One of the state's largest lobbying groups for the gay and transgender community is setting up its first downstate office.
Much of what Equality Illinois does happens in Chicago. But the head of the organization, Bernard Cherkasov, says it's important to provide more resources for those who live in other areas. Things like:
“Trainings for TSA agents on processing of transgender passengers through airport security. Or trainings for sheriff's cadets.”
About 100 people met recently in Springfield as part of an LGBT equality summit. That's when the announcement of the new office, which will be run by one staff member and volunteers, was made.
At the meeting, people discussed how to further civil rights for gay and transgender residents of Illinois. The new office will open in the fall.
