LGBT advocates invite lawmakers, public to Southern Illinois town hall Mar. 29

With the Equality Act stalled in the U.S. Senate waiting for passage into law and questions arising about other related issues, three advocacy groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons have announced a virtual town hall to be held March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Equality Illinois has partnered with Social Action for Southern Illinois Committee and the Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center to share and discuss the challenges of the community in the state.

Some of the challenges expected to be covered by LGBT allies include diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and mounting violence—especially against transgender people.

Equality Illinois says that several state lawmakers representing the region were invited to attend, though none of them have yet confirmed their participation.

All Republicans, the lawmakers are state Sens. Terri Bryant (57th district), Dale Fowler (59th district), state Reps. Paul Jacobs (115th district), Dave Severin (117th district), and Patrick Windhorst (118th district).

Persons wishing to attend must register online at everyaction.com.