Chicago, IL, February 9, 2018 — On Saturday, February 17th, people from the LGBTQIA+ community will gather at Underbar ( 3243 N Western Ave. ) from 8pm to 12am for a dance party in support of Uptown Tent City, an encampment of homeless people that existed underneath the Lake Shore Drive overpasses at Wilson and Lawrence Avenues.
The event description elaborates that "We show up for things that matter. We watched the city of Chicago and CPD harass our neighbors and friends, and even destroy their homes. But we will not let them be made invisible. Join us to dance and raise money for Uptown People's Law Center's work supporting #UptownTentCity. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 suggested at the door... which includes a free raffle ticket for cute prizes. Sliding scale tickets are available."
Event volunteers have spent over two months gathering many raffle prizes and partnering with local businesses to create a fundraiser that is accessible for everyone, including low-income community members.
"I'm so thrilled to be part of organizing this queer dance party. So many young queer and trans folks are doing a lot on the ground to support our #UptownTentCity neighbors but can rarely afford to go to fundraisers or events that celebrate the work," said Jes Scheinpflug, one of the event organizers. Scheinpflug, who uses they/them pronouns, continued, "Now we have a space for everyone to celebrate, and on top of that, it is accessible in many ways including gender neutral bathrooms in a night scene space that doesn't regularly have that."
All the proceeds from tickets, the raffle, and shot specials will benefit Uptown People's Law Center's two lawsuits against the city of Chicago on behalf of the residents of Uptown Tent City.
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/events/2002396936677374/ .
Tickets link: www.bit.ly/queerutc .
About Uptown People's Law Center:
Uptown People's Law Center ( UPLC ) is a nonprofit legal services organization specializing in prisoners' rights, Social Security disability, and tenants' rights and eviction defense. UPLC currently has seven pending class action lawsuits regarding jail and prison conditions.
