Equality Illinois Institute

Founded in 1991, Equality Illinois advances equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ+ communities in Illinois. It advances pro-equality public policy, builds LGBTQ+ civic power across the state, advocates for LGBTQ+ people to be appointed into positions of public leadership, strengthens the ecosystem of LGBTQ+ led organizations serving its community and offers capacity building support and promotes the visibility and civic leadership of LGBTQ+ leaders of color. This award for general operations furthers the work of Equality Illinois.

Equality Illinois advances equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ community in Illinois. Its Boards and Commissions project seeks to promote the visibility and civic leadership of LGBTQ people in areas such as civil rights and civic engagement, economic development, education, health and human services, and public safety and criminal justice. With this award, Equality Illinois convenes leaders from six to twelve LGBTQ-led organizations to discuss the underrepresentation of LGBTQ individuals on Illinois state boards and commissions.