STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS EQUALITY ILLINOIS STAFF BERNARD CHERKASOV Chief Executive Officer RANDY HANNIG Director of Public Policy
CAROLINE STAERK Director of Field Programs
ANN MCGREGOR Director of Finance & Administration
JOEY MCDONALD Operations Manager
KEVIN J MORK Development Associate
BILL TRUDE Administrative Assistant
JOY CONKLIN Special Events Associate
EQUALITY ILLINOIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS DALILA FRIDI President, Equality Illinois Education Project
JEREMY H GOTTSCHALK President, Equality Illinois
MICHAEL JEFVERT Treasurer
JOHN PARRO Secretary
CATHERINE SIKORA Vice President
MARK COZZI
KEVIN HAUSWIRTH
KYLE SPAINHOUR
TOBY EVELAND
STEPHEN S HERSETH
JOHNNY SONG
GRANT GOCHNAUER
ARTHUR L JOHNSTON
LAURIE R WEISBERG
WILLIAM H HALL
CHRISTINA KAHRL
COETY WYSE
TONYA WILKES MOORE MIKE SIMMONS
Cover photo courtesy of Kat Fitzgerald.
LETTER FROM CEO BERNARDCHERKASOV In June – the first month that Illinois couples could enter a civil union – 1,618 couples applied for civil union licenses. These were same-sex and different-sex couples, coming from 83 out of our state’s 102 counties, ranging in age from 18 to 93. Thousands more, who had entered into civil unions or marriages in other jurisdictions prior to June 1, became recognized as civil-unioned in Illinois on that date. And just like that – without any apocalyptic manifestations – the Land of Lincoln moved one step closer to full equality for its citizens. Heterosexual marriages were not threatened. Civilization did not collapse. And our opponents’ predictions were proven to be exactly what we knew they were: scare tactics, fear mongering, and flat-out lies. The civil union law was a victory long-fought and hard-won, and we cannot take it for granted. We have to ensure proper implementation of the law. We have to educate and empower our community on these new rights. And we have to protect the law from attempts to repeal it or dilute its protections. In fact, in the months following enactment, we successfully beat back three separate attempts to weaken the new law. We have to keep focused on this law, even as we work toward full marriage equality. Marriage equality is important, but it is not the only item on our agenda. From pursuing transgender workplace equality to advancing federal anti-bullying laws, from building broad coalitions for LGBT-inclusive immigration reform to rallying grass-roots efforts for Employment Non-Discrimination Act, we have an aggressive plan for the year ahead. The civil union victory would not have been possible without thousands of you from every part of this state who generously contributed your time, your energy, and your resources. Similarly, to accomplish the next challenges in our mission, we will need your participation in writing letters, making telephone calls, registering voters, educating neighbors, raising crucial dollars, and even praying for equality. We cannot succeed in our work without your support. Let’s keep moving forward!
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STATEWIDE BELLEVILLE BLOOMINGTON NORMAL CARBONDALE
CHAMPAIGN URBANA CHICAGO
• Registered voters (at Pride Festivals, El Stops, Out at Wrigley and more) • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Metro East Pride Festival attendees • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum with McDermott, Will and Emery • Educated UCC Illinois South Conference Pride meeting about civil unions • Facilitated faith roundtable discussion with Advocacy Council for Human Rights • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum with the Advocacy Council for Human Rights • Organized and led LGBT leaders and clergy for an in-district constituent visit with Congressman Costello’s office regarding the Employment Non-Discrimination Act • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Carbondale Pride Picnic attendees • Hosted Civil Union Forum • Rallied support for LGBT equality & educated Champaign Urbana Pride Festival attendees • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum with Uniting Pride Center • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Andersonville Midsommarfest attendees • Partnered with NOW on building a fairer society • Marched, danced, and cheered at Chicago Pride Parade • Energized supporters and rallied support for LGBT equality at Windy City Black Pride on Chicago’s South Side • Organized over 300 volunteers at Market Days in Chicago • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Halsted Market Days attendees • Developed and launched the influential Vote Naked Illinois initiative • Mobilized phone bankers to energize voters and get out early votes • Mobilized phone bankers to energize constituents and call their State Senators and Representatives regarding the civil union bill • Hosted Civil Union Forum at the Center on Halsted • Attended civil union bill signing in Chicago • Delivered Civil Union Community Forum in Hyde Park at a workshop hosted by Affinity • Hosted Spring Women’s Social at Flourish Studios • Hosted Capitol Club Briefing Series with Governor Quinn • Presented at University of Chicago political science course “Identity, Advocacy, and Public Policy in Chicago” in Hyde Park • Educated federal employees on the civil union law at an event sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank • Organized a media faith training for clergy supportive of LGBT equality at Temple Sholom • Presented on statewide equality agenda at IGS meeting in northwest Chicago • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum in Spanish in Humboldt Park • Hosted Capitol Club Briefing Series with Chai Feldblum • Educated federal employees on the civil union law at an event sponsored by the National Labor Relations Board
WHERE WE’VE BEEN... PAGE 2
DECATUR
• Hosted Civil Union Community forum with Gay and Lesbian Association of Decatur at Milliken University
DEERFIELD
• Briefed Deerfield PFLAG members on statewide equality
HINSDALE
• Briefed Hinsdale PFLAG members on statewide equality
JOLIET MACOMB OAK PARK PEORIA PALATINE QUAD CITIES
RIVERSIDE ROCKFORD SPRINGFIELD
• Briefed Joliet PFLAG members on statewide equality • Presented on statewide equality agenda to faculty at Western Illinois University in Macomb • Ran a “Deepening the Welcome” workshop for the ELCA church • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Peoria Pride • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum in Palatine • Rallied support for LGBT equality and educated Quad Cities Pride Festival attendees • Briefed Quad Citians Affirming Diversity in Rock Island on statewide equality agenda and movement forward • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum along with Quad Citians Affirming Diversity in Rock Island • Connected with supporters at Farmer’s Market to sign letters of support of civil union bill for lawmakers • Briefed Rockford PFLAG members on statewide equality agenda • Hosted Civil Union Community Forum in Rockford with Spectrum of Rockford and Rockford Urban Ministries • Delivered action letters of support for the civil union bill in Springfield to all State Representatives • Organized and held Faith Press Conference in Springfield at the Capitol the day of the civil union bill debate • Delivered faith petitions to House and Senate lawmakers • Energized supporters old and new at the first ever Springfield Pride Festival
UNIVERSITY PARK
• Briefed PFLAG on statewide equality agenda at Governor’s State University
WAUKEGAN
• Hosted Civil Union Community Forum
WHAT WE’VE DONE PAGE 3
On June 1, Illinois became one of a handful of states offering civil unions to same-sex couples. In passing civil unions, lawmakers intended to provide nearly 650 rights, protections, benefits, and responsibilities to same-sex couples in committed relationships, which were previously only available to heterosexual couples. THE JOURNEY. In 2007, after years of behind-the-scenes discussions, the first civil union bill was officially introduced in the Illinois General Assembly by Rep. Greg Harris. That bill did not come to a full floor vote. Equality Illinois built a broad coalition of LGBT individuals, straight allies, communities of faith, ordained clergy, businesses, communities of color, and elected officials to maximize support and pressure for this crucial bill. On February 18, 2009, Rep. Greg Harris tried again, introducing the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (HB 2234). The bill was successfully voted out of committee, advanced to third and final reading on March 19, 2009, and was then converted to Senate Bill 1716. The State House of Representatives and the State Senate passed the bill by a bipartisan vote on November 30, 2010, and December 1, 2010, respectively. Governor Quinn signed the legislation into law on January 31, 2011. THE LAW. This law ensures all committed couples in Illinois have access to nearly 650 state rights, protections, benefits, and responsibilities previously only guaranteed to married couples and their families. These rights include emergency medical decision-making power and hospital visitation rights, equal access to state spousal benefits, equal tax treatment at the state and local levels, spousal testimonial privilege, inheritance rights and equal estate tax treatment, and equal access to domestic relations law and procedure, among others. Same-sex couples can now enter a civil union by obtaining a license, exchanging vows before a civil or willing religious official, and then registering their unions.
FIGHTING. PASSING. CELEBRATING. DEFENDING. PAGE 4
Shortly after the civil unions bill passed the Illinois General Assembly, and long before the governor signed it, Equality Illinois went into action to make sure our community was educated on the provisions of the law, that the law’s implementation followed the lawmakers’ intent to provide identical treatment for same-sex couples, and that civil unions were protected from any attack by opponents of LGBT equality. In brief: EDUCATION. Equality Illinois has organized dozens of Civil Union Community Forums across the State, both in English and in Spanish. These educational sessions, led by Equality Illinois staff along with organizational partners such as Lambda Legal, serve to educate the community and to answer questions about the ins-and-outs of a civil union. More than two thousand Illinoisans participated in our forums directly, and thousands more downloaded our informational brochures in English or Spanish. We continue to organize religious roundtables to educate communities of faith and faith leaders about civil unions. IMPLEMENTATION. Equality Illinois is working to ensure proper implementation of the civil union law. We are working with elected officials, county clerks, the governor’s office, and other key stakeholders and state departments so that the bill is implemented according to lawmakers’ intent: providing equal protection to same-sex couples in Illinois. PROTECTION. In weeks after the law’s enactment, Equality Illinois defeated three separate attempts to amend the civil union law. We continue to strengthen our statewide network of empowered activists and leaders, and to develop strong relationships with clergy, community organizers, and business leaders in key population centers across Illinois. We are now working to transform these hundreds of leaders who endorsed civil unions into active advocates, spokespeople, and organizers in support of civil unions and further same-sex relationship recognition. We will continue to educate not only LGBT individuals, but also current and prospective allies about the importance of protecting same-sex relationship recognition in Illinois.
CIVIL UNIONS PAGE 5
CELEBRATE PAGE 6
CIVIL UNIONS Photography by Kat Fitzgerald
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INCREASED AND EXPANDED GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT FOR LGBT EQUALITY ACROSS ILLINOIS.
PARTNERED WITH MORE LGBT-FRIENDLY CORPORATE PARTNERS THAN EVER BEFORE, AND EDUCATED THESE PARTNERS ON LGBT-INCLUSIVE POLICIES.
DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED VOTE NAKED ILLINOIS, AN OVERWHELMINGLY SUCCESSFUL STATEWIDE GET-OUT-THE-VOTE EFFORT.
STRENGTHENED RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITIES OF FAITH AND STRAIGHT ALLIES THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS. DEVELOPED STRONG BONDS WITH NEW AND IMPORTANT COMMUNITY PARTNERS, SUCH AS IMMIGRANT- AND WOMEN’S-RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS, AND LOCAL LGBT GROUPS IN CITIES ACROSS THE STATE.
YOUR DOLLAR$ AT WORK FOR EQUALITY EACH DOLLAR YOU GENEROUSLY DONATED, COMBINED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OTHER DONORS, PROVIDED THE TOOLS TO MAKE AMAZING PROGRESS OVER THE PAST YEAR!
IN FISCAL YEAR 2011, EQUALITY ILLINOIS...
PROMOTED LGBT EQUALITY AT A NATIONAL LEVEL BY HOSTING EDUCATIONAL EVENTS WITH WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS AND NATIONAL LEGISLATORS.
SECURED CIVIL UNIONS, OFFERING 648 NEW LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR COUPLES IN THE STATE.
EDUCATED THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE STATE BY HOSTING OR PARTICIPATING IN OVER 40 CIVIL UNION COMMUNITY FORUMS.
DEFENDED CIVIL UNIONS AGAINST THREE SEPARATE ATTACKS OVER A FIVE-WEEK PERIOD.
GREW TO BECOME THE THIRD-LARGEST STATEWIDE EQUALITY ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES. PAGE8
Some legislative highlights from the last year include:
H.R. 2965, S. 4023
Last year’s legislative work included two historic victories: the Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act and the authorization of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” That didn’t stop our opponents in Springfield and Washington, D.C. from attempting to roll back those victories even before they had a chance to take effect.
(Federal) authorized the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy banning openly lesbian and gay troops from military service. Signed into law December 22, 2010; phased out on September 20, 2011.
H.R. 1116, S. 598
(Federal) would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and allow the U.S. government to provide benefits to same-gender couples in a marriage. Assigned to Judiciary Committee; has been endorsed by President Obama.
At the state level, the civil union law passed the House of Representatives on November 30th by a vote of 61:52. The next day, the bill was approved in the Senate by a vote of 32:24. In the months leading up to the passage of civil unions, Equality Illinois mobilized thousands of constituents all across Illinois to urge their legislators to support the bill. In addition, we assembled hundreds of supportive clergy and religious leaders who held a press conference on the steps of the State House to announce their support of civil unions. Learn more about civil unions on pages 4-7.
H.R. 1397, S. 811
(Federal) would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Referred to Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.
SJRCA16, HJRCA10 (State)
Resolution calling for amendment of state constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in Illinois. Defeated.
In December, Congress authorized the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and President Obama signed the repeal into law on December 22nd. On September 20, 2011, the policy was officially repealed. The action ended seventeen years of discrimination against lesbian and gay Americans who proudly and honorably serve our country.
SB1123, SB1993, HB3774 (State) would have amended the Civil Union law to allow religiously-affiliated child welfare agencies to discriminate in adoption and foster care services. Current law requires all agencies to use the best-interest-of-the-child standard. All child welfare agencies receiving public funds should be required to adhere strictly to this standard and not be allowed to discriminate using religious pretexts. All three measures defeated at committee level.
Also, in February, President Obama announced that he considered the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be unconstitutional and directed the Department of Justice to stop defending the law in court.
SB1716 (State, 96th General Assembly)
BILLS.BILLS.BILLS.
permits all committed couples to enter into a civil union and grants equal access for all committed couples to the state's nearly 650 benefits and protections previously limited only to heterosexual couples in a recognized marriage. Signed into law by Governor Quinn and took effect June 1, 2011. See pages 4-7 for more details.
LEGISLATIVE DOCKET PAGE 9
FOCUS ON EQUALITY
GENDERQUEER CHICAGO T-FRIENDLY BATHROOM INITIATIVE
EQUALITY BEGINS AT...
In an unprecedented effort to make the City of Chicago safer for transgender individuals, youth organizers from Genderqueer Chicago launched the “T-Friendly Bathroom Initiative” in February 2011. This is a grassroots community project that challenges business owners to better serve their transgender clients, employees, and community at large. Since then, this initiative has started engaging more than organizations, educating them on transgender issues, and asking that commits them to allowing gender-variant customers to use choice. Businesses that sign the pledge will be awarded a window customers can easily identify trans-friendly businesses.
500 businesses and them to sign a pledge the bathroom of their decal, so that possible
“This will dramatically improve the way transgender people experience our city and state” says Kate Sosin, Co-Founder of Genderqueer Chicago and a project organizer. “We want business owners to understand that under the Illinois Human Rights Act, it is not just their right to protect transgender people in bathrooms, it is their duty.” Gender identity and expression are protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act, but countless transgender people are harassed in public restrooms for not "passing" as male or female. This policing often results in violence against people who do not conform to gender stereotypes. It can also mean health complications for those who are not allowed regular access to bathrooms. "This project is a critical reminder that trans folk can empower themselves to achieve something positive," reflects fellow organizer Christina Kahrl, Board member of Equality Illinois. "What we're getting to do here is change the dynamic, so that we don't just limit ourselves to protesting against those businesses and organizations who wrong trans folk.”
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FAITH & FREEDOM
Communities of faith are among the strongest supporters of LGBT equality. EQIL has been at the forefront of building partnerships with affirming clergy and congregations across the state, laying the foundation for strengthening their voices as active advocates for LGBT issues, and engaging not-yet-affirming clergy and congregations. Our Faith & Freedom Initiative leads outreach efforts across the state, following a strategic plan that is organized around these key areas of activity: • Advocacy and capacity building • Media – “amplifying the voice” • Education and awareness • Alliances and partnerships • Outreach to lay leaders, youth and young adults, and people of color Some highlights from the past year of the Faith & Freedom Initiative: • Civil Union Faith Petition: - Over 250 ordained clergy signed our Faith Petition Supporting Civil Union legislation in Illinois; - Nearly 600 congregants from mainline congregations have signed the Faith Petition; - The signors represent more than 270 congregations and seminaries in 79 cities across the State; - Each Illinois State Senator and Representative received a copy of the faith petition in Springfield before the vote on the Civil Union bill. • 20 clergy from across Illinois attended a press conference on November 30, 2010 in support of the Civil Union Bill; • 40+ civil union forums, several of which were hosted by affirming congregations, were held across Illinois; •150 supportive clergy listed on our website as willing to a perform civil union ceremony; • A faith round table discussion held in Bloomington/Normal with 15 faith and lay leaders; • Shared our knowledge and skills on organizing faith communities in: Peoria at the Reconciling Uniting Ministries of Illinois luncheon, Oak Park at the ELCA’s “Deepening the Welcome” workshop and Belleville at a UCC Illinois South Conference Pride meeting; • Organized a media training for 13 supportive clergy, increasing their media capabilities and positioning them as our “quick response” team to media inquiries or breaking events; • Developed the Communities of Faith LGBT Resource Guide.
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TRANSFORMING EQUALITY TRANSGENDER ISSUES GAIN NEW GROUND
Aside from successfully defending transgender equality in state legislature, our community succeeded in achieving affirmative victories at the federal level. While there is still much more work to be done, some of the executive branch successes we have celebrated this year include the following: • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified that Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on gender discrimination also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. HUD also ensured that all of its core programs, including public housing, rental vouchers, and home financing, would be open to anyone who needs them, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. • In June 2010, the Department of State revised its policy on issuance of passports to allow transgender individuals to receive a new passport that correctly reflects their gender. The policy was further updated in 2011 to affirm that individuals wishing to change their gender on a passport only need a document from a physician stating that they have undergone a “medically appropriate” procedure to change genders, thus simplifying and streamlining the entire process. • The Veterans Administration issued a directive in June 2011 requiring all its facilities to provide respectful, confidential health care to transgender veterans, including providing hormones and mental health care. The directive requires all VA staff to provide care to transgender patients “without discrimination in a manner consistent with care and management of all Veteran patients.” • In May 2011, the head of the Office of Personnel and Management issued a memorandum to all department and agency heads specifically spelling out the federal government’s guidelines regarding the treatment of transgender employees. The memo stated that it is “the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination.”
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FOCUS ON EQUALITY FIGHTING BULLYING
TUFTS UNIVERSITY STUDENT | EQIL INTERN
BEN SERRANO
Dealing with bullying is a struggle. It’s a struggle for “out” students who have to deal with the hurt inflicted upon them by their harassers. It’s a struggle for those who are not “out” but who witness others being harassed. And it’s a struggle for the dedicated individuals trying to help those being bullied. My educational experiences have shown me the necessity of protecting students, adults, coworkers, and neighbors who are being bullied and harassed based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. During high school, I was a student who wasn’t “out”–not even to myself. I went to school every day and would witness the one “out” gay male student being teased and bothered constantly. All I felt I could do was to say to the bullies, “Stop being ridiculous! Stop bothering him!” But I was scared to go into the why I was defending him without being labeled as gay myself. I was living with a fear that should not have even developed in the first place. People should not have to live in fear of being harassed because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. And this is why federal anti-bullying legislation is urgently needed. Over the past few months, I have been working with a coalition of student activists to help alleviate the fears that students, employees, and bullied individuals out there may have. Under the guidance of Equality Illinois, we created an Anti-Bullying Pledge that states that the signor will intervene anytime he or she sees someone being harassed because of his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The pledge is related to pending legislation in Congress (the Student Non-Discrimination Act) that will give protections to those who are bullied based on perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity; and it is our hope to get this legislation passed. We plan to send these pledges to the signor’s U.S. Representative and encourage that representative to cosponsor this vital legislation. We organized a “week of action” in July to educate community members and to get pledges signed in Chicago, Springfield, and Bloomington-Normal. To date, we have collected over 3,500 signed pledges from individuals across the state! Working on this initiative has taught me any things. I have learned that the best way to stop bullying is on an individual basis. That is, to tell each person that he or she has an obligation to stop anti-LGBTQ harassment. And although legislation creates a stronger society, the first thing a bully needs to hear is “Stop!” During my time working on this important and challenging project at Equality Illinois, I have come to understand the impact and power this organization has to influence people and create positive change for LGBT people in Illinois.
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GET OUT & VOTE
(CLOTHING OPTIONAL)
In 2010, for the first time Illinois allowed individuals to vote by mail for any reason. To capitalize on the change in the law, Equality Illinois Education Project, along with Roosevelt University and Rock the Vote, launched a nonpartisan, innovative, and eye-catching campaign called Vote Naked Illinois. The campaign was anchored in a Facebook application and driven by a thought-provoking and revealing public service video. Here are some quick, fun facts about the campaign: • More than 450,000 absentee ballot applications were distributed statewide. • Over 110,000 individuals viewed the Vote Naked video online. • Over 1,000 absentee ballot applications were distributed via the Facebook application in 30 counties across Illinois. • Thirty events across the City of Chicago yielded over 500 filled-out absentee ballot applications. • The Vote Naked Illinois campaign was covered by a majority of leading news outlets in Illinois, from NBC to CBS to FOX, from Chicago Tribune to Sun-Times to the Reader. Chicago Public Radio, NPR affiliate, featured our program on air, and word of our program spread even beyond the borders of Illinois, with coverage in Huffington Post, Bill O'Reilly's The O’Reilly Factor, Detroit Free Press, and even Italy's leading newspaper La Repubblica and Canada'sToronto Sun. • On Election Day, Cook County and the City of Chicago alone processed over 70,000 absentee ballots. These efforts made a huge impact in the election. In the gubernatorial race, for example, Governor Quinn won reelection by just 20,000 votes over his fiercely anti-LGBT opponent. In January 2011, we used Vote Naked Chicago to turn out the City’s residents to vote in a citywide election. We will continue to use the Vote Naked tool to get out the vote in the crucial elections ahead.
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In February 2011, just as the City of Chicago was preparing to elect its new mayor, we proudly announced the launch of THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT to identify well-qualified openly LGBT candidates for positions in the new mayoral administration and to advocate for their appointments. THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT functions as a talent bank of openly LGBT professionals seeking opportunities to serve in the new mayor's administration both as senior staff and on numerous boards and commissions. As the city elected Rahm Emanuel to be its next mayor, hundreds of committed Chicagoans – recent graduates and seasoned professionals alike – applied via THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT to serve their city, offering to share their expertise within the administration and to give our community a voice at the table. The success of the project became clear immediately, as nearly ten percent of the Mayor-Elect’s transition team included participants in the THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT. As the Emanuel Administration took shape, even more participants were appointed to senior positions. Because of the Project’s close collaboration with the Presidential Appointments Project, some participants are also being considered for federal-level positions. THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT is a collaborative effort between Equality Illinois, the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute, as well as community leaders. THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT is modeled after and builds upon the highly successful Presidential Appointments Project of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute that has led to the appointment of more than 150 LGBT individuals in the Obama Administration. We are grateful to the Honorable Debra Shore (Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District); Tressa Feher (Chief of Staff of Alderman James Cappelman); John Barry (Member, Board of Directors, Human Rights Campaign); Jim LoBianco (Executive Director, Streetwise); and Samir Luther (Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute) for their participation in the development and stewardship of THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT.
THE CHICAGO APPOINTMENTS PROJECT PAGE 15
FOCUS ON EQUALITY
PASTORAL CARE
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” This quote, by Mahatma Gandhi, has become one of my life verses over the years. It may seem odd for a Christian leader to have a life verse spoken by a Hindu. This represents, however, a greater philosophy and story of my life.
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH, ELCA | ROMEOVILLE
REV. SUZANNE ANDERSON-HURDLE
I began my ministry journey in 1997 at Good Shepherd in Romeoville. It was primarily a blue-collar congregation located in a predominantly blue-collar community. However, as the years have passed, the community has changed. More people have moved into the community, bringing with them their own diverse beliefs and viewpoints. Part of the ministry our church saw a need to address was the welcoming of all God’s children and, in particular, those in the LGBT community. In 2005, we began to put pen to paper and really think about what this would mean to our congregation and the larger Romeoville community. Through Bible study, small groups, and other resources, we were able to come to a point in 2008, when we voted unanimously to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. This is a type of identification in Lutheran circles that makes a statement of welcome and affirmation for LGBT people. Because of my passion for reaching all of God’s children, I’ve been blessed to be involved in many areas of equality for the LGBT community, both within church circles and the political arena. In March of 2009, I was asked to testify before the Illinois House Committee in support of civil unions. I was honored to speak and hoped that my words reminded the Committee members that not all those in the religious community held the same views on the issue of civil unions and same-sex marriage. Too often our political leaders hear from the religious on the right and not often enough from those of us with more progressive voices. I was in the chamber of the House when they passed the civil union bill and it was one of most moving experiences of my life. Seeing some of my LGBT brothers and sisters weep at the vote reminded me of just how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Actively working and lobbying for the repeal of DOMA is important. Equally as important for me, particularly because of my call as a pastor, is that those in the LGBT community who have been hurt by or turned away from the church will know that they are welcome in our church; a true welcome, to be who God created them to be. As a straight, married mother of three, I have come to realize how important straight ally voices are in the fight for equality. It’s not enough for the LGBT community to fight this fight alone. We need each other. That is why I will continue to make every effort to advocate and be involved in the fight for equality in the church and the political world. I’ve been married for twenty years and think I have a pretty good idea of what love is all about. Love is about intimacy – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. For me, love is the ultimate gift God has given to all His children – gay or straight. Why gay marriage? My response to that, why straight marriage? Why do we need marriage at all? Marriage matters because it allows couples both the acknowledgement of the larger community and from the state. Marriage ceremonies and marriage licenses show the world an outside sign or symbol of a couple’s inward commitment and love. While I’m pleased civil unions passed in Illinois, I know it’s just a step. Marriage equality still needs to be our goal because we are only part of the way to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters being treated “equal under law,” as the words on the front of the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. read. Being involved in Equality Illinois has been a truly unexpected blessing in my life. I’ve met so many wonderful people who share the desire to achieve equality for all people. It’s also helped me feel less alone. Sometimes this fight for equality, especially as a straight Christian leader, often leads to lonely places. Thanks to my friendship in the LGBT community and beyond, these lonely places are fewer and farther between now. Sometimes people ask me why I do what I do, in regard to being a pastor and being an advocate for justice for all God’s people. My simple answer is another of my life verses: (Micah 6:8), “The LORD has told you what is good; and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s as simple as that. I do it because it is the right, just, merciful, loving thing to do. PAGE 16
CAPITOL CLUB
BRIEFING SERIES The Briefing Series is an exclusive program for members of the Capitol Club, bringing Capitol Club members together with statewide and national political leaders who offer insider perspectives and commentary on the LGBT-rights movement. Briefings are closed to the media. Recents speakers include:
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA’S
CHIEF OF STAFF
TINA TCHEN
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
IL SENATE PRESIDENT JOHN CULLERTON
BRIAN BOND
IL GOVERNOR PAT QUINN
US EEOC COMMISSIONER
CHAI FELDBLUM
IL CONGRESSMAN MIKE QUIGLEY
We are grateful to Quarles & Brady, the Presenting Sponsor of the Capitol Club Briefing Series.
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FOCUS ON EQUALITY
DECATUR
NANCY & LINDA RYHERD-SCHROEDER
IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH
Nancy and I met in June 2004 through a mutual friend. Nancy was working at the Thornton Gas Station in Decatur and I worked for the IL Secretary of State at the Decatur Driver’s Facility. After many phone calls and emails, we had our first date that July, and have been together ever since. Our love for animals has grown through the years and we currently have four dogs and ten cats. Our four-legged babies are our children. I proposed to Nancy in September 2004 at a GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Association of Decatur) monthly social. In August 2005, we were one of many couples at the Urbana City Hall to sign up for the domestic partner registry. WAND-TV followed us from Decatur to cover this special moment. We had a commitment ceremony on the lawn of the Unitarian Fellowship of Decatur, followed by a reception at First Presbyterian. We were so excited about affirming our love and commitment in such a public way, but our love clearly was not enough in the eyes of the law. I added Nancy to my employee health insurance policy, but ended up being taxed on her health benefits. When Nancy’s father was killed in a car accident several years ago, I had to use personal vacation to attend the funeral. When Nancy needed urgent surgery, I couldn’t use family sick time as my heterosexual coworkers can. Instead, I was informed that the Federal Medical Leave Act does not cover domestic partners. I was almost denied a vacation day because a coworker already scheduled vacation for that day. We desperately needed our state to treat us equally. At last, civil unions offered the protections our family needed. When the law took effect on June 1, Nancy and I became the first couple in the county to apply for a civil union license. We had our civil union ceremony on June 5 at Nelson Park in Decatur. Equality Illinois is our ‘go to’ organization when problems arise. When legal challenges arose prior to the civil union law, we knew we could count on Equality Illinois to fight on our side and continue fighting until we have full equal rights under the law. Being members of Equality Illinois gives us a voice in this truly historic battle.
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FOCUS ON EQUALITY
LOVE WITHOUT BORDERS
CHICAGO
GRANT & GABRIEL
Gabriel and I have been together almost 5 years. We met when he was still finishing his degree in architecture. At the time we met, Gabriel was able to stay in the US because he was here on a student visa. As our relationship grew and strengthened, so did our worry: How will we stay together? A U.S. citizen in a heterosexual relationship can sponsor her or his non-American partner for immigration virtually as soon as they meet. But because the federal government refuses to recognize loving, committed relationships between people of the same sex, I would not be able to sponsor the love of my life to stay in the U.S. with me. After graduation, the only way for Gabriel to stay in the US was to obtain employment in his field and apply for a limited H1B visa. Unfortunately there was significant unemployment in the architecture field at that time, which meant that we might face the very real possibility of Gabriel having to return to Brazil if he was unable to become sponsored by an employer. Looking for work, finding a willing employer who would sponsor Gabriel, and then jumping through all the bureaucratic hoops was a painful, nail-biting time. And not just for Gabriel, but also for myself, our families, and all who are close to us. Thankfully he is now fully employed and sponsored with an H1B visa. However, no marriage or civil union could solve this problem – only the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) or passage of the Uniting American Families Act (“UAFA”) through comprehensive immigration reform would allow families like ours to stay together. This uncertainty when trying to plan your life together adds a lot of stress to a relationship and makes it nearly impossible to think about such important things as having children. Equality Illinois has been at the forefront when it comes to ensuring that LGBT individuals and same-sex couples have the same rights as everyone else. Whether it be creating safe schools with anti-bullying legislation or the passage of the civil union law, the organization’s tireless work has been very important in moving LGBT rights forward at the state and national levels. Equality Illinois and the work they do continue to improve the lives of those in situations like that of Gabriel and me, as well as the lives of all LGBT individuals in Illinois.
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OUR SUPPORTERS CORPORATE PARTNERS Absolut American Family Insurance Arnstein & Lehr LLP AT&T BestGayChicago.com Baker & McKenzie Brinks Hofer Chapman and Cutler LLP Chicago Beverage Systems LLC Chicago Special Events Mgmt. ChicagoPride.com Clark Hill PLC CNA Coors Light DLA Piper Exelon Corporation Foley & Lardner LLP Gay Chicago Magazine Grab Magazine Greenberg Traurig LLP Grund & Leavitt PC Harris Bank Hilton Chicago Hyatt Hotels Corporation J&L Catering Jenner & Block Jones Day K&L Gates LLP Kirkland & Ellis LLP Latham & Watkins LLP Lloyd Agencies Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP McDermott, Will & Emery LLP MillerCoors LLC Miller Lite Möet Hennessy USA Motorola Mobility MTMChicago.com Neal Gerberg Eisenberg Northalsted Business Alliance Omnibus Out & About Illinois Perkins Coie LLP Pernod Ricard USA Quarles & Brady LLP Robert W. Baird & Company Roosevelt University Schiff Hardin LLP Seyfarth Shaw LLP Sidetrack Sidley Austin LLP Skadden Supergurl Images The Nielsen Company UBS Unite H.E.R.E. Local 1 Walgreens Wildman Harrold
Winston & Strawn LLP Windy City Media Group Wirtz Beverage Illinois LLC
FOUNDATIONS
Aon Foundation Baird Foundation The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust Equality Federation Institute Gill Foundation Gochnauer Family Foundation Lifeboat Foundation McDermott, Will & Emery Charitable Foundation PFLAG Northern Illinois Council Sidley Austin Foundation State Equality Fund Taproot Foundation Tawani Foundation Tides Foundation
IN-KIND DONORS 101.9FM, the MIX A Better Tan About Face Theatre Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation Absolut Jonathan Adler AKIRA Gina Alicea Aligned Modern Health Allen Brothers AltCare Amazing Edibles Ann Sather Restaurants Anthony Michael Interior Design Aqua Night Club Arranged by Erin Artistic Ventures, Inc Axel Hotels Bark Bark Club Pet Salon Barry Regent Cleaners BBJ Linen Belmont Dental Care PC Benefit Boutique Bespoke Cuisine BestGayChicago.com Big Chicks Big Jones Bikram Yoga Andersonville Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Bob Chinn's Crab House Bonaventure House - Alexian Brothers Bon-Ton Department Stores Bridgeport Bed & Breakfast Broadway Antique Market PAGE 20
Broadway in Chicago Buca di Beppo Buzz Café Roberto Cabrera Campit Outdoor Resort Campus Marketing Specialists Carnival Foods Casey Moran's Catering by Michael's Cedar Hills CampgroundsCenter of Creative Dance Charlie's Ale House Chen's Cheston House Chicago a cappella Chicago Aquarium Company Chicago Architecture Foundation Chicago Cubs The Chicago Diner Chicago Dog Walkers, Inc. Chicago Dramatists Chicago Gay Hockey Association Chicago Police Department Officer Jose Rios Chicago Red Dress Party Chicago Sky-WNBA Chicago White Sox Chicago Wolves ChicagoPride.com Chicago's Pizza Christy Webber Landscapes Chuck Goes City Lit Theater Closet Works Club Lucky Clubhouse Restaurant Comedy Sportz Theatre Communication Community Shares of Illinois Continuum Studio Trey Coppland Court Theatre Crabby Abbey Baby and Kids Crew Bar and Grill Da Vinci Group Dana Hotel & Spa David A. Wells & Associates, P.C. David Derks Design Interiors & O. I. Rugs De Louice Custom Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts Design, LTD Dan Dever Alexander deHilster & Mike Jefvert digital interplay Dinkel's Bakery Dr. Memar, THE STORE Dramatists' Workshop DS Cantina, Inc. Ebenezer Lutheran Church
Early to Bed East Bank Club Energize Sports Massage Entertaining Company eta Creative Arts Foundation Farmers' Guest House & Annie Lloyd Cottage Firefly Bistro Fireside Restaurant Liesel Fischer Fitness Formula Clubs Flo space, Inc. Flourish Studios Francesca’s Bryn Mawr Frank Event Design Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust David Franke FranknBake Free Nation of Beauty Gail Fetman Dalila Fridi Gay Chicago Magazine Gay Key West Trolley Tour Gene Siskel Film Center George's Ice Cream Sweets Gethsemane Garden Center Glasses Ltd. Glessner House Museum Glenwood Bar Go-Go’s Goodman Theatre Goorin Bros., Inc. Jeremy Gottschalk Grab Magazine Grand Resort and Spa Heidi Grathouse & Laura Ricketts Green’s Nails and Massage Salon Greenlawn Landscaping Green's Nails & Massage Jerome Guillen Gutrich Chiropractic, Inc Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company, Inc. Halsted’s Hamburger Mary's Chicago Harris Theatre HB Home Bistro Hearty Restaurant Hilton Chicago Hogs & Honeys Bar House Theatre of Chicago Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Hyatt Hotels Corp. Chuck Hyde Hyde Park Art Center Illinois South Conference United Improv Comedy In Fine Spirits In Good Company, Inc. Indi Café Ink Spot Interior Effects, Inc. International Mr. Leather, Inc. IO Improv
Island House J&L Catering Jackhammer Jack's on Halsted Riley Johnson Art Johnston & Jose Peña Jim Karras Personal Training Loretta N. Julian JW Marriott Chicago Kane County Cougars Kent Wine Cellar & Trust Key West Business Guild Kids Portraits by Picasso Kincade's Bar & Grill Kirkland & Ellis LLP Kit Kat Lounge Matt Krol Lambda Legal Lan Su Chinese Garden Las Mañanitas Las Manos Gallery Leather Archives and Museum Leigh Gallery Leona’s on Sheffield Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Light Opera Works Lookingglass Theatre Lou Malnati's Ferdinand Libunao Lucky Strike Chicago MAC Cosmetics Mark Brown Photography Antonio Martinez Marriott Theatre at Lincolnshire Materville Studios Matthew Lew Fine Art McDemott, Will & Emery LLP Joey McDonald Michael McGuire Melrose Restaurant Metromix Chuck Meyers Mia Tavola Michael Richman Interiors Marc Milgram Macky Milgram Don McDevitt & Al Torrence MillerCoors Minibar Minnie & Sharon Minoso MK The Restaurant Monastero's Ristorante Mor Visual Entertainment Motorola Mobility Inc. Bob Moyson Mr. International Rubber MTMChicago.com Rep. Rosemary Mulligan Ryan Murphy Museum of Contemporary Art Museum of Contemporary Photography Museum of Science and Industry Music Box Theatre PAGE 21
Music of the Barogue Myopic Books Nail Bar Nathan Fry Nelson Funeral Home Neo-Futurists Next Theatre Company Nolan Studios Nookies Restaurants Northalsted Business Alliance Northlight Theatre NuSkin Enterprise Susan O'Dell Olive Garden Olivia Cruises Omnibus Jerry O'Neill Orbitz Otte Art Out & About Illinois Outreach Kane County Cougars Eric Paige Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Springs Follies Palm Springs Holiday Inn Resort Palm Springs Riviera Palm Springs Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort Palm Springs Trio Palm Springs Viceroy Palomar Hotel Chicago Paragon Promotions Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco Pastoral Pattishall McAuliffe Paul Clark Peace School Michelle Peterson-Albandoz PFLAG Glenview Congregation BJBE PFLAG Sauk Valley Phoebe’s Cupcakes LLC Pilates Chicago Pivot Point Polo Café & Catering Portland Spirit Potbelly Sandwich Works Progressive Chiropractic Progressive Resistance Personal Training PRP Wine International QC Pride, Inc. Quaker Oats Quarles & Brady LLP Queerly Wed Rainbow Wedding Network Randolph Wine Cellars & Tasting Room Raven Theatre Company Raw Bar & Grill ReAlign Chiropractic Reckless Records Redhead Piano Bar Doug Reyes Ritz-Carlton Chicago River North Dance Co
Waxman Candles Laurie Weisberg Wilde Bar & Restaurant William Ferris Chorale Windy City Media Group Wine Styles Wirtz Beverage Illinois Wishbone Restaurant Women & Children First Writers' Theatre WSG, Wired Sales Group Yoshi’s Café Zanies Zipcar, Inc. Zoom Vacations Mieke Zuiderweg
The listings reflect contributions during the 2011 fiscal year. We apologize for any inadvertent omission in this report – we love all of our supporters.
THANK YOU
Robert Jeffrey Lakeview Robert John Russo Gallery Robert Sierzega & Associates Roeson's Bakery E.C. Rolwing Roosevelt University Roscoe's Tavern Rosebud Restaurants Royal George Theatre RSM Images Sandbar Industries Sara Lee Corporation Saugatuck Coffee Company Scarlet Bar Scout Scrub Your Pup Sebago Key West Second City Second Unitarian Church Service Is Us, Inc. Shake, Rattle & Read/Book Box Shedd Aquarium Sidetrack Sidney Frank Importing, Co. Cathy Sikora Sluggers Wrigleyville Specialty Video Mario Stamas Stanley's Kitchen & Tap Douglas Stapleton Starbelly Studios Steamworks Steppenwolf Theatre Co. Steven Green Stitch Stone City International Marble Terry's Toffee, Inc Tesla Motors Chicago The Bagel, Restaurant & Deli The Chopping Block The Peace School The Second City The Vampire Diaries Theatre Building Chicago This Charming Candy Thodos Dance Chicago Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self Defense TimeLine Theatre Company TPAN Trim Bill Trude True Blood Jeff Turner Tweet, let's eat Unabridged Bookstore Urbanest Anthony Vargas Vedder Price Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge Andrew Vesselinovitch Via Veneto Ristorante Victory Gardens Theater Visit Palm Springs
FOR HELPING US CONTINUE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE PAGE 22
FISCAL YEAR 2011 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
21.8%
56.7%
6.4% 9.5%
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS (NON-EVENT) CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS (NON-EVENT) FOUNDATIONS & TRUSTS SPECIAL EVENTS
$221,028 $ 64,402 $152,500 $574,392
TOTAL REVENUES
$1,012,322
PROGRAMS & EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL EVENTS FUNDRAISING
$513,848 $137,343 $220,640 $ 91,615
TOTAL EXPENSES
$963,446
9.5%
22.9%
53.3%
14.3%
The numbers represent the audited combined figures for Equality Illinois and Equality Illinois Education Project. Please contact Joey McDonald, Operations Manager, at 773-477-7173 ext.102 or jmcdonald@eqil.org if you wish to request a copy of our Independent Auditor’s Report.
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BENEFACTOR Mark Cozzi Jeremy Davis & Mario Sullivan Fred Eychaner Daniel Polzin
PRINCIPAL Craig Andree & Frank Quinn Karen Dixon & Dr. Nan Schaffer Gabriel Fontes & Grant Gochnauer
LEADER Robert Brumbaugh David Cooley Heidi Grathouse & Laura Ricketts Arthur Johnston & Jose Pena Charles Morcom J.N. Pritzker
SUSTAINER Yvette Chavez & Lisa Gershenson Jon Thomas Foley & Jeffrey Grinspoon John Geary & Charles Middleton Jeremy Gottschalk Philip Hannema Scott Johnson & Gary Metzner Chris Olofson Jennifer Rule & Christy Weber Peter Tortorello & Robert Wolf
ACTIVIST Rev. Ralph Adams & George M Poszywak Milo Aguilar & Thomas Meier James Alexander & Curtis Drayer Whitney Allen & John Whitehurst Bryan Anderson & Allen Gustin, Jr. Charles Austin & Stuart Whitman
Bradford Ballast Barb Bancroft John Becvar & James Walsh James (Wally) Brewster & Robert Satawake Barry Brunetti & Robert Neubert Thomas Burroughs & Lawrence Tanner David Caplan & Robert Macko Kay Carter & June Donka Charlene & John Cepek Hon. Thomas Chiola (Ret.) & Andrew Jemilo Sue Connolly & Han Vo David Dean Alexander deHilster & Mike Jefvert James Downey & Loren Eade Ira Dym & Ryan Endress Alan Eaks & Alberto Senior Jamal Edwards Toby Eveland Daniel & Jacqueline Frett Dalila Fridi & Elizabeth McKnightJ. Richard Gallagher, M.D. & Clifford Kaiser Chris Gawart Randy Georgemiller, CP, PhD & Nico Gozal Jason Gosnell & Jason Roberts Theodore Grady & Ross Slotten, M.D. Stephen & Mary Jo Herseth Zachary Huelsing & Jonathan Lehman Robert Kohl & Clark Pellett David Kovy Laura Lee Larson, Ed. D. Don McDevitt & Al Torrence Michael Mitsoglou & Christopher Pare Charles Middleton Carlos Mock, M.D. & William Rattan Arthur Ostry Jason Perry & Arief Pribadi Dave Samber & Darrell Windle Julia Rahn, PhD & Nancy Schmidt Robert Rizzo Joseph Schroeder & Allan Tenorio Eric Siemers & Kyle Spainhour Catherine & Linda Sikora Hon. Thomas Tunney Michael Weaver
ADVOCATE Rob Abernathy & Peter Vamvakas Zoe Allen & Bethany Cook Austin Baidas Fran Bailey & Mary Kaye Buettgen James Bailey Christin Baker & Hon. Deborah Mell Bradley Balof Clyde Banks John Barry & Daniel Otto Mark Barnes & Deb Koenig Ceasar Barradas & Steven Bruehl Bernard Bartilad & Michael Herman David Bartnick Paula Basta & Teresa Worman Lisa Belkier & Mary Trew James Bennett & Terry Vanden Hoek Andrew Bigelow & Brian Lightly Hon. William Borah Kristina Broderick & Erica Storlie Jerry Burgdoerfer Phillip Burgess & James Nutter Jason Chau & Matthew Griffin Bernard Cherkasov & Dr. Danny Cohen John Chester Rocco Claps Jeff Clark & Kurt Dahl Robert Cohn Duane Cole & Joseph Powers Nancy Coleman & Ticia Smith Fred Cooper Nancy Crutcher & Lynn Mooseman Arnold Cuarenta Randy D’Agostino & Charles Hyde III Kevin Davey Nicholas Dehnert Janine Dettbarn Daniel L. Dever Brian Donlan Brian Dove Clyde Ebanks Walter Eppich Marshall Erb & Todd Hatoff
CAPITOL CLUB 2011MEMBERS PAGE 24
ADVOCATE CONTINUED C. Douglas Ferguson Christopher Fleck Claude Foreit William Forrest & Mark Smithe William Fraher David Frank Michael Fruchter Quincy Fuller & Kelly Jones Bridget Gainer Larry Giddings & Gerald Notario, M.D. Mark Glafka Christopher Gloede Mary Beth Glotzbach & Barbara Rosen Jerry Glover Vernita Gray & Pat Ewert Samuel Griffin & Brian Mattson Jerome Guillen Lee Guzik David Hall & Michael Nugent William Hall & Rev. Kevin Tindell Anthony Hand Lori Hannigan & Roseann Mireles Kevin Hauswirth & Matthew Lew James Hilt Dean Hobart Laura Hool Byron Hoover Tim Imse & David Rittof Kevin H. Jackson Scott Johnson Randolph Johnston Kelly Jones Christina Kahrl & Charley Wannamaker Dennis R. Kane Ralph Kennedy Douglas Kershner Daniel Kirk & Brian Wolff Ray Koenig & Johnny Song Greg Lanier Adam Larson & Kevin Mork John Larson Elizabeth Lassner June LaTrobe Eric Ledbetter Robert Levels Sean Lewis Jeffrey Lewis Charles Linton John Litchfield Harlene Liss Peter MacLean Damon Marquis Wes Mason & Steven Schmeidl Terrence McBride Carl McDowell & Donald Nowotny Kevin McGirr Hon. Michael McHale Michale McNamara & Kevin Putz
Ellen Meyers & Elena Yatzeck, PhD Dirk Mol & Jerald Wray Steve Monaghan & Jacob Trzaskos Mary Morten & Willa Taylor David & Lee Neubecker Brandon Neese Thomas O’Connell & Bryan Portman Seamas O’Driscoll Matthew O’Maley Peter Olson & Howard Suskin Brian & Linda Parduhn Arthur Paris John Parro & Jerry Teske Thom & Joan Parrott-Sheffer Jason Pierce David Prindable William Pry William Radler Dane Rausch & Daniel Sproull Alan & Irene Redman Carl Rice John Schmidt Sam & Steve Schwartz-Fenwick Karen Sewell Hon. Debra Shore & Kathleen Gillespie Mike Simmons James Smith Marc Singer, PhD & Michael Hora Leonard Sobzcak Rusty Sproat Paul Steinke Stephen Swedlow Joseph Teller Thomas Thorne-Thomsen James & Mary Trussell Frank Villella Paul David Wadler, Ph.D Laurie Weisberg Cary Weldy David Wells Mark Wheeler Ed Wierman Kevin & Tonya Wilkes-Moore Richard Wilson Karen Winslow Jason Winterboer Coety Wyse
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