LGBTQIA+ Resources

Print Feedback

The City of Evanston is a Welcoming Community. We believe in equality for all residents and are dedicated to fostering a safe space for all by helping to prevent discrimination and bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We are strengthened by the rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, racial, gender and sexual identities of our residents, all of which contribute to the vibrant character of our City.

Evanston Pride Month

The City of Evanston, Evanston Public Library, Evanston Pride, the City of Chicago and many other organizations are planning events for the month of June. Please check the City calendar, newsletter or links below for a list of events and details.

Get involved in Evanston's LGBTQ+ community

Looking to get more involved in the LGBTQ+ community in Evanston? Check out the resources, events and groups hosted by the Evanston Public Library and non-profit Evanston Pride Inc., whose purpose is to find, organize and support the full spectrum of local LGBTQIA+ community members through specialized programming and training efforts, and to help amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, and educate the broader Evanston community on LGBTQIA+ issues and needs.

LGBTQ+ Resources

City of Evanston Resources

City of Evanston and Evanston Police Department Liaison

The Evanston Police Department appointed Commander Melissa Sacluti as Police Liaison for Evanston’s LGBTQ community. Commander Sacluti serves as a connection for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community as part of the City’s continued commitment to serve the diverse needs of all residents.

In addition to her current duties, Commander Sacluti is responsible for fostering positive relations between the LGBTQ community and the Evanston Police Department, and ensuring that police department policies remain sensitive to residents' needs.

Feel free to contact the LGBTQ Liaison if you:

Are an LGBTQ resident of Evanston
Have an LGBTQ child in Evanston
Have a concern about LGBTQ health, safety or rights in Evanston

To contact Commander Sacluti, email msacluti@cityofevanston.org or call 847-866-5000.

Evanston Care Network

Enter your zip code, and then start typing “LGBTQ” in the search bar to pull up the LGBTQ+ tag for services in your area.

External Resources

NU Gender and Sexuality Resource Center

1999 Campus Dr., Evanston, IL | 847-467-0556 | Website

The Gender and Sexual Resource Center works to provide a safe space and act as hub for organizations, resources, services, and programs of interest to the LGBTQ and Ally community at Northwestern. Our aim is to increase visibility and awareness of issues surrounding gender identity/expression and sexual orientation by uniting existing community entities and developing our own educational and outreach-oriented programming.

Howard Brown Health

4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL | 773-388-1600 | Website

Howard Brown Health Center exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL | 773-472-6469 | Website

Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood.

Evanston Pride Inc.

evanstonprideparade@gmail.com | ‪847-920-7439 ‬| Website

A non-profit organization dedicated to united and empowering every facet of our local LGBTQIA+ community toward joy and equity. They cultivate safe celebratory spaces, educational initiatives, tailored programs, and inclusive events to elevate LGBTQIA+ voices and boost awareness across the Evanston community.

Youth Services of Glenview/Northfield

3080 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026 | 847-724-2620 | Website

The Pride Youth Program offers a variety of opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender youth, and youth who are questioning their sexual and/or gender identities to build relationships, get support, and lead their communities.

PLAG Evanston Chapter

pflagevanston@gmail.com | Website

PFLAG/Evanston/Northshore is a chapter of the National PFLAG organization that was established 50 years ago. Their purpose is to provide both education and support to parents, guardians and others who have loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community. The are here to serve Evanston families and those in neighboring northshore communities.

PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois

630-415-0622 | Website

PFLAG promotes the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten the ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity to create a society that respects human diversity.

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

(773) 672-6551 | Website

NIJC's LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative provides legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) and those who are living with HIV.

Lambda Legal Midwest Regional Office

105 W. Adams, 26th Floor Chicago, IL | 312-663-4413 | Website

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT+ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

LGBT National Help Center

888-843-4564 | Website

Providing free and confidential telephone and internet peer-counseling, information and local resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning callers throughout the united States.

2014 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard

2014 MEI Report

The City of Evanston earned the maximum for almost all criteria in six categories. Evanston and the City of Chicago are the only two Illinois cities to receive a score of 100.