On the morning of Aug. 17, Brave Space Alliance kicked off its first Dignity Dash from the AIDS Garden, 3003 N. Lake Shore Dr., along Chicago lakefront. Titled “Running for Our Lives,” the event welcomed over 40 participants who gathered to run, bike, or walk a 5K course, with a goal of raising $100,000 in support for the Alliance.
After the run, an entertainment segment featuring drag kings and queens, dancers and performance groups included Koda Pendant, Iyanna Frantz, Tobey Blunt, Aundra Chanel, Kybo Adobo, and Philippe Mignon and the Haus of Cage. Olaysia served as emcee for this segment.
Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (14th District) spoke before the race and said, “Things are bad…things are really fucked up. But we are here together, and we will stay together.” She added, “Some of my Democratic partners want to say, ‘We need to compromise on this [anti-LGBTQ+] bill…’ Get in touch with them and tell them to fuck all the way off… Democracy is a verb.”
Brave Space Alliance CEO Channyn Lynne Parker recounted the history of the space where “Running for Our Lives” was taking place, noting that the AIDS Garden, formerly known as The Belmont Rocks, held many stories for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Parker also spoke of the importance of the Alliance at a time when government funding has been cut, political attacks are the norm, and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are rampant.
As of the close of the event just over $96, 000 had been raised.
Sponsors for the Dignity Dash included Stonewall Sports, Nobody’s Darling, Howard Brown Health, The March McLennan Agency, Hyde Park Bank, Lesbian Social Club, Chicago Signs, Planned Parenthood, Special Events Management, Fleet Feet, Ferrara, Fairlife, Chicago Counseling Services, Chicago Diner, Chaundre White and Friends and ViiV Healthcare.
Photos by Vern Hester
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