Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland

07/29/2026

Are you freelancing, running a side hustle, or building your own business?
Join us for Gig Workers Conversation: Thriving in the Gig Economy & Maximizing Impact, an honest conversation featuring Black LGBTQ+ gig workers sharing what it really takes to succeed independently.

You'll hear practical insights on:
• Creating more stable income
• Pricing your services with confidence
• Navigating gig platforms and freelance work
• Protecting your labor and avoiding burnout
• Building a career that aligns with your values

Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your business, you'll leave with strategies you can put into practice.

📅 Tuesday, August 25
🕗 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Register today: bit.ly/GigWorkPanel

07/09/2026

07/03/2026

💼 Know your worth. Own your value.

Success in the workplace starts with recognizing the value you bring every day.
Join us for Value of Work Ethic, a professional development session focused on helping you identify your strengths, communicate your value with confidence, advocate for fair compensation, and navigate workplace challenges with assertiveness.
You'll leave with practical strategies to stand firmly in your worth while building healthy, equitable workplace relationships.

🎉 As an added bonus, attendees who are present for the workforce development portion of the session will receive one FREE hour of WhirlyBall!
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth while having some fun afterward.

Register today: https://bit.ly/ValueWork

07/02/2026

Advocacy doesn't stop at awareness. It leads to action.

Join us for Accountability Is an Advocacy Practice, where we'll examine how accountability gaps within state agencies and funding administrators affect Black-led direct service organizations and the communities they serve.

Together, we'll discuss the importance of equitable and timely funding, explore how advocacy creates systemic change, and take action by sending prepared letters to our state representatives and senators demanding greater accountability.

When we advocate together, our voices are stronger.

Register today: https://bit.ly/AdvocacyAccountability

06/28/2026

Black Wellness Tribe is officially back in person. 🖤

Join us for our first in-person meeting of the year on July 10th at Lucky Strike Chicago.
Black Wellness Tribe is an intergenerational community for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and allies focused on connection, wellness, professional development, advocacy, and building meaningful relationships in an affirming space.

If you were previously part of the Black Q***r Caucus (BQC) or the Coalition of Accomplices for Racial Equity (CARE), Black Wellness Tribe is your new gathering place. This is a unified space for continued connection, growth, and collective action across generations.
Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we invite you to come as you are, meet new people, and grow your community.

🖤 Black Wellness Tribe
📅 July 10th
📍 Lucky Strike Chicago
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM

Invite a friend and join us.
Register Here: https://bit.ly/BWTMeetup

06/27/2026

Here's your guide to Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day! ☀️🌊

We're bringing together music, games, wellness resources, community organizations, food, and plenty of opportunities to build meaningful connections throughout the day.

Take a look at the schedule so you don't miss your favorite activities, then grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable day at 63rd Street Beach.

If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time! Register today at https://bit.ly/BeachDay2026 and join us for an amazing day celebrating Black LGBTQ+ community.

06/26/2026

We're honored to be featured by Windy City Times ahead of Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day 2026.

Thank you to Windy City Times for covering this year's event and sharing the story of how Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day has grown into one of Chicago's largest Black LGBTQ+-centered Pride events.

We're grateful to everyone who has helped build this space for community, connection, wellness, and joy over the past three years.

Join us June 27 at 63rd Street Beach for music, games, wellness resources, Speed Friending, and community.

Register today: https://bit.ly/BeachDay2026
Read the full article: https://windycitytimes.com/2026/06/24/black-lgbtq-beach-day-to-return-as-organizers-deepen-community-ties/

Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is bringing hundreds of Black LGBTQ+ Chicagoans to 63rd Street Beach this weekend for Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day, an afternoon of music, games, HIV testing and community resources. Now in its third year, the annual gathering has grown into one of the city’s largest...

06/24/2026

There’s still time to register for Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day!

Join Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland on June 27 at 63rd Street Beach ☀️🏖️
A full day of community, music, wellness resources, games, and connection — all centered on Black LGBTQ+ joy and belonging.
Don’t miss it. We’d love to see you there.

Register here: https://bit.ly/BeachDay2026

06/23/2026

🏖️ What can you expect at Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day 2026?
✨ A day centered on joy, connection, wellness, and community.
🌈 Wellness & Resource Village
Connect with organizations offering health resources, care navigation, supportive services, and opportunities designed to help our community thrive.
🤝 Speed Friending
Our crowd favorite is back! Meet new people, spark meaningful conversations, and leave with a few new friends.
🎶 Live DJs & Good Vibes
DJ Mealhouse and DJ Selah Say are bringing the soundtrack for an unforgettable day of joy, celebration, and community.
🔥 Launch Zone
Created by The Launch Collective, this youth-led space features activities and experiences designed by and for Black LGBTQ+ young adults ages 18–24.
Whether you're coming to connect, recharge, celebrate, or simply be surrounded by community, there's a place for you here.

This is the event you've been waiting for all Pride Month.
Register here: https://bit.ly/BeachDay2026
🎟️ Registration is free. Reserve your spot today.
📅 June 27, 2026

***rJoy