Individual | Inducted 2024
Channyn Lynne Parker is a dedicated advocate and leader within Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. As the CEO of Brave Space Alliance, the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the city’s South Side, she has been instrumental in promoting the well-being and rights of underrepresented groups. Her tenure marked a period of significant transformation as she successfully steered the organization through a leadership transition, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of community support.
Her advocacy career began with landmark achievements at the Cook County Department of Corrections, where she was the first openly transgender woman and where she advocated vigorously for vulnerable populations in protective custody. Her journey continued through pivotal roles, including leading youth programs at the Broadway Youth Center and directing the TransLife Project at Chicago House social service agency. At Howard Brown Health, as director of strategic relations, she played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by spearheading initiatives to expand vaccination access to marginalized communities on the South Side.
Parker’s impact extends beyond service delivery to significant policy engagement. She serves on the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security and the Commission on Hate Crimes and Discrimination. Her advocacy for bodily autonomy and healthcare access is further highlighted by her role on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood. A powerful orator, Channyn has delivered empowering speeches at venues ranging from the White House, where she addressed national strategies on HIV/AIDS, to the Chicago Women’s March. Her influence and commitment have earned her numerous accolades, including the inaugural Trans100 award and the Humanitarian Freedom Award from Equality Illinois.