January 4, 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Statewide Gay Rights Group Announces

2010 Freedom Awards & Business Leadership Awards

CHICAGO - Equality Illinois, the state’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, has announced the recipients of the 2010 Freedom Awards and the 2010 Business Leadership Award.

The Freedom Award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate remarkable vision, courage, and leadership in the effort to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people in Illinois.  This year, Equality Illinois felt strongly that 3 individuals should be recognized with the Freedom Award for their steadfast support and relentless drive for equal rights for LGBT people.  The three individuals are: State Senate President John Cullerton, Mary Morten, and Laura Ricketts. 

“We are honored to count John Cullerton, Mary Morten, and Laura Ricketts amongst our strongest friends,” – said Jeremy Gottschalk, Board President of Equality Illinois.  “They have committed their strengths and articulate voices to the mission of full equality for LGBT people, and their involvement inspired others to join in.”

Equality Illinois is also recognizing AT&T with the Business Leadership Award for its exemplary commitment to LGBT employees and the LGBT community at large.  “With its active support of the LGBT community, AT&T is leading the business world in recognizing that diversity and equality is good for business and good for our society,” – said Bernard Cherkasov, Equality Illinois Chief Executive Officer.  “This is exactly how successful companies build loyalty of their consumers and employees.” 

Biographical information on the awardees is available on Equality Illinois’ website, www.eqil.org.

The 2010 Freedom Awards and the Business Leadership Award will be presented at the annual black-tie Justice for All Gala, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Hilton Chicago. 

###

Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest’s largest gay civil rights organizations.