Dignitaries present at highly successful Equality Illinois gala

As life with COVID moves from being a pandemic to becoming endemic, the LGBTQ+-rights organization Equality Illinois held its annual gala Feb. 5 at the Hilton Chicago.

Along with hundreds of attendees, there was the annual parade of dignitaries, featuring current political leaders and candidates as well as heads of city and state agencies. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined more than 70 other elected officials and candidates walking in the gala’s parade.

The honorees for the night included The GenderCool Project, which received the Equality Illinois Spotlight Award for its work advancing positive personal stories about transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving. Kim L. Hunt was the recipient of the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her lifelong commitment to fighting for the civil rights and personal freedoms of all Illinoisans. The Abe & Ida Cooper Foundation received the organization award for its significant investment and commitment to the LGBTQ community in Illinois.

Despite being held in what is still considered a pandemic, the event was the most financially successful gala in Equality Illinois history.

“We are so grateful to everyone who joined us on Saturday and to those who supported the event in spirit if not in person. The community’s presence, our voices, and our energy made a statement not to be forgotten – that even in these trying times, our community remains strong, resilient and ready for the work to come, “said Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson in a statement.

Attendees had to present photo IDs, proof of COVID vaccination and proof of a negative COVID test taken on or after Feb. 3.

Photos by Kat Fitzgerald/Mystic Images Photography