Transgender |
July 26, 2017
By rejecting the brave military service of transgender Americans, President Trump’s policy by tweets is an outrageous about face of the trend of creating a military where courageous Americans of all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to serve. Our military is strongest when it reflects the full diversity of our American community and when all Americans are welcomed to serve. President Trump’s latest tweets weaken our armed forces by flying in the face of this commitment to a strong and vibrant military.
Trump cites no evidence or rationale in his tweets. Unfortunately, his pronouncement echoes similar excuses used to justify segregating African-Americans in the military, limiting the role of women, and forcing gay and lesbian service members to serve while hiding their sexual orientation, all policies that were eventually discredited and reversed. In fact, as Trump tweeted, it was the anniversary of the July 26, 1948 order by President Harry Truman ending official segregation in the military.
Community Event Equality Illinois Event |
July 25, 2017
Equality Illinois and AIDS Foundation of Chicago are excited to announce Fahrenheit Chicago–Pride South on the Lake, an end-of-summer beach party of fun, music, and social networking for LGBTQ Illinoisans, their friends and families.
The free event, featuring non-stop music, beach games and a Bid Whist card tournament, public health awareness, and civic engagement, will be on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 11am to 7pm at Oakwood Beach, 41st Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
“We are so excited to bring LGBTQ people of color from all generations together for a summer party on the South Side. With Fahrenheit Chicago, we look forward to gathering and socializing on the South Side, and we hope it also helps build stronger bridges within the diverse queer community from all parts of the city and the Chicago area,” said Anthony Galloway, Director of Civic Engagement of Equality Illinois, the statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization.
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Take Action |
June 28, 2017
Tell Gov. Rauner to sign the LGBTQ panic defense ban. Just click the link below to send him a message and add your name to the thousands of Illinoisans who support the bill.
Today is the 48th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. LGBTQ people, especially transgender people like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, fought back against oppression, discrimination, and harassment. They fought for the fundamental right to lead an authentic life without discrimination or burden.
Their bravery sparked the Pride movement we celebrate this month. As those early champions resisted and persisted, we have the obligation to keep the torch burning and ensure a world where LGBTQ people can lead authentic lives without discrimination or fear.
That’s why we advocated for the LGBTQ panic defense ban this year in the Illinois General Assembly. It’s time for Illinois to make clear in statute that LGBTQ persons’ mere existence is never a legal justification for physical violence against us. Now, it is time for Gov. Rauner to act.
SEND MESSAGE
Community Event Pride |
June 19, 2017
Join Equality Illinois and Cradles to Crayons Chicago this Saturday for Proud Families Service Day, an opportunity during Pride Month for families of every stripe to show their support for local kids living in need.
Together, youth and adults inspect, sort, and package all new and like-new donations into customized “KidPacks”.
Anyone age six and above can volunteer at the Giving Factory. Activities are appropriate and engaging for individuals and families. You will work at a volunteer station such as Clothing Sort, Outfits, School Supplies, Shoes, Toys, or Shopping.
Please sign up for the two-hour shift.
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