Dignity Dash: Brave Space Alliance’s 5K along Chicago’s lakefront raises nearly $100,000

CHICAGO (WGN) — Even before jets got going for the last day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, there was a slower place along the lakefront, dealing in dignity.

“We are running for trans lives. And as you see, we have an amazing turnout, especially for our first time,” said Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of the Brave Space Alliance. “Brave Space Alliance [is] a black-lead, trans LGBTQ+ organization on the South Side of Chicago that serves people on four areas of dignity—health, housing, food and identity.”

Dubbed the Dignity Dash, the first ever iteration of the 5K run and walk brought together nearly 400 people and raised nearly $100,000 for the Brave Space Alliance’s mission. It’s one they’ve been on for almost a decade.

“The energy is insane,” said Troy Taylor, who organized this year’s event. “Everyone is just so enthralled to be here … and here at the AIDS Garden, it’s such a monumental place.”

Parker told WGN-TV how the Dignity Dash is centered around “bringing folks together,” which one participant said he whole-heartedly agrees with.

“My wife and I are just participating today,” a man named Ernie said. “Everybody deserves dignity and respect, and it shouldn’t be a controversial thing to participate in an event that supports that.”

As for how that impacts members of the LGBTQ+ community who ran in the Dignity Dash, they said the support means more than words can express.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of other trans people and other queer community here,” said Jaxson Diamond, one of the Dignity Dash runners.

Diamond wanted to make sure as they put on their shoes for this 5K, to remind others there’s always a place to go.

“Rely on your family, made family or blood. Just keep going,” Diamond said.

And keep going is the plan for the Dignity Dash, according to those with the Brave Space Alliance.

“This is the first, but definitely not the last,” Taylor said. “We’ll definitely do this again next year.”