More than 100 people attended the launch of 2024 election efforts by Q FORCE Midwest Action Group at Sidetrack April 12.

Q FORCE is a Chicago-based, all-volunteer, grassroots movement organizing to recruit and activate "at least 500 LGBTQIA+ and allied 'Superhero' volunteers for on-the-ground voter engagement, registration and turnout this year in support of Democratic candidates in the critical battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin in advance of the 2024 general election." It builds on the success of previous efforts in Southwest Michigan in 2020.

A South Side kickoff event will be held in early May.

Speakers at the event included co-chairs Mary Morten, Jin-Soo Huh and Greg O'Neill. Others addressing the crowd were Q FORCE leadership members Jim Bennett, Coco Soodek, Manuel Hernández-Nuñez, and Jakob G. (as listed on the group's press release).

Also speaking were several elected officials: Sen. Mike Simmons, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Ald. Maria Hadden, Precious Brady-Davis and former Rep. Greg Harris.

Michigan congressional candidate Jessica Swartz also addressed the crowd.

See QFORCE.org for ways to volunteer and support.