Howard Brown Health holds second annual ChiQ funder

Howard Brown Health’s second annual ChiQ fundraising event took place May 4 at the South Shore Cultural Center.

More than 350 people attended this sold-out event to help support services specifically for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. The event’s name has evolved from the Lesbian Community Cancer/Care Project Coming Out Against Cancer event to the Garden of Eve, and last year was renamed ChiQ.

Clamor & Lace Noise Brigade marching band performed throughout the crowd ahead of remarks by Howard Brown Health Women’s Health Services Manager Amy Miller and Howard Brown Health External Relations Manager Channyn Lynne Parker.

Miller spoke about Howard Brown Health’s internal Women’s Health Task Force which is comprised of employees across all of their locations. The task force’s role is to help improve female patient’s experiences.

“Our monthly drop-in night, SexuWellness, has been going on for one year,” said Miller. “We have created intentional space for women and non-binary folks to come and talk about queer sex, holistic health and masturbation. You can also get a pap smear without an appointment during those nights.”

Miller noted that their massive text message campaign to encourage patients to get pap smears resulted in 200 additional patients having them done. She said their alternative insemination program saw five successful pregnancies this year.

“I am excited to announce that we will be providing prenatal care at our clinics,” said Miller. “Our patients have been asking for this for a very long time, and it is finally happening.”

Parker asked attendees to donate additional monies to help fund primary-care visits for uninsured patients, alternative insemination orientation sessions, safer sex kits and other services Howard Brown Health provides.

Jazleen Turner got many of the attendees on the dance floor for some lively lessons and magician Paige Thompson circulated among the crowds to showcase her signature brand of card tricks.

The event also featured a silent auction, raffle items, open bar, light bites, a photo booth, music by DJ All The Way Kay and DJ Tess and a game area with pool, ping-pong, cornhole toss and Giant Jenga.