Equality Illinois marked its 25th year with a significant rebranding of the organization's message and appearance.
A preview of a brand thataccording to the Chicago-based non-profit"captures the excitement of our work and reflects our enduring commitment to equality for all" took place on Jan. 13 at a private reception at the law offices of Baker and McKenzie in downtown Chicago ahead of the official Jan. 14 announcement.
Looking back to the organization's founding a quarter-century ago, Equality Illinois Chief Executive Officer Bernard Chersakov said he stood in awe of the accomplishments the LGBTQ community has made since then.
"We didn't have non-discrimination protections in housing, workplace and public accommodations," he said. It was perfectly legal to fire somebody from work just for thinking they might be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It was perfectly legal to deny them housing, a chance to buy a cake or flowers for their event or to turn them away from a store because you didn't like their identity."
Chersakov went on to celebrate the laws that have been passed since then to combat discrimination including anti-bullying legislation, prohibitions against institutional violence against LGBTQ centers and a ban on conversion therapy in Illinois.
"Change in laws is an important part but not the end of securing equal treatment in our society," he stated. "It is important to recognize that we must stay vigilant. Because if we are not vigilant, we are vulnerable."
To that end, Equality Illinois will be operating under a new slogan: "Until We Are Equal."
The slogan and logo were designed alongside the assistance of the public relations organization Purple Strategies.
In a press release describing the methodology and the message behind the design, Equality Illinois said "the bold color scheme and the clean unencumbered look are meant to convey a sense of clarity, openness, forward-thinking and focus."
For more information about Equality Illinois, visit EqualityIllinois.us .