• MileeceKellyandKimHunt
    Mileece Kelly and Kim Hunt. Mileece is holding her contribution to a quilt made at the event. Affinity will mark with this quilt in the pride parade next week, and send it to The Center, one of Orlando’s LGBT centers.
  • JaceWiilliamshesangattheeventandZoilaSosa
    Jace Wiilliams (he sang at the event) and Zoila Sosa.
  • Attendees
    Attendees at the event.
  • AttendeesB
    Attendees at the event.
  • CathyKnight
    Cathy Knight, executive director of church within a church movement and another guest.
Affinity Community Services, in partnership with The Care Plan, and the University of Chicago, the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality and the Chicago Center for HIV elimination hosted a community open house to create a space for individuals heal and process the shootings in Orlando June 12.

The event was Friday, June 17 at the Center for Gender and Sexuality at the University of Chicago.

At the event, Affinity Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon stated: “As LGBTQ people of color, we are living in a devastating time where our lives and the lives of those we love are sometimes at risk simply because of who we are. From Charleston to Orlando, we are seeing a spate of tragedies where our sanctuaries are invaded and our community members are taken from us. In moments where someone tries to tear us apart in hate, coming together in love becomes a beautiful act of radicalism.”

The event had English and Spanish speaking therapists, reiki massage, a performance by Jace Williams, and a community healing project.