Brian Johnson, who has led Equality Illinois since 2016, stepped down June 30 as CEO of the statewide LGBTQ+-rights organization, marking the end of a nine-year tenure defined by coalition-building, statewide outreach and a focus on intersectional advocacy.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Equality Illinois transitioned from an organization laser-focused on marriage equality to one advocating for LGBTQ+ equality on many fronts.
Throughout Johnson’s tenure, the organization has led the passage of nearly 30 pro-equality laws, worked to get nearly 150 LGBTQ+ leaders appointed to state boards and commissions, supported the election of a historic number of LGBTQ+ officials and invested in grassroots coalition-building among queer organizations throughout the state.
“I’m incredibly proud of how strong the LGBTQ+ ecosystem is,” Johnson told Windy City Times before marching in the Chicago Pride Parade on June 29, which was his second-to-last day in the role.
“I’m proud of the team that we’ve built on the board and the staff. I’m proud of the groups that we’ve invested in and partnered with. And I can honestly say that the queer civil-rights ecosystem in the state of Illinois has never been stronger,” Johnson said.
In addition to investing in LGBTQ+ coalition-building, Johnson led Equality Illinois through turbulent political moments, including President Donald Trump’s first term, the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.
Johnson served as CEO during three presidential administrations and partnered with two governors and three Chicago mayors.
Now, longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Channyn Lynne Parker is stepping in as interim CEO, bringing years of experience in direct service, public policy and movement leadership to the role. Parker will continue serving as CEO of Brave Space Alliance, a Black- and trans-led organization on the South Side, while seeing Equality Illinois through its transition.
In a statement earlier in June announcing her appointment, Parker said she was honored to carry forward the organization’s mission at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the board of Equality Illinois,” Parker stated. “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.”
Equality Illinois is currently accepting applications for its next permanent CEO.
When asked what his next moves are after leaving Equality Illinois, Johnson told Windy City Times he’d share more soon.
In the meantime, Johnson encouraged people throughout the state to keep up the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
“If we are not building power, we are losing power,” Johnson said. “There’s no day when you can say we’ve won enough. We can’t pack up our things and go home and relax—we have to continue to fight for our rights.”