Illinois e-News Release

Oct. 21, 2025   

CONTACT:

Eric Krol 312.814.1252

Adriana Colindres 217.558.1920     

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration in Chicago to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month. 

The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, business, education, government, labor, sports, and arts and humanities. 

“Today, we honor the contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends,” Frerichs said at the celebration lunch in the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. “We thank them for their ongoing dedication to justice and equal opportunity. We are grateful for their enduring commitment to make Illinois and the world better places to live.” 

LGBTQ+ History Month was started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, then a Missouri high school teacher who thought the historical importance of gays and lesbians should be emphasized. From those small steps, the month grew. The Equality Forum now champions the promotion of the history month, shedding new light on past accomplishments at equalityforum.com.

Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals:  

Chief Executive Officer | Chicago: Blend

Senior Advisor | Equality Illinois

Associate Dean of External Affairs and Chief of Staff | Northwestern University School of Communication

Chair, Latin American and Latino Studies Department | DePaul University

Alderman, 14th Ward | Rockford City Council

Director of Health and Safety Programs | International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

Executive Director | Youth Empowerment Performance Project

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions with money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the missing money I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $2.3 billion since Frerichs was elected. 

For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please sign up for our newsletter and follow Treasurer Frerichs on Instagram at ILTreasurer, Threads @iltreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.