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.

2019-2020 Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group

	Grayson Alexander Chicago Cook County
	Tara Bell Janowick Johnson City Williamson County
	Dave Bentlin Bloomington/Normal McLean County
	Jan Christian Bernabe Chicago Cook County
	Markus Beyer Chicago Cook County
	Bob Chikos Cary McHenry County
	Kristin Dahnert Lindenhurst Lake County
	Brandy Donaldson Rock Island Rock Island County
	Rev. Marcus Fogliano Chicago Cook County
	JoAnne Geigner Urbana Champaign County
	Susan Haarman Chicago Cook County
	Justin Hendrix  Champaign Champaign County
	Toshia “Tee” LeShoure Rock Island Rock Island County
	Elise Malary Chicago Cook County
	Ken Mejia-Beal Lisle DuPage County
	Nicole Livsey Peoria Peoria County
	J. Marcos Peterson Chicago Cook County
	Emme Porter DeWitt Chicago Cook County
	Dr. Kathleen Robbins Champaign Champaign County
	Jasmine “Jaz” Routon Champaign Champaign County
	Michelle Royal Rock Island Rock Island County
	Emily Spangler Chicago Cook County
	Pete Subkoviak Chicago Cook County
	Ricardo Torres Chicago Cook County
	Sacha Urban St. Charles Kane County
	Emma Vosicky Naperville DuPage County
	Bonnie Washick Chicago Cook County