Long-time lesbian activist Vernita Gray, who worked in the Cook County State's Attorney's office for almost 18 years, was among those laid off in the recent budget cuts ordered by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Gray's most recent position was LGBT liaison, and she had previously served as a victim/witness coordinator.
The current LGBT Hate Crimes Victim Witness coordinator, Ann Huffman, did keep her post, as did lesbian activist Kelly Cassidy, who is director of programs and development as part of the state's attorney's executive staff.
Gray worked in the community outreach area along with department heads and liaisons for the Asian, Latino, African-American and senior communities. Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez announced the specific layoffs the week of Feb. 7.
Long-time activist Gray, who is 62, has been fighting cancer for several years, so among her concerns is the cost of insurance.
"I am in shock," Gray said Feb. 11. "But this is the time we live in, with budget troubles."
As LGBT liaison, Gray spoke at more than 100 schools and other locations a year, addressing hate-crimes, bullying, LGBT issues, anti-violence work, gangs, drugs and more. She was a big part of a project to create a hate-crimes video that is used now in schools.
"This is a loss for our community, to not have this voice in government," Gray said. "But change happens, and we see cuts everywhere. I feel so blessed to have done this, to have had this position to represent the community in a real way, it has been phenomenal. To go into the schools, it has been an incredible gift in my life. These are the times we live in."
Kelley Cassidy, interviewed about the cuts, said a big chunk of the states attorney's prevention budget "is just gone. It was not a desire to eliminate this unit, but there were no other real choices. It is not something that [ Anita Alvarez ] thinks is for the good of the office or the community. There's going to be an unfortunate impact because of this."
Cassidy commented about Gray's layoff: "There is not anyone who would suggest that she was not a valued member of the staff and that the work she does is not important and central to what we do. It is a huge loss to the office and to the community. I'm really sad."
State's Attorney Alvarez, who attended the Equality Illinois gala Feb. 12, sent Windy City Times the following statement about Gray, noting that she was "disappointed to lose Gray in the cutbacks imposed" by Preckwinkle.
"Vernita has been a trailblazer for justice and change on the important issues that affect our communities, particularly those that impact the citizens of our LGBT communities," Alvarez said. "She is recognized for her commitment to serving people and being a voice for those who have not always had one in the criminal justice system. I was very proud to have Vernita lead our efforts and I am deeply saddened to lose her."