in Chicago. Inspired by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, BQEI will define key measures of Black Queer equity to be applied industry-wide to entities serving Black Queer people, propose tangible recommendations for improvement, and provide tools to monitor and measure progress. Creating a culture of equity and inclusion will increase employment opportunities, quality of life, and access to resources for Black Queer people living primarily on Chicago’s South and West sides of the city, ultimately helping to mitigate risk factors facing Black Queer people throughout Chicago.
Our Plan
The Advisory Council
Our BQEI Advisory Council is made up of representatives from top LGBTQ+ serving organizations in Chicago, Public Health and Policy experts, and social justice advocates, representing the full Black LGBTQ+ spectrum.
The Advisory Council has generated content and data priorities for the BQEI survey based on their lived experiences as stakeholders in Chicago LGBTQ+ nonprofits and beyond. Throughout the entire process, they also provide consultation and feedback.
