Chicago

A Lori Lightfoot Victory Could Mean Broader Acceptance For LGBTQ Community

If Lori Lightfoot wins Chicago’s mayoral runoff in April, the longtime attorney and political outsider will make history as the first black woman and openly gay person to serve in the city’s top spot.

Brian Johnson is the CEO of Equality Illinois--whose political action committee put its support behind Lightfoot in her race for mayor.

"I just keep thinking this is a night we are going to remember going down in history," he said.

Johnson says if Lightfoot ends up being elected, it will demonstrate a greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

“For the LGBT the idea that we can look at who is the chief executive officer and see ourselves represented there," he said. "To see how welcomed and affirmed as we are part of the fabric of this city."

During her speech last night, Lightfoot spoke her connection to the LGBTQ community and shared the stage with her wife and daughter.

“I thought about running for mayor when no other LGBTQ-plus person had every made the ballot of this city,” she said.

During her speech last night, Lightfoot spoke her connection to the LGBTQ community.

Mariah Emerson works for the Center on Halsted. The organization serves the LGBTQ community in Chicago.

"We are paying attention to the work women in the LGBT space are doing," she said.

The center has not endorsed Lightfoot or her opponent Toni Preckwinkle, but the center recognizes the significance if Lightfoot wins.

“When you see the Lori Lightfoot, it is okay to be part of the LGBT community, it’s okay to be black," Emerson said. "It’s okay to be all of those things together."

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