Wednesday, July 02, 2008

NEWS: Allied for Equality - new initiative for Illinois

Equality Illinois and PFLAG have joined together to create a new initiative: Allied for Equality. The goal of the initiative is to create an allied network of activists, working towards achieving equity for LGBT citizens both in laws and practices. The initiative is specifically targeting straight allies. Coordinating the Allied for Equality initiative will be Caroline Staerk of Equality Illinois.

"There are many ways to get involved gay or straight," Staerk writes in an open letter sent to PFLAG and other LGBT rights organizations. "Examples of some ways to get active are: talking to your legislator and speaking up when issues concerning equal rights arise, getting your straight and/or LGBT friends involved, sharing your story, volunteering for phone banks or festivals, getting petitions signed, or just plain being available when the need arises. In the end, we want to have "Action Groups" set up across the state of Illinois, ready to fight for LGBT rights."

For more information on Allied for Equality, contact Staerk at Equality Illinois.