CRS has gathered this list of links to be used as a resource for information, education, and even some entertainment, and to be an encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Beloved Community is inclusive of all, for all. That is PRIDE!

CRS has gathered this list of links to be used as a resource for information, education, and even some entertainment, and to be an encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Beloved Community is inclusive of all, for all. That is PRIDE!

Rustin, a gay Black man, was the genius behind the 1964 March on Washington. You may not have heard of Bayard due to his name being on several FBI lists based on his sexuality, affiliation with the Communist party and history of advocacy. No matter what, Rustin refused to stop his fight for justice.

All 220 United States House Democrats, along with 47 Republicans, voted to approve legislation to protect the rights to same-sex and interracial marriage, in the Respect for Marriage Act which passed on July 19. Although 157 Republicans voted against it, this legislation is the most pro-LGBTQIA+ vote in Congressional history.

The Illinois name change ban is recognized as one of the most restrictive laws around legal name changes when compared to other states in the nation. The Illinois name change ban is discriminatory in nature, imposes harsh restrictions, and creates barriers for individuals who wish to change their name, in addition to the already long name change process.

“Pride began as a protest. The genesis of what is now a global celebration began with resistance and there is a demand of the same defiance for our system today. We need to stand, fight with, and protect our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters now.”

On the one hand, we must celebrate who we are and what we have accomplished. On the other hand, we must engage in work that expands opportunities for the world to be safer and kinder to all our children!

We share this letter written by Women’s All Points Bulletin, a Black women-led organization in Chicago, imploring the United States Government to work for the immediate release of Brittney Griner who is being held hostage in Russia for allegedly violating a criminal code of the Russian Federation.

Thanks to the efforts of the CRS Faith, Race and Equity Issue Team and the involvement of our CRS member congregations, HIV prevention medications will now be more accessible through local pharmacies in Illinois. The bill, HB4430: Increased Access to PrEP & PEP through Community Pharmacies, successfully passed both the Illinois House and Senate in April 2022.

It is going to take all of us to rebuke and dismantle hate in this nation, within our state and beyond. There are no states free from LGBTQIA+ oppression, including Illinois.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective prevention methods in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV. Even with extremely successful prevention options, Black and Latino/a/e/x communities continue to fall behind in PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence due to several factors including stigma, LGBTQ+ discrimination, systemic racism, medical mistrust, lack of access to health care, and affordability.

Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) is a statewide community-led initiative dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030.

There must be greater outcry and call for US government intervention to free Griner and all detained citizens. We also demand equitable attention and energy for Griner’s immediate release. Here are three ways you can take action.

Commemorating World AIDS Day and celebrating the passage of the HIV decriminalization bill, Rev. Jason Carson-Wilson shares this prayer.

Community Renewal Society strengthened its commitment to showing liberating love by embracing the LGBTQIA+ community. Our LGBTQIA+ Faith Race and Equity Platform was introduced at CRS’ 2020 Annual Membership Assembly and Rev. Jason Carson-Wilson was commissioned as the Bayard Rustin Fellow to lead the work.

Community Renewal Society’s LGBTQIA+ Issue Team conceived of Tapestry, which lifts up LGBTQIA+ siblings’ stories through videos from themselves and allies.

Inequality’s impact on LGBTQIA+ siblings prompted the Faith for Equality coalition to seize this important moment and work--again--to make the Equality Act law of the land.

A promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is our nation’s cornerstone—the seed from which the American Dream grew.

Community Renewal Society congratulates President-elect Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Devi Harris.

CRS welcomes Rev. Jason Carson Wilson as our Bayard Rustin Fellow.