Pride Month is celebrated each year as a tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots. The month brings awareness of trials and tribulations the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community endures, while also celebrating triumphs and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America. Since the first Pride March in 1970, the month of June has been filled with Pride Festivals and Parades across the state.

Read more about Pride Month including ways Illinois serves the LGBTQ+ community, and how employers can support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace in this new article on Illinois workNet.

On June 16th, Illinois workNet spoke with Jerome Holston, Director of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, during a livestream covering Pride Month and the Chambers’ workforce related efforts. Watch the recording.

lllinois’ Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Julio Rodriguez was nominated for Good Morning America’s Inspiration List for 2021. Read more about Julio’s work and the work of others across the country making LGBTQ+ history on GMA’s website. 

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) brings LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses together with a mission to promote economic opportunities. LGBTCC fosters pride serving the community being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality, increases awareness, and encourages businesses and individuals as a support system. LGBTCC is a voice for the Illinois LGBTQ+ community. 

The Association of Latino as Motivating Action (ALMA) fights for the rights of the Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality, and affirming Latino LGBTQ culture. Learn more at their website and be sure to read an interview with the Assistant Secretary of IDHS Dulce Quintero who has helped to inspire others within the LGBTQ community.

Visit the Enjoy Illinois website for information about Pride, events, and neighborhood fun in Out & About in Illinois. 

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