ABOUT
AFFINITY.
Our
Mission.
Affinity is a social justice organization serving the needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community with a particular focus on Black women.
OUR VISION
We envision a society where being your authentic self is not a liability and differences are fully embraced.
OUR VALUES
We value community, recovery, healthy shared leadership, accountability, knowledge, safe spaces, critical justice and reciprocal relationships.
OUR FOCUS
Our priorities are in supporting education, health, wellness and safety, as well as advocacy, organizing and civic engagement.
Our People.
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BOARD
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Toi Williams
TRAILBLAZERS
SHE/HER/HERS
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Tammy and Kebra
PROUD PARENTS
SHE/HER/HERS
Glenda
MIDSTREAMERS
SHE/HER/HERS
Ann
40+
SHE/HER/HERS
Ishara
SPECTRUM
THEY/THEM/THEIRS
PEER LEADS
Our Herstory.
25 years ago Affinity was born out of the desire for Black lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals to bring visibility to their presence on the south side. Today, we're still standing.
1995
Black LBGTQ Community members petitioned to march in the Bud Billiken Parade, a south side institution and at the time the largest parade in the U.S. Shortly after that victory for visibility, Affinity was born.
1998
Affinity was recognized with the Bayard Rustin Award for Social Organization of the Year, Greater Chicago Committee.
1999
Affinity was awarded the:
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Ron Sable Award for Outstanding Community Activism, Crossroads Fund
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Bayard Rustin Award for Outstanding Community Service
2001
Affinity received:
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Bayard Rustin Award for Social Organization of the Year, Chicago
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Audre Lorde Legacy Award, Union Institute in Washington, DC
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Friends for Life Award, Howard Brown Health Center
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Outstanding Community Contributions Award, Lesbian Community Cancer Project
2002
Affinity was recognized with the:
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Rainbow Spirit Award, New Spirit MCC
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Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Induction, Richard M. Daley, Mayor
2003
Affinity received the National Affiliate Award, Women In the Life Association.
2004
Affinity was acknowledged with the Community Empowerment Award, Richard A. Devine, Illinois State’s Attorney.
2005
Affinity received the Lynn Campbell Memorial Award, Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice.
2010
Affinity honored for 15 Years of Service to the LGBTQ Community, Richard M. Daley, Mayor.
2012
Affinity received the PrideIndex Esteem Award for Outstanding Social Service/CBO.
2014
Affinity was recognized with the BMO Harris Lions Pride Community Organization of the Year.
We Are Affinity.
Our
Funders.
We can't and don't do this work alone.
And we're humbled and grateful for our supporters, funders and donors.
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