CHICAGO (WLS) — Equality Illinois’ annual gala is being held Saturday evening at the Hilton Chicago downtown.
This year marks 10 years since same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States.
The milestone celebrated by Equality Illinois is now overshadowed by concerns with a new White House administration, as advocates fear that LGBTQ+ rights may be at risk.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Equality Illinois fights for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people.
During the recent gala, the group paid tribute to Jim Obergefell, the individual who spearheaded the movement a decade ago to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States and served as the primary plaintiff in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case.
While it’s considered a triumph, LGBTQ+ advocates said their fight is not over.
We have to keep fighting, otherwise marriage and so much of the progress that we have made in our nation for civil rights will disappear.
Jim Obergefell, LGBTQ+ activist
Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson emphasized, “For us, it serves as a prompt that we have a strong foundation of achievements to continue building upon. Maintaining the stability of these rights is crucial for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Under the music and chandeliers was a feeling that rings louder than the silent auction that began the evening’s gala.
“We will hold on to our rights, and we’re going to resist and fight back against any institution; be it a hospital, a school, a workplace, an employer, who tries to comply in advance with these terrible executive orders coming down,” Johnson said.
It was June 26, 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that all states must grant and recognize same-sex marriages.
“My late husband, John, and I – we wanted to exist,” Obergefell said.
That fight was led by Obergefell after he sued Ohio for the state to recognize his marriage.
“We have to keep fighting, otherwise marriage and so much of the progress that we have made in our nation for civil rights will disappear,” Obergefell said.
Those efforts that led to a Supreme Court victory were honored at a sold-out gala Saturday, with local and state leaders in attendance.
“The threats to all those gains are very, very real,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, (D) IL 5th District. “And, somehow, during the last campaign, the LGBT community has become the scapegoat, particularly the trans community.”
While the hundreds of attendees enjoyed the revelry and accomplishments, LGBTQ+ supporters say their fight must continue.
“We’re going to stop at nothing until LGBTQ-plus people are fully equal, fully safe, and fully affirmed under the law,” Johnson said.
“We are much more alike than we are different.” Obergefell said.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
