Electronic Catalog of Chicago Activism Equality Illinois

Founded in 1992 Four founding members Arthur Johnston Rick Garcia Equality Illinois Founded in 1992 Four founding members Arthur Johnston Rick Garcia Lana Hostetler Jon Henri Damski

Rick Garcia – Co-Founder of Equality Illinois Current Director of Public Policy Inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1999 One of the “gang of four” that helped to pass an ordinance banning sexual orientation discrimination in 1988. In 1993 helped get the county ordinance passed Founder of Illinois Federation for Human Rights For a picture of Rick, click here

Art Johnston – Co-Founder of Equality Illinois Current President of the Board of Directors Inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1998. One of the “gang of four” in organizing Gay and Lesbian Town Meeting Also in 1993 was instrumental in the passage of the Cook County human rights ordinance Awards include recognition by the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations For a picture of Art Click Here

Equality Illinois Mission Goals To protect and defend the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the state of Illinois. Goals Promote legislation that protects the rights Maintain/increase the awareness of the communities issues. Increase the communities participation in the legislative process through activities such as Lobby Days Current Initiative The Civil Union Bill - HB1826 Full text of the bill Click here Equality Illinois Website: http://www.equalityillinois.org/

Equality Illinois Dalila Fridi (Board Member) Joined Equality Illinois in 2004 Became a board member in 2006 Woman’s retreat in July To discuss the issues of the women in the lesbian and transgender community and present new initiatives to the board All women’s event in September To foster and gain new female members

Interview with Jeremy Gottschalk – Member of the Board of Directors Equality Illinois Interview with Jeremy Gottschalk – Member of the Board of Directors To view interview Click Here