We’re heading to the finish line of Election season, folks. With so much on the line and no certainty about the results, Equality Illinois will be there for you no matter what happens. On November 5, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, our What Now? Post-Election Town Hall will offer us all space to hear from experts who will provide both an analysis of what happened as well as actionable next steps on what comes next.
Gun violence prevention advocate Kina Collins, immigrant rights advocate Mony Ruiz-Velasco, and our own Policy Director Mike Ziri will join us for this discussion about the way forward on the issues we care deeply about once Election Day is over.
You will receive the Zoom information in an email before the event.
Please note:RSVP as soon as possible! Only the first 100 people to sign up will be able to join the Town Hall, and we already have 65 of folks on the list.
October is LGBTQ History Month, and a coalition of LGBTQ organizations are celebrating by making tools available to school administrators, educators, youth, and families to help implement the state’s new Inclusive Curriculum Law.
Today, the Illinois Inclusive Curriculum Advisory Council (IICAC) unveiled the new tools, which include professional development opportunities, a guidance document, and a classroom lesson plan search portal. The IICAC is composed of the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago’s Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, the Legacy Project, and Equality Illinois.
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 General Election on November 3, 2020.
The 2020 election, the most impactful of our lifetime, is underway, and Election Day is quickly approaching. On October 19 from 10 – 11 AM, Equality Illinois will host a Zoom Town Hall to answer all of your questions about voting safely and securely and to let you know what you can do in these remaining days to get out the vote.
State Senator Julie Morrison, the chief senate sponsor of the new law that expanded vote by mail opportunities in 2020, and Grace Pai, Director of Organizing at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, will share their expert insights on these critical issues. We want to make sure you are fully informed about all the different ways to vote as well as share information on how to volunteer and help people vote. There will be time for live Q&A at the end of the discussion.
You will receive the Zoom information in an email before the event.
Please RSVP as soon as possible! Only the first 100 RSVPs can join us for the Town Hall.
EQUALITY ILLINOIS APPLAUDS PRITZKER ADMINISTRATION’S SUCCESS IN DIVERSIFYING REPRESENTATION ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS While there is more work to do regarding representation of LGBTQ, women, and BIPOC leaders, Illinois’ State Boards and Commissions are moving closer to reflecting the vibrant diversity of our state
CHICAGO – Equality Illinois applauds the Pritzker Administration’s efforts in FY20 to appoint more LGBTQ, women, and BIPOC leaders to state boards and commissions. On Thursday, the Governor’s Office released the Administration’s FY20 Boards and Commissions Act Report that details the demographic data of gubernatorial appointments to state boards and commissions, including the voluntarily disclosed LGBTQ identities of appointees.
“We thank Gov. Pritzker and his Administration for their work to ensure our state boards and commissions better reflect the diversity of the people and communities they serve,” said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “While there is more work to do to ensure representation of LGBTQ, women, and BIPOC leaders in public service, the governor’s new report shows the results of the Administration’s diligence and partnership with community organizations like Equality Illinois. This report reflects the governor’s ongoing commitment to making sure Illinois is a state where all people are inspired to lend their talents to public service.”
According to the FY20 report, Governor Pritzker has nearly quadrupled the appointment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) people to state boards and commissions compared to appointments made in FY19.
Also, unlike in previous years, appointees in FY20 were able to self-report if they are trans; if they are asexual, pansexual, or queer for their sexual orientation; and if they are intersex or non-binary/genderqueer for their gender. The application page is located here.
“When LGBTQ people are visible, we are powerful. As an organization that believes strongly in LGBTQ representation in roles of civic leadership, we are excited to see more and more out LGBTQ people pursuing public service,” said Myles Brady Davis, Press Secretary and Director of Communications at Equality Illinois. “Representation at tables of power matters when it comes to passing inclusive policies and for changing hearts and minds by sharing our stories.”
The data on LGBTQ identity in the Boards and Commissions Act Report is collected because of the LGBTQ Public Service Law (Public Act 100-0234), an initiative of Equality Illinois that was sponsored by State Sen. Scott Bennett (Champaign) and Rep. Will Guzzardi (Chicago) in 2017. The measure allows individuals who apply to serve on boards and commissions under the authority of the governor to voluntarily identify as LGBTQ. Prior law requires applicants to state board or commissions to self-identify their gender, disability status, and ethnicity. All of this data must be published annually in a report to the General Assembly of the demographic data of individuals who apply for boards and commissions and for those who are appointed. The state website appointments.illinois.gov contains information about the boards and commissions and previous annual reports of the demographic data of the appointees.
Here are some key takeaways from the FY20 Boards and Commissions Act Report:
Regarding sexual orientation:
3.7% of the governor’s appointees in FY 20 identified as LGBQ (up from 1% in FY19).
4% of the applicants in FY20 identified as LGBQ (roughly the same as in FY19).
Also, FY20 appointees who declined to state or did not respond to the inquiry about their sexual orientation dropped significantly compared to FY19 (30% in FY20 but 52% in FY19). This could mean more appointees are comfortable living authentically and publicly.
Regarding gender identity (which were new questions added in FY20):
1.17% of the governor’s appointees in FY 20 identified as genderqueer or non-binary.
1.36% of the governor’s appointees in FY 20 identified as trans.
The result is that 0.5% of those currently serving identified as trans and 0.4% identify as genderqueer or non-binary.
More highlights from the FY20 report:
The percent of Black, indigenous, and people of color appointees by the governor in FY20 was 37.6% (up from 32.8% in FY19).
The percent of appointments who identified as women in FY20 was 48.3% (up from 39.4% in FY19).
Equality Illinois’ historic Can’t Stop Our Pride broadcast on June 20!
Leaders from across Illinois are stepping up to support our community. Please meet our Can’t Stop Our Pride host committee. They are tireless champions of our work and we are so grateful to them.
Today, we want to say that our hearts and our support are with the brave protesters fighting for needed change across the state and the country. We recognize that Pride (and so many LGBTQ rights in the US) would not exist if it hadn’t been for brave queer people (specifically, Black and brown trans women) who stood up for the whole community and demanded change. We hope to honor their spirit through our Can’t Stop Our Pride event. For all those reasons, we are moving Can’t Stop Our Pride to June 20 to give space to the situation at hand and to allow us time to ensure that we are including appropriate messages and the right voices in this broadcast.
Fifty-one years ago this month, LGBTQ patrons of the Stonewall Inn rose up against police brutality. Led by people of color, and trans women of color in particular, their rage fueled a protest that lasted for days. We must never forget that, at its core, Pride is a police protest.
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As we watch the protests and riots in our country, it is our duty as LGBTQ people to honor those from historically marginalized communities who continue to push back against the police injustices they experience. It is our duty to stand with our LGBTQ African-American siblings and demand better from the police.
Our FABULOUS host committee is excited to be a part of our historic statewide virtual pride event, Can’t Stop Our Pride: One Day, One Illinois!
Can’t stop Our Pride will include family Storytime, a interfaith service, cooking and mixology classes, intimate conversations with LGBTQ leaders in cities across the state, and a DJ afterparty!
On Saturday, June 13th, Equality Illinois will host Illinois’ first Statewide Pride. The theme of the Virtual Pride event will be “Can’t Stop Our Pride: One Day ● One Illinois. This virtual event will be broadcast on Equality Illinois’ YouTube channel from Noon until 5PM and will feature elected leaders, community leaders, performers, chefs, activists, and many others.
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 paid sick days (for yourself or to take care of a member of your family) impacted your life recently?
The Illinois Healthy Workplace Act (currently SB 471) will ensure workers in Illinois can access paid sick days. This critical legislation affirms workers who need to care for their own healthcare needs and the healthcare needs of their families, including chosen families.
Please share your story with us!
If you haven’t yet contacted your state representative in support of this bill, you may do so now.
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 key bills will have. The Inclusive Curriculum Act will ensure that Illinois young people will learn about the rich contributions of LGBTQ people to our shared history. With the Equal Access Restroom Act, we have helped Illinois move one step closer in ensuring that public spaces are safe and affirming for our trans siblings.
This came on the heels of nearly 10,000 Illinoisans stepping up and taking a pro-equality civic action with Equality Illinois. We contacted legislators, we signed up to vote, and we supported pro-LGBTQ public leaders.
None of this would have been possible without you. As our supporters, our partners, and our public officials, you have made sure Illinois is one of the most LGBTQ inclusive states in the country.
Thank you! On behalf of the over 400,000 LGBTQ Illinoisans who rely on us to advocate fiercely for them, thank you!
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 response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have put together a list of online resources.
Please let us know any helpful resources that you find by clicking our “Share With Us” button.
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.
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 and fights for the rights and safety of those living with HIV and AIDS. In 2016, the Obama Administration invited her to speak at the White House United State of Women Summit, where she spoke out about ways to help prevent violence against women. She continues to speak and work with LGBTQ Latinxs and win awards for her advocacy and community work.
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 an early voting location, or on election day at your polling
location.
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.
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 – 4:00 PM
Yoni Pizer HQ , 3221 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Thank you so much for joining us at Saturday night’s historic Gala. We were honored to recognize Tracy Baim with our Freedom Award and the Rainbow Cafe with our Organization Award. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the sponsors, table hosts, volunteers, and inspiring speakers who all made the night so special.
Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Michael Ziri joins Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot at the Equality Illinois Gala on Feb. 1, 2020
We hope you were inspired by the remarks by Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot and by the path forward for Equality Illinois this upcoming year set out by CEO Brian C. Johnson.
Want to relive some of the magic or experience it if you were unable to make it to the Hilton Chicago? Check out our impact video HERE, and search the hashtag #EIGala on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more of the fun.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and more than 70 other elected officials and candidates will be among the 1,500 participants at the Equality Illinois 2020 Gala on Saturday that will honor Rainbow Cafe of Carbondale, Illinois and Chicago Reader Publisher Tracy Baim. Some of the world’s most recognizable corporate and brand names are among the sponsors of the event, including presenting sponsor United Airlines.
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 all equal and safe to exist in the world without harm.
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 the
consistent and ongoing engagement of many voices, perspectives, and lived
experiences.
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, and
hardworking should have to live in fear of being fired or denied a job or
promotion because of who they are or whom they love. That’s why a majority of
Americans from all walks of life support these protections.
We are proud of ACLU of Illinois’ John Knight for arguing one of the key cases in front of the Court today.
To learn more listen to Lambda Legal’s Director of Constitutional Litigation Camilla Taylor and Equality Illinois’ Director of Public Policy Mike Ziri talk with The 21st Show and Illinois Public Media about the impact the ruling could have on the community.
