Queer Youth Exploring Spirituality ( QYES ) will be hosting its first fundraising event 5-7 p.m. at Lincoln United Methodist Church located at 2242 S. Damen May 14.
The event will be emceed by the QYES Youth Leader Jasean Purdis who has donated his birthday at the fundraiser. There will be storying telling by youth, dance performance by Healthy Hood Chicago Teen Dance Group and Live Word Art. A light dinner will be served. There is a $10 suggested donation; 100% of the proceeds will go directly to programming.
To purchase tickets or make a tax deductible donation go to www.eventbrite.com/e/jaseans-birthday-party-fundraiser-for-qyes-tickets-25009821048 .
Queer Youth Exploring Spirituality ( QYES ) is a youth program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning ( LGBTQ ) and ally youths ages 16-21 who want to explore spirituality. Not a religious group but a spiritual group. We exist to show young people that they are beautiful and loved while connecting them to the strength of spirituality. It was founded in 2013 at Wesley United Methodist Church of Cicero, IL. In 2016, it moved to Lincoln United Methodist Church of Chicago, IL in the Pilsen neighborhood. The main program is an annual summer retreat. Last year most of our youth were from a shelter for LGBT youth experiencing homelessness, many were in foster care and most were rejected by their families because of how they identified. Our goal is to help LGBT youth use spirituality to shield themselves against the haters of the world, prevent suicide and help youth to love and celebrate themselves. You can find more information about QYES at www.facebook.com/QYESChicagoland