THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Burning Bowl is a longstanding Affinity tradition that involves the purging of last year's negativity and challenges and affirming the goals and focus areas for the New Year. This year community members will learn about both organization's 2012 goals and initiatives, engage with the special performers while listening and sharing words of inspiration with participants and keynote speaker, Sharmili Majmudar, Executive Director of Rape Victim Advocates.

"We think it's very important to work together in meaningful ways as we continue plans for our shared space," said Kim L. Hunt, executive director of Affinity.

"We are delighted to have been asked to co-sponsor this annual tradition with Affinity," stated Rosa Yadira Ortiz, Amigas Latinas Board President. "Amigas is committed to creating and sustaining spaces that allow our communities to be nurtured and supported holistically. Burning Bowl is a great way to start 2012 for our members and for our continued partnership with Affinity."

The theme for Burning Bowl in 2012 is "Healing Internally & Building Communities without Boundaries." The theme is a reflection of Affinity's 2012 initiatives; Health: Creating Caring & and Compassionate Communities, Civic Engagement: We, the People, andImmigration: I am the Other You.

The festivities are scheduled at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60637, Sat., Jan. 7, from 1:00p until 3:30p. The program will commence with lunch and refreshments, including a vegetarian option. Guests are encouraged to bring desserts to share.

Free HIV and Hepatitis C screenings will be available, as well as a voter's registration station. Burning Bowl is accessible for the differently abled, Spanish speaking people, and families with small children.

Amigas and Affinity are social justice organizations with nearly 20 years of service in LGBTQ communities of color. Amigas Latinas mission is to empower Latina lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning women by providing a safe environment, personal growth, support, education, and advocacy to impact family, friends, and the larger communities we live in. Affinity works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities, queer youth, and allies to identify emergent needs, create safe spaces, develop leaders, and bridge communities through collective analysis and action for social justice, freedom, and human rights. The two organizations collaborate on a number of social, community building, and civic engagement events.