The Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group consists of LGBTQ individuals and allies from across the state to engage with Equality Illinois in the policy development and agenda building necessary to secure and advance LGBTQ equality, social justice, and intersectional action in Illinois.
With members from all corners of Illinois–Carbondale to Chicago, Rock Island to Champaign–and from a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and experiences, the Community Advisory Group informs, advises, and challenges us about opportunities for and obstacles to lived equality and inclusion in every part of Illinois. In addition to advising Equality Illinois, advisory group members have made broadcast appearances, been interviewed for news articles, and written columns about LGBTQ issues in the news.
The Community Advisory Group grew from the summer listening tour of Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson in 2016 that took him to 12 communities throughout the state. He heard troubling tales about a lack of access to affirming healthcare, the treatment of LGBTQ people in our criminal justice system, and the need for an inclusive educational system.
The Community Advisory Group contributes to Equality Illinois’ understanding of these and many more issues that LGBTQ Illinoisans experience every day. And, at a time when many LGBTQ individuals are feeling isolated, anxious, and frustrated about policymaking, Equality Illinois is dedicated to ensuring our policy agenda is developed through the consistent and ongoing engagement of many voices, perspectives, and lived experiences.
For more information about the Community Advisory Group, please get in touch with Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Mike Ziri.
2020-2021 Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group
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Grayson Alexander Chicago Cook County |
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Maliyah Arnold Chicago Cook County |
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Marina Bekovic Chicago Cook County |
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Tara Bell Janowick Johnson City Williamson County |
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Dave Bentlin Bloomington/Normal McLean County |
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Bob Chikos Cary McHenry County |
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Anne Dempsey Westmont DuPage County |
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Samantha Ellison Chicago Cook County |
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Mary Finedore Naperville DuPage County |
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Ariana Flores Chicago Cook County |
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Rev. Marcus Fogliano Chicago Cook County |
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Hunter Gillaspie Chicago Cook County |
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Susan Haarman Chicago Cook County |
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Justin Hendrix Champaign Champaign County |
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Toshia “Tee” LeShoure Rock Island Rock Island County |
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Elise Malary Chicago Cook County |
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Ken Mejia-Beal
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Nicole Livsey
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Emme Porter DeWitt Chicago Cook County |
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Dr. Kathleen Robbins
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Jasmine “Jaz” Routon Champaign Champaign County |
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Michelle Royal Rock Island Rock Island County |
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Emily Spangler Chicago Cook County |
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Ricardo Torres Chicago Cook County |
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Danny Vega Chicago Cook County |
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Emma Vosicky Naperville DuPage County |
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Bonnie Washick Chicago Cook County |
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