About the vivid project
Learn about The Vivid Project, a Black Trans-led nonprofit in Chicago dedicated to transforming survival into thriving for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover our mission, values, and how we're creating a brighter future for those often overlooked.
The "vivid" difference
The Vivid Project strives to be a beacon of safety, joy, and empowerment for queer and trans individuals in Chicago, especially those who are frequently marginalized. We aim to shift the conversation from mere survival to vibrant living. Our goal is to make Chicago a place where being an LGBTQIA+ person of color, particularly a Black Trans person, means experiencing safety, self-determination, and a future full of color, instead of instability, struggle, and hate.
the housing pillar
While all five pillars are vital, the pillar that resonates most is Housing, because so many LGBTQIA+ people in Chicago are either experiencing homelessness, couch-surfing, or constantly worried about where they will live next. That profound housing instability shapes what people ask for, what they show up to, and how they engage with every other part of the work.
Our journey
The Vivid Project is a newly founded, Black Trans-led nonprofit born out of the urgent need for affirming stability within the Chicago LGBTQIA+ community. Our journey is driven by the core mission of transforming survival into thriving: by integrating five essential pillars: Inclusion, Housing, Health, Employment & Harm Reduction. We aim to secure economic freedom and holistic well-being for our community, demonstrating that when the most marginalized are empowered with the support and infrastructure they need, they can lead authentic, secure, and vibrant lives.
"After reading this, people should feel seen, safe, and energized to connect, whether that means reaching out for support, showing up to a program, or partnering with us to build a Chicago where LGBTQIA+ people can live, work, and thrive on their own terms."
- The vivid project team