EQUALITY ILLNOIS APPOINTS AMY BLOOM AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

September 12, 2007
For more information, contact: Arthur Johnston at 773-477-8048
or Daniel Dever at 773-878-2907

For Immediate Release


EQUALITY ILLNOIS APPOINTS AMY BLOOM AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chicago – Equality Illinois announced the appointment of Amy Bloom as Executive Director of the statewide advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.

Bloom brings nearly ten years of non-profit experience to her new position, including a successful tenure over the past three years as Senior Manager of Special Events at Howard Brown Health Center, the region’s leading LGBT health care institution.

At Equality Illinois, Bloom will direct fundraising and oversee organizational operations. Rick Garcia, the non-profit group’s longtime Director of Public Policy, will continue leading all advocacy, governmental policy and legislative activities.

“We are extremely excited to have someone with Amy’s experience and dedication to LGBT causes join our staff,” said Arthur Johnston, President of the organization’s Board of Directors.

“This is a crucial time in the history of LGBT rights in our state,” Johnston said. “We are confident that Amy will help Equality Illinois expand our base of support as we lead the fight for civil unions and equal relationship rights for same-sex couples,” he added.

A major focus of Bloom’s duties will be working with Board Members and other volunteers in coordinating the Equality Illinois “Justice for All” Gala, an annual fundraising event that attracts approximately 1,000 supporters. The 2008 event is scheduled for February 2.

Founded in 1992, Equality Illinois works toward achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Illinois by promoting legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels. Through its Education Project, Equality Illinois strives to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against LGBT individuals and families via outreach, education, community organizing and coalition building.

The organization spearheaded a decade-long campaign that led to the historic January 2005 enactment of a statewide ban on discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Illinois is now one of only 17 states and the District of Columbia that protect gay men and lesbians in the workplace.

The group’s current and future priorities include promoting legislation to provide equal rights for same-sex couples and their families, as well as extending Equality Illinois’ outreach and education efforts throughout the state.