The LGBT-rights group Equality Illinois has gone through some major changes recently, including the installation of Bernard Cherkasov as its new chief executive officer. Cherkasov ( pictured ) , 33, an attorney, brings expertise negotiating agreements with governmental authorities and elected officials and had served at the Supreme Court of Israel as international law clerk to Chief Justice Aharon Barak. ( Among Equality Illinois' other changes are the election of Jeremy Gottschalk as board president and Dalila Fridi as chair of the Capitol Club, the major donor group and financial backbone of Equality Illinois. )
Windy City Times met with an optimistic Cherkasov at a coffeehouse and talkedabout his own background, his vision for Equality Illinois—and The Addams Family.
Windy City Times: Tell me about your background.
Bernard Cherkasov: I've lived in Chicago for about six years now. I moved here as soon as I finished my law studies ( at the University of Michigan ) and work. It was always my intention to move to Chicago. My family is in Detroit, so I wanted them to be close but I wanted to be in a big city I found exciting and interesting. People here are so genuinely nice.
WCT: So how did you come to lead Equality Illinois?
BC: LGBT rights have always been central to my passions. When I moved to Chicago, I got involved in various parts of the LGBT movement right away; I served on the board of directors of AIDS Legal Council. It's funny because back in December my husband, Danny, asked me what my ideal job would be—and I said, "I'd love to run Equality Illinois!" Back in April, when he saw the opportunity [ to lead the organization ] , he said, "This is for you." So I pursued the position, even though I knew that amazing people were applying for this job but I said, "This is what I've got to be doing." When they offered me the position, I was so excited. I was already planning what my first steps would be, what my agenda would be for the organization.
WCT: What is your agenda?
BC: It already has a very broad agenda, but the first thing I intend to do is listen. Our community is far more diverse than just being focused on civil unions; we have so many causes, and it's important to listen to the priorities and concerns of every member of our community, and use that to fuel our agenda.
WCT: When you say "listen to the ... community," do you mean you're going to hold forums—or do you have something else in mind?
BC: That's a very good question. People who sign up for our e-newsletters [ provide ] the easiest way to communicate. In the coming weeks, we're going to have a survey out about the concerns and priorities of the community. Also, we'll have people attending various LGBT events throughout the state. We were at the recent Black Pride events, [ and ] we have someone going to Peoria Pride in September, and at Quad Cities. We want to go outside of Boystown and listen to concerns. If we're going to represent the community, we have to go everywhere—so expect to hear from us! [ Laughs ]
WCT: What are you most looking forward to doing?
BC: Explaining our mission to everyone in Illinois. I think everyone—not just the LGBT community and allies—hears that our mission is about [ having ] basic rights, they will be on board. No one can disagree that a child should attend school without fear of being bullied. Our mission is for basic civil equality.
WCT: What are you not looking forward to doing?
BC: I don't think there's anything I'm not looking forward to doing. There are some difficult parts to my job, [ such as ] raising money. Everyone can agree with the mission, but asking people to support the mission [ is another thing ] . Hopefully, we can explain our mission and convey the importance of everyone's participation. Three dollars a month is $36 a year—multiply that by 10,000 people and we can go a lot further.
WCT: Speaking of finances, do you think you'll have more fundraissers? How are you all dealing with what's happening now, economically?
BC: Well, we have to be responsible when asking people for resources. We're doing the best we can with the staff we have right now; they're dedicated and very smart. In my four weeks with the organization, I've learned to love and respect this organization.
WCT: When people think of Equality Illinois, they think of Rick [ Garcia, head of public policy for the organization ] because he has, thankfully, been out there so much, interacting with the media, etc. Are you planning to get your name out there or will it be the [ status quo ] ?
BC: Rick Garcia is one of our greatest resources. He has great relations with public officials, so it's important that he continues to be one of the faces of the LGBT-rights movement; he adds to our strength by speaking thoughtfully, intelligently and persuasively. I don't have to be on the cover of a magazine to get my job done. As long as we get the agenda done, I don't have to be out there. ... I wouldn't want our mission to be about me; it's about the community.
WCT: Let's talk about civil unions and same-sex marriage. How do you plan on working with public officials from the more conservative areas of Illinois?
BC: We have to explain to them that it's not about words—it's about the rights and privileges that come with a certain status. We're developing a list of rights that only come with marriage, such as the right to visit a spouse in the hospital and the right to receive state pensions; these are only granted to the state.
WCT: Let's switch gears and talk about something fun: Equality Illinois is having a [ Dec. 8 ] benefit that involves The Addams Family musical.
BC: I'm so glad you bring this up, because it's a fantastic opportunity for Equality Illinois and those who love musicals. There will be a special benefit for Equality Illinois. People can go to our Web site and purchase tickets—and, depending on what they purchase, they may be able to meet the cast afterwards at a party. ( Note: Cast members have been invited but have not yet confirmed. ) It combines the pleasurable with the necessary.
WCT: Complete this sentence: You'll know that you're successful as [ the head ] of Equality Illinois when...
BC: LGBT people in Illinois have civil equality. However, there are other benchmarks: when we develop a financial plan that grows from year to year, when we successfully communicate our mission, when we make progress to equality. There's more than way to measure success, but my goal is full equality for the LGBT citizens of Illinois. My eye is on the ball, and I'm not moving away from that goal.
WCT: Is there anything you want to add?
BC: [ Laughs ] I have a soft heart despite my aggressive appearance.
For more information about Equality Illinois, visit www.eqil.org .
