Gay Men's Chorus, Bar Association president, DePaul art professor honored during LGBTQ+ History Month celebration
CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate LGBTQ+ 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, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, education, legislature, business, labor, and arts.
"Today, we took a moment to recognize the contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors," Frerichs said. "Let's celebrate their dedication to justice and equal opportunity, and the history surrounding that movement."
LGBTQ+ 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.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to their Illinois communities:
Outstanding Service in Business
LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Chicago
Outstanding Service in Leadership
Ray J. Koenig III, President, Chicago Bar Association
Outstanding Commitment in Community Service
Phoenix Center, Springfield
Outstanding Achievement in Education
Dr. Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor, The Art School, DePaul University
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Hon. Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner, 15th District
Outstanding Commitment in Workforce and Labor
Daniel J. Montgomery. President & COO | Illinois Federation of Teachers
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Dr. Eric Lueshen, Co-Founder & Director | LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus
About the Illinois Treasurer
The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'-iks) is the state's Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $55 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state's largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record'breaking $1.8 billion since Frerichs was elected.
For more news about the State Treasurer's Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on X (formerly Twitter) at @ILTreasurer, Threads @iltreasurer@threads.net, Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You — Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
