Apply for our 2021- 2022 Community Advisory Group! The Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group is a diverse cross-section of voices from across Illinois that informs the policy positions and initiatives we adopt and pursue in our work to secure and defend the equal and inclusive rights of LGBTQ Illinoisans. If you’re interested in serving on the group, go to the application …
Apply for our 2021- 2022 Community Advisory Group! Read More »
Our number one priority is the health and safety of Our LGBTQ Community During this time of uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), one thing is without question: We will navigate through this challenging time, together! As Equality Illinois continues to hear about the surge in needs and challenges our LGBTQ community is experiencing in …
As we all learn how to navigate our lives during the COVID-19 pandemic; this should not and will not stop us from working toward equality for all. It is important that we keep each other informed and do our best to support each other. Stay informed by visiting our COVID-19 Resource Center outlining our response. Challenging …
To achieve full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people, Equality Illinois is committed to endorsing and supporting pro-equality candidates who will fight for civil rights and social justice. Equality Illinois proudly endorses the following candidates for the Illinois Primary Election on March 17, 2020.
Starting with the 2020-21 school year, students in Illinois public schools will learn about LGBTQ contributions in history. The Inclusive Curriculum Bill is the initiative of Equality Illinois, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, and The Legacy Project! Thank you to our fierce legislative champions, State Representative Anna Moeller, 43rd District and State Senator Heather Steans! …
The Illinois Equal Restroom Access Bill is now law! The Equitable Restroom Access Bill will require that all single occupancy restrooms in public accommodations and public buildings in the state be gender-neutral. This will provide trans and gender non-conforming Illinoisans, parents of opposite gender children, seniors with opposite gender caregivers, a safer and more affirming …
A statement from Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, the state’s civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, released the following statement following results of Tuesday’s municipal election in Chicago: “While we wait for every vote to be counted, we are incredibly thrilled with the votes that have come …
Lori Lightfoot advances to the April 2 run-off election! Read More »
At a time when anti-equality forces seek to establish licenses to discriminate against civil rights protections in state legislatures and courts across the country, we are proud to live in a state with strong LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act. Yet, when LGBTQ Illinoisans travel outside of our great state, our rights and …
As an issue of fairness and justice to LGBTQ people, Equality Illinois supports increasing the Illinois minimum wage to $15.00. LGBTQ people should have the opportunity to provide for their families and establish economic security without burden or discrimination. Yet, our community is disproportionately affected by poverty. Research shows that members of the LGBTQ community …
Equality Illinois supports bill SB 1 – $15 minimum wage Read More »
BREAKING: The Inclusive Curriculum Bill (HB 246) just passed the Illinois House Education School Curriculum Committee! The vote was 13-7. Thank you to sponsor State Rep. Anna Moeller! The bill, which is an initiative of Equality Illinois, The Legacy Project, and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, will include the contributions of LGBTQ people in the history …
With the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans under attack by the Trump Administration and the urgent need to continue our pro-equality progress in the City of Chicago, LGBTQ Chicagoans need to know where the candidates for mayor stand on the many issues of interest and importance to our lives. LGBTQ community organizations Affinity Community Services, …
December 20, 2018 Daniel Mair Superintendent Steve Nauman President of the Board of Education Kate Williams Principal Germantown Hills School District #69 103 Warriors Way, Germantown Hills, IL 61548 Dear Superintendent Mair, President Nauman, and Principal Williams: On behalf of Equality Illinois, the statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, I write to express …
With the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans under attack by the Trump Administration and the urgent need to continue our pro-equality progress in the City of Chicago, LGBTQ Chicagoans need to know where the candidates for mayor stand on the many issues of interest and importance to our lives. LGBTQ community organizations Affinity Community Services, …
The City Club of Chicago hosted a historic event on June 19, 2018, its first discussion of LGBTQ issues at this well-known and respected public forum, whose co-founder was Jane Addams. Led by Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson, the panel featured Tracy Baim of Windy City Times, Kim L. Hunt of Pride Action Tank, …
Chicago City Club Hosts First LGBTQ Presentation Read More »
It’s time for the Equality Illinois Show Up. Speak Up! 2018 Agenda. Your Equality Illinois team is on the case in Springfield and working to ensure that LGBTQ issues are included in this election across the state. We are asking you to join us in this work and make sure your voices are heard. · …
Equality Illinois is hopeful that the General Assembly will act in its final days of the spring session to pass bills advancing LGBTQ civil rights, as well as passage, finally, of a responsible budget with adequate revenues to fund essential programs for all Illinoisans. EI Director of Public Policy Michael Ziri and our advocacy team …
Equality Illinois Urges Action on LGBTQ Civil Rights Agenda Read More »
In the first months of the tenure of new Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson, he’s been on a listening tour throughout Illinois, in big cities, college towns and small hamlets, to listen to LGBTQ stakeholders, to hear your stories, and learn about your hopes and fears for the future. Today, he is publishing his …
With his selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as the Republican vice presidential nominee, Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee for president, is demonstrating a callous disregard for LGBT Americans and our families. As a private citizen, a member of Congress and in the Indiana statehouse, Gov. Pence has rejected recognizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual …
We mourn the victims of the shooting in the Orlando nightclub Pulse, a popular gay venue. While we don’t know yet the motive of the shooter, we do know we should all feel safe in our homes, schools and places of business and entertainment. Our hearts go out to the Orlando LGBT community and the …
This past week, Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson announced a statewide listening tour as he assumed the leadership of the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization. Johnson said there is far more work to do to ensure equality for LGBT Illinoisans, and he wants to hear from every corner of the state to …
EqualityCon 2016, hosted by Equality Illinois Institute, on May 13-14, 2016 at the University of Illinois at Chicago, brought together advocates and experts to discuss the state of LGBT issues and how we can advance the cause UNTIL WE’RE ALL EQUAL. We discussed the federal Equality Act with chief sponsor Rep. David Cicilline and Rep. …
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 …
Advocates from across Illinois visited the state Capitol this week to discuss a broad agenda of bills that directly impact the #LGBT community across our state, from HB217 ending harmful conversion therapy to a budget that protects vital services for all LGBT Illinoisans. This year, we are working on more than 25 pieces of legislation …