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Greetings, EQUALITY
ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2009 E-NEWS AND ACTIVITIES 1) HISTORY MADE IN
OCTOBER 2) CURTAINS UP! - The Addams Family musical – A Benefit for Equality Illinois 3) CELEBRATE: Equality Illinois 2010 Justice for All Gala 4) OUTREACH: Equality Illinois connects with Religious leaders and Schools across the state 5) SALUTE: Capitol Club Members & Equality Illinois Staff Receive Honors 6) JOIN US: November 6 - First Friday Networking Social 7) TAKE A SIP: November 11 - Fall / Holiday Wine Tasting 8) HONORING: November 14 - Transgender Day of Remembrance 9) WITNESS: Fish Out of Water 10) FAN BASE: Become a Fan of our NEW Facebook Page 11) NIGHT OF 100 DRAG QUEENS 12) UP NEXT: Calendar of Upcoming Events 13) SIGN ON – Equality Illinois Needs YOUR help
1) HISTORY
MADE IN OCTOBER Equality Illinois applauds President Obama,
the U.S. Congress and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for taking important steps towards ensuring that all
people in the United States are afforded full
equality.
On Friday, October 30, 2009, President Obama eliminated a
travel ban that had been in place since 1993 forbidding people
with HIV/AIDS from traveling to the United States.
In a ceremony marking the fourth re-authorization of the Ryan White CARE Act – legislation that provides treatment for low-income HIV/AIDS victims, the President repealed the ban and stated, “If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it.” “It has been nearly three decades since this virus first became known,” Obama said. “But for years, we refused to recognize it for what it was. It was coined a ‘gay disease.’ Those who had it were viewed with suspicion. There was a sense among some that people afflicted by AIDS somehow deserved their fate and that it was acceptable for our nation to look the other way.”
Beginning Monday, November 2nd, foreigners with HIV/AIDS will be able to travel or immigrate to the United States without having to get a waiver from the Department of Homeland Security. President Obama signs Hate Crimes Act On October 28th, the President signed into law the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This important piece of legislation expands the definition of federal hate crimes to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Before signing the bill, President Obama declared: "After more than a decade of opposition, we passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are."
The Hate Crimes Act is named after two people who were victims of vicious acts of violence in 1998: 21 year old Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student who was brutally murdered in a homophobic attack in Laramie, Wyoming, and James Byrd Jr., a 49 year old African-American man dragged to his death in a racially motivated act in Jasper, Texas.
On October 21st, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made a historic statement that its programs are available to all, including LGBT people. HUD is the first federal agency to date to officially propose guidelines that would explicitly address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In a statement, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said, "The evidence is clear that some are denied the opportunity to make housing choices in our nation based on who they are and that must end. President Obama and I are determined that a qualified individual and family will not be denied housing choice based on sexual orientation or gender identity."
Equality Illinois praises Secretary Donovan and HUD for taking this monumental advancement toward full equality on a national level.
2) CURTAINS UP! The Addams Family Musical - A Benefit for Equality Illinois
Join us for a special showing of The Addams Family - the musical - and benefit our mission of equality!
When you purchase your tickets through Equality Illinois and join us on December 8th, your purchase will benefit the Equality Illinois Education Project - to support our crucial work to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our State. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Premium VIP ticket holders are invited to a special Equality Illinois post-performance reception to which the cast of The Addams Family is also invited. We want you to enjoy The Addams Family with us! The Addams Family, starring two-time Tony Award® winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, is opening in Chicago this fall before it goes to Broadway. The weird and wonderful family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams comes to devilishly delightful life in a Broadway musical. Experience The Addams Family at the pre-Broadway showing and support Equality Illinois.
The Addams Family - A New Musical Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre 24 West Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois
To purchase your tickets, please go to THE ADDAMS FAMILY
We are now planning our 2010 Justice for All Gala, to be held on Saturday, January 23rd at the Hilton Chicago, and we are proud to announce this year's Gala Co-chairs: Mr. Ted A. Grady, Ms. Karen Olin and Mr. Frank Quinn.
Justice for All is the largest and most fun annual LGBT black-tie gala in the Midwest, with over 1,000 people attending each year. You may run into elected officials, business owners and executives, community leaders, as well as your next-door neighbor!
This event directly benefits the Equality Illinois Education Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, and funds raised help support our mission to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois. The Gala generates substantial media attention in the gay as well as mainstream Illinois media.
Join us for one important night, one important event. Equality Illinois 2010 Justice for All Gala Saturday, January 23, 2010 Hilton Chicago
Tables and individual tickets are available online by clicking here, or by calling our office - 773-477-7173.
Guests who purchase Platinum or Premier Tables or Individual Tickets are also invited to the Premier Reception, Friday, January 22, 2010 at A New Leaf.
Call our office at 773-477-7173 (or email) with questions regarding the Gala: Gala Sponsorship - Bernard Cherkasov (bcherkasov@eqil.org) Table & Ticket Purchases - Joey McDonald (jmcdonald@eqil.org) Program Book Advertising - Caroline Staerk (cstaerk@eqil.org) Silent Auction Donations - Bill Trude (btrude@eqil.org)
Gala Table/Ticket purchases are tax-deductible as provided by law.
4) OUTREACH: Equality Illinois connects with Religious Leaders & Schools across the State.
Throughout 2009, Rick Garcia, Equality Illinois' Director of Public Policy and Caroline Staerk, Field Director, traveled across the state, speaking with people of faith as well as schools about the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, SB 1716 (The Civil Union Bill). We would like to thank the following congregations, colleges and universities for hosting us and welcoming us into their fold:
Arlington Heigts United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights Church of the Good Shepard (United Church of Christ), Carbondale Edison Park United Methodist Church, Chicago Lake Street Church (American Baptist), Evanston Prairie Circle Unitarian Church, Grayslake St. John's Episcopal Church, Chicago If you are a member of the clergy, please consider signing the faith petition in support of civil unions here: http://eqfed.org/campaign/afe_clergy_civilunion.
DePaul University, Chicago Elgin College, Elgin Illinois State University, Normal Loyola University, Chicago Northwestern University, Evanston Oakton College, Skokie Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville Western Illinois University, Galesburg We would also like to thank the COUNTLESS individuals, churches and community groups that have gathered letters in support of the civil union bill!
If your community of faith, school or organization would like us to come and speak about the civil union bill or about LGBT rights in general, please contact Caroline Staerk at 773-477-7173 or cstaerk@eqil.org.
5) SALUTE: Capitol Club Members and Equality Illinois Staff receive honors
The Board of Directors and Staff of Equality Illinois salute three of our own: Capitol Club member and friend of Equality Illinois, William J. Borah, on being selected as a judge by the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC); Capitol Club member & former Board President Paula Basta and Joey McDonald, Operations Manager, on their induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Paula Basta, Capitol Club member and
former member of Equality Illinois' Board of Directors, is being
inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for her
long-time work in improving the lives of senior citizens,
especially LGBT citizens, and promoting women's and LGBT rights.
In her time with Equality Illinois, Paula served as Board
President. She is currently the Regional Director for
the Northeast Regional
Joey McDonald, Equality Illinois' Operations Manager, is being inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for his strong commitment to improving the quality of life for members of Chicago's LGBT community, particularly his work with people living with HIV/AIDS, his leadership in the recovery community, his mentorship in the leather community, and his advocacy for LGBT equality.
6) JOIN US: November 6 - First Friday Networking Social Join Equality Illinois supporters and friends for our monthly First Friday networking event, celebrating Autumn in the Midwest! Help us welcome our guests for the month of November - ACCENTURE LGBT Group. For a $10 donation to the Equality Illinois PAC, you receive two-drink tickets and a ticket for a door prize drawing.
Equality Illinois First Friday Networking Event Friday, November 6, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sidetrack - Glass Bar 3349 North Halsted Street Chicago, Illinois (21 and over, with I.D.)
Contributions support the Equality Illinois Policital Action Committee. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Paid for by Equality Illinois PAC. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections and the Cook County Clerk is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL, or the Cook County Clerk's Office, 69 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60601. State law requires that we report the occupation and name of the employer of any individual who contributes over $500.00.
7) TAKE A SIP: November 11 - Fall / Holiday Wine Tasting Please make a note to join us at our Fall/Holiday Wine Tasting on Wednesday, November 11th at Sidetrack. For a $20 (per person) contribution to the Equality Illinois PAC, you can sample and learn about over 75 wines from around the world. This event boasts offerings for every taste, palate and pocket! And, as always, you can also ask your favorite bartender for Sidetrack's fabulous wine list.
Wines will be available for purchase, subject to limitations and availability.
Advance sale tickets are now available for purchase online by clicking here.
All advance sale ticketing is Will Call, and will be issued at the door of Sidetrack the evening of the event.
Equality Illinois Fall / Holiday Wine Tasting Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sidetrack 3349 North Halsted Street
Contributions support the Equality Illinois Political Action Committee. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Paid for by Equality Illinois PAC. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections and the Cook County Clerk is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL, or the Cook County Clerk's Office, 69 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60601. State law requires that we report the occupation and name of the employer of any individual who contributes over $500.00.
8) HONORING: November 14 - Transgender Day of Rememberance
The guest speaker is Ms. Vanessa Edwards Foster, President and co-founder of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC).
The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of unprovoked attacks against transgendered people, and gives allies a chance to step forward and stand in solemn vigil, simultaneously celebrating the lives while mourning the untimely and violent deaths of both trans-women and men who might otherwise be forgotten. This day seeks to remind non-transgender people and society at large that trans men and women are in fact OUR sons, daughters, parents, neighbors, friends, lovers and co-workers.
Other notable organizations participating include the Trans Youth Resource Advocates (TYRA), Howard Brown Health Clinic, Broadway Youth Center, and the Center on Halsted, among others.
This event has been held previously at the Daley Plaza, as well as various locations on North Halsted Street in Chicago. Following the traditional candlelight vigil, there will be a social gathering in New Spirit's Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.
More details to follow as they become available. For additional information, please contact Cynthia Richards, IGA Chair, cyndi@genderadvocates.org
11th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Saturday, November 14, 2009 5:00 p.m. New Spirit Church 524 South Scoville Avenue Oak Park, Illinois
9) WITNESS: Fish Out of Water
FISH OUT OF WATER is a documentary film about homosexuality and the Bible and uses intelligence and humor to understand biblically-inspired attitudes on LGBT equality. The film also features interviews with ministers, theologians, and members of the Chicago and Midwest LGBTQ community.
FISH OUT OF WATER is written and directed by Chicago filmmaker, Ky Dickens, and features an original score by Kaki King. Trailer and details are available at: http://www.fishoutofwaterfilm.com.
The premiere will take place at 5pm on NOVEMBER 8TH at the Music Box Theatre at 3733 N. Southport Avenue!! Tickets are officially on sale and the link to purchase tickets to the film ($10/ticket) or film and after-party ($20, and includes drink specials).
BUY TICKETS TO THE FILM at http://reelingfilmfestival.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=222515
10) FAN BASE: Become a Fan of our NEW Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Equality-Illinois/104000334423
11) NIGHT OF 100 DRAG QUEENS
The 17th Annual Night of 100 Drag Queens was simply spectacular. Masterfully planned & well implemented by the staff of Sidetrack, and spectacular in every sense. We are still hearing from guests of the event on just how much fun they had. People have even stopped by the Equality Illinois office to say how much they enjoyed the show.
We, at Equality Illinois, are grateful to the owners and staff of Sidetrack for hosting the event, the incredible entertainers for donating their time and considerable talents in rocking the house for two nights, the sponsors of Alphabet Soup: Miller Lite (L), Bacardi Dragonberry (B), Absolut Mandarin (A), Cointreau (C), Harlem (H), Midori (M), and Redbull (R), and especially to the attendees, for coming out and supporting Equality Illinois.
November Equality Illinois First Friday Networking Event - November 6 - Partner Organization - ACCENTURE LGBT Group Wine Tasting to Benefit Equality Illinois PAC - November 11 Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 14
December Equality Illinois First Friday Networking Event - December 4 The Addams Family Theatre Event - December 8 Ultimate New Year's Eve Party - December 31
January Equality Illinois First Friday Networking Event - January 8 2010 Justice for All Gala - Premier Reception - January 22 2010 Justice for All Gala - Saturday, January 23
13) SIGN ON: Equality Illinois Needs YOUR Help
We need your support right now to advance and expand our assertive agenda for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Illinois.
Educating our fellow Illinoisans and public officials about legislative issues important to the LGBT community, building a strong support network across faiths, sexual orientations, and gender identity, and maintaining a strong and effective team of lobbyists are all key to our future successes. But Equality Illinois cannot succeed in that without your participation.
Become a member for as little as $35 - that's less than $3 per month, about the cost of a latte. Join forces with 10,000 members, and together you can achieve civil unions, ensure safe schools, fight hate crimes, and so much more!
We all have a stake and a role in advancing equality, and Equality Illinois cannot achieve this mission without your support.
We're counting on you. Please give at least $35 now, and please forward this message to at least 5 of your friends or family members. For additional information on our many giving options, please contact Joey McDonald at 773-477-7173 or jmcdonald@eqil.org.
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President Ends U.S. Travel Ban on Visitors
& Immigrants with
HIV-AIDS
Department of Housing and Urban
Development Bars Discrimination
3) CELEBRATE: Equality Illinois
2010 Justice for All Gala
William J. Borah has been a
member of Equality Illinois since its inception, including time
as a member of the Board of Directors and a long-time Capitol
Club member. As an attorney, he has been on the forefront of gay
litigation which includes: school bullying, pro bono legal
services for the AIDS impacted, and filing the first transgender
case addressing the rights of his client's female name to be
placed on school transcripts. He has performed free legal work
for Equality Illinois, countless members of the community, and
is currently a volunteer at the Center on Halsted.
IHRC is the statewide agency responsible in enforcing the
Illinois Human Rights Act. After years of litigating employment
cases, Bill will now be hearing them on the
bench.
Senior Center for the City of
Chicago, Department of Family and Support
Services.
Equality Illinois is proud to
announce that it will co-sponsor, with the Illinois Gender
Advocates (IGA), the eleventh annual Day of Remembrance honoring
transgender victims of violence. In solidarity with the
collective community of transgender, transsexual and other
gender-variant individuals across the state, the 2009
Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held at 5pm on Saturday,
November 14th at the New Spirit Church in Oak Park,
Illinois.
Please show that you support
equality in Illinois by becoming a fan of Equality Illinois'
brand-new Facebook page. Organizations that oppose marriage
equality have thousands of "fans" for their cause. Let's show
them how strong we are! 
12) UP NEXT: Calendar of Upcoming
Events
