CHICAGO — On Oct. 21, Illinois state Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a celebration to commemorate LGBTQIA+ History Month at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St.
The event was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, education, legislature, business, labor, and arts.
"Today, let us take a moment to recognize the contributions of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors," Frerichs said. "Let's celebrate their dedication to justice and equal opportunity, and the history surrounding that movement."
LGBTQIA+ History Month was started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, then a Missouri high school teacher who thought the historical importance of gays and lesbians should be emphasized. From those small steps, the month grew. The Equality Forum now champions the promotion of the history month, shedding new light on past accomplishments at equalityforum.com .
Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to their Illinois communities:
Outstanding Service in Business
Christy Webber
President | Christy Webber Landscapes
Outstanding Service in Leadership
Terry Cosgrove
President & CEO | Personal PAC
Outstanding Commitment in Community Service
Julio Rodriguez
Co-founder & Board President | ALMA Chicago
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Hon. Lamont J. Robinson Jr.
Illinois State Representative | 5th District
Outstanding Commitment in Workforce and Labor
John R. Cusick
Legislative Director | Illinois Federation of Teachers
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanity
OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling
Outstanding Achievement in Education
Megan R. Kashner
Professor & Director of Social Impact | Northwestern University
