Across the country, 56 percent of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people across the country report experiencing some type of discrimination while accessing healthcare. And, 52% of trans people in America believe they will be refused medical services because of their gender identity. That’s why Equality Illinois is launching our LGBTQ Healthcare Survey. If you identify …
Now available: The Equality Illinois Marriage Planning Guide, 2015-2016 Edition Find that special venue, the right caterer, photographer, baker and florist, and the officiant who will make your wedding memorable. Also, learn about the Illinois marriage law and the Supreme Court ruling making marriage equality the law of the land. Click below to read and …
#StandWithPP #PinkOut
A special message from Art Johnston, Equality Illinois co-founder: As we enter Equality Illinois’ 25th year, I look back in astonishment at what we accomplished together, and feel so positive about our collective ability to tackle the challenges ahead. If you went out in the 1970s to a bar where gay and trans people gathered, …
An Equality Illinois delegation of movement stakeholders and LGBT community members spent Sept. 17 in Washington for meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill to discuss a broad federal agenda of importance to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans, our families and allies. The EQIL delegation discussed the Obama administration’s push for global …
Equality Illinois is excited to announce an expanded statewide strategy that includes opening of a central Illinois office and a network of strategic local partnerships in order to better serve the needs and priorities of LGBT Illinoisans. Equality Illinois’ first strategic community partner is the Phoenix Center, Springfield’s LGBT community center. The Equality Illinois central …
The program for this Saturday’s LGBT Equality Institute in Springfield will bring together experts and activists who will focus on the services, programs and issues central to Illinoisans outside of Chicago. Springfield Mayor James O. Langfelder will welcome the participants at the 10 am opening session. The conference will also feature state Sen. Andy Manar …
LGBT Institute Brings Experts and Activists Together Read More »
The Out + About: Good Business Network features businesses across Illinois that have signed the Good Business pledge for LGBTQ equality. Check out our new statewide directory of businesses that are welcoming to LGBTQ individuals. Discover your new favorite pet store, hotel, restaurant, and more! It’s important to support our friends — use our directory to find …
Out + About: Good Business Network Directory – LIVE! Read More »
The Springfield-based daylong LGBT Equality Institute on Saturday, August 29 in the shadow of the state Capitol will feature speakers and panels discussing the future of our movement and offering practical skills. It will be an opportunity to share your feedback on the priorities in Illinois and to network with other LGBT and allied activists …
Today in Washington, the historic Equality Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress, a much needed, first-ever comprehensive nationwide civil rights bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans from experiencing discrimination. Read about the bill here. Illinois has demonstrated that LGBT-inclusive civil rights protections are effective and can be applied nationally. We …
Historic LGBT Equality Act Introduced in Congress Read More »
Equality Illinois today recognized 42 Illinois law firms for “Raising the Bar” and leading the way in providing a welcoming and fair work environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and engaging with the LGBT community. The findings of our annual survey include: – For the FOURTH year in a row, 100% of …
Today, Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation adding gender identity and LGBT community centers to existing Illinois hate crimes protections This bill was a major initiative of Equality Illinois during the spring legislative session. Thank you, Gov. Rauner, and the legislative sponsors Representative Sam Yingling, State Representative Kelly Cassidy, and Senator Daniel Biss, for helping to protect LGBT Illinoisans. READ MORE
July marks Governor Bruce Rauner’s first six months in office. How have the Administration’s actions impacted LGBT Illinoisans? We’ve been tracking developments. Equality Illinois analyzed the governor’s appointments, executive directives, community outreach, legislative action, and the state budget. READ OUR REPORT
We’re creating a statewide directory of LGBT inclusive businesses – and we need your help! Nominate a business for the Out + About: Good Business Network. By participating in this directory, a business pledges to be LGBT-friendly and shows interest in attracting and welcoming LGBT consumers. Have a business of your own? Learn more and …
We see transgender equality issues more and more in the spotlight…but what does that mean for you? Join us this Wednesday morning, when we will discuss the current state of protections for transgender individuals under federal and state law, and how this may affect your workplace policies, benefits, and rights. This session is part of …
Our work is not done! Today, Equality Illinois launched “Corporate Social Responsibility and LGBT Equality: A Program to Build an Inclusive Workplace Culture,” which includes a new guide and a series of training sessions. Legal advances have been crucial in creating a fairer world for those who identify as LGBT, but there are many additional …
Last week, Equality Illinois submitted this 88-page petition to Governor Rauner asking him to protect LGBT youth from dangerous, discredited “conversion therapy” and sign House Bill 217. Speaking with a strong voice to protect youth, the thousands of petition signers represent every part of Illinois, from Zion to Carbondale, Quincy to Danville. Thank you for …
On this July Fourth, Equality Illinois celebrates the words of Justice Anthony Kennedy and his understanding of FREEDOM in the U.S. in his ruling on marriage equality: “Changed understandings of marriage are characteristic of a Nation where new dimensions of freedom become apparent to new generations.”
Today is Day One of the State’s Fiscal Year 2016, and there is no budget in place to fund the vital services for the most vulnerable Illinoisans, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for those who are unable to afford HIV/AIDS drugs, support services for homeless youth, and individuals with mental illnesses. We call …
Celebrating Marriage and Remembering The Work Still to Do
More than 10,400 same-sex couples have married in Illinois since marriage equality arrived in the state, according to a new Equality Illinois analysis of state records. For these families, the widely anticipated U.S. Supreme Court decision on marriage equality is as important as in states where there is no freedom to marry. They may enjoy …
10,400 Couples Wed in Illinois Await Court Decision Read More »
Everything we’ve done in the nearly quarter century Equality Illinois has existed is based on the noble premise that LGBT Illinoisans should be free to live our lives equal to everyone else in society, and so we are celebrating Pride 2015 with the mantra of #LIVEequal. You’ll see this logo at the Chicago Pride Parade …
A bipartisan Illinois Senate majority on Friday approved a measure to protect LGBT youth from dangerous, ineffective and discredited attempts to change their sexual orientation and gender identity, capping a successful effort by Equality Illinois and allies to pass meaningful new LGBT protections during the spring legislative session. Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest advocacy organization …