Jamie Frazier discusses Lighthouse Foundation’s role in the Time of Trump
In the heart of Chicago, a beacon of hope shines for the Black LGBTQ+ community through the dedicated work of the Lighthouse Foundation. Founded by Jamie Frazier, this organization has spent six years building bridges, creating equity, and supporting Black Queer individuals across the city.
Leading with Evidence, Not Just Emotion
The Lighthouse Foundation's flagship racial equity cinitiative, the Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI), is now providing grades for a second time. This first-of-its-kind, Black community-led assessment tool designed to surface gaps in organizational excellence and identify opportunities for more equitable institutional policies. The BQEI continues this work by uplifting the voices of Black LGBTQ+, as centering the needs of those marginalized improves organizational practices and experiences for all.queStarting with four Chicago-based organizations including Center on Halsted and Howard Brown, the BQEI is expanding nationally in 2025 to include organizations from across the country.
"When you wait for something racist to happen, you're always going to be reactive," says Frazier. "But we started thinking about how we could proactively create structural justice in a way that is measured and evidence-based."
Community-Centered Approach
Beyond metrics and measurements, Lighthouse Foundation has deepened its community engagement through initiatives like:
A comprehensive community needs assessment reaching 500 Black LGBTQ+ people in Cook County
Our first annual Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day at 63rd Street Beach, bringing resources and services to the South Side
Regular Self-Care Recharges for Black LGBTQ+ community members
Partnerships with organizations like TaskForce Prevention & Community Services and the University of Chicago to provide health services
Facing Forward: The Next Four Years
As we navigate uncertain political times, the Lighthouse Foundation is positioning itself as both a sanctuary and a stronghold. Their response to the 2024 election was immediate and clear: just two days after the results, they hosted a BQEI Happy Hour recharge offering massage therapy, mindfulness sessions, and community support for Black LGBTQ+ nonprofit workers.
"We want to impart the necessary skills to survive the next four years—and the key to that is self care," explains Frazier.
The organization has outlined four key priorities for 2025:
Releasing results from their community needs assessment
Publishing the latest BQEI grades, showing concrete progress
Continuing core annual community events like their Workforce Development Conference and Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day
Launching campaigns to oppose unjust policies affecting the Black LGBTQ+ community
How You Can Support This Critical Work
Now more than ever, organizations like Lighthouse Foundation need support. As we prepare to face new challenges while continuing our essential work in Black LGBTQ+ equity, your donation can make a meaningful difference.
Your contribution will directly support:
The expansion of the Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI)
Black LGBTQ+ Caucus and CARE (Coalition to Advance Racial Equity) monthly meetings
Advocacy campaigns protecting Black LGBTQ+ rights
Research initiatives that drive evidence-based change through our BQEI and Community Needs Assessment.
Make a Donation Today
Help keep the light shining for Chicago's Black LGBTQ+ community. Visit lighthousef.org/donate to make a tax-deductible contribution
Together, we can ensure that even in challenging times, this beacon continues to guide our community toward justice and equity.
"This is not a time to find the strategy, this is a time to work the strategy you should have been cultivating." – Jamie Frazier
