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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.

What We Do

Our People.

Our People
Staff
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Aisha Davis

SHE/HER/HERS

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Kebra Ross

SHE/HER/HERS

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Rae C. Taylor

SHE/THEY

BOARD

Board
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dr. nick alder

THEY/THEM/THEIRS

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Phyllis Johnson

SHE/HER/HERS

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Toi Williams

TRAILBLAZERS

SHE/HER/HERS

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Tammy and Kebra

PROUD PARENTS

SHE/HER/HERS

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Glenda

MIDSTREAMERS

SHE/HER/HERS

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Ann

40+

SHE/HER/HERS

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Ishara

SPECTRUM

THEY/THEM/THEIRS

Peer Leads

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:

  • Ron Sable Award for Outstanding Community Activism, Crossroads Fund

  • Bayard Rustin Award for Outstanding Community Service

2001

Affinity received: 

  • Bayard Rustin Award for Social Organization of the Year, Chicago

  • Audre Lorde Legacy Award, Union Institute in Washington, DC

  • Friends for Life Award, Howard Brown Health Center

  •  Outstanding Community Contributions Award, Lesbian Community Cancer Project

2002

Affinity was recognized with the:

  • Rainbow Spirit Award, New Spirit MCC

  • 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 Herstory

Our

Funders.

We can't and don't do this work alone.

And we're humbled and grateful for our supporters, funders and donors.

Funders
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FINANCIALS.

We strive to be excellent 

stewards of every dollar received.

2022

2021

2019

2018

2016

2020

2017

Financials
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