Chicago Advocate Named to Out 100 List
Zahara Bassett receives recognition for her work with the Chicago-based nonprofit Life Is Work.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in LGBTQ+
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Out Magazine has named Zahara Bassett to its annual Out 100 list. Bassett is the founder and CEO of Life Is Work, a Chicago nonprofit focused on supporting trans, queer, and nonbinary individuals.
Why it matters
Bassett created the organization to specifically address a lack of services for transgender people residing on Chicago's West Side. The recognition highlights the impact of her ongoing advocacy and community support efforts.
Life Is Work successfully assisted in housing 200 people during the past year. The organization operates primarily out of the Austin neighborhood, providing essential food and clothing services.
The players
Zahara Bassett
She is the founder and CEO of the Chicago-based nonprofit Life Is Work.
Life Is Work
This is a Chicago nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing, and educational services to trans, queer, and nonbinary people.
The details
Operating on the West Side, the group focuses on providing food and educational resources to the LGBTQ community. Bassett leads these efforts to bridge service gaps that frequently affect local transgender residents.
Timeline
In the past year, the nonprofit helped house 200 people.
Zahara Bassett travels to Los Angeles in the coming weeks for the Out 100 celebration.
Culture Shift
This recognition follows the established pattern set by the Out 100 list in identifying influential figures who champion rights and services for LGBTQ individuals. It marks a continued societal focus on highlighting community-led initiatives that address specific service gaps.
Residents in the Austin neighborhood may find improved access to food and support services through the continued operations of Life Is Work. This recognition may also draw additional public attention and volunteer support to the nonprofit's mission.
The takeaway
Bassett’s work demonstrates how targeted, community-based organizations can effectively address the specific needs of marginalized populations. Readers interested in community support can look to local nonprofits to see how small-scale efforts fill systemic service gaps.
What happens next
Zahara Bassett will attend an award celebration in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
Further reading
For more information on community advocates, visit the Chicago LGBTQand section.
More information
Read more about the annual rankings on the Out 100 honoree list and information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
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