On May 8, the Equality Illinois advocacy held its annual Lobby Day event in Springfield—with the highest turnout ever, according to the organization—gathering LGBTQ+ advocates from across the state to connect with their legislators face-to-face.
This year, advocates spoke out about three pending bills: The Safe Schools for All Act (HB 3297 and SB 2065), The Healthcare Transparency Act (HB 2904 and SB 1679) and The Equality for Family Act (SB 2507 and HB 2623).
Once the advocates had met in the state capital, there was an orientation and then a rally in the rotunda. From there teams of advocates fanned out to speak with state legislators for the entire afternoon.
The bills targeted for endorsement include the Equality for Family Act (HB 2623, SB 2507), the Healthcare Transparency Act (HB 2904, SB 1679) and the Safe Schools for All Act (HB 3297, SB 2065).
At the rally Manuel Hernandez-Nunez, Executive Director of ALMA, said, “Let me be clear: we are not asking for special treatment. We are demanding equal protection. We are demanding to live fully, freely and without fear.”
He added, “Across the country, over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced just this year, including in Illinois. Trans youth are being banned from sports, denied healthcare, and vilified in state houses. Books that tell our stories are being pulled from shelves. Families are being torn apart. All while the right to exist authentically becomes a political debate. But as we all know, we are not a debate…we are human beings.”
Nunez added, “Illinois has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ rights in the Midwest. But progress is not a destination…it is a commitment. The truth is too many in our community still face barriers to housing, healthcare, employment and safety. Black trans women remain disproportionately targeted by violence. Queer youth of color continue to face staggering rates of homelessness and suicide. Undocumented LGBTQ+ immigrants live in fear of detention and deportation.”
Brave Space Alliance CEO Channyn Lynn Parker spoke about the Healthcare Transparency Act saying, “Imagine making one of the most vulnerable and courageous decisions of your life. Finally saying yes to the care your mind, body, and spirit have been asking for. Imagine getting the referrals, the insurance approved, doing all the prep, showing up early, with your bag packed, your heart steady, your support system rallied only to be told…’Sorry, we’re not going to treat you…not for that.'”
She then said, “That happened to a 75-year-old transgendered woman named Dani. She followed every step, she did everything right, and then at the 11th-hour the hospital turned her away because her surgery was labeled as ‘gender affirming.’ No warning, no heads up, no transparency.”
Parker continued, “This is why this bill matters. The Healthcare Transparency Act—SB 1679 and HB 2504—isn’t just about paperwork or policy. It’s about dignity…it’s about letting people know before they show up for care what that hospital will or won’t do or won’t provide and to whom. Because right here in Illinois a hospital can have a nondiscrimination statement on the wall and still deny care based on your identity, your transition, your body or your beliefs.”
She concluded, “Because silence? Silence is where hate hides. Silence is how injustice stays legal. Transparency is how we bring it into the light. And for every trans person, every queer person who’s ever been told they are too complicated, too political, or too much to deserve care…We see you. We are fighting for you, and we will not stop until dignity is not the exception but the rule.”
Other speakers at the rally included Illinois House 14th District Representative Kelly Cassidy; Illinois Senate 7th District Representative Mike Simmons; outgoing Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson; activist and Chicago Therapy Collective therapist Iggy Ladden; and trans activist and Taskforce Community Services Executive Director Reyna Ortiz.
