On June 25, Brave Space Alliance (BSA) unveiled a mural honoring influential community members who have championed advocacy for Chicago's trans community.
The mural, by Saul Palos Rodriguez, features the late Lois L. Bates, Sky Cubacub, Ash Stephens, Xavier Maatra, Channyn Parker, LaSaia Wade, Stephanie Skora, Lucy Stoole, Zola Chatman and Mistress Velvet.
Among those who attended the event were Rodriguez; most of the mural subjects; and Illinois state Rep. Lamont Robinson's aide, Pat Ewert.
BSA is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ center on the South Side of Chicago that is dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming and services for LGBTQ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.