Gala |
January 23, 2015
Illinois native Lea DeLaria, a groundbreaking performer who was the first out comedian to appear on a late-night talk show and whose numerous stage and screen appearances include her standout role of prison inmate Big Boo in the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” will be honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award.
“Lea DeLaria is a cutting-edge performer who has used her talent to entertain and enlighten millions of Americans,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois.
DeLaria, born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, will accept the award at the 2015 Equality Illinois Gala, whose theme is “love is love is love,” on Saturday, February 14, in the Hilton Chicago.
“As an out performer for over 33 years who has made it her life’s work to change peoples perception of butch, queer and LGBT, it is an honor for me to receive such recognition from my home state,” DeLaria said. “I feel I’m doing Belleville proud. Go Maroons!”
READ MORE
Breaking News in Illinois Conversion Therapy Ban |
January 20, 2015
Equality Illinois on Tuesday announced an initiative to pass legislation banning ineffectual and dangerous conversion therapy during this new term of the Illinois General Assembly in order to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago introduced the bill on Friday. House Bill 217, the Conversion Therapy Prohibition Act, would make it illegal for mental health care providers to engage in sexual orientation change efforts with anyone under the age of 18. A Senate version will be introduced soon, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston.
“Illinois should be at the forefront of banning this failed and discredited non-therapy that attempts to change the unchangeable, our innate sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois.
READ MORE
Breaking News in Illinois Marriage & Civil Unions |
January 16, 2015
Marriage equality could become a national reality later this year after the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ordered a hearing on the issue.
The court announced it is taking cases from four states where the wishes of same-sex couples to marry are thwarted by state laws. In its order, the court asked two questions:
1) Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex? 2) Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state?
The 14th Amendment grants citizens “the equal protection of the laws.” No date for oral arguments was set, but a decision is widely expected by late June.
EQIL Publications |
January 14, 2015
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 process, and a list of adoption and foster agencies in Illinois and their stated policies toward same-sex couples and LGBT individuals.
The guide contains an overview of adoption law, topics to consider at the start of the adoption process, and a list of adoption and foster agencies in Illinois and their stated policies toward same-sex couples and LGBT individuals.
READ MORE
Latest Updates
Event Calendar
