LGBTQ Law

Illinois was one of the few states that legalized same-sex marriage before the United States Supreme Court made such marriages legal at the federal level. Beginning in 2013, Illinois recognized same-sex marriages, paving the way for greater rights for gay and lesbian...

In many areas, such as in the workplace, discrimination against the LGBTQ community is illegal. All people are supposed to have the same options and get the same treatment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In practice, however, this does not...

As a member of the LGTBQ community, you contribute to Chicago. You know you are welcome in your community. Yet, you may face both subtle and blatant forms of prejudice in your workplace. After you came out, you may have known that you would experience discrimination....

While it has been slow going, members of the LGBTQA community are steadily gaining more and more rights like everyone else. While same-sex partnership is now legal throughout the nation, some legal issues are still quite difficult for same-sex couples to navigate. One...

The love you have for your spouse is infinite, and now you want to share that love with a person that both of you can raise and take care of. Although the possibility of adoption is open, you may want a child with your or your loved one’s genetics. Fortunately, you...

It wasn’t until the Supreme Court stepped in and ruled that the Title VII prohibitions against sexual discrimination apply to transgender employees that trans people gained any measure of security in their workplace. That doesn’t always help trans workers get past the...

The relationship between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the LGBTQ community has a troubling past, including allegations of sexual misconduct by an officer toward a transgender woman. However, the city was also the setting for numerous polarizing moments in...

The previous administration took several actions to reduce the LGBTQ community's rights. The current administration has taken several steps to reverse those decisions and return rights to equality that were taken away. The latest change came earlier this month and...

Hate crimes are illegal in America, so why do they keep happening? Far too many members of the LGBT community in Chicago, Illinois, ask themselves this question every day. They face discrimination, harassment and violence at a rate that other American citizens rarely...

Society has largely gained a better understanding of LGBTQ issues -- including the fact that membership in that class is not a “lifestyle” or a “choice.” Gender-identity is not purely binary nor fixed by outward sexual characteristics and -- just like sexual...