Brave Space Alliance

We are excited to share that Brave Space is the official nonprofit partner of Saatchi Art's The Other Art Fair! Starting next Thursday, March 27, over 120 artists will showcase thousands of original works at Artifact Events. Stop by for live DJ sets, installations, performances, local bites, and, of course, the Brave Space booth! Participate in some trivia and add your finger print to a community canvas to be displayed in our space. ??? Get your tickets at https://bit.ly/4hDlRId and use our code, BSA20, for 20% off! ?? 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 #TheOtherArtFairCHI #TheOtherArtFair

"Budgets Made Easy" at Brave Space next Wednesday, March 26! From 1 - 2 pm a specialist from Capital One Bank will lead a financial literacy class centered around building a budget that works for you. Stop by to learn more, ask questions, and access the other wraparound services provided in our space.

Purchased your tickets to our upcoming Partners in Dignity Soiree? Looking to deepen your impact? Become a PiDS host committee member! Members of the host committee will receive two VIP tickets to the event, access to a VIP pre-event reception, and more! Reach out to Director of Development Cicilia Robison, CiciliaR@BraveSpaceAlliance.org, with inquiries on joining our Partners in Dignity team! Celebrate the accomplishments of our collective efforts and continue to rally for the work ahead at our Partners in Dignity Soiree! Purchase tickets and become a sponsor at the links below ? Purchase Tickets and Donate to BSA: https://bit.ly/3DB4I3Y Become a PiDS Sponsor: https://bit.ly/43rGEuS

One of our wonderful Brave Space volunteers shares their experience being hands on with BSA for the past few years: "It is so beautiful to see how it has grown." ?? Volunteers are key to Brave Space Alliance, and individuals who have a passion for justice and Trans and LGBQ+ rights are always welcome aboard. Join our team of volunteers at the QR code in the video or our volunteer sign-up form: https://bit.ly/3D6Hv9T

The first week of a new month means P.A.C. is back, among other offerings in our space... Here's what's happening this week: ?? On My Soul, our new support group fro trans and gender diverse youth and their allies, will kick things off with an orientation session tomorrow, March 4, from 5 - 7 pm. All are welcome! ?? P.A.C., a men's community support group offering social support to Black and Brown men ages 18 and older, takes place this Wednesday from 5:30 - 7: 30 pm. ?? The Brave Space Barber Shop will also return this Wednesday, open on a first come, first served basis from 10 am - 4 pm. ?? Vogue University on Thursday! Attend free Vogue and Runway classes and get access to HIV testing and linkages to care.

Outside of keeping our daily offerings up and running, the Brave Space team works to be active in our community in other ways. From speaking events to celebrations of generosity, here’s what BSA was up to this month: CEO Channyn Lynne Parker shared an impassioned speech at a rally for trans rights held in response to Lurie Children’s Hospital’s decision to halt gender-affirming surgeries for those under the age of 19. Sr. People, Culture, & Operations Associate Dywaine Betts, Jr. shared BSA’s mission with undergraduates attending National Louis University’s Change Maker’s fair. The Brave Space team attended Center on Halsted screening of All the Broken Pieces, commemorating National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We celebrated our donors at Catalyst Cocktails, an event hosted to thank some of those who have shown a dedication to BSA through donation and individual support. Director of Development Cicilia Robison and Sr. Director of People, Culture, and Operations Marvin Thompson attended two consulting sessions, hosted by the Taproot Foundation, with Discover Financial Services employees. The Discover teams helped Cicilia and Marvin strategize and problem-solve to improve BSA's work! Our team attended the 2025 Equality Illinois Gala, a celebration of hope and the ongoing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. And finally, CEO Channyn Lynne Parker closed out the month at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics to speak on her experiences in service, justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Are you looking to change your name and/or gender marker? Next Wednesday, February 26, the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois will provide free, in-person legal assistance here at Brave Space from 1 - 4 pm. Via TJLP: "Please bring a photo ID and birth certificate if you have access to them. If you do not, we can assist you with getting them. If you are seeking a name change and have any criminal convictions, bring any information you may have about your case(s) with you. Please note that our volume has been higher since the election and be prepared for long wait times due to increased turnout. Bring a snack, book, friend, or something to keep you occupied while you wait." We hope to see you there!

Next Wednesday, February 26, we will be hosting a "Money Basics" Financial Literacy Class led by a Capital One Bank specialist and the Brave Space team. Pick up some personal finance advice and access BSA's other offerings while you're in the space. See you there!

Have you purchased your tickets for our Partners in Dignity Soiree? Are you looking for a way to increase your impact? Join our Host Committee and/or become a Brave Space Sponsor for the event! ? Hosts and sponsors will receive tickets to the event in addition to a variety of benefits according to their level of commitment. See our Host Committee Invitation and Sponsorship Packages below and join us in continuing to provide dignity-first services to Chicago’s trans and LGB+ community. Host Committee inquiries can be sent to CiciliaR@BraveSpaceAlliance.org and sponsorship packages can be submitted here: https://bit.ly/41cnxDQ

Happy Friday, Friends! Just a friendly heads-up that BSA will be closed for President's Day on Monday, February 17. We wish you a reflective holiday weekend.