Equality Illinois’ work on behalf of LGBT Illinoisans and their families enters its second quarter century under a new leader who has a history of social justice advocacy, building diverse coalitions and improving educational outcomes for youth. Named today as the Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois is Brian C. Johnson, who currently serves as …
Advocates from Equality Illinois and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago–including a transgender university student and the mother of a transgender child–met with Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislators in Springfield to advance a pro-LGBT equality agenda during the spring session of the General Assembly. In a meeting in the Governor’s Office arranged by Equality Illinois, the …
Gov. Rauner, Legislators Meet with Transgender Advocates Read More »
We are excited to announce that U.S. Rep. David Cicilline is the EqualityCon 2016 keynote speaker. Rep. Cicilline as the Chief Sponsor of the Equality Act, the federal LGBT civil rights bill. Registration is now open for EqualityCon 2016, hosted by Equality Illinois Institute, to be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago on …
This legislative session is a busy one for champions of LGBT equality in Illinois. With proposed legislation and a budget impasse that has the ability to significantly affect many in our community, now is the time to tell Springfield where we stand. Register for the 2016 LGBT Advocacy Day on Wed., April 13! This daylong …
As we say thank you to our CEO Bernard Cherkasov, who is departing this week, we appreciate how he has helped to give Equality Illinois and the LGBT Illinoisans and families we represent a seat at the national policy table. He’s led multiple delegations to Washington to meet with officials, including this meeting with House …
Early-bird registration is now open for EqualityCon 2016, hosted by Equality Illinois Institute, to be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago on May 13-14! Take advantage of the early-bird discount and secure your spot at Illinois’ premier strategy session bringing together LGBT community members and allies, progressive advocates, and civic leaders to discuss …
It’s happened in other states, and now it’s happening in Illinois. A shameful bill, which would force transgender students to use separate school facilities from their peers, has advanced to the Illinois House Human Services Committee. We need to stop it in its tracks! Sign the petition at the link below. We’ll deliver the petition …
President Obama performed his constitutional duty by nominating Judge Merrick Garland to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Join Equality Illinois in calling on the U.S. Senate to do your job and our two Senators, Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, to carry through on their constitutional responsibilities …
Illinois polling places are now open and will be open all day until 7 pm. Even if you are not registered, you can still register and vote today for the first time in a presidential election. Check you polling place and check your registration status at our 2016 Voter Information Page. Make sure your …
This legislative session is a busy one for champions of #LGBT equality in Illinois. With proposed legislation and a budget impasse that has the ability to significantly affect many in our community, now is the time to tell lawmakers where we stand. Join us on Wed., April 13, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM for …
Illinois Primary Voting Begins Today. As LGBT citizens in other states are battling for their basic rights, the successes we’ve worked so hard for in Illinois were built on the fact that our community and our allies have voted for officials who represent us. And, we have more work to do locally and nationally. Be …
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Equality Illinois today calls on Senator Mark Kirk and Senator Dick Durbin to promptly act on President Obama’s nomination to replace the Justice Scalia. Sen. Kirk will be under tremendous pressure from his Republican colleagues to automatically reject the President’s nominee. Yet, Sen. Kirk has demonstrated a thoughtful willingness to work in a bipartisan manner …
Kirk, Durbin Should Promptly Act on Court Replacement Read More »
One week ago tonight – U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi accepted the Equality Illinois 2016 Freedom Award at our 25th Anniversary Gala in the Hilton Chicago Hotel. Her full acceptance speech and other moments during the Equality Illinois Jubilee Gala, including the recognition given the Mariano’s grocery chain with the 2016 Equality Illinois Business …
Pelosi and Mariano Accept Awards at EI Jubilee Gala Read More »
The Equality Illinois Political Action Committee supports Susana Mendoza for the Democratic nomination for State Comptroller and the re-election of 24 incumbent state legislators who have supported measures advancing LGBT equality in Illinois. EI PAC, the political arm of Equality Illinois, is the only statewide organization dedicated to securing and defending the rights of LGBT …
Equality Illinois PAC Endorses Mendoza, 24 Incumbents Read More »
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Thank you, President Obama, for greeting tonight’s Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala with your message. You honor us.
The Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala this Saturday will celebrate a quarter century of progress for LGBT Illinoisans and the organization’s enduring commitment to securing equal treatment for all. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is the special guest for the jubilee celebration of the state’s oldest and largest organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and …
Saturday’s 25th Anniversary Gala Features Nancy Pelosi Read More »
Check out the fresh, new format for our monthly newsletter, out today. We bring you the news of Equality Illinois and the movement for working toward a lived equality for LGBT Illinoisans. Take a look, and signup for our monthly newsletter and other mailings so you can stay informed about the issues and the events …
Chicago Opening Night for Hamilton – A Night Not to Be Missed! It’s almost impossible to get Hamilton tickets in New York. But you can get them here for the Chicago opening night on Sept. 27, 2016 and at the same time benefit the work of Equality Illinois. Only limited tickets are available, so do …
J.B. Pritzker, the Chicago entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist and longtime advocate for LGBT causes, is the chair of the Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala, we announced today. The Feb. 6 gala at the Hilton Chicago will honor House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi with the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award and the Mariano’s grocery chain with …
Equality Illinois’ CEO Bernard Cherkasov is stepping down later this year. Bernard was at the forefront of the campaigns for passage of civil unions and marriage equality in Illinois, as well as legislation that enhances hate crime protections and protects LGBT youth through strengthened anti-bullying policies and a conversion therapy ban. He’ll remain at the …
HB4474, introduced by Rep. Tom Morrison, would stigmatize transgender and gender non-conforming youth by requiring them to use separate restrooms and locker rooms. This bill is an attack on the well-being and dignity of transgender and gender non-conforming students. It says to them that they are not respected and valued in the very spaces where …
Transgender Students in Illinois Are Under Attack Read More »
It’s unprecedented. The State of Illinois is now in its 7th month without an operating budget. Our families and communities are suffering, and we cannot proceed without making our voices heard. On January 27–the day of Gov. Rauner’s State of the State address–join Equality Illinois at the “State of OUR State Rally” – organized by …