LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO — A South Side LGBTQ+ advocacy group is preparing to make history this summer with a race that combines visibility, wellness, and community support.
Brave Space Alliance has announced its first-ever Dignity Dash 5K, a landmark event designed to uplift transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The 5K will be held on August 17 at AIDS Garden Chicago, located at 3003 N. Lakefront Trail. Organizers hope to raise at least $100,000 to sustain their expanding programs serving Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
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Blending Fitness With Advocacy
“This dash is what’s going to be the heartbeat of being able to have [Brave Space Alliance] provide life-saving services that we have on the South Side,” said Troy Taylor, Development Manager at Brave Space Alliance and the event’s organizer.
Taylor, who is also passionate about health and physical activity, said the Dignity Dash 5K is more than just a fundraiser — it’s an opportunity to rally the community around a cause that’s increasingly urgent. “I wanted to take this as a unique opportunity to blend my passion for sports and physical fitness along with community activation and fundraising for the trans community,” he added.
A First-of-Its-Kind Charity Race
The Dignity Dash 5K is among the first trans-focused charity races in the United States, according to Brave Space Alliance. Participants can register to run individually or in teams, with many choosing to race in honor of transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals.
All proceeds will directly fund programs specifically serving Black and Brown LGBTQ+ individuals, which include:
- Housing and wellness navigation
- A full-service community food pantry
- Gender-affirming clothing and identity resources
- Mental health services
- An upcoming medical clinic
These services are coordinated from the group’s headquarters at 1515 E. 52nd Place, 3rd Floor, and are considered essential in countering rising anti-trans legislation and sentiment across the country.
Post-Race Celebration: The Belmont Rocks Revival
After the race, participants will be invited to the Belmont Rocks Revival, a celebratory gathering honoring the historic Belmont Rocks, a site that for decades served as a sanctuary for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ residents. The celebration will be held at AIDS Garden Chicago, adjacent to the racecourse.
Registration Details & Event Link
Interested runners have until August 1 to register. Teams and individuals are encouraged to participate and show their support for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
Register and learn more here: https://www.classy.org/event/dignity-dash-5k/e685097
Will you run to support Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community this August? Tell us if you’re planning to join the Dignity Dash — or who you’re running for — in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
