Out the Archives is a recurring feature diving into the Windy City Times collection, offering a look back at the rich history of LGBTQ+ Chicago.
In this edition, we look back at the April 1996 issue of BLACKlines, which included writer Jano’s coverage of Affinity as it looked to open a South Side community center for Black LGBTQ+ people.
For more Black LGBTQ+ news—past and present—please sign up for our monthly BLACKlines newsletter. Subscribe here.
In 2025, Chicago’s Affinity organization is a 30-year-old group with strong roots in the city. But in April 1996, BLACKlines was reporting on the organization, which was just one year into its existence.
Affinity, a group by and for the Black LGBTQ+ community, answered the call for a queer organization based on Chicago’s South Side. The early idea was a house or two-flat community center on the Southeast Side which would focus on serving Black LGBTQ+ people.
Its origins began in 1994, when co-chairs Chris Smith and Lisa Pickens began to survey established groups and the types of services they provided. Both came from backgrounds in serving others—social work and psychology, respectively—and were aware of the void in the community for counseling and guidance and how the topic could be taboo.
At the time, Affinity had already held open meetings at the Illinois Institute of Technology, but the main priority was finding a physical space. Smith also said they had decided not to rule out progressive churches as potential space providers and speak to ministers about how they serve their congregations.
Most importantly, Smith and Pickens wanted to be out, open and empowering others where they could.
“I have a lot of confidence in what I see as an evolution of Black lesbians and gays, particularly on the South Side,” Pickens said. “I must say that I feel we have reached a point where this is a natural expression based on what has gone on before us.”
In the article, those involved were asked about where they see Affinity 20 years from then—which would’ve been 2016, the year of the first Trump election. Founding member Karen Long said the programs would change as the needs of the community changed, and others mentioned health care and coming out groups would most likely still be needed.
“It will be the ones who aren’t yet born who will be taking the torch,” Long said.
Today, Affinity has received numerous city, state and national awards for its contributions to the community. The organization hosts numerous regular group gatherings, from health and wellness sessions to age group meet-ups and opportunities for civic engagement. After a bit of moving around, the organization currently resides at 2850 S. Wabash Ave.
Did you contribute to BLACKlines during its original run? We want to hear from you! Email Managing Editor Jake Wittich at wittichjake@gmail.com to get in touch.