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Disrupting Disparities for LGBTQ Older Adults in Illinois

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Disrupting Disparities for LGBTQ Older Adults

Groundbreaking New Legislation Will Break Down Barriers for LGBTQ Older Adults, People Living with HIV in Illinois

AARP Illinois commends lawmakers for passing measure inspired by report organization commissioned with SAGE last year

On behalf of 1.7 million members across the state and all adults 50-plus, AARP Illinois commends the bipartisan passage of SB3490, “The Disrupting Disparities for LGBTQ Older Adults Bill.” LGBTQ people and people living with HIV have long faced unique challenges as they age because of a lack of affirming resources and services, and stigmatization, and this bill is an important step in ensuring that their voices are represented in state programming and policymaking.

AARP Illinois applauds the work of bill sponsors, Senator Karina Villa and Representative Lakesia Collins, who championed the passage of this bill.

The passage of SB3490 will:

  • Create a 3-year Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging;
  • Require the Director on Aging to appoint an LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate to ensure the needs and experiences of LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV are considered and incorporated throughout the department’s programming and policymaking; and
  • Require state-funded service providers to complete LGBTQ older adult awareness and competency training.

The legislation will ensure continuity of the groundbreaking work of the Illinois Department on Aging under the leadership of Director Paula Basta, in support of LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV.

“LGBTQ older adults face unique challenges, and we want Illinois to lead in valuing their identities, expanding access to inclusive services, and meeting the critical needs of this population,” said Director Basta. “I’d like to thank AARP Illinois, Pride Action Tank, Equality Illinois, stakeholders, and our legislators for affirming the administration’s continued commitment to supporting LGBTQ elders in our communities.”

This legislation solidifies years of work by advocacy organizations who supported this bill, including AARP Illinois, Equality Illinois, Pride Action Tank,  the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, and SAGE.

“LGBTQ older adults are a key part of Illinois’ rapidly growing elder population, and yet they remain largely invisible,” says Mary Anderson, Director of Advocacy and Outreach – Northern Illinois for AARP Illinois. “This bill is a critical step to break down barriers to access and to address the disparities faced by older LGBTQ adults, especially for the 1 in 5 LGBTQ older adults of color for whom those disparities are compounded.”

“More than half of people living with HIV in the United States are over the age of 50 and face innumerable challenges as they progress in their later years including stigma, isolation, and various comorbidities,” said Timothy Jackson, Director of Government Relations for AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC). “AFC and Pride Action Tank are proud to support SB3490, critical legislation that will address some of these challenges faced by LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV head on.”

“We must tackle the disparities LGBTQ+ older adults and older adults living with HIV face. By directing resources, training, and attention to meeting the needs of this critical population, SB 3490 helps make sure Illinois is a more affirming and equitable state for LGBTQ+ older adults and older adults living with HIV,” said Mike Ziri, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy. “We applaud the leadership of Sen. Villa, Rep. Collins, and the Illinois Department on Aging for shepherding this bill to the Governor’s desk.  And we are grateful to the broad coalition of partners from across the state who helped build the case for this important law.”

“SAGE applauds the hardworking advocates on the ground in Illinois and our champions in the legislature, particularly Sen. Villa and Rep. Collins. Thanks to their leadership, Illinois continues to be at the forefront of making sure that LGBTQ+ older people and older people living with HIV receive the culturally competent aging services and supports our community deserves,” said Lynn Faria, Executive Vice President at SAGE. “LGBTQ+ elders will continue to have a voice both alongside and within the Illinois Department on Aging.  We look forward to Governor Pritzker signing this bill into law.”

LGBTQ advocates across the state expressed enthusiastic support for the passage of the bill:

“The passage of SB3490 of represents a pivotal moment for LGBTQ older adults across Illinois. Not only does the Commission on LGBTQ Aging represent a historic recognition of LGBTQ elders, but it represents an investment in the future of the entire LGBTQ community across our state,” said August Hieber, Manager of Advocacy & Programs at The Chicago Bar Foundation. “As a transgender Illinoisan, I am so grateful to Representative Collins and Senator Villa for centering the histories and experiences of the older adults in my community.”

“As an LGBTQ+ elder, and native-born Illinoisan, I am proud of the long history that the Prairie State has in progressive legislation that has made this state one of the minority of U.S states where  LGBTQ+ citizens enjoy full civil rights,” said Don Bell,  LGBTQ+ Elder and Advocate. “In stark contrast to the legislatures of many states across the country where LGBTQ+ rights are currently under assault, Illinois continues to reinforce the rights of all members of our community, whether they reside in the Chicago metropolitan area, or in the downstate, small town, rural, or exurban parts of Illinois. The Great State of Illinois is a great place to call home!”

“I salute everyone who had a role in getting the LGBTQ 50 + Older Adults Bill passed,” said Billy Rogers, co-founder of the Golden Rainbows of Illinois South (GRIS), a group formed in 2021 through the Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center in Carbondale. “My spouse of 32 years is 87 years old and I am 66 years old. You might say I am in the ‘fourth quarter’ and my spouse is in ‘overtime.’ We are living in this culture of disparity, having been victim to insults and discrimination, but we celebrate this moment.  GRIS is now working to provide programs and resources for the aging 50+ LGBTQ seniors throughout Southern Illinois.  As co-founder of GRIS, I realize the work is far from over.”

The solutions in SB3490 are based on findings from a ground-breaking report from AARP Illinois and SAGE, Disrupting Disparities: Challenges and Solutions for 50+ LGBTQ Illinoisans, as well as the work of advocacy organizations and direct service providers that serve LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV in Illinois.

As a critical final step, AARP Illinois encourages Governor Pritzker to sign this meaningful bill into law.

The Illinois Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act Becomes Law

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Keep Kids Safe and Healthy Act Becomes Law

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act, which creates age-appropriate learning standards for public schools that decide to teach comprehensive personal health and safety education (grades K-5) and comprehensive sexual health education (grades 6-12).

Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, said:

“Equality Illinois is excited the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act is now law. In Carbondale, Springfield, Naperville, and more communities across the state, LGBTQ youth consistently told us their healthcare needs, their relationships, and their identities must be included and affirmed in public school instruction about personal health and safety education and sexual health education. This law advances Illinois’ values of inclusion and the freedom to build our best lives without burden or discrimination.

“While we are proud of this Act, there is much work to be done and more allies to get on board to ensure all Illinois public schools provide students with age-appropriate, comprehensive, and affirming personal health and safety education and sexual health education. We will forge ahead.”

Also known as Senate Bill 818, the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act applies to public school districts that choose to teach comprehensive personal health and safety education in grades K-5 and comprehensive sexual health education in grades 6-12. The new law will establish age-appropriate learning standards in alignment with national standards developed by leading public health groups, education organizations, and experts to ensure that youth in Illinois are equipped with the necessary tools and information to lead healthy and safe lives at all ages. The Illinois State Board of Education must develop and adopt the standards by August 1, 2022. Before that date, public schools that provide instruction in comprehensive personal health and safety education and comprehensive sexual health education must do so in an age-appropriate, inclusive, and comprehensive way.

The Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act also ensures that such instruction is inclusive and affirming of communities who historically have been stigmatized or excluded from such instruction, including youth living with a disability, LGBTQIA youth, pregnant or parenting youth, and survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence. Additionally, this education must not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, gender expression, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

The Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act passed the Illinois General Assembly in May, where it was championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), State Representative Camille Lilly (D-Chicago), State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), and State Representative Kathleen Willis (D-Addison).

The Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act is supported by a broad statewide coalition of organizations, including Equality Illinois, ACLU of Illinois, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, American Association of University Women (AAUW) Illinois, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago Abortion Fund, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, Chicago Women’s Health Center, Citizen Action/Illinois, Comprehensive Sex Ed Now, Cook County Health, EverThrive Illinois, Healing to Action, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Illinois National Organization for Women, Illinois Public Health Association, Illinois School Counselor Association, Kenneth Young Center, Lambda Legal, Life Span, McHenry County Citizens for Choice, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter, National Council of Jewish Women Illinois, Peoria Proud, PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois, Prairie Pride Coalition, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Resilience, She Votes Illinois, SIECUS, The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, Uniting Pride of Champaign County, and YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

“Thank you, Gov. Pritzker, for signing the bill,” Johnson said. “Thank you to our champions: State Sen. Ram Villivalam, State Rep. Camille Lilly, State Sen. Celina Villanueva, and State Rep. Kathleen Willis. Thank you to the 37 state senators and 60 state representatives who voted YES to supporting Illinois’ youth, including LGBTQ youth. Thank you to our many dedicated partners, including Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, Rainbow Café LGBTQ Center, AIDS Foundation Chicago, and the ACLU of Illinois.”

Chicago Gay Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants

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Gay Bars Chicago

Side Track
Behomoth gay club drawing a diverse crowd, serving up slushy drinks & known for showtune nights.
www.sidetrackchicago.com

Second Story Bar
Small, old-school, cash-only local gay bar tucked away in low-lit digs above Sayat Nova restaurant.
www.facebook.com/secondstorybar

Progress Bar
Hip nightclub offering craft brews, DJs & dancing in flashy digs with a huge lightbulb sculpture.
progressbarchicago.com

Roscoe’s Tavern
Neighborhood gay & lesbian bar dating back to 1987 with a dance floor, pool table & outdoor spaces.
www.roscoes.com

Lark Chicago
Lark’s dining experience is hip, friendly and fun, perfect for date night, groups, weekday dinner or weekend brunch with the family in Boystown.
www.larkchicago.com

The Closet
Opened in 1978, this tiny, unpretentious LGBT bar features dancing, games & karaoke.
theclosetchicago.com



Photo of Lark Patio by Kurman Communications

Illinois Inclusive Curriculum Bill Introduced to Teach LGBTQ History

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LGBT History Illinois

From Equality Illinois: –Students in Illinois would learn about the significant historical events and contributions by LGBTQ people under the Inclusive Curriculum Bill introduced in the Illinois legislature, according to Equality Illinois and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.

The Inclusive Curriculum Bill, SB 3249 and HB 5596, was introduced late Thursday and is sponsored by state Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago and state Rep. Anna Moeller of Elgin. The bill is an initiative of Equality Illinois, the state’s civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Illinoisans, and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, which promotes safety, support, and healthy development for LGBTQ students in Illinois schools.

“As a former first grade teacher, I know how an inclusive education system can create change within a community,” said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “By including information in public school curriculum about the contributions of LGBTQ people and the historical events they were involved in, we will get closer as a state to telling the whole story of our shared history.”

“We work with students across Illinois, and we consistently hear from them that they don’t see themselves or their identities in their classrooms,” said Rodrigo Anzures-Oyorzabal, Policy and Advocacy Manager for the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance. “This bill will help LGBTQ students see their own history across fields and practices, creating better outcomes for them in school.”

The Illinois School Code already ensures inclusion in history curriculum of the contributions and experiences of other historically marginalized communities, including of people of color, women, immigrant communities, and people with disabilities, so SB 3249/HB 5596 is consistent with current state law.

“An inclusive history will affirm for LGBTQ students that people just like them existed and made significant contributions to society,” said Johnson. “This inclusive history will also benefit non-LGBTQ students, who would be taught the whole story about the achievements of LGBTQ people and the historical events that impacted all of us.”

This curricular approach is consistent with our shared values of inclusion and respect that have made Illinois the civil rights leader in the Midwest. Equality Illinois and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance thank Sen. Steans and Rep. Moeller for leading this effort to ensure that students in Illinois are taught the whole picture of history. The Inclusive Curriculum Bill will be a key lobbying component of LGBTQ Advocacy Day on April 11 in the Illinois Capitol.

Since there is no requirement to include the roles and contributions of LGBTQ people in the Illinois School Code, the historical representation of LGBTQ people, events, and contributions is not discussed in most classrooms across the state.

Some examples: The nation’s first gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, was formed in 1924 in Chicago. Illinoisan Jane Addams, the mother of social work, founder of the Hull House, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was in a committed 40-year relationship with her partner, Mary Rozet Smith. The organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, was a gay man. And Sally Ride, the first U.S. woman in space, was a lesbian.

“We should be proud of this history. Instead, the teaching of history has been set a little too straight. Our identities have been erased by omission. Now, it is time for our public schools in Illinois to tell the whole story,” Johnson said.

An inclusive curriculum can have positive, affirming benefits and help counteract some  disturbing trends. Sadly, in schools across Illinois and the United States, LGBTQ students are told, through bullying, harassment, and exclusion, that they do not belong. These conditions have created a school environment where LGBTQ students are forced to hide their identity simply to protect themselves. According to the 2015 School Climate Survey by GLSEN, a national organization supporting LGBTQ youth in schools, 89 percent of LGBTQ students in Illinois have heard the word “gay” as a slur. And only 27 percent of LGBTQ students were taught anything positive about LGBTQ people in classrooms.

Inclusion of LGBTQ history in curriculum can have a positive effect on the educational outcomes and success of students. Nationally, more than 75 percent of LGBTQ students in schools with an inclusive curriculum said their peers were accepting of LGBTQ people (compared to just 39.6 percent of those in schools without an inclusive curriculum). LGBTQ students in schools with an inclusive curriculum also say they were less likely to say they might not graduate high school.

SB 3249/HB 5596 would include the contributions of LGBTQ people in the teaching of Illinois and American history, make awareness of LGBTQ contributions to society part of school curriculum in Illinois, and ensure that instructional materials are non-discriminatory and accurately reflect Illinois’ diversity. SB 3249/HB 5596 is modeled after existing provisions in the Illinois School Code that ensure the inclusion of the contributions of historically marginalized communities as well as on a similar law passed and adopted in California in 2011. Illinois would be only the second state in the country to ensure inclusion on a statewide level of the contributions and roles of LGBTQ people in curriculum.

Find out more at www.equalityillinois.us