Equality Illinois is proud to announce the launch of our LGBTQ civil rights survey! Building off the input of 100+ stakeholders around the state, we have designed this short survey to gather your input on where you think Equality Illinois’ civil rights work should head in the next 5 years. TODAY, please take 10 minutes …
During this season of generosity and gift-giving, so many LGBTQ Illinoisans still don’t earn a living wage. Can you #GiveForEquality today to support Equality Illinois’ efforts to secure a better future for the LGBTQ community in Illinois? During this holiday season, we are asking 200 LGBTQ and allied supporters to make a small gift …
It doesn’t take much to make a big difference for LGBTQ kids. #GiveForEquality today! Donate today: https://bit.ly/GiveForEquality #EqualityIllinoisHoliday
Happy Holidays! In this season of celebration and togetherness with family, many of our LGBTQ community remain under attack from anti-LGBTQ equality forces. In fact, just across the border in Ohio, bills are being presented to threaten the rights of trans youth to receive gender affirming healthcare and put at risk for discriminatory treatment in …
A Join us for an incredible showcase of talented Trans performers this Trans Day of Remembrance, Resilience and Resistance!
Equality Illinois is starting the development of our next five-year Strategic Plan, which will go into effect July 2022. As part of this process, we are hosting virtual town halls and want to hear from YOU! Equality Illinois values the input of our community partners, stakeholders, and donors in shaping the next 5 years of our vital LGBTQ civil …
LGBTQ people who are caught up in the criminal legal system face unique challenges, but they should not lose their right to vote and their ability to participate in democratic life. Tell your state legislators to vote YES for the Voting in Prisons Bill. Advanced by Chicago Votes, this bill would restore voting rights to people incarcerated in Illinois …
Restore Voting Rights for LGBTQ Incarcerated People Read More »
Apply for our 2021- 2022 Community Advisory Group! The Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group is a diverse cross-section of voices from across Illinois that informs the policy positions and initiatives we adopt and pursue in our work to secure and defend the equal and inclusive rights of LGBTQ Illinoisans. If you’re interested in serving on the group, go to the application …
Apply for our 2021- 2022 Community Advisory Group! Read More »
Today is your last day to vote in local elections for important offices like school boards, city councils, and townships! You can vote until 7 p.m. If you are in line to vote at 7 p.m., stay in line. Find your voting location: https://ova.elections.il.gov/PollingPlaceLookup.aspx.
With the Illinois legislative session in full swing, we want to invite you to SHOW UP! and SPEAK UP! for LGBTQ equality and inclusion during the 2021 Virtual LGBTQ Advocacy Day on May 12, 2021. While LGBTQ Advocacy Day will look different this year, we must still SHOW UP! and SPEAK UP! to make sure …
It’s an #EIHoliday! Thank you to our Holiday Campaign Committee for pledging to donate $100 or recruit three friends to give $25 each in support of our critical work to achieve full equality for all LGBTQ folks in Illinois. Click the image here to join the Committee or give what you can, and be sure …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 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 …
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 …
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 »
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 …
As an issue of fairness and justice to LGBTQ people, Equality Illinois supports increasing the Illinois minimum wage to $15.00. LGBTQ people should have the opportunity to provide for their families and establish economic security without burden or discrimination. Yet, our community is disproportionately affected by poverty. Research shows that members of the LGBTQ community …
Equality Illinois supports bill SB 1 – $15 minimum wage Read More »
ARE YOU AN EMERGING LEADER? Equality Illinois is seeking a select, powerful, active group of young professionals to become the next generation of LGBTQ leaders. Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or …
BREAKING: The Inclusive Curriculum Bill (HB 246) just passed the Illinois House Education School Curriculum Committee! The vote was 13-7. Thank you to sponsor State Rep. Anna Moeller! The bill, which is an initiative of Equality Illinois, The Legacy Project, and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, will include the contributions of LGBTQ people in the history …