House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will be recognized with the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award at its 25th Anniversary Gala on Feb. 6, the organization announced Nov. 17.
"From her first speech in the House of Representatives in 1987, when she pressed Congress to take a leading role in fighting AIDS, to the present day and her leadership on the Equality Act, Leader Pelosi has always sought to address the challenges faced by LGBT Americans," said Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov in a statement.
"For her devotion to the principle that LGBT Americans deserve to be able to live full, equal lives, for her understanding that government must play a role in achieving that, and for her outspoken leadership in the fight for equality, Equality Illinois is proud to recognize Leader Pelosi with the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award," Cherkasov added.
Pelosi said in the statement, "It is an honor to receive the Equality Illinois Freedom Award and work alongside local and state LGBT leaders to continue our struggle for equality beyond marriage. By moving forward on the Equality Act to ensure that every LGBT American can work, love, and live free from discrimination, violence and bigotry, we can strengthen our democracy and create a better future for all people."
The Equality Illinois Gala, which will take place at the Chicago Hilton, is expected to draw more than 1,400 guests, among them numerous public officials. For more information, visit eqil.org/gala .