Originally from Rockford, Bennett Lawson, 27, has been involved in Democratic and LGBT politics since moving to Chicago in 1996. After graduating from Loyola University-Chicago, he served as district director for Sen. Carol Ronen and worked with her and community allies to amend the Illinois Human Rights Bill to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
He is currently the director of community outreach for Ald. Tom Tunney, where he serves as the point person on LGBT matters, including the Pride Parade, Market Days and Gay Games.
Bennett has volunteered for numerous non-profit agencies and campaigns including, Be-HIV, TPAN, Equality Illinois, Vital Bridges and the campaigns of Jan Schakowsky, Sara Feigenholtz, Mike Quigley and Rod Blagojevich, among others. He is currently the political chair of Young Chicago Lakefront, a progressive young professional political organization based in Lakeview.
Always a political animal, he encourages every young person to get involved, vote and make his or her voice heard.
DID YOU KNOW? Bennett is an avid White Sox fan and weekend golfer, and will be playing golf in the upcoming Gay Games.