85% Coalition

An activist direct action group demanding civil rights for lesbian, transgender, bisexual and gay residents of Illinois. Founded November, 1999.

The 85% Coalition is an entirely grassroots organization. We take our name from the results of a statewide survey conducted in 1998 by the University of Illinois at Springfield. When asked, "Do you think there should or should not be equal rights for gay and lesbian people in terms of job opportunities and housing" more than 85% of Illinois residents responded "should be!"

Our mission is to to end all forms of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (lgbt) people on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

protestors outside statehouse

Goals

1) raise awareness of legislation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Illinois Human Rights Act thereby making it illegal to discriminate against someone based on her or his sexual orientation or gender identity.

2) share stories of discrimination against lgbt people put pressure on state legislators to vote for pro-lgbt legislation.

3) put pressure on state legislators to vote for pro-lgbt legislation.

4) mobilize lgbt people and our allies for direct action.

Visit the 85% Coalition Web Site

Photo gallery:

Linking Arms in Springfield


Banner Struggle