Pride Kick-Off Brunch Honoree

ANTONIO KING

ANTONIO KING is the first Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for the City of Chicago, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. His appointment placed Chicago as the first and largest U.S. city with an executive-level position dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equity. Director King responsibilities include: Developing guiding Mayor Johnson’s initiatives and programs serving the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring LGBTQ+ owned businesses receive equitable attention and support, and coordinating existing efforts
across City departments and agencies to uplift and support quality of life for LGTBQ+ Chicagoans.

Antonio’s dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy & civil rights, and equity in public health spaces for the LGBTQ community is unparalleled. As the first gay/bi Black man to serve as the LGBTQ Health & Outreach Liaison at the Chicago Department of Public Health(CDPH), King has demonstrated unwavering commitment to sexual health, including HIV/AIDS health education and prevention – a journey that began in the late 1980s when he volunteered with community-based organizations in Chicago.
Throughout his tenure at CDPH, King has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at Improving the health and wellness of LGBTQ individuals. He has established and maintained crucial linkages with various health, business, social service, and cultural
agencies, demonstrating his ability to foster collaborative partnerships to address complex quality of life issues, marriage equality and public health challenges. His efforts in organizing Chicago’s first Mayoral Roundtable with LGBTQ People of Color and curating city-wide events such as the “50th Stonewall Anniversary” Pride Reception showcase his innovative leadership and dedication to celebrating LGBTQ pride and resilience. He is sought out by businesses to assist navigating access to City services, cultural grant opportunities, as well as support with elective officials, to manage challenges indicative to the LGBTQ business community.

Antonio’s impact extends beyond his professional activities, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in community organizations and advocacy efforts. As a founding member of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and a program manager at Howard Brown Health, he has been instrumental in establishing vital outreach, testing, and prevention programs tailored to the needs of LGBTQ individuals, and being intentionally inclusive of those concerns within marginalized communities. And his dedication to individuals of trans experience, including the art of female impersonation and pageantry has been a cornerstone of his advocacy work for more than 25 years. As an advocate, promoter, judge, and sponsor, King has played a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the LGBTQ community. For over two decades, he has been an integral part of the national pageant scene, beginning with his initial work within The Continental Pageantry System in Chicago. Through this medium he has

provided a platform for LGBTQ individuals to express themselves authentically and proudly, contributing to the visibility and empowerment of the community. His tireless efforts to promote health equity, foster inclusive communities, and empower marginalized voices have left an indelible mark on the community.