Fostering Collaboration and Community among LGBTQ+ Organizations: Key Takeaways from the Inaugural Annual BQEI Convening

Last month, Lighthouse Foundation hosted our first annual Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) Convening. This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing equity within nonprofit organizations. The convening, organized and led by Dr. Allen Thomas, our Senior Consultant of Research and Evaluation, brought together key leaders from our inaugural BQEI cohort organizations: AIDS Foundation Chicago, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, and Howard Brown Health.

The convening's goals were clearly defined: fostering networking opportunities among the cohort organizations, identifying new or evolving strategies to enhance equitable practices, and pinpointing tangible steps for implementing policy or procedural changes. Organizations committed to making these changes before the next phase of the BQEI evaluation in Q1 of 2025.

The day began on a rejuvenating note with movement stretches led by Noelle DeLune, a recurring vendor from our popular Self-Care Recharge series. This set the tone for a day focused on reflection, collaboration, and actionable change.

Throughout the convening, participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the first annual BQEI grades. These discussions centered around identifying strengths and challenges in implementing changes based on the BQEI results. Our primary goal was to strategize how best to build equity for Black LGBTQ+ employees and board members. In turn, these efforts will ultimately benefit all employees and board members, especially those from marginalized communities.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking among the cohort organizations. Participants shared their experiences and pressing needs within their organizations, working together in intimate breakout sessions to co-create strategies for implementing policy changes. These discussions were guided by the spirit of the BQEI, which asks us to consider the needs of Black LGBTQ+ employees and board members as expressed through years of research. It also encouraged participants to envision how these changes can uplift all members of an organization, regardless of their identity.

“The BQEI Convening was an excellent way to see how dedicated these organizations are to enhancing equity,” said Dr. Allen Thomas. “Through their collaboration, I have confidence that we will see this work ripple out to those who need it.”

We extend our deepest gratitude to the first cohort of BQEI organizations for their unwavering commitment to co-creating tangible equity. Their dedication to this work reminds us that we don’t have to undertake this work alone; we are stronger together!

As we reflect on this successful inaugural convening, we eagerly look forward to the next gathering in August of 2025, where we will welcome our national cohort of BQEI organizations to join our local cohort. Together, we will continue this brave adventure into transformational equity work, building on the foundation we’ve set this year.