Schakowsky meets supporters at Sidetrack

As the Illinois election season gets underway, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky wasted no time rallying her LGBT troops at an afternoon Champagne Reception held in her honor at Sidetrack Sept. 18.

Schakowsky told the approximately 50 attendees that “this is the best of times and the worst of times for LGBT issues” as she mentioned some of the victories, like the passage of civil unions in Illinois; the end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and the passage of same-sex marriage in New York. The congresswoman reminded the crowd that there is still strong opposition from both the Republicans and the Tea Party.

“This election is a fight for who we are as a country,” she said. “If we don’t inspire or motivate our people to vote, think about what our country will look like.” Photos and text by Ed Negron