We know telling and sharing stories of impact matter. You have moved hearts and changed minds by sharing your stories and experiences with policymakers and the public. Now, as part of the coalition advocating for state legislation to ensure paid sick days in Illinois, we want to hear from you: how has the absence of […]
Illinois Healthy Workplace Act Read More »
2019 was one of the most productive legislative sessions for LGBTQ rights in Illinois history! Equality Illinois has been in awe of the power of our community and the courage of our allies so much over the past year. While we worked on many bills last session, we are most inspired by the impact two
FY19 Annual Report Read More »
Our number one priority is the health and safety of Our LGBTQ Community During this time of uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), one thing is without question: We will navigate through this challenging time, together! As Equality Illinois continues to hear about the surge in needs and challenges our LGBTQ community is experiencing in
Equality Illinois COVID-19 Resources Read More »
As we all learn how to navigate our lives during the COVID-19 pandemic; this should not and will not stop us from working toward equality for all. It is important that we keep each other informed and do our best to support each other. Stay informed by visiting our COVID-19 Resource Center outlining our response. Challenging
COVID-19 Resource Center Read More »
During Women’s History Month, we will honor women who have broken barriers and push our society forward. Today’s #wcw is Bamby Salcedo. As the founder of the TransLatin@ Coalition in Los Angeles, Mexico-born Bamby Salcedo not only advocates for the needs of trans Latinxs who have immigrated to the United States, but also speaks about
Women’s History Month Read More »
Starting TODAY, early voting expands across Illinois ahead of the March 17 primary! Find your early voting location HERE! Head to the Illinois State Board of Elections to check your registration status and make sure it is up to date. If you are not registered to vote, you can register to vote in person at
To achieve full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people, Equality Illinois is committed to endorsing and supporting pro-equality candidates who will fight for civil rights and social justice. Equality Illinois proudly endorses the following candidates for the Illinois Primary Election on March 17, 2020.
EI’s 2020 Endorsed Candidates Read More »
Join Equality Illinois and team Pizer for a day of action on Saturday, February 29th at 11:00 am! We will be knocking doors, making calls, and texting voters! Let’s get ready to hit the streets and tell voters why Yoni Pizer is the right choice to represent the 12th House District! Feb 29, 11:00 AM
EI Day of Action for Yoni Pizer for State Rep.! Read More »
Today we pause to remember the known and unknown Trans people around the world who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence. The majority of the known victims have been black and brown trans women. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We MUST stand firm and unite against bigotry, hatred, and prejudice! Until we are
Meet the 2019-2020 Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group! The Community Advisory Group contributes to Equality Illinois’ understanding of the many 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
Community Advisory Group Read More »
Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear three cases about LGBTQ employment discrimination that will determine if federal law protects LGBTQ people. The Supreme Court will consider how Title VII’s ban on workplace sex discrimination protects LGBTQ people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. No one who is well-qualified, talented,
Starting with the 2020-21 school year, students in Illinois public schools will learn about LGBTQ contributions in history. The Inclusive Curriculum Bill is the initiative of Equality Illinois, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, and The Legacy Project! Thank you to our fierce legislative champions, State Representative Anna Moeller, 43rd District and State Senator Heather Steans!
THE INCLUSIVE CURRICULUM BILL Read More »
The Illinois Equal Restroom Access Bill is now law! The Equitable Restroom Access Bill will require that all single occupancy restrooms in public accommodations and public buildings in the state be gender-neutral. This will provide trans and gender non-conforming Illinoisans, parents of opposite gender children, seniors with opposite gender caregivers, a safer and more affirming
Illinois Equal Restroom Access Bill Read More »
Equality Illinois Institute with presenting sponsors Howard Brown Health and The Reva and David Logan Foundation are excited to invite you to Fahrenheit Chicago 3 on August 23-25, 2019! Fahrenheit Chicago is a “party with a purpose” for LGBTQ Illinoisans, centering the experiences and rich community assets of the Black and Latinx LGBTQ community. We
Fahrenheit Chicago 3 Read More »
Equality Illinois has been selected to staff the gates at this year’s Northalsted Market Days and we are rounding up the troops! We need 50 volunteers per day. This is a great opportunity for you, your friends, and family to Show up, SPEAK UP! on behalf of LGBTQ Illinoisans. Northalsted Market Days is the largest
Volunteer Opportunity! Read More »
Equality Illinois is proud to endorse SB 7, the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act. LGBTQ people use cannabis at more than double the rates of non-LGBTQ people according to data from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health sponsored by the US Department of Health & Human Services. The criminalization of cannabis use
EI supports SB 7, the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act Read More »
LGBTQ Advocacy Day is just 6 days away! This is a great opportunity to meet with fellow supporters of LGBTQ equality and let your voice be heard on issues that affect us all. We must SHOW UP! and SPEAK UP! to support our allies and champions in the Illinois State Capitol and make sure that
2019 LGBTQ Advocacy Day Read More »
Fahrenheit Chicago 3 events are free and open to the public. However, participants can upgrade to a VIP experience for $15. This upgrade entitles a person to craft cocktails, beer, and an opportunity to enter into a special raffle! SECURE YOUR VIP TICKET TODAY! Fahrenheit Chicago 3 is a “party with a purpose” for LGBTQ
Fahrenheit Chicago 3 Read More »
This legislative session is a busy one for champions of LGBTQ equality in Illinois. On the national level we are seeing a really big rise in anti-LGBTQ sentiment, particularly from the administration in Washington. Seeing that happen in Washington, we have to SHOW UP! and SPEAK UP! to support our allies and champions in the
2019 LGBTQ Advocacy Day Read More »
Get excited, Chicago! Sunday March 31, 2019 is the most REAL, BEAUTIFUL, and NECESSARY holiday of the year! TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY 2019! Join us for a special celebration in honor of International Trans Day of Visibility! Enjoy an evening of music, drag, comedy, burlesque, spoken word and powerful speeches. The Chicago Therapy Collective is
International Trans Day of Visibility Read More »
Equality Illinois is pleased to have Priya Parrish, serve as the guest speaker at next month’s Network for Equality! Priya Parrish is a Managing Partner at Impact Engine, a venture capital and private equity investment firm focused on companies that generate positive outcomes in education, health, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Impact
Spring 2019 Network for Equality Read More »
Equality Illinois’ premier LGBTQ networking event, Network for Equality, is taking place Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. This fun event serves as a space for LGBTQ people and allies to come together, network, and build community. The funds raised support the work of Equality Illinois, the 501c4 arm of our organization working
Spring 2019 Network for Equality Read More »
A statement from Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, the state’s civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, released the following statement following results of Tuesday’s municipal election in Chicago: “While we wait for every vote to be counted, we are incredibly thrilled with the votes that have come
Lori Lightfoot advances to the April 2 run-off election! Read More »
We have achieved great progress towards LGBTQ equality through engagement in the electoral process. Let’s keep Chicago a welcoming and affirming city. Let’s vote for LGBTQ equality. In Chicago, there’s still time for you to have your say in who should be your next pro-equality Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and Alderman. Standing up for
Let’s vote for LGBTQ equality! Read More »
At a time when anti-equality forces seek to establish licenses to discriminate against civil rights protections in state legislatures and courts across the country, we are proud to live in a state with strong LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act. Yet, when LGBTQ Illinoisans travel outside of our great state, our rights and
Lets Talk Equality Act Read More »