I have been working with activists in the community to raise awareness about the myriad issues that impact LGBT members. Furthermore, I am fully committed to this community process and to the ideals of human rights and LGBT inclusion.
- Sen. William Delgado

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator William Delgado (D–Chicago) has been tirelessly working with local community activist Ruben D. Feliciano in the creation of the 2nd Legislative LGBT Advisory group. 

"I have been working with activists in the community to raise awareness about the myriad issues that impact LGBT members. Furthermore, I am fully committed to this community process and to the ideals of human rights and LGBT inclusion," said Senator Delgado.

The greater northwest side Latino community in Chicago has a long standing tradition that is vibrant in its culture, history, diversity, and political activism. It has worked tirelessly to tear down the walls of homophobia and transphobia and through coordinated efforts, the community has been able to organize itself and bring to the forefront issues of LGBT rights within the framework of Latino equity and inclusion.

In 2009, the tragic murder of 19 year old Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, who was savagely stabbed, decapitated and partially burnt in Puerto Rico became a galvanizing event, whereby the Puerto Rican LGBT community and its allies in Chicago organized in solidarity with Puerto Rico’s LGBT community to bring attention to the violations of human rights on the island.

In 2010, Chicago Puerto Rican LGBT activists were instrumental in coordinating a human rights delegation in collaboration with New York activists and elected officials to Puerto Rico. During this official trip they met with the family of Jorge, with various elected officials on the island and with local LGBT activists. The objective of this trip was to bring attention and continue to build stronger networks between the island and the United States activists that would culminate in a broader human rights agenda.   

The purpose of the 2nd Legislative District LGBT Advisory Committee is to convene a group of LGBT stakeholders and allies throughout the community to advise and create an agenda that will respond to the needs, concerns and priorities of the LGBT community.

"It is our goal, that through the implementation of an inclusive process, that we can begin to move towards a dialogue of acceptance that will dignify and transform the lives of all residents within the 2nd Legislative District," Senator Delgado stated.