Observed annually during the month of October, LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender icons. Two Illinois' LGBT icons were recognized this year: Kitty Cone, Disability Rights Activist, and Lea Delaria, Comedian and Actor. See the full list of Illinois Icons. 

Also annually celebrated in October is National Coming Out Day (October 11th) which was inspired by the March on Washington for "Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987…during this period, over a hundred LGBTQ+ identifying individuals gathered outside Washington, DC and decided to create a national day to celebrate coming out." Learn more about this day and find helpful resources for Living Openly on the Human Rights Campaign website.

Celebrate LGBT History Month and Coming Out Day with Illinois workNet. Read this article about ways Illinois serves the LGBTQ+ community, how employers can support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace, employment rights, and recognizing two professionals who make an impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ owned businesses looking for resources can sign up for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) newsletter. There are two grants opening soon: Back to Business for Start-Up Grant Program and Back to Business ReVAMP (Reactivating Vacant and Mainstreet Places) Grant Program. When those grants and other resources become available, OMEE will share that information with via the OMEE newsletter.

The Association of Latino as Motivating Action (ALMA) fights for the rights of the Latinx/o/a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality and affirming Latinx/o/a LGBTQ culture. Hear "What Coming Out Day Means to Latino LGBTQ Leaders" in a 2021 interview with Julio Rodriguez, co-founder and board president of ALMA, on WTTW News. Read an interview with the Assistant Secretary of IDHS, Dulce Quintero, who has helped to inspire others within the LGBTQ community.

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) brings together businesses with a mission to promote economic opportunities for the LGBT community by being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality.

Celebrate LGBTQ across the state with Out and About and Travel with Pride on Enjoy Illinois.

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