Migrant Support Collective advocates for an end to detention through innovative programs that combine policy, storytelling, the arts, and mental health. Our unique approach promotes healing from the trauma of detention and offers LGBTQ+ migrants opportunities to advocate for freedom and systemic change.

Hosted at Center on Halsted – the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ community center – Migrant Support Collective will showcase art from detained members, share the stories of migrants impacted by ICE detention, and celebrate the resilience of our community. We will turn awareness into action for LGBTQ+ migrant rights through art, storytelling, and direct connection with people impacted by ICE detention.

This event is an opportunity for our community to reclaim our power by sharing our stories on our terms. Attendees will see art and hear stories from LGBTQ+ migrants impacted by ICE detention and learn about how ICE detention impacts our communities.

What to expect

Connect with Chicago-based advocacy organizations
See art from LGBTQ+ migrants in ICE detention
Learn about how ICE detention impacts communities in Chicago and nationwide
Hear from speakers on the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights, migrant rights, and racial justice
Enjoy light snacks prepared by Silver Fork, a culinary arts and job readiness program at Center on Halsted

Accessibility

As a multilingual organization, we are committed to language access. The event will be in Spanish, ASL, and English, and we will ask attendees to inform us of other language access needs when registering. We will also help offset travel costs for loved ones of detained members to come to the event.
Center on Halsted features a step-free accessible main street entry, as well as ADA-compliant restrooms. The event is accessible via elevator.

How to support our work

This event, along with our entire October event series for Community Action Month, is free and open to the public. Our intention is to make these events accessible to our whole community.

In order to keep these events free, we rely on the generosity of sponsorships. Please consider becoming a sponsor here!

Stories in Action

A community gathering with Migrant Support Collective