Dignity Dash: Thriving Through the Finish Line will honor transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, while raising critical funds to support BSA’s life-saving services
CHICAGO, IL – Today, Brave Space Alliance (BSA), a Black trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago’s South Side, announced their second annual Dignity Dash: Thriving Through the Finish Line, taking place on Sunday, July 26th 2026 at AIDS Garden Chicago. This year, the race will raise funds to stock BSA’s Dignity Suite with identity-affirming resources of all kinds, including new binders and packers, wigs and hair packs, and gender-affirming surgery care packages.
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 invites participants to run individually or in teams, to fundraise for crucial queer supports or simply run alongside the community.
“At its core, Dignity Dash is about affirming that trans and gender non-conforming people deserve to live with dignity, safety, and joy,” said Nikki Patin, Brave Space Alliance Interim CEO. “Our community’s needs are real and immediate, and access to affirming support and resources can be life-changing. This event is a celebration of who we are and a declaration that we will continue building spaces where our people are seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
There will also be a Pre-Dash party on Friday, July 24th at The North End to kick off this year’s 5K festivities.
“In our second year, it’s so powerful to see this event continue to grow and deepen its impact. Dignity Dash reflects the heart of our community, centered on dignity, safety, and belonging,” said Troy Taylor, Brave Space Alliance Development Manager. “People show up because they believe in protecting and uplifting trans lives. The energy and solidarity we see each year remind us that our community is strong, connected, and committed to one another in meaningful ways.”
Brave Space Alliance’s Dignity Dash 5K fundraiser returns this year to make the statement that trans people have always been and will always be here; and will not just survive but thrive. The event aims to raise over $150,000 to sustain and expand the organization’s vital services.
Registration and sponsorship information is available HERE.
About Brave Space Alliance
Brave Space Alliance is a Black, trans led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South Side of the city. We strive to empower, embolden, and educate each other through mutual aid, knowledge-sharing, and the creation of community-sourced resources as we build toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples.