An Equality Illinois delegation spent Thursday, January 9 in Washington, DC meeting with leaders to discuss a wide range of issues and emphasizing that despite great gains in 2013, the agenda remains full and there should be no complacency. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and the Obama …
As our first new initiative of the new year, Equality Illinois today is releasing our Guide to Name and Gender Marker Changes, an Equality Illinois tool kit designed to assist transgender individuals facing the sometimes difficult task of changing their names and identification documents. We are in a new era for equal rights for LGBT individuals …
Welcome to the new Equality Illinois website, a great way to start the new year. Not only will 2014 usher in the full implementation of the freedom to marry in Illinois, we at Equality Illinois hope that it will also bring full equality for transgender Illinoisans, the arrival of truly safe schools for our children, …
Equality Illinois announces that the first of its annual Freedom Awards to be presented at the 2014 Equality Illinois Gala is going to the Chicago Urban League for spreading the message of fairness and equality. “For nearly a century the Chicago Urban League has been a fearless advocate for educational, economic and social justice for …
Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired) is a former soldier, an entrepreneur and investor, an adventurer and philanthropist, and a pioneer. And now, she has agreed to chair the Equality Illinois 2014 Gala. “A native Chicagoan, Col. Pritzker has always generously given of herself to the city, the state and the nation, including …
Equality Illinois Board Member Christina Kahrl, a writer and editor for ESPN.COM, shared the challenges of coming out as transgender on the job in a recent talk to advertising professionals. She said she viewed the occasion as a “teaching moment.” “One of the greatest crises for transgender people in general is employment,” she said. READ …
Equality Illinois joins the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela. Mandela presided over a new South Africa whose constitution and policies protected its citizens regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It later became the first and only African nation to recognize same-sex marriages. After he left office, the human rights icon took up …
Dear Supporters of the Freedom to Marry, I wanted to start this day of thanksgiving and reflection by thanking YOU! Because of you and your support, we changed the course of history in Illinois. Your support powered a statewide campaign that lifted up voices and stories that had not been heard. Your commitment helped engage tens …
How does a civil union become a marriage? What documentation is needed for a marriage license? Equality Illinois Marriage Forums are continuing this week and next and into the new year to help you understand the new freedom to marry. Registration is recommended, so please click on a link and sign up: TODAY, Monday, Dec. …
Equality Illinois Poll Finds 52 percent of Illinois Voters Support Marriage Equality. With these powerful results, Equality Illinois is urging that the House approve the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act during its fall session, which begins Tuesday. The figure grew to 54 percent support when pollsters shared information about the summer’s U.S. Supreme Court …
At Equality Illinois, we join people everywhere who wear purple on #SpiritDay today in a stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT youth. Getting involved is easy! Turn your Facebook and Twitter pics purple at http://www.glaad.org/spiritday and wear purple on October 17th and help create a world in which LGBT youth are …
Join Equality Illinois on an Equality Express Bus for the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality. Buy a round-trip bus ticket from locations around the city, suburbs and downstate for Tuesday, Oct. 22. Snacks and drinks will be available on EQIL buses. Pick-up for most locations will be 8AM and return to the same location …
Ride EQIL’s Freedom to Marry Express to Springfield Read More »
Earlier this year, Ryan & Kevin exchanged pendants with interlocking rings as a token of their commitment and promise to each other. They’re planning to marry in 2014 – and Illinois has the chance offer the freedom to marry before their upcoming nuptials! Click “like” if you support marriage for all loving couples in Illinois, …
Joe Rudy, the Chicago climber who’s planning conquer Everest in support of LGBT equality by raising funds for Equality Illinois and HRC, is hosting a reception tonight at Sidetrack (3349 N. Halsted, Chicago). Join us at 6 p.m. tonight to learn more about his climb and help support the cause with a $5 donation at …
Robb & Steve wanted to marry in Illinois, but their union was cut short last week as Steve lost his battle with melanoma. Marriage in Illinois can’t wait – and now it’s too late for Robb & Steve. Watch this new video from Illinois Unites for Marriage if you agree it’s time – right now …
Marriage can’t wait. For Steve & Robb, it’s too late. Read More »
We’re still committed to passing the freedom to marry in Illinois, but have you done your part yet? If you’re in the Boystown area today or Thursday, stop by for our phone bank at Center on Halsted where we will be calling supporters in key districts and putting them in touch with their representatives. RSVP …
Thanks to EQIL’s sustained outreach, faith leaders throughout the state have declared support for the freedom to marry. To continue countering the opponents’ voices, we have expanded and relaunched our Religious Case for the Freedom to Marry. Our support is broad and multi-denominational. Read more in today’s Monday Marriage Memo.
Join Us to FIGHT BACK FOR MARRIAGE After the Illinois House failed to take a vote before the end of their spring session, Equality Illinois is counting on your support for our aggressive half-million dollar campaign to win the freedom to marry. Your donation directly supports efforts to educate Illinoisans on the issues, advocate for …
Equality Illinois Launches $500,000
Fight Back for Marriage Campaign. Read More »
Members of the House failed to act on the marriage bill before the end of the legislative session. We’re disappointed, and quite frankly, we’re shocked. But this campaign is strong, and in the coming weeks and months, we’re only going to grow stronger. Our work isn’t done until all families in our state are valued …