FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Equality Illinois celebrates Governor JB Pritzker for the diversity of leaders appointed to state Boards and Commissions in FY2022
Governor Pritzker has increased the number of out LGBTQ+ appointments to State Boards and Commissions fifteen-fold since taking office.

CHICAGO – On October 1st, Governor JB Pritzker released his 2022 Boards and Commissions Appointment Demographics Report . Illinois now has the highest number of out LGBTQ+ people serving on State Boards and Commissions in the state’s history.

“Prior to Governor Pritzker taking office, the state reported fewer than 5 out LGBTQ+ Board or Commission members.  In this latest report, we are proud to see over 70 openly LGBTQ+ people serving in these critical leadership roles,” shared Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson. “We applaud Governor Pritzker’s leadership and appreciate our partnership with the Administration to identify and elevate qualified LGBTQ+ people to roles of service on State Boards and Commissions.”

Myles Brady Davis, Communications Director and Press Secretary for Equality Illinois, pointed out that having LGBTQ+ people sit at all levels of public office is important for two reasons. “First, such representation ensures that the unique needs and challenges that LGBTQ+ people face will be brought into consideration when decisions are being made. Second, such representation lifts up the leadership of LGBTQ+ people. When LGBTQ+ people are visible leaders in the community, their experiences and stories can be shared, and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma can be confronted and defeated more forcefully."

Looking beyond LGBTQ+ appointees, Governor Pritzker and his team placed a broad diversity of talent into these key positions. The number of Black and Latinx board members and commissioners has more than doubled since JB Pritzker took office. Women now make up 46% of all people serving on State Boards and Commission, up from 38% prior to Governor Pritzker taking office.

Despite these remarkable gains, there is important work left to do.  Only 3 self-identified trans people and 9 gender non-binary people serve on these critical state Boards and Commissions.  Equality Illinois and our partners look forward to working with the Governor and his team to ensure trans and gender non-conforming Illinoisans are appointed to more leadership positions throughout his Administration so that all of Illinois can benefit from the talent, perspectives, and wisdom of our state’s strongest trans leaders.

To view the full report, please click link: Appointment Demographics Report.

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