Equality Illinois facilitated the first-of-its kind meeting of Cook County President Todd Stroger with representatives of almost two dozen groups that provide services to the LGBT community in Cook County.The leaders discussed how Cook County could better work with the organizations in providing services to LGBT residents of Cook County.
"This was the first time in my memory that such a group was assembled to meet with a Cook County Board president," Rick Garcia, director of public policy at Equality Illinois, said in a statement. "We were able to let President Stroger know of our work and we explored ways that we could all collaborate more closely in meeting the needs of Cook County residents."
"Major items of discussion were the need for services for LGBT youth who are homeless and lesbian women's health care needs," Garcia added.
Among the attendees were representatives of Equality Illinois; Chicago House, which provides housing to those impacted by HIV and AIDS; Howard Brown Health Center; the Center on Halsted; Affinity Social Services, which provides outreach to lesbian women of color; Vida/Sida, an outreach group for Latino gays and lesbians; and PFLAG, which works with parents and friends of lesbian and gay people.