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        • The Makeup Room
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        • QT Shop
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Black-Led, Trans-Led LGBTQ+ Center

On The South Side of Chicago

Providing affirming, culturally
competent, for-us by-us resources. 

Providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources.

Mission & Values
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Today we celebrate Bayard Rustin! Bayard "Mr....

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Feb 4

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Today we celebrate Bayard Rustin! Bayard "Mr. March on Washington" Rustin (1912-1987) was an organizer, leader, and freedom fighter. He is one of the most influential activists of the civil rights movement and organized the 1963 march on Washington for jobs and freedom. though his leadership as an openly gay man was often questioned, Rustin was a champion of advocacy and is credited with making Dr. Martin Luther king jr. into the symbol that he was.
#blackhistory #mlk #bayardrustin

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Please consider joining @chifoodpolicy for their ...

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Feb 3

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Please consider joining @chifoodpolicy for their 18th annual Chicago Food Justice Summit! Our very own community pantry network coordinator, Jah Brown, will be co-leading a plant medicine workshop on the 10th! Jah regularly facilitates “self-agency, self-actualization, sovereignty, and liberation” through their @brownpplfoundation and we can’t wait to learn more from them. The Food Justice Summit “will empower attendees to share meaningful knowledge, build deep relationships, and join in powerful conversations to envision our food future together”. Come out and learn how we can build better food systems. You can register at the link in our bio!

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BLACK QUEER HISTORY IS BLACK HISTORY.

...

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Feb 2

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BLACK QUEER HISTORY IS BLACK HISTORY. 

For Black History Month, BSA will be highlighting influential LGBTQ+ figures who have contributed to the community as cultural curators, innovators, activists, and more. Today, we honor Stormé Delarverie. An Icon, Drag King, and Activist. 
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Stormé DeLarverie "The legendary Stonewall lesbian" was a drag king, icon, and activist. It has been noted that "Despite anything else you’ve read, DeLarverie is the brave, butch lesbian who incited the Stonewall Revolution". Stormé was a drag king who toured the country and was known for her queer gender-bending fashion. It was her encounter with the police during the stonewall rebellion that galvanized the crown into action. Thank you, Stormé.
You can help us honor her by purchasing an item from our “Icons” merch collection (link in bio)!
#blackhistorymonth #stonewall

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And we are live!!!
Happy Black History Month! ...

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Feb 1

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And we are live!!!
Happy Black History Month! ✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 This month, we are showing that Black Queer History IS Black History and we are celebrating with a new line of merch! Purchasing this merch will not only celebrate LGBTQ+ trailblazers and icons, but will contribute to the work that we do to build and sustain queer and trans futures! The link to purchase is in our linktree.

🚨 Scroll to the end to see how you can get 15% off of a future purchase!
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#blackhistorymonth #queerhistory

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⭐️ We want to start the week off right with ...

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Jan 30

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⭐️ We want to start the week off right with recognizing an amazing staff member and pillar of the Chicago Trans community, @stephanieskora! As COO, Stephanie keeps us together, makes sure we run smoothly, and brings incredible energy to the office. Keep scrolling (or see below) to learn more about Stephanie!! Thanks for all you do! We appreciate you!! 
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Q: What's your favorite item of clothing?
A: A good blazer!
Q: Why did you apply to BSA?
A: I've been at BSA since it was founded, and the same thing that called me back then is what motivates me now: the chance to work at an organization that is dedicated to Black and trans liberation, and can actually live up to its values while doing it

Q: Favorite part of your work day?
A: Favorite part of my work day is when I get into the office in the morning! The BSA office has great gam vibes these days, and it's so good to feel them before diving into the work.
Q: What song(s) do you currently have on repeat?
A: Drive, by Incubus

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The free Shop is open today(1.25 from 12-4pm). ...

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Jan 25

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The free Shop is open today(1.25 from 12-4pm). Niko is our featured barber for today! Come through and get fresh! 💈 

#abraverchicago #WeKeepUsFresh

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Introducing 🚨ON THE RADAR 🚨 This is an ...

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Jan 23

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Introducing 🚨ON THE RADAR 🚨 This is an initiative to keep our community engaged, educated, and excited. We’ll be bringing you updates about entertainment, news events, and more! 

Here is the first edition! Swipe through to see what’s on BSA’s radar this month!!
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#news #abraverchicago

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We are devoted to making intentional decisions ...

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Jan 19

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We are devoted to making intentional decisions that foster thriving LGBTQ+ communities. Our services and our mission reflect a dedication to the sustainability, growth, and development of strong LGBTQ+ communities that utilize the innate strengths and knowledge that exists amongst our community. Join us as we foster a Braver Chicago.

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HUGE TRANS POLICY WIN!! 🏳️‍⚧️

...

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Jan 14

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HUGE TRANS POLICY WIN!! 🏳️‍⚧️ 

ILLINOIS, YOUR GOVERNOR JB PRIZTKER HAS SIGNED THE ACT ENSURING STATE PROTECTION FOR GENDER AFFIRMING CARE AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE IN ILLINOIS STATE LAW. THIS ACT ENSURES THAT TRANS PEOPLE IN AND OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS HAVE LEGALLY PROTECTED ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE IN THIS STATE. MORE CALLS
TO ACTION COMING SOON! JOIN BSA’S DIGNITY CIRCLE TO SUPPORT OUR ADVOCACY WORK ON BEHALF OF TRANS PEOPLE:
WWW. BRAVESPACEALLIANCE.
ORG/DONATE

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Dignity = possibilities for thriving! The Dignity ...

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Jan 13

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Dignity = possibilities for thriving! The Dignity Circle is open to supporters of Brave Space Alliance who contribute $86 or more per month. Dignity Circle members receive additional opportunities to interface with BSA's staff and community members. Please consider supporting and sustaining BSA with a recurring donation! Learn more at our website (link can be found in our bio).
#thrivenotjustsurvive #dignity #investindignity #abraverchicago

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Let’s give a warm welcome to Kimea (They/She), ...

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Jan 10

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Let’s give a warm welcome to Kimea (They/She), our new Executive Assistant to the Interim CEO! Kimea is a bright force and brings lots of laughs, good vibes, and unapologetic energy to the space. ✨ We are incredibly happy to have Kimea on the team and couldn’t do things without them!! Thanks for all you do! Welcome, Kimea!!!!

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Brave Space Alliance has been made aware of active...

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Jan 4

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Brave Space Alliance has been made aware of active discussions to exclude protections for trans people and gender-affirming care from pending legislation that would protect healthcare and reproductive rights access in Illinois. Ultimately, we are calling on Governor JB Pritzker, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly to not back down on passing protections for transgender and non-binary Illinoisians during the 2023 legislative session. We are asking our community to call JB Pritzker,  Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, your state representative, and your senator to demand that they protect trans and non-binary Illinoisians!

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We have a new website! 😍 Visit today to learn ...

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Jan 4

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We have a new website! 😍 Visit today to learn more about Brave Space Alliance, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation!

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Happy Holidays from Brave Space Alliance! Thank ...

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Dec 25

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Happy Holidays from Brave Space Alliance! Thank you all for such an amazing year. We love the work that we do and appreciate all the support that we’ve gotten from the community. Big thank you to those of you who continue to stay on the journey towards liberation with us. Here’s to another year of brave spaces and an overall Brave New Day!

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We are extremely saddened by the news of the ...

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Dec 24

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We are extremely saddened by the news of the murder of our Philadelphian trans sibling and activist, Mar’Quis Jackson. Known to his friends and family as MJ, and described by his twin as “full of life and love, he spent his life fighting for the rights and liberation of trans folks. Now more than ever, hold your community close! Say his name. Rest in power MJ. 🏳️‍⚧️

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Please join us in welcoming two new phenomenal ...

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Dec 20

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Please join us in welcoming two new phenomenal folks to our team -- Jenna (any pronouns with respect) and Kendall (he/him)! Jenna is our new Development Associate and brings an amazing warm and healing energy to our team. Kendall, our new HIV Program Coordinator, brings style and poise to the office. They've both already done so many great things for the community and we are beyond excited to have them on board with the BSA team! Welcome, Jenna and Kendall!

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Holiday Edition BIPOC Harvest Bags brought to you ...

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Dec 19

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Holiday Edition BIPOC Harvest Bags brought to you by Brave Space Alliance × @freshertogether x @chifoodsovereignty!! 100 FREE bags of local produce will be handed out - first come, first served - on December 20th at 1 pm at 2120 E. 71st Street! All produce comes from local BIPOC farmers and this round of bags include chickens for the holiday!
Support local farmers and come get some fresh produce!! #FresherTogether #eatlocal

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Join us in wishing a very very happy birthday to ...

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Dec 14

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Join us in wishing a very very happy birthday to our amazing interim CEO, @djdapper_chicago!!! Jae, thank you for all that you do for your community and your people. You work tirelessly to uplift people and your dedication does not go unnoticed. You are loved, you are appreciated, you are revered. Thank you for giving our community care in the ways that you do. Happy birthday, Jae! 🥳

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The Brave Space Alliance Prevention with Care ...

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Dec 12

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The Brave Space Alliance Prevention with Care Program is geared towards providing trans people with HIV prevention resources and education as a tool for self-empowerment and self-advocacy. It will work directly with trans folks and partner organizations to fight back against the systemic stigma and discrimination that is widespread in our community. For more questions or to inquire about HIV testing, please get in touch with our HIV Program Coordinator at kendall@bravespacealliance.org

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The Shop will be open THIS Saturday (12.10 from ...

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Dec 8

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The Shop will be open THIS Saturday (12.10 from 10am-2pm) and next Wednesday (12.14 from 12-4pm). On Saturday, the one and only @thegroomingartist_ will be our featured barber at 80 E. Pershing Road (the entry code is #103). Very talented Niko is coming into The Shop on Wednesday (at 2747 W. 79th Street). These will be our last Shop sessions until the New Year, so make sure you come through and get fresh!

#abraverchicago #WeKeepUsFresh
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Brave Space Alliance was created to fill a gap in the organizing of and services to trans and gender-nonconforming people. Currently, very few LGBTQ social services or advocacy networks exist on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Furthermore, the few trans-specific resources in the city are located in majority-white neighborhoods on the North Side, which are inaccessible geographically, and also regularly result in the hyper-policing of trans people of color who attempt to access them.

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  • OFFICES:
    1515 E 52nd Place 3rd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60615
    (872) 333-5199
  • HOURS OF OPERATION:
    Mon 9am - 5pm
    Tues 12:30pm - 5pm
    Wed 9am - 5pm
    Thurs 9am - 5pm
    Fri 9am - 3pm
    Sat 10am - 3pm
    Drop In: TBD

Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, and designed to create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQ+ community of Chicago.

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