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Articles by Tom Wray
Poet's Corner: Peace (Dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
More than a state of being, Peace is a proactive stance, More than a good feeling Peace is willingness to dance. *** More than the absence of enmity Peace is loving the foe, More than calm tranquility Peace is a desire to grow. *** More than the absence of war Peace is learning from opposition, More than lack of discord Peace is taking a new position. *** More than quiet serenity Peace is changing our mind-set, More than blissful harmony Peace is building the human-net. Rev.
Trans resistance rally in DeKalb on Sunday, June 22 – Illinois Eagle
DEKALB – A coalition of organizations is hosting a trans resistance rally in downtown DeKalb on Sunday, June 22, at noon. Organizers said in their announcement that the rally was to recognize the transgender community’s resistance and show support, especially with the recent court ruling on gender-affirming care, anti-trans laws in neighboring states, and recent executive orders from the Trump regime.
Illinois reacts to SCOTUS decision on gender-affirming care – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling effectively keeps laws in 25 states that ban the care on the books and enforceable. The ruling doesn’t affect Illinois directly since the state does protect access to gender-affirming care. But it does still affect the state as nearly all neighboring states have laws banning access.
No Kings Protests across Illinois on Saturday – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – There are 51 No Kings protests planned for Saturday, June 14, across Illinois, from Rockford down to Carbondale. The majority of the rallies, 26, were in cities and communities outside of the Chicago metro area. The state’s largest metropolitan area has 25 in both suburbs and the city proper, with Chicago hosting three separate events in different parts of the city.
River City Pride Festival tickets now on sale – Illinois Eagle
PEORIA – Tickets for Peoria’s annual River City Pride Festival are now on sale online. This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Peoria’s Riverfront Park, bringing a full day of celebration, visibility, and community to downtown. General admission tickets are $5 when purchased online in advance. Admission at the gate will be $10. As part of Peoria Proud’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, the festival is once again offering the Love Ticket program.
ISU establishes queer studies certificate – Illinois Eagle
BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL – Illinois State University (ISU) launched an undergraduate queer studies certificate this month. The certificate is the first of its kind in the state. The certificate, launched by the school’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program, builds on the existing queer studies concentration. Current students in the concentration can transfer into the certificate.
Springfield PrideFest coming on May 17 – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Downtown Springfield will once again host its annual PrideFest on Saturday, May 17. This is the fifteenth year for the celebration in the state capital. “PrideFest is now a Springfield tradition,” said co-chair Teresa Silva. “It is a place for the LGBTQ+ community to express our identity, share our stories and gather with friends.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day on Thursday – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Statehouse will host the annual LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day on Thursday, May 8. The event, organized by Equality Illinois, will bring LGBTQ+ advocate from across Illinois to the capital to lobby members of the state General Assembly. The statewide advocacy organization has organized busses from Chicago and Joliet, which are fully booked. People are encouraged from all parts of the state to attend the event and rally.
Rep. Miller files two anti-trans bills – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Oakland) last week filed two bills taking aim at the transgender community. “Defining Male and Female Act” was filed on March 26 and would codify the Trump regime’s executive order defining male and female as the gender assigned at conception.
Next 50501 protest on April 5 – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The next 50501 protest is set for Saturday, April 5, at the Illinois State Capitol. 50501 is a national grassroots initiative dedicated to advocating for equality, civil rights, and the preservation of democracy for all individuals. The focus is on opposing the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the current administration and resisting dangerous initiatives such as Project 2025. The name 50501 comes from the the goal of the original organizers on Reddit.
Miller calls for administration to target school district’s gender-inclusive policies – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (D-Oakland) is calling on the Trump administration to cut funding for an Illinois school district over its policies for transgender students. Miller called for all federal funding to be stripped from Deerfield School District 109 in the northern suburbs of Chicago for violating the administration’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order.
Veterans Administration ends gender-affirming care – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – The Veterans Administration (VA) announced Monday that it would phase out gender-affirming care for veterans. In its announcement, the agency said the ending of “medical treatment for gender dysphoria” was in line with Trump’s executive order that the federal government would only recognize gender assigned at birth. “I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping Veterans attempt to change their sex.
BLM-SPI 2025 scholarship contest now open – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Black Lives Matter-Springfield (BLM-SPI) opened applications for its annual scholarship contest on Monday, March 17. The contest is open to Black high school seniors in Springfield. Students can submit creative and essay responses that answer the question “How have you used your voice to advocate for yourself or others?”! All submissions due by May 1 and should be submitted by email to Spiblm@gmail.com.
Springfield police officers disciplined for mishandling drunk driving crash last year – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Police Department has disciplined one supervisor and three patrol officers for their mishandling of a drunk driving accident involving then just-retired sergeant Michael Egan in September 2024. The State Journal-Register reported in September that Egan was cited for failure to yield the evening of Thursday, Sept. 5.
Durbin votes to let extreme GOP stop-gap spending bill to continue – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D) was one of ten Democratic senators to vote for cloture on a stop-gap spending bill that people fear could strengthen massive federal budget cuts and layoffs. The funding bill was needed to keep the federal government operating past Friday. Congress has been unable to pass a budget since last year and has kept the government open with continuing resolutions. The last one was due to expire Friday night.
IDHR, Office to Prevent and End Homelessness issue letter on civil rights of unhoused people – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) issued a letter on Thursday, March 13, to remind public officials and local units of government of their obligations under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, and the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act (BRHA).
Peoria Proud to host community involvement fair – Illinois Eagle
PEORIA – Peoria Proud will host a Community Involvement Fair at Northwoods Mall on Saturday, March 22. In a press release, the organization said they had een a growing interest from LGBTQ+ community members asking how they can get involved and give back to our community. With that, the Community Involvement Fair was created.
International Women’s Day march keeps focus on Washington – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The International Women’s Day march at the state capitol took aim at the Trump administration, joining the other protests that are becoming regular features in Springfield. The protest and march brought more than 300 people to the Lincoln statue at the Illinois Statehouse on Saturday, March 8. The event featured a march from the Statehouse to the Old Capitol and back and speakers at the Lincoln statue. There were speakers from the office of U.S. Rep.
Equality Illinois blasts Newsom on siding with transphobe – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Equality Illinois has condemned California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and other Democratic politicians for abandoning the transgender community. Newsom became the latest Democrat to come under fire when, on the first episode of his new podcast, agreed with far-right activist Charlie Kirk on trans people in sports. Erin in the Morning reported that Newsom said he was “completely aligned” with Kirk on trans participation in sports.
Northern Illinois business closes after racial slur on doors – Illinois Eagle
OGLE COUNTY – A motorcycle repair shop in Northern Illinois is closing after it was hit with the n-word spray painted on its doors, just the latest attack. WIFR reported that Clearly Customs Motorcycle Service in Kings had posted to its Facebook page a photo of the vandalism with the caption, ““How do I move on from this. My business? I literally have no feeling left. I’ve lived in ogle county for almost 20 years.” Comments on the photo were supportive of the business.
Missouri triples down on anti-LGBTQ+, anti-choice legislation – Illinois Eagle
JEFFERSON CITY – This week, the Missouri legislature considered three pieces of legislation taking aim at transgender people, access to books, and access to abortion. At the top of the list is a bill that would bar trans Missourians from updating their birth certificates with the correct gender. The Missouri Independent reported that the bill was inspired by a 2015 lawsuit by a trans teen against a school district over bathroom access.
50501 protest planned for Tuesday, March 4 – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Another protest and march has been planned by local 50501 on Tuesday, March 4. This protest will be in Adams Plaza in front of the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. It will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the third protest in Springfield since inauguration. It was originally set for the Lincoln Statue in front of the Illinois State House, but had to be moved because of scheduling conflicts.
DECATUR – Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby (PPRD) is ready to bring the heat for Central Illinois roller derby fans in an action-packed season opener against the Southern Illinois Roller Gremlins on March 22 at the Decatur Civic Center. The Punishers’ Allstars will take on the Roller Gremlins followed by a scrimmage featuring skaters from neighboring teams.
Iowa legislature passes bill removing gender identity – Illinois Eagle
DES MOINES – The Iowa House and Senate passed a bill that would remove gender identity from the state’s civil rights law on Thursday, Feb. 27. Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that the Senate voted 33-15 and the House 60-36 in favor of the bill. Senate File 418 amends the Iowa Civil Rights Act to recognize gender assigned at birth as the correct gender and sets gender as a synonym for sex.
Iowa could remove gender identity from state civil rights law – Illinois Eagle
DES MOINES – Iowa Republicans filed legislation on Thursday that would remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights act. One Iowa, the state’s LGBTQ+ advocacy group, raised a warning that the legislation was likely just last month. According to Iowa Capitol Dispatch, the bill would remove gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, in addition to making definitional changes to how “sex” and “gender” are classified and defined in Iowa Code.
Illinois Eagle to close physical office, but keep publishing – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Eagle’s physical office in Springfield will be closing on Feb. 28. However, the newspaper will continue to publish both online and in print. The Eagle simply has not been able to bring in enough money to pay for the office rent or utilities. The rent itself comes to $500 per month. Utilities have spiked with winter weather as well. The website will continue to publish news covering the LGBTQ+ community. It will publish news every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
DECATUR – Decatur IL Pride announced new board members this month. The organization produces the annual Decatur Pride festival each year. With the announcement of new board members, Decatur IL Pride will also be adding new educational programming. The newly elected officers include Jennifer Ellis, president; Sonic Basamania-Eeten, vice-president; Mark Schleeter, treasurer; Gary Miller, secretary; Zack Duffer, board member; Marcus Wilder, board member; and Jim Barr, board member.
‘No Kings Day’ takes place in Springfield – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The state capitol was once again the site of a protest against the actions taken by the Trump administration in its first month in office. As with the protests after inauguration, the Springfield protest was part of a national effort with protests taking place across the country. The first was on Feb. 5, which called for Trump’s impeachment.
Mary Miller gets transphobic… again – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Oakland) showed her transphobia again last week when she misgendered freshman U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) last week. LGBTQ Nation reported that Miller referred to McBride as a “gentleman” while calling on her to deliver a speech on the House floor. “The chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware,” Miller said. McBride is the first out transgender U.S. Representative.
Lurie Children’s pulls back on gender-affirming care – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Lurie Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital in Illinois, announced on Friday, Feb. 8, that it would stop gender care surgeries on anyone below the age of 19. Surgeries are very rare for transgender people under 19. It is only done only in the most extreme cases of gender dysphoria for those 16 years old and older. In a statement, the hospital said it had reviewed their gender care after the Jan.
Trump issues trans sports ban executive order – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration signed an executive order banning transgender girls and women from women’s sports teams on Wednesday. Called “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” the order removes funding from any program that allows trans women to play on women’s teams. The order is the fifth in the just two and a half weeks directly attacking the trans community, including on defining gender only as “man and woman” almost immediately after inauguration.
Stage reading of The Vagina Monologues in Carbondale – Illinois Eagle
CARBONDALE – The Stage Company will hold a stage reading of The Vagina Monologues on Saturday, Feb. 22. Written in 1996, the episodic play is based on interviews with over 200 people, examining such themes as bodily autonomy, gender-based violence, relationships, sexuality, transgender experiences and childbirth. The Vagina Monologues received an OBIE award in 1997 and the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the 65th Tony Awards.
Illinois joins coalition protecting access to gender-affirming care – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) on Wednesday said the state was joining with other state attorneys general to protect gender-affirming care access. In a press conference, Raoul said the states were reaffirming their commitment in the face of an executive order from the Trump administration that removed all federal guidance for gender-affirming care for transgender youth and threatening funding for hospitals that provide that care.
Trump administration sues Illinois over sanctuary status – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – The Trump Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Illinois, the city of Chicago, and Cook County over their sanctuary policies. All three have passed laws barring local law enforcement from cooperating with federal agents on immigrant actions and deportations. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the lawsuit was filed in federal court in Chicago.
Equality Illinois CEO stepping down in June – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson announced Wednesday that he will transition out of his position by June 30. Johnson has been leading the statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization since 2016. During his tenure, the organization has weathered two presidents and two Illinois governors with a tumultuous political climate that has seen the resurgence of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, especially towards the transgender community.
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield branch of the NAACP held their installation ceremony at Trish & Mary’s near downtown Springfield on Thursday, Jan. 30. Former U.S. Attorney Greg Harris swore in the new executive committee and officers. The new executive committee members are: James E. Bass Unita Boyd Kathy Davis Carol Hale Deborah Grant Newly installed officers are: Dawn Howard, Assistant Treasurer Cheryl Goza Smith, Treasure Theresa Clay, Assistant Secretary Jacqualine Jarju, Secretary Candice D.
Communities rally for trans members – Illinois Eagle
ILLINOIS – Illinois communities are rallying in support of transgender people in the wake of several anti-trans executive orders from the White House in the past week. Alton Pride is inviting the community to The Old Bakery Beer Company for a night of camaraderie and comfort on Saturday, Feb. 1. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Other activities are: Community Connection: Name tags will be provided to help attendees get to know one another.
White House issues ban on care for trans youth – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – One day after banning transgender members from the military, the White House has issued an order supporting bans on gender-affirming care for youth.
Trump brings back trans military ban – Illinois Eagle
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump brought back a ban on transgender service members in an executive order issued late Monday night. According to NBC OUT, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, have already filed lawsuits over the ban. The order, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” said that “expressing a false ‘gender identity,’ ” was inconsistent with the standards for military service.
Decatur state rep files trans sports ban bill – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Newly sworn in State Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur) introduced a bill to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports earlier this month. The bill, HB1117, would require that only those who are female “based on their biological sex” would be allowed to participate on girls teams. It would also require schools to have a written statement from the student’s family verifying their age, biological sex, and has not taken performance enhancing drugs.
Iowa could remove trans people from civil rights act – Illinois Eagle
DES MOINES – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) is expected to introduce a bill that would remove transgender people from the state’s civil rights law.
Cold weather doesn’t stop People’s Marches – Illinois Eagle
PEORIA HEIGHTS – People’s Marches took place across Illinois on Saturday, Jan. 18, despite brutally cold weather. The march in Peoria Heights brought out more than 150 people. It was hosted by Peoria Proud. The half-mile march began at the Peoria Heights Library and ended at Tower Park, where a variety of activists and community leaders and activists spoke on a wide array of social justice issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, racial justice, and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Illinois education prepares to push back on immigration policies – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – Both the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) have both issued statements over the Trump administration’s plans to enter schools, along other protected spaces, to enforce immigration policy. Schools were classified as “sensitive locations,” which meant ICE agents were generally prohibited from conducting enforcement actions there. Other sensitive locations include churches and hospitals.
Trevor Project: Crisis calls spiked after inauguration – Illinois Eagle
NEW YORK – The Trevor Project on Wednesday report that its crisis services saw a large spike in volume after the inauguration of Donald Trump earlier in the week. This is after chat, text, and phone crisis services saw a 700% jump after the November election.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois closing four clinics – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) announced the closure of four clinics on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The clinics are in Bloomington, Decatur, Ottawa, and the Chicago neighborhood of Englewood. Patients will be welcomed at the 13 remaining clinics and appointment availability will be expanded at Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, and Roseland health centers.
LGBTQ+ of Danville now Danville Pride – Illinois Eagle
DANVILLE – LGBTQ+ of Danville announced Wednesday, Jan. 22, that it is rebranding as Danville Pride. In an announcement, the organization said the change reflects their ongoing mission to foster inclusivity, safety, and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community in Danville and Eastern Illinois. The group has also updated their logo featuring a lighthouse, symbolizing hope, guidance, and strength.The organization said it aims to be a beacon in turbulent times.
Central Illinois Friends Community Center now open – Illinois Eagle
PEORIA – The new Central Illinois Friends Community Center opened on Monday, Jan. 20, with a ribbon cutting and speakers. The new center is the end result of almost two years of work in creating a space in the largest Illinois city south of Chicago. Executive Director Deric Kimler said the center will be the home office of Central Illinois Friends, but its testing and service locations in Bloomington, Galesburg, and Peoria will keep serving the community.
ACLU warns UIUC about free speech concerns – Illinois Eagle
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN – The ACLU of Illinois has warned the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on changes to the school’s speech and protest policies. UIUC is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system and has the largest student enrollment in the state. Last year, people protesting the Gaza genocide faced felony “mob action” charges. The campus, like many across the country, was the site of protests objecting to the conduct of the Israeli military in the Gaza War.
PPIL announces interim chief medical officer – Illinois Eagle
CHICAGO – Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) announced Thursday, Jan. 16, that Dr. Virgil Reed will be the organization’s interim chief medical officer (CMO). Outgoing CMO Dr. Amy Whitaker announced last year she was stepping back to focus more on patient care. She will stay on as an associate medical director. The announcement comes just a few days after PPIL announced that Jennifer Welch would be stepping down as president and CEO.
Springfield NAACP calls on county board to support recall resolution – Illinois Eagle
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield branch of the NAACP has called on the Sangamon County Board to reconsider its position on a recall resolution. A resolution that would allow for voters to recall the sheriff was proposed last year after Sonya Massey was shot and killed by a now former Sangamon Sheriff’s deputy. There had been calls for then-sheriff Jack Campbell to step down after the July 6 shooting. He wound up retiring in August after statewide elected officials called for him to leave.
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