Equality  Illinois

LGBT Equality Institute

Equality Illinois, in partnership with Lambda Legal and the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, is inviting activists and supporters to attend the LGBT Equality Institute this spring to discuss the myriad issues still facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans and the strategies for addressing them in the aftermath of the successful passage of the freedom to marry. Join us on Saturday, May 17 at the Embassy Suites Downtown/ Lakefront Chicago.

Among the expert presenters will be Gautam Raghavan, White House Public Engagement Advisor on LGBT Issues, who will be joining the institute for our lunch panel to discuss the federal LGBT policy agenda.

Our victory for marriage equality last year was the result of the combined efforts of scores of groups throughout Illinois and a successful multi-dimensional strategy to get the bill through the General Assembly.

The work of securing full equality for LGBT people is far from over. That is why we are bringing together LGBT equality activists and supporters from all corners of Illinois to identify the next priorities for our movement, develop a statewide roadmap to full equality, and to continue building the skills and capacity our movement needs to accomplish our goal.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Protect LGBT Minors

Last week, the Illinois House Human Services Committee approved HB5569, The Youth Mental Health Protection Act, by a bipartisan 9 to 6 vote. The bill is now moving to the Illinois‬ House of Representatives, and could be voted on in the next two weeks.

Equality Illinois is calling on the General Assembly to protect all vulnerable minors by passing the bill, and we need your help!

Call or email your IL House Representative today to vote YES on HB5569. Find your state rep here.

READ MORE

Committee Passes Conversion Therapy Ban

An Illinois House Committee today passed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act by a 9 to 6 vote, and Equality Illinois is calling on the Illinois House of Representatives to protect minors from the discredited so-called “conversion therapy” by passing the bill this spring.

HB5569, sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, would ensure that the most vulnerable individuals, those already struggling in the face of homophobia and transphobia, are not targeted and subjected to a practice that medical practitioners deem harmful and inappropriate.

READ MORE

Illinois Primary Advances Equality

Rep. Ron Sandack, who won his Republican primary with the help of EQIL PAC

Illinoisans who believe in fairness and equality secured a decisive victory in Tuesday’s primary with a substantial boost by the efforts of Equality Illinois.

Not a single lawmaker – Republican or Democrat – who voted for the freedom to marry lost due to support of the marriage bill.

For the primary election, the Equality Illinois Political Action Committee spent an unprecedented $150,000, including $130,000 in direct contributions to candidates, and built an aggressive voter persuasion and get-out-the vote effort that targeted high-priority districts.

READ MORE