Updates
Read about our latest programming updates, retrospectives, and more.
Workforce Development by Black LGBTQ+ People, for Black LGBTQ+ People: Lighthouse Foundation’s Second Annual Workforce Development Conference
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, Lighthouse Foundation hosted our highly anticipated second annual Workforce Development Conference. This year's conference saw a remarkable surge in attendance, with numbers soaring by over 151% compared to 2023, reflecting the growing importance of tailored professional development opportunities for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.
Lighthouse Foundation Reveals How Four of Chicago’s Largest Healthcare and Housing-Related Organizations Are Serving Black LGBTQ+ Workers and Board Members
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland (LF) announced the inaugural Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) grades Saturday for AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, and Howard Brown Health – four of the largest healthcare service and housing providers for LGBTQ+ people in Chicago.
Advocacy in Action: Our Legislative Advocacy Trip to the State Capitol
On February 7, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland embarked on a crucial journey to Springfield, Illinois, advocating for equitable funding alongside other Black-founded and Black-led organizations.
Commencing A Journey Towards Justice: Lighthouse Foundation's 2024 CARE Retreat
On Saturday, January 13, Lighthouse Foundation hosted our second annual CARE Retreat. A day dedicated to shaping a brighter future, the retreat aimed to introduce new faces to the impactful work of our organization and to set the stage for a year of transformative initiatives.
A Night of Reflection, Inspiration, and Advocacy: Lighthouse Foundation’s 3rd Annual World AIDS Day Commemoration
On Friday, December 1, Lighthouse Foundation (LF) hosted our 3rd Annual World AIDS Day Commemoration at the esteemed Gallery Guichard, a Black-owned art gallery in the historic Bronzeville, Chicago. This event, which has become a tradition for our organization, serves as a poignant reflection on the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and a celebration of the unwavering resilience within our community.
Celebrating Progress and Unity: The 2023 Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) Happy Hour
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Lighthouse Foundation (LF) hosted our second Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) Happy Hour at the prestigious Tavern Club at 333 in Downtown Chicago. The opulent venue provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that brought together nearly 100 community members and leaders.
Reimagining Restorative Justice Through Self-Care Recharge: Body-Focused
In the heart of Bronzeville, Chicago, a historic hub of Black culture and artistry, Lighthouse Foundation held its last Self-Care Recharge event of 2023, “Body-Focused." The event took place on Saturday, September 23, at the renowned Gallery Guichard and was a celebration of Black bodies as an act of restorative justice.
“I Love Myself,”: The Power of Lighthouse Foundation’s Inspiring Sex-Positive Event, Sexplosion
On Friday, July 21, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland hosted an unforgettable event at Room43 in Bronzeville: Sexplosion. As part of our recurring Self-Care Recharge event series, Sexplosion aimed to educate attendees about sexual health and empowerment while celebrating the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Lighthouse Foundation's 4th Anniversary Fundraiser: Celebrating Four Years of Advancing Social Justice for our Black LGBTQ+ Community
On Saturday, July 8, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland (LF) marked a significant milestone as we celebrated our 4th Anniversary Fundraiser. Held at Meeting House Tavern in Andersonville, the event served as a momentous occasion to reflect upon our many achievements during our formative years.
Rolling into Pride: Lighthouse Foundation's Unforgettable 2023 Pride Skate Party
On a vibrant Saturday evening during Pride Month, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland once again ignited joy, connection, and inclusivity at our highly anticipated event, the Pride Skate Party.
Fostering Equity and Empowerment: A Recap of Lighthouse Foundation's BQEI Soul Food Brunch
On Saturday, May 13, in an educational and transformative event, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland provided an update on our ongoing journey towards racial justice with our Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) Soul Food Brunch.
Self-Care is Justice: A Recap of Self-Care Recharge – Mind and Soul
In a rejuvenating event, Lighthouse Foundation opened the doors to holistic wellness with Self-Care Recharge: Mind and Soul. Held on Saturday, April 22, in Lincoln Park, the event aimed to provide attendees with pampering, unity, and communal rejuvenation.
Empowering Black LGBTQ+ Workers: A Reflection on Lighthouse Foundation's First Workforce Development Conference
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland paved the way towards professional empowerment and equity with our inaugural Workforce Development Conference. Held at Hiltons at McCormick Place on Saturday, March 25, the conference was a monumental convergence of Black LGBTQ+ professionals and job seekers from across Illinois, all dedicated to fostering a culturally specific, inclusive, and empowering approach to career advancement.
Looking Back on the 2022 (Un)Gala
Lighthouse Foundation hosted our second annual Winter (Un)Gala December 9, 2022, to celebrate our successes of the year the people who made it possible.