Equality Illinois today launches an exciting new initiative to assist prospective LGBT parents through the sometimes challenging road map to adopt children in need of loving, permanent homes: Growing Your Family: A Guide for Prospective LGBT Adoptive Parents. The guide contains an overview of adoption law, topics to consider at the start of the adoption …
As Bruce Rauner prepares to take the helm of the state on Monday, Equality Illinois extends its hand in cooperation but promises to remain an ever-vigilant voice and force representing the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. Sadly, one of his first major appointments, the nomination of James Meeks, a virulently outspoken anti-LGBT former member …
EQIL Offers Cooperation to Rauner; Slams Meeks Pick Read More »
While we can look back with pride at what we accomplished together in 2014, we are getting down to business for a busy and challenging 2015, we write in the January EQIL Insider Scoop. From Illinois’ implementation of marriage equality and muscular anti-bullying protections to stronger community connections, Equality Illinois touched the lives of LGBT …
This has been a year for which we should all be proud. With sweeping advances at the state and federal levels, the LGBT community in Illinois and nationally have taken great steps to full equality. We at Equality Illinois are honored to work alongside you and our countless community allies to help make this possible. …
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
There are children in need of loving, permanent homes, and prospective LGBT adoptive parents who can give that to them. Equality Illinois is partnering with The Cradle to offer information about how to start the adoption process. Attend a forum on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in Chicago’s Loop. The forum will provide an overview of …
The TransLife Center of Chicago House is the recipient of the 2015 Equality Illinois Freedom Award for providing critical services to transgender Illinoisans. In announcing the recognition on Wednesday, Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, said, “The TransLife Center demonstrates remarkable vision, courage, and leadership in the effort to achieve full equality for transgender people …
TransLife Center of Chicago House Earns EQIL Award Read More »
Join Equality Illinois this Sunday at an important lecture for Human Rights Month: “If Not Now, When? Pursuing Global Justice to Mend Our Broken World.” Around the globe, women, girls and LGBT people are often treated as second-class citizens, facing rampant discrimination, violence and routine violations of their human rights. They are denied access to …
Equality Illinois today called for the resignation of Warren Township High School District 121 Board member Liz Biondi for suggesting that the search for a new school superintendent exclude gay or lesbian candidates, thereby violating the clear Illinois law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. At a public meeting of the board …
Equality Illinois Calls for School Board Resignation Read More »
Equality Illinois today is mourning the death of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, said, “The people of Illinois today lost a true original. Comptroller Topinka brightened every room she entered with her engaging laugh, and LGBT Illinoisans were included in her warm embrace. “As a Republican statewide officeholder, Comptroller …
On this coming Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2015, the 2015 Equality Illinois Gala–the Midwest’s largest LGBT formal event–will fill two ballrooms in the Hilton Chicago, making an emphatic public statement that “love is love is love.” “Our annual extravaganza will feature couples and families for whom love knows no bounds,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO …
Given our momentum, it may seem like full equality for the LGBT community is inevitable, but in the last month, we have seen several reminders that our work is not done. Today is both Giving Tuesday and #ILGiveBig, you can help us hit our goal of 1000 donations so that we can continue the important work that …
Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Equality Illinois Gala on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Hilton Chicago. This event is not only one of the most exciting but it is also the largest LGBT event of its kind in the Midwest! Consistently drawing more than 1,400 guests in attendance, including nearly 100 …
Tickets on Sale for Equality Illinois Gala “Love is Love” Read More »
Today, we pause on the Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. There are memorial events today and through the weekend in Bloomington, Brighton, Chicago, Joliet, Palatine, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield. Find an event …
Equality Illinois mourns the passing of former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne. Mayor Byrne was a pioneer. The first and only woman elected mayor in Chicago, she recognized the LGBT diversity of the city. Mayor Byrne proclaimed the first Gay Pride Parade Day in the city in 1981 and was the first major political figure to …
The people of Illinois have spoken, giving Bruce Rauner the chance to lead. As do all Illinoisans, we hope that as Bruce Rauner turns to governing he will recognize that he serves everyone in the state, including LGBT individuals and their families, and the clear majority of Illinoisans who support LGBT equality. As Mr. Rauner …
In Victory, Bruce Rauner Needs to Serve All Illinoisans Read More »
One year ago today – The Illinois General Assembly passed marriage equality. Since then, the federal appeals court that covers Illinois has ruled in favor of the freedom to marry, a decision that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed to stand. Equality Illinois stands ready to ensure that there are no efforts to weaken the …
As we await the election results, a big THANK YOU to everyone who voted and most especially to everyone who gave their time, money and energy in this election to fight to ensure that the voices of LGBT Illinoisans were heard. You’ve knocked on countless doors and phoned tens of thousands of voters; you marched …
Equality Illinois Says ‘Thank You’ as the Polls Close Read More »
The polls are open today, November 4, 6 AM to 7 PM for the General Election Check your voter registration status and find your local polling place HERE: Same-day voter registration and voting is available at limited locations: In Chicago, Cook County Suburbs, and throughout Illinois at Local Election Authorities. EQIL PAC ENDORSEMENTS
Governor Pat Quinn’s leading role in achieving first civil unions and then marriages for same-sex couples, his open and inclusive administration, and his strong support for policies that protect LGBT students from bullying and LGBT workers from discrimination make Governor Quinn the choice of the Equality Illinois Political Action Committee, the only statewide PAC focused …
Equality Illinois is condemning Republican nominee for governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Republican Party for attacking a rival candidate for supporting marriage equality and women’s rights. The campaign tactic was funded by Rauner despite his protestations that he has no social agenda, Crain’s Chicago Business reported Friday. A flyer and robocalls put out by …
Phone banks in the Equality Illinois offices are working into the night identifying voters and urging them to get to the polls to elect pro-equality candidates. The Equality Illinois Political Action Committee supports candidates from both sides of the aisle who have proven to be champions of LGBT equality. Here is a list of our …
EARLY VOTING IS OPEN THIS WEEKEND IN ILLINOIS Many Early Voting polling places in Chicago, the suburbs and throughout Illinois have weekend voting hours. This important election will determine our state leadership and the makeup of the Illinois General Assembly. Make sure your voice is heard. Check out your local Early Voting polling place and …
Three new board chairs will lead Equality Illinois at protecting full implementation of the new freedom to marry in Illinois, advocating a national agenda including passage of broad workplace protections, and implementing fresh approaches on a broad range of issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. Grant Gochnauer, a technology entrepreneur, is the new …