The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change changed my life, jump-starting my love of justice and carrying me into racial consciousness, which are just a few reasons why I am member of the 2016 Host Committee.
Creating Change is the largest political gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer ( LGBTQ ) individuals and their allies working in the LGBT movement. Founded in 1988, the conference convenes more than 4,000 people from across the United States for skills training, strategy discussions, information sharing and networkingall for the purpose of strengthening the grassroots power of the LGBTQ movement from the ground up.
One of the reasons I am able to continue attending this conference is the availability of the hospitality suites that provide food, fun and community-building. We have heard several stories of conference-goers ( especially queer and transgender youth of color ) spending every last dime to attend Creating Change. One of the major responsibilities of the host committee for Creating Change is to raise money to provide food for these individuals.
In an effort to ensure some of the most marginalized people in LGBTQ communities can eat, Chicago's Creating Change Host Committee will be hosting a fundraising event at Sidetrack: The Video Bar at 3349 N. Halsted St. in Chicago on Sept.18 at 6p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include refreshments and a free drink ticket! Tickets to the event can be purchased via http://www.creatingchange.org/fundraiser.
Chicago is happy to host #CC16 as it serves as an opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work of Chicago and its lesser known surrounding communities. If you are interested in join the host committee, there's still time; let us know by e-mailing creatingchange@thetaskforce.org .
Romeo Jackson is a member of the Media/PR Committee for Creating Change 2016. They are a senior at Northern Illinois and is studying social justice and intersectionality.