Celebrating Pride Beachside: A Recap of Our Inaugural Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day

Lighthouse Foundation hosted 400 people at the inaugural Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day on Saturday, June 22 at 63rd Street Beach. Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day culminated LF’s Summer of Pride event series and allowed attendees to reclaim spaces where our Black identities and Queer identities could flourish together.

 “I loved just seeing beautiful Black LGBTQ+ people gather on the Southside and feel safe, fearless in numbers, and joyful in fully enjoying each other’s company. It felt like we had our guard down with each other; it felt so open,” shared one event attendee. 

The day began with Movement on the Beach activations from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The first movement session featured therapist Noelle DeLune who facilitated harmonious lakeside yoga flow, inviting everyone to stretch and breathe by the lake. Noelle's inclusive approach made yoga accessible to people of all abilities and sizes. Next, Leslie Ivy of Ivy League Fitness energized the crowd with a high-intensity HIIT Workout on the Beach. Leslie’s dynamic session got hearts pumping and spirits soaring. Finally, Kiah Demery-Griffin wrapped up the movement sessions with a soothing Yoga on the Beach, helping attendees find mindfulness and relaxation through mindful movements and breathwork.

From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the beach transformed into a rejuvenating Beach Party and Health Village. DJ Rae Chardonnay set the perfect backdrop mood, creating a fun and uplifting atmosphere bolstered by the rhythms of Black Joy. Attendees partied on the sand, connecting with one another, sharing stories, and soaking up the sun in a safe and welcoming space.

“That day, 63rd Street Beach felt like a Black and POC version of what Hollywood and Montrose is to the white gays up North,” another attendee enthused, “Not that we’re not in those spaces, I just loved the world we created on the South Side. Thanks, Lighthouse!” 

Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day, supported by the Chicago Department of Public Health also featured a Health and Human Services Village that featured more than 10 Chicagoland area organizations that provided free sti testing, COVID-19 and mpox vaccinations, and a variety of healthcare activations. This initiative emphasized the importance of holistic wellness, making sure our community had access to vital health resources. Featured vendors included Alliance Care 360, Affirm: the RUSH Center for Gender, Sexuality, and Reproductive Health, Center on Halsted, the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Institute for Population and Precision Health at University of Chicago, Life is Work, Project VIDA, Taskforce Prevention & Community Services, and Third Coast CFAR.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significance and impact of the event. 

“I’m new to the lesbian world, and honestly I learned how much love and light is involved and the care behind us. I feel like I had a safe space and made new connections,” shared one event attendee. 

Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day was a powerful reminder of the strength, beauty, and joy of our community. It was more than just a day at the beach; it was a celebration of visibility, empowerment, and holistic health. It was the reclamation of spaces and experiences that may have felt safe from part of our identities but not our whole selves. And it was the creation of safe spaces free of violence for Black, Queer thriving at a place that had been the site of violence shortly mere weeks before this event. 

As we reflect on the success of Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day, we are further inspired to continue our mission of justice, equity, and empowerment. This event was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community to create safe, joyful, and affirming spaces for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.