LIFE
People of Color
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs supports the University's efforts to increase minority student representation and helps to promote a University community which welcomes cultural diversity and values the contributions of all of its members. We serve the African American, Latino, and Native American populations; as of January 2004, OMSA also serves Asian American students. We offer programs and services to support minority students' academic and social success and serve as a clearinghouse for information. We also support policies and programs designed to reaffirm the University's commitment to diversity. Our office is located in the new center at 5710 S. Woodlawn Ave.. Call us at 773-834-4672, or send an email to omsa@uchicago.edu.
Beyond the Midway
Affinity is a non profit organization in its tenth year serving Chicago’s black lesbian and bisexual women’s community. For ten years, Affinity has served the black lesbian community through a combination of educational, social and community collaborations. One of the central elements of Affinity's mission has been the creation of opportunities for visibility, empowerment, and leadership for black lesbians locally, while serving as a national organizing model. Affinity features programs ranging from health advocacy to singles nights. Their calendar of upcoming events is available here, They are located at 5650 South Woodlawn Avenue, Garden Level. 773-324-0377.
The Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA) is an educational, social, advocacy, and support group for gay, bisexual, or questioning men in Chicago. Immigration, health, and relationship building are among the important topics offered during community forums and educational workshops. Seasonal dances, brunches, and cultural activities are held monthly and provide an excellent opportunity to network and make new friends. Call them at 773-929-7688 or email to info@almachicago.org. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.
Amigas Latinas is a support, education and advocacy group for lesbian, bisexual and questioning women of Latina heritage and has been serving the Latina community since 1995. Our membership includes women from all Latina cultures and all ages. Our programming includes monthly topical discussions, legal, education and health workshops, educational training with community providers about our issues, support groups in Spanish and English and child-focused family activities. We also participate in public events in both the Latino and LGBT communities to give visibility and voice to our lives as women who love and partner with women.
Asians and Friends of Chicago seeks to bring together gay people interested in developing a greater understanding of Asian cultures and in developing friendships through social, cultural and educational activities, Asians & Friends Chicago continues to offer opportunities to meet people and make friends in Chicago and beyond. Their website features lots of fun events for everyone interested in Asian culture & cuisine. Contact them at 312-409-1573, or join their mailing lists by writing to: afcnews@afchicago.org or comm-news@afchicago.org.
GAMBA (Getting All My Brothers Aware) Men’s Discussion Group is an ongoing, open forum for same gender loving men of African descent to discuss wide variety of issues. They meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Howard Brown Health Center ( 4025 N Sheridan Road). Contact Donald Bell at 773-388-1600 X8799 or donb@howardbrown.org for more information.
Khuli Zaban is a Chicago-based non-profit organization of South Asian and West Asian women who love women. They seek to provide social support and to build a rich and sensitive community. They organize cultural and social events and share information about their community. Call them at 312-409-2753 or write to khulizaban@hotmail.com.
Men of All Colors Together has a Chicago chapter that hosts regular events. You can contact them at mactchgo@aol.com, or call the hotline at (312) 409-6916.
The Nkyimu Organization was created by and for lesbians of African decent. "The purpose of this organization is to heighten Self and Social Awareness, Empowerment, Education, Acceptance and mostly, Support in the LGBT community." They offer a monthly newsletter, available here and have a yahoo discussion group available here. They regularly sponsor social events and parties. Email them at webmistress@nkyimu.org.
SANGAT/Chicago: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization and Support Group for the people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Burma, and rest of the South Asian countries. A not for profit organization for International Brotherhood, Sisterhood for Peace and Harmony, regardless of Sexual Orientation, Religious or Boundaries of the Country. For more information, contact sangatchicago@aol.com.
Taskforce Prevention And Community Services provides support and services for black and Latino men who have sex with men. They offer anonymous HIV testing, case management and counseling for HIV+ individuals and various youth programs for ages 13-24. Call them at 312-986-0661 or drop by their office at 1130 S Wabash, Suite 404 (Just off the #4 bus line).
Internet Resources
Blackstripe is "Internet's Leading Resource for News, Information and Culture Effecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People of African Descent."
Chicago area black lesbian and gay organizations can be found at this website.
Ebonylesbigay is a community blog "where people of color join together to form a perfect and beautiful prism."
GayCityUSA has a resource page for gays and lesbians of color.
Women of Color may find good resources at this website.
