Equality Illinois Remembers Norma Reyes
CHICAGO – Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization advocating for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans, today offered condolences on the death of retired Chicago Commissioner Norma Reyes.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Norma Reyes, a woman whose vision of a just society extending equal rights to all of us infused every aspect of her life," Cherkasov said.
Cherkasov recalled her keynote address to the 2010 Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, when she paid a moving tribute to her late partner.
"The couple fought a sudden, brief and devastating battle with cancer—and the medical and financial establishment—(in 2009) and the presentation emphasized the imperative for establishing full marriage equality and civil rights for the LGBT community,"
Windy City Times wrote about her speech.
"Norma's story resonated strongly with the audience, and we wish she could have seen the day when her vision of the freedom to marry is realized in Illinois, as it will be very soon," Cherkasov said. "Everyone who knew her felt her passion for justice. She was an exemplary public servant in the city of Chicago, and she also served the LGBT community with equal fervor. We extend our condolences to her family and friends. We will miss her."
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