LGBTQ+ advocate Channyn Lynne Parker will lead Equality Illinois as interim CEO while the organization searches for a permanent leader to succeed outgoing CEO Brian Johnson.
Parker, who is also CEO of Brave Space Alliance, will serve in the Equality Illinois role on a part-time basis while continuing her full-time leadership of the South Side LGBTQ+ center.
“Channyn is a powerful and visible leader in our state’s LGBTQ+ community, and we are grateful for her willingness to step up during this pivotal time,” Equality Illinois Board Chair Justin DeJong and Equality Illinois Institute Board Chair Kelly Emery said in a joint statement. “We know she is equipped to forcefully advocate for queer people in the months ahead, especially as we face escalating political attacks on LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.”
Parker is already connected to Equality Illinois as one of the organization’s board members and vice chair of the current Equality Illinois Institute.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the board of Equality Illinois,” Parker said in a statement. “In this interim capacity, I look forward to working with the talented staff, partners and allies to continue advancing and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Illinois.”
Parker has years of experience advocating for LGBTQ+ people, including in roles with Howard Brown Health, the Transformative Justice Legal Project and Cook County Department of Corrections, where she worked as an advocate for populations in protective custody.
While serving as interim CEO, Parker will remain fully committed to her full-time responsibilities at Brave Space Alliance.
“While the threats we face are serious, we also stand on the strength of what we’ve built—robust legal protections and a powerful coalition ready to keep moving forward,” Parker stated.
Johnson, Equality Illinois’ current CEO, will continue serving the organization as a senior advisor during the transition period. His last day is June 30.
That national search for Equality Illinois’ next full-time CEO is underway.
