Brave Space Alliance in Hyde Park creates safe space for LGBTQ+ community
CHICAGO — In an upstairs office space in Hyde Park, we find a brave space.
According to Brave Space Alliance CEO Channyn Lynne Parker, Brave Space is a Black-led, trans-led, LGBTQ+ organization that supports individuals in accessing essential needs services.
Lynne Parker took over the role just more than a year ago during a tumultuous time after it was founded in 2017.
“Leaders come and go. They rise and fall. What we do know is that it’s the mission and must remain,” Lynne Parker said.
She said the mission is growing, expanding on its community pantry from hair styling, housing, clothing programs and new partnerships, including with the University of Chicago for Behavioral Health.
At a recent event at Tie Bar on Armitage, a new collection of Brave Space Alliance accessories debuted, with proceeds going to expanding services available to Chicago’s transgender community.
“We know in Chicago alone, there’s been an increasing amount of violence perpetuated against this really vulnerable population,” Lynne Parker said. “We continue to see harm enacted against a really vulnerable population. So, Brave Space stands at the forefront to help those individuals.”
Those Individuals are people who have found a space to be themselves, and continue to find a community in a space that’s stronger than a year ago.
“Channyn has been a breath of fresh air, Channyn has come in and put proper tools and procedures into place to make sure we’re operating in excellence,” said Brave Space Alliance employee Marvin Thompson. “And then [she] is a dreamer, is a visionary that gives us the goals and deliverables to actually carry out the goals and activities for the community.”
For Lynne Parker, it’s a space in which she feels empowered to affect change for many.
“Brave space alliance is not going anywhere and we’re full steam ahead,” Lynne Parker said.
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