CHICAGO, IllinoisThe Human Rights Campaign of Chicago will sponsor "The Equality Act and Me" panel on Wednesday, May 29 from 5pm-7:15pm at Morningstar, Inc., 7th floor, 22 W. Washington St., Chicago.
Despite significant steps forward in civil rights, LGBTQ Americans still lack basic legal protections in 30 states across the country. The patchwork nature of current laws leaves millions of people subject to potential discrimination that impacts their safety, their families, and their day-to-day lives.
The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.
The panel, moderated by distinguished Chicago Sun-Times journalist Laura Washington, will explore why the Equality Act is needed, the impact of the legislation on the everyday lives of LGBTQ Americans, and what Chicago citizens can do to ensure its passage into law.
Panelists include Congressman Robin Kelly ( D IL-02 ), Kim Hunt ( Pride Action Tank & AIDS Foundation of Chicago ), Jerome Holston ( LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois ), Don Cortelyou ( Wintrust Bank ), and Grayson Alexander ( transgender rights activist ).
The event will include a pre-panel reception from 5pm-5:30pm ( non-alcoholic beverages will be provided ). The moderated discussion will be held from 5:30pm to 6:45pm, consisting of a 50- minute conversation and 15-minute audience question-and-answer period.
A post-event networking reception will be held from 6:50 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
—From a press release