CHICAGO — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz was recognized Thursday with the Advocate Award at LAGBAC’s Lawyers for Diversity celebration for her decades-long work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“The privilege I have of working alongside the LGBTQIA+ legal community cannot be understated,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Standing alongside the passionate, sharp minds of the legal community and the street fighters and activists who got us here has been nothing short of breathtaking.”

Feigenholtz has been a career-long advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has consistently worked to prevent gender- and sexual identity-based discrimination, secured millions in HIV/AIDS prevention funding, strengthened Illinois’ hate crime laws, protected reproductive freedom and access to gender-affirming care, modernized inclusive language on birth and marriage certificates, expanded adoption protections for same-sex couples and more.

LAGBAC – Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association – strives to promote the professional development and advancement of gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender legal professionals. The LAGBAC Foundation’s Advocate Award celebrates individuals who have actively advocated for and promoted diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Also recognized at the Lawyers for Diversity celebration were Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Sandra S. Yamate, CEO of the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession.

“The Lawyers for Diversity Advocate Award is the highest honor bestowed by the LAGBAC Foundation. It recognizes those leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to the advancement of diversity and equality in all communities, especially the legal community,” said LAGBAC Foundation Board Member Ray J. Koenig III. “Senator Feigenholtz has been a true leader for greater equality and diversity in every community, and, importantly for the LAGBAC Foundation, the LGBTQ community. We are fortunate to have her as our advocate.”

For more information about the LAGBAC Foundation, visit lagbac.org/foundation.