BARRINGTON, Ill. —July 18, 2019—Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison will participate in the Making Barrington More Welcoming LGBTQ Discussion Panel Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Barrington Area Library. The panel, which is open to the public, will discuss recent anti-LGBTQ attacks in Barrington and what can be done to address anti-LGBTQ bullying in schools and public spaces and make the community more welcoming.
"The harassment and bullying that members of the LGBTQ community in Barrington have experienced, particularly the two recent incidents, are completely unacceptable. As the first openly LGBTQ Commissioner, I know how demeaning and vulnerable attacks like these can make someone feel because I experienced similar harassment myself," said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. "These attacks are horrible moments in our region's history, but I believe that we have the power to write the next chapter of this story. I believe this panel is the first step to bringing greater equity to our communities."
Commissioner Kevin Morrison will join community leaders, local and statewide LGBTQ activists as well as the parent of one of the students who experienced harassment on Tuesday for the discussion. The panel was organized in response to two anti-LGBTQ incidents of harassment against residents, including a rainbow flag being stolen and replaced with an American flag on the pole outside of a home of a LGBTQ family and the vandalization of an openly LGBTQ high school student's home. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.
Details:
Making Barrington More Welcoming LGBTQ Discussion Panel
Tuesday, July 23rd at 7pm
Barrington Area Library
505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010
Panelists: Sharon Nelles - mother of student from Barrington High School
Mike Ziri - Director of Public Policy, Equality Illinois
Kevin Morrison - Cook County Commissioner, 15th District
Diane Scholten — Barrington resident and community leader
Emily Young - Barrington Village Trustee
Jana Chwalisz - faith leader, St. Paul's United Church of Christ
Polly Foley - Barrington High School teacher, Gay Straight Alliance
Brittany Rotelli - Morey Psychotherapist that works with LGBTQ Youth
Barbara Pintozzi - Library Board Member/ Barrington Area Pride/ Barrington Area Equality
About Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison:
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison represents the 15th District which includes the Townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover and Schaumburg, as well as parts of Palatine and Wheeling Townships. He is the first and only openly LGBTQ Commissioner to sit on the Cook County Board. A native of Elk Grove Village with a background in public service, Commissioner Morrison serves as Vice Chair of the Human Relations and Tax Delinquency committees and his core issues include improving access to mental health services and providing development opportunities and support for small businesses. For information, please contact the Commissioner's office by calling ( 312 ) 603-6388 or visiting commissionerkevinbmorrison.org/ .
—From a press release
