Organization

History

Members of the CQL Collaborative have a history of partnering together to undertake important public health initiatives over the past decade.

2013-2016: The Chicago MSM HIV Testing Taskforce
2014-2017: The Chicago PrEP Working Group
2017-2019: The PrEP x Amor Working Group
2018-2022: The Illinois PrEP Working Group
2019-2022: The Getting to Zero Illinois Working Group
2020-Present: The CQL Collaborative

Over the past decade, members of the Chicago Queer Latine (CQL) Collaborative have consistently come together to address critical public health needs, particularly in HIV prevention and care. From 2013 to 2016, many of our current members collaborated through the Chicago MSM HIV Testing Taskforce to expand testing and outreach efforts for men who have sex with men (MSM). Building on that momentum, the Chicago PrEP Working Group (2014–2017) and subsequently the PrEP x Amor Working Group (2017–2019) emerged, both focusing on promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and accessibility among Latiné, Black, and other underserved communities. These efforts then scaled to a statewide level from 2018 to 2022 through the Illinois PrEP Working Group, bolstering capacity and coordination among public health partners across the state.

Simultaneously, members played integral roles in the Getting to Zero Illinois Working Group (2019–2022), an initiative aimed at reducing new HIV infections and improving care for people living with HIV. By 2020, these collective experiences and collaborations crystallized into the Chicago Queer Latine Collaborative (CQL). In its current form, the CQL Collaborative harnesses the relationships, knowledge, and resources garnered through nearly a decade of teamwork, driving forward innovative public health campaigns that center queer, trans, and Latiné communities across Chicago and beyond.

Mission and Vision

Mission Statement:

The mission of CQL is to empower and uplift the queer Latine and QTBIPOC communities in Chicago by fostering informed decision-making in community health. We achieve this by collaborating with diverse professionals and communities to conduct incisive and intentional research, create culturally relevant health campaigns, and provide essential tools and resources. Our work ensures that public health initiatives and services are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the unique needs of those we serve.

Vision Statement:

Our vision is to create a future where the queer Latine and QTBIPOC communities in Chicago thrive, free from health inequities. We strive to achieve this by promoting expansive understanding and sensitivity towards the specific health needs of our communities. By leading with cultural humility and fostering community-driven solutions, we aim to eliminate disparities and build an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and uplift one another.

Strategy

Core Values

Empowerment: We believe in the inherent strength of queer Latine and QTBIPOC communities and strive to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
Equity and Justice: We are dedicated to dismantling systemic inequities, ensuring that public health initiatives are accessible and fair for everyone.
Cultural Relevance: We honor and celebrate the rich diversity of our communities by grounding our work in cultural humility and lived experience.
Collaboration: We value deep, reciprocal partnerships with community members, organizations, and professionals to create sustainable change.
Informed Decision-Making: We commit to rigorous, community-driven research and evidence-based strategies to guide our initiatives.

Guiding Principles

Community-Centered Approach: Every project and decision is driven by the voices and needs of the communities we serve.
Cultural Humility: We continuously learn from and adapt to the unique cultural contexts of queer Latine and QTBIPOC populations.
Transparency and Accountability: We maintain ethical standards and open communication in all our research and community engagements.
Innovation in Public Health: We embrace creative, intentional strategies to address complex health challenges.
Inclusivity: We work to create welcoming environments where diversity is celebrated and every individual’s perspective is valued.

Overall Goal:
Our overall goal is to eliminate health disparities and foster thriving, resilient communities by ensuring that queer Latine and QTBIPOC individuals in Chicago have equitable access to culturally responsive public health resources, research, and support.

Overarching Objectives

Conduct Inclusive Research: Collaborate with community partners to generate actionable insights that inform effective, culturally tailored public health strategies.
Develop Targeted Health Campaigns: Create and implement health campaigns that directly address the unique needs of queer Latine and QTBIPOC communities.
Strengthen Community Engagement: Build robust partnerships with local organizations and community members to establish a sustainable network of support.
Promote Informed Decision-Making: Equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary for empowered health choices.
Advocate for Equity: Champion policy and systemic changes that dismantle barriers and advance health equity for marginalized populations.