Dine Out for Equality Today

By Joseph Erbentraut in Arts & Entertainment on May 19, 2010 3:40PM

Looking for an excuse not to cook dinner tonight? Why not show your support for the LGBT community by Dining Out for Equality? Today, 20 percent of the proceeds from your meal at any of some 14 area restaurants will benefit Equality Illinois, the state's leading organization working to support legal progress for the gays. And all you have to do is show up and chow down.

Restaurants participating in Dining Out for Equality include a few Andersonville favorites, Big Jones, In Fine Spirits and Hamburger Mary's, in addition to a number of brew-and-cruise spots in Boystown, including Halsted's and the Kit Kat Lounge. And, of course, what's not to love about the multiple macaroni and cheese offerings from Leona's? As an added bonus, restaurant captains will be offering vouchers for dessert in the form of a complimentary Absolut Vodka cocktail redeemable at a number of local bars following your meal.

In recent years, Equality Illinois has led lobbying efforts on statewide issues including civil unions and anti-bullying measures. They've also protected the state's Human Rights Act, a housing, employment and public accommodations non-discrimination bill passed in 2005, from adversaries like gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady who've attempted to undermine and weaken the law.

Click here for a full list of participating restaurants participating in this year's event and for more information on the change that Equality Illinois is working to create in the state of Illinois.