Brave Space Alliance Announces Inaugural Trans-Focused 5K Race (Chicago, IL) – Brave Space Alliance (BSA), the first Black trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago’s South Side, has announced their inaugural Dignity Dash: Running for Our Lives 5K, taking place on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at AIDS Garden Chicago. This event is among the first trans-focused 5K races in the United States, dedicated to celebrating and honoring the lives and legacies of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
The Dignity Dash invites participants to run individually or in teams, with the opportunity to race in honor of a transgender person. Whether celebrating someone they know or running for those we’ve lost, every step becomes an act of remembrance, empowerment, and community strength.
“The Dignity Dash is more than a race — it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and visibility,” said Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance. “In a time when trans lives are under attack across the country, this event affirms our existence, celebrates our resilience, and galvanizes our community to run toward liberation together. It’s not just about crossing a finish line, it’s about showing up for one another, honoring ourselves and our ancestors, and investing in a future where trans people not only survive, but thrive.”
Proceeds from the Dignity Dash will support BSA’s affirming, culturally competent programs for Black and Brown queer and trans individuals, including housing assistance, wellness services, and more. The event aims to raise over $100,000 to sustain and expand these vital services.
Following the Dignity Dash, participants and community members are invited to the Belmont Rocks Revival at AIDS Garden Chicago. This commemorative gathering honors the historic Belmont Rocks, once a vital safe haven for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, through music, storytelling, archival exhibits, and intergenerational connection. The gathering embodies BSA’s commitment to honoring the past while building a liberated future.
Brave Space Alliance Announces Inaugural Trans-Focused 5K Race.
