TaskForce Prevention and Community Services holds “Empower and Engage” event

By: Carrie Maxwell

The multi-service, grassroots TaskForce Prevention and Community Services (TaskForce) held an “Empower and Engage” event May 8 at Room 1530 in the West Loop.

Founded in 1990, TaskForce (located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood) is “committed to improving the sexual health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ youth of Color in Chicago by providing a safe space for fellowship, HIV/STI screening and education, and on-site referrals to medical, housing and other social services.”

The multi-pronged focus of this cocktail-style event was to amplify TaskForce’s story; showcase their mission, current initiatives and future goals; increase awareness in order to expand the organization’s network; secure donations from new donors; and foster new connections among all attendees.

Speakers included TaskForce Executive Director Dr. Chris Balthazar and TaskForce Operations Director Paulo Colby. Balthazar said that the evening was all about community and connection as well providing a window into what TaskForce does. He added that TaskForce’s roots are in the HIV community where they have worked on prevention, education and access to care efforts for 35 years. Balthazar said that TaskForce has grown beyond that original scope to address the demands of the communities in which it serves. This includes LGBTQ+ youth and especially those in the Black and Brown queer and trans youth populations since many of them are unhoused, have housing instability or live in hostile environments where their identities are not affirmed.

“One of the most joyful expressions of our mission is the Vogue School,” said Balthazar. “It is a weekly program where our youth gather to learn, express themselves and build community through the art of ballroom.”

Balthazar said that last year they directly served 700 youth, and many more through their outreach efforts, referrals, events and partnerships. He added that their reach extends beyond the West Side of Chicago to the entire city.

“The safety and rights of our communities are increasingly under attack,” said Balthazar. “Across the country, we’re witnessing a surge in anti-trans legislation, the rollback of reproductive rights and efforts to censor or criminalize LGBTQ+ people. Black and Brown trans people in particular continue to face disproportionate rates of violence, homelessness and incarceration.”

Balthazar added that TaskForce stands with the LGBTQ+ communities it serves and “will never participate in the erasure of our people,” even if it costs them politically or financially, because it is the right and only thing to do in this moment and going forward.

“We are especially proud that this year, TaskForce has been selected to serve as the inaugural ‘Out Front’ Leader of the 2025 Chicago Pride Parade—the first time in history that a local community organization will lead the parade,” said Balthazar. “It is a powerful acknowledgment of the decades of work our staff, board, youth and supporters who have poured into this movement. And it’s a reminder that at the heart of Pride is and has always been the community.”

Balthazar said TaskForce has always met adversity with courage, creativity and compassion and build care systems where joy, resilience and community leadership are centered. He asked that people donate to help them continue this work and also invited everyone to their Vogue for Good annual celebration event in October.

“It is also the 35th anniversary of the iconic documentary. Paris is Burning,” said Balthazar. “A landmark celebration of Black and Latinx ball culture. In honor of both milestones, this year’s Vogue for Good will be a themed event. The category is honoring our history. We invite you to bring your finest fashions that celebrate the rich history and legacy of Black LGBTQ+ communities. Let your look pay tribute to the icons, movements and moments that changed the way.”