LGBTQ Public Service Bill Signed

At a time when federal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans are being rolled back at the federal level, a bill to encourage public service by LGBTQ Illinoisans has been signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The LGBTQ Public Service Bill is an initiative of Equality Illinois, the state’s civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer lllinoisans.

“Equality Illinois believes that when LGBTQ people are visible, we are powerful. The LGBTQ Public Service Bill will contribute to a leadership path for LGBTQ individuals who want to engage in public service and build a better Illinois. In turn, those officials can share our experiences and stories as LGBTQ people. That helps when we work to advance policies that are inclusive, affirming, and fair,” Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, said Monday.

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Fahrenheit–Pride South on the Lake Announces Entertainment Lineup

Non-stop entertainment from top rap artists, R&B and house singers, drag performers, and DJs will be featured at 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.

International queer rap artist Cakes da Killa, whose debut album drops this fall, and singer-songwriter Cor.Ece will highlight the free event 11 am-7:30 pm on Sunday, Aug. 27 at Oakwood Beach, 41st Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

Hosting the party will be Chicago comedians Mz Ruff n Stuff, Trina Tru Luv, and Otis Mack “The Heavy Diva,” and poet/singer Storie Devereaux.

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New EI Board Members Add LGBTQ Diversity & Allies

The Equality Illinois 2017-2018 boards of directors, which include six new board members, who, together with the board veterans, represent the diverse LGBTQ community in Illinois as well as allies.

The new members of the two boards, for Equality Illinois and Equality Illinois Institute include Sheila Simon, the former Illinois lieutenant governor, who is now Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale.

We thank the new and veteran board members for volunteering significant time and sharing expertise and experiences from their personal and professional lives to benefit our civil rights mission.

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Reacting to Charlottesville

Everyone should unite in expressing disgust at the racist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic, misogynistic and homophobic messages spewed at the white nationalist gatherings in Charlottesville this weekend.

Contrary to the “many sides” of responsibility for the hate, bigotry and violence suggested by Donald Trump, there are only two sides: Those on the wrong side of history by standing against equal and fair treatment for all Americans and those on the right side of history by fighting for justice and human rights.

Kudos to the marchers in Chicago and around the nation who peacefully stood up Sunday to the hateful demonstrators and their ideologies and to the coddling of them by the Trump administration.