CHICAGO — Hundreds gathered in Downtown Chicago on Saturday evening for the annual Equality Illinois Gala.
It is known as the largest LGBTQ+ celebration of its kind in the Midwest and several notable dignitaries, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, spoke during the event.
During his remarks, the governor touted his administration’s successes, like the expansion of Medicaid to cover gender-affirming services.
Lurie Children’s Hospital network outages enter 4th day
“Over the last five years, since I became governor, working with democrats in the general assembly, we’ve made Illinois the most LGBTQ+ friendly state in the country,” Pritzker said during his remarks.
Many in the crowd on Saturday were grateful for the victories but acknowledged that there is still more work to be done.
Carrie Vine and Kim Needham are driving forces behind the Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center in Peoria.
“We have everything from youth programming to adult programming,” Vine said.
The center just opened a clinical center that offers behavioral services, along with HIV testing and prevention resources.