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MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EQUALITY BEGINS AT HOME - ILLINOIS
Contact: Rick Garcia
Illinois Federation for Human Rights
773-477-7173, IFHR@suba.com
or
Miranda Stevens-Miller
It's Time, Illinois
847-394-9293, MirandaSt1@aol.com
3712 N. Broadway, Suite 125
Chicago IL 60613
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CHICAGO, IL --- March 15, 1999 ---- Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are expected to be out in force at the events going on all across Illinois as part of Equality Begins at Home. The week starts off with a Kickoff Rally in in Chicago on March 19, and climaxes in Springfield with hundreds of individuals descending on the State Capitol in support of human rights for all.
Equality Begins at Home is a national campaign to strengthen and unify the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community and promote equality at the state level. It is sponsored in part by National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and coordinated locally by the Federation of Statewide Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Political Organizations. There are three Illinois members in the latter: the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, It’s Time Illinois, and ACLU Gay and Lesbian Rights Project.
All across the nation, in all 50 states, tens of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people will be marching in the cities and on the state capitols in support of human and civil rights for all.
Dozens of groups in Illinois have cooperated to pull together a massive, multifaceted project with events going on all over the state. From Chicago to Decatur, Champaign to Bloomington, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, families and friends, are gathering for large rallies and focused discussions, parties and religious services, potluck dinners and formal receptions.
MAIN CHICAGO EVENT: DALEY CENTER 3/19
The main event in Chicago is a Equality Begins at Home Kickoff Rally on Friday, March 19 at Noon 12 in the Daley Center Plaza. The keynote speaker at the rally is Urvashi Vaid, Director of the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a dynamic speaker and a visionary leader. She conceived of Equality Begins at Home years ago as a way to unite the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community across the land, and focus attention at the state level on recognition of our human and civil rights.
The rally will begin laying a wreath to honor all the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender veterans who have served our country. Mary Morten, who is Mayor Daley's liaison, will bring a message from the mayor. Representatives from religion, labor, youth and business will speak in support of recognizing the value of diversity and equal rights for all. The event will be highlighted by the choral music of the Windy City Slickers, and Aria.
SPRINGFIELD LOBBY/RALLY, MARCH 24
People from all over Illinois will be gathering in Springfield on March 24 for climax of Equality Begins at Home in Illinois - Lobby Day and Rally for the Human Rights Amendment. Last year about 250 people attended Lobby Day in Springfield. This year that number is expected to double. The focus of Lobby Day is House Bill 474, the Human Rights Bill, which was introduced 2/2 by Rep. Larry McKeon, 34th District. HB474 would amend the Illinois Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
A noon rally is planned in the State Capitol Rotunda. Speaking at the rally will be Secretary of State Jesse White, and Rep. Larry McKeon and Rep. Mark Beaubien, two of the co-sponsors of HB474. Also speaking will be Kerry Lobel, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Rick Garcia, Political Director of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights. There will be a special choral concert with over 60 members of the Chicago Gay Mens' Chorus.
A press conference will follow the rally in the press room of the State Capitol.
EBAH-IL DEDICATED TO LANA HOSTETLER
Lana Hostetler, the Chief Lobbyist for the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, was tragically killed in a fire at her home on February 4. She had been with the Federation since its inception in 1992, and was lobbying for gay rights even before that with IGLTF. She played a central role in Equality Begins at Home and the Springfield Lobby Day. Illinois Equality Begins at Home is dedicated to the memory of Lana Hostetler, a dear friend to the community and tireless champion for human rights.