Will County Pride Coalition

02/17/2026

Join at our upcoming Meet and Greet for the Will County Pride Coalition’s endorsed candidates on February 24th from 6-9pm at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe in Plainfield!

02/05/2026

Congratulations to all endorsees!

02/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Will County Pride Coalition

Date: February 5, 2026

Location: Joliet, Illinois

Subject: Will County Pride Coalition Announces 2026 Endorsements

JOLIET, IL: The 2026 election is not about partisan politics. It is about survival. As the federal government moves to dismantle civil liberties and target marginalized communities, local government is our last line of defense. Will County needs leaders who will not just hold office but who will use their power to protect their constituents from federal overreach. We demanded that candidates commit to specific, concrete actions to defend LGBTQIA+ rights, immigrant safety, and the Illinois cannabis industry.

The Will County Pride Coalition is pleased to endorse the following 9 candidates:

Patrick 'PJ' Jones for Will County Sheriff

Michelle Stiff for Will County Clerk

Tim Brophy for Will County Treasurer

Tyler Giacalone for Will County Board, District 11

Jackie Traynere for Will County Board, District 11

Sheri Boniecki-Cooling for Will County Board, District 4

Marc McKirdie for Will County Board

Amy Christiansen for Circuit Judge

John Pavich for Appellate Judge

(Note: Due to the strict ethical canons governing judicial elections, these candidates were legally unable to answer any questions on our policy questionnaire. However, they retain the full support of the Coalition.)

The Consensus
Based on the responses we received from the candidates, all those who responded were unanimous in regard to the Yes/No portion of the questionnaire. On the following ten issues, there was absolute consensus among all respondents.

1. Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

Question: Do you unequivocally believe that transgender minors have a right to gender-affirming medical care (including puberty blockers and hormone therapy) free from state bans or interference?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I believe healthcare decisions belong to patients, families, and doctors, and I will actively vote to block any state bans on care for minors.

2. Student Privacy and Safety in Schools

Question: Do you support policies that allow students to use their chosen names and pronouns at school without mandatory parental notification ("forced outing"), prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of the student?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I support student privacy and will oppose any legislation or school board policy that mandates the forced outing of students to their parents.

3. Medical Consensus on Puberty Blockers

Question: Medical consensus from every major accredited association (AAP, AMA) confirms that puberty blockers are a safe, reversible, and life-saving intervention. Do you accept this medical reality?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I accept the medical consensus, and I will oppose any legislation based on pseudoscience or disinformation.

4. Bathroom and Public Facility Access

Question: Do you support the right of transgender people to use restrooms and public facilities that align with their gender identity?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I support open access based on gender identity, and I will vote against any exclusionary 'bathroom bills' that seek to criminalize our existence.

5. Sanctuary Protections for Gender-Affirming Care

Question: Do you support strengthening Illinois' status as a sanctuary state for gender-affirming care, including the absolute refusal to cooperate with out-of-state subpoenas or extradition requests targeting patients and providers?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I support absolute protection, and I will work to fight our legal firewall against interstate extradition.

6. Defense of Education and Public Libraries

Question: Will you oppose any state or local legislation that seeks to ban books, censor curriculum, or restrict the discussion of LGBTQIA+ history and identity in public schools and libraries?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I will actively oppose all forms of censorship in education and will fight to keep our libraries free and open.

7. The Use of Lethal Force by Federal Agents

Question: In Minnesota, the federal deployment of ICE agents resulted in the extrajudicial killing of an American citizen, Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times by an agent while driving away. Do you believe that non-compliance or civil disobedience should carry the penalty of extrajudicial ex*****on?

Consensus Answer: No. I condemn the use of lethal force against civilians, and I will publicly demand accountability for federal agents who commit violence in our state.

8. Stance on the Current Federal Administration

Question: Do you acknowledge that the current federal administration represents a departure from democratic principles and poses a direct threat to the civil liberties of Illinois residents?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I recognize the current administration as an authoritarian threat, and I will work to fight its agenda at every level.

9. Non-Compliance and State Sovereignty

Question: In the face of federal mandates that violate human rights (e.g., mass deportations, suspension of LGBTQ+ protections, or censorship of education), will you commit to using your office to actively resist compliance?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I commit to a doctrine of non-compliance and will use the full power of my office to shield my constituents from unjust federal orders.

10. Protecting the Illinois Market from Federal Intervention

Question: If the current federal administration attempts to enforce the Controlled Substances Act against state-licensed businesses or individuals (specifically targeting the "lists" of registered cannabis users or business owners) will you vote to bar Illinois State Law Enforcement from assisting federal agents in these raids or arrests?

Consensus Answer: Yes. I will vote to make Illinois a "Sanctuary State" for the cannabis industry and will prohibit the use of state resources for federal cannabis enforcement.

Statement of Principles: Where We Draw the Line
The Will County Pride Coalition is equally clear about the standards that disqualify a candidate from our support. In this era of heightened threats against our community, there is no room for ambiguity. We do not issue endorsements lightly, and we have established strict red lines for those seeking to represent us.

We will not endorse candidates for local election who fit the following descriptions:

1. Political Opportunists We will not support candidates who switch political affiliations for electoral convenience. Trust is earned through consistent action, not a change of registration. Candidates who flip parties to gain an advantage must demonstrate a sustained track record of alignment with our values before they can be considered for endorsement.

2. Enablers of Anti-LGBTQIA+ Extremism We will not support candidates who express apathy toward the safety of our community or who proudly associate with prominent opponents of LGBTQIA+ rights at the local, state, or national level. You cannot claim to represent us while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who actively work to erase us.

3. Proponents of Violence We will not support candidates who have expressed a desire to kill or harm others out of anger. Public service requires emotional stability and a reverence for human life. Individuals who resort to threats of lethal violence when challenged or angry are fundamentally unfit to wield the power of the state.

A Note on Media: The images accompanying this release were sourced from official campaign materials or public Facebook profiles. We apologize for the administrative oversight in failing to formally request media kits prior to our deadline.

W. Stacy Lockwood Communications Chair, Will County Pride Coalition

01/24/2026

We know his name now.

Alex Pretti. 37 years old. An ICU nurse. A healer.

He didn't go to the protests in Minneapolis to fight. He went to help. Video evidence confirms that his final act was stepping in to protect a woman being shoved to the ground by federal agents. For this act of care, he was blinded with pepper spray, tackled, and executed by the state.

Alex is the second person murdered by federal agents in Minneapolis in the last 17 days, following the killing of Renee Good.

Let us be clear about what we are seeing. These are not "law enforcement" officers keeping the peace. As leaders across the country are now recognizing, this is a proto-military force acting as a private militia. We are seeing agents on our streets with masks and no insignia, deployed not to protect the public, but to incite conflict and punish dissent.

This is an occupation.

As the Will County Pride Coalition, we refuse to accept a world where nurses are gunned down by anonymous soldiers for shielding their neighbors. We refuse to accept a "public safety" model that looks like a death squad in unmarked fatigues.

Alex Pretti spent his life saving others. The state spent his life to send a message.

We are receiving that message loud and clear. And our answer is NO.

We stand with the nurses, the healers, the protectors, and the protesters. We stand with Minneapolis against this tyranny.

A Personal Note from the Communications Chair: As a former Navy Hospital Corpsman (1990 - 1999), I was trained that the preservation of life is the highest calling. I was trained to run toward the injured, not to execute them. I am disgusted and deeply ashamed of what ICE did today. To murder a medic in the streets is an act of supreme cowardice and a betrayal of every oath of service. We will not forget this.

01/19/2026

Will County Pride Coalition:
Candidate Questionnaire for Endorsement
Purpose: The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine the candidate's alignment with LGBTQIA+ and Progressive legislative priorities.

To the Candidate:
As constituents of Will County, we are requesting your explicit and honest positions on the issues that are most critical to the LGBTQIA+ community and also to the broader electorate. This questionnaire addresses three areas.

LGBTQIA+ Rights
Civil Liberties
Cannabis

Two critical fronts define this election: the protection of our communities from the authoritarian shift in our federal government, and the protection of the cannabis industry and culture in Illinois.

VAGUE GENERALITIES WILL BE INTERPRETED AS A LACK OF COMMITMENT.

Please respond no later than February 1st, 2026

Submission: Please submit your responses via the digital form provided. If you prefer to submit your answers via email or in writing, please contact us at https://www.facebook.com/WillCountyPride/ to arrange for an alternative submission method.

Section 1: LGBTQIA+ Rights, Safety & Dignity
Context: With LGBTQIA+ rights under siege nationally, Will County must serve as a fortress for q***r and trans existence. We require specific commitments regarding how you will treat our community in schools, in the streets, and in the legal system.

1. Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Do you unequivocally believe that transgender minors have a right to gender-affirming medical care (including puberty blockers and hormone therapy) free from state bans or interference?
[ ] Yes. I believe healthcare decisions belong to patients, families, and doctors, and I will actively vote to block any state bans on care for minors.
[ ] No. I believe the state should ban or restrict care for minors.

2. Student Privacy and Safety in Schools
Do you support policies that allow students to use their chosen names and pronouns at school without mandatory parental notification ("forced outing"), prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of the student?
[ ] Yes. I support student privacy and will oppose any legislation or school board policy that mandates the forced outing of students to their parents.
[ ] No. I believe parents must be notified of pronoun changes regardless of the risk to the child.

3. Medical Consensus on Puberty Blockers
Medical consensus from every major accredited association (AAP, AMA) confirms that puberty blockers are a safe, reversible, and life-saving intervention. Do you accept this medical reality?
[ ] Yes. I accept the medical consensus, and I will oppose any legislation based on pseudoscience or disinformation.
[ ] No. I reject the medical consensus.

4. Bathroom and Public Facility Access
Do you support the right of transgender people to use restrooms and public facilities that align with their gender identity?
[ ] Yes. I support open access based on gender identity, and I will vote against any exclusionary 'bathroom bills' that seek to criminalize our existence.
[ ] No. I believe access should be restricted based on s*x assigned at birth.

5. Sanctuary Protections for Gender-Affirming Care
Do you support strengthening Illinois' status as a sanctuary state for gender-affirming care, including the absolute refusal to cooperate with out-of-state subpoenas or extradition requests targeting patients and providers?
[ ] Yes. I support absolute protection, and I will work to fortify our legal firewall against interstate extradition.
[ ] No. I believe Illinois should cooperate with other states' legal inquiries.

6. Defense of Education and Public Libraries
Will you oppose any state or local legislation that seeks to ban books, censor curriculum, or restrict the discussion of LGBTQIA+ history and identity in public schools and libraries?
[ ] Yes. I will actively oppose all forms of censorship in education and will fight to keep our libraries free and open.
[ ] No. I believe parents should have the right to restrict access to materials they find objectionable.

7. Policing and Detention (For Sheriff/Law Enforcement Candidates)
Transgender individuals face disproportionate rates of profiling during traffic stops and violence within the jail system. Will you mandate policies that require officers to use a citizen's correct pronouns/name and ensure transgender detainees are housed according to their gender identity?
Your Answer: ______________________________________________

8. Administrative Respect and Records (For Clerk/Recorder Candidates)
Will your office commit to streamlining the process for name and gender marker changes, ensuring that "deadnames" are redacted or sealed from public view whenever legally possible?
Your Answer: ______________________________________________

Section 2: The Defense of Democracy & Civil Rights
Context: We are witnessing a fundamental dismantling of democratic norms and a rise in authoritarian governance at the federal level. Your constituents need to know where you stand regarding this regime.

9. The Use of Lethal Force by Federal Agents
Context: In Minnesota, the federal deployment of ICE agents resulted in the extrajudicial killing of an American citizen, Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times by an agent while driving away.
Do you believe that non-compliance or civil disobedience should carry the penalty of extrajudicial ex*****on?
[ ] Yes. I believe federal agents are justified in using lethal force.
[ ] No. I condemn the use of lethal force against civilians, and I will publicly demand accountability for federal agents who commit violence in our state.

10. Stance on the Current Federal Administration
Do you acknowledge that the current federal administration represents a departure from democratic principles and poses a direct threat to the civil liberties of Illinois residents?
[ ] Yes. I recognize the current administration as an authoritarian threat, and I will work to fight its agenda at every level.
[ ] No. I believe the current administration is operating within normal democratic bounds.

11. Non-Compliance and State Sovereignty
In the face of federal mandates that violate human rights (e.g., mass deportations, suspension of LGBTQ+ protections, or censorship of education), will you commit to using your office to actively resist compliance?
[ ] Yes. I commit to a doctrine of non-compliance and will use the full power of my office to shield my constituents from unjust federal orders.
[ ] No. I believe we must adhere to federal supremacy.

12. Protection of Marginalized Communities
As the federal government targets specific communities (Immigrants, Political Dissidents, Religious Minorities), what concrete steps will you take to ensure their physical safety and legal standing within Illinois borders?
Your Answer: ______________________________________________

Section 3: Cannabis Freedom & The Illinois Market
Context: While Illinois has legalized cannabis, the promise of "Social Equity" has largely failed, taxes remain exploitative, and personal cultivation rights are still restricted.

13. Expansion of Home Cultivation Rights
Currently, legal home cultivation in Illinois is restricted to registered medical patients (5 plants). Do you support Universal Home Grow legislation that would allow all adults (21+) to cultivate cannabis for personal use without fear of civil or criminal penalty?
[ ] Yes. I support full adult-use home grow rights and will co-sponsor or vote for legislation to remove the medical card requirement.
[ ] No. I believe homegrown should remain restricted to medical patients.
[ ] Other / Explain: ______________________________________________

14. Protecting the Illinois Market from Federal Intervention
If the current federal administration attempts to enforce the Controlled Substances Act against state-licensed businesses or individuals—specifically targeting the "lists" of registered cannabis users or business owners—will you vote to bar Illinois State Law Enforcement from assisting federal agents in these raids or arrests?
[ ] Yes. I will vote to make Illinois a "Sanctuary State" for the cannabis industry and will prohibit the use of state resources for federal cannabis enforcement.
[ ] No. I believe state police must cooperate with federal law enforcement.

15. Rectifying the "Social Equity" Failure
The initial rollout of Illinois legalization favored multi-state operators (MSOs) over the promised social equity applicants. Craft growers are still struggling with bureaucracy and funding. What specific legislative action will you take this session to break the MSO monopoly and ensure craft growers can actually bring product to market?
Your Answer: ______________________________________________

09/30/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Will County Pride Coalition Condemns “Existential Threat” Posed by Anti-Trans Provisions in Federal Funding Bills

JOLIET, IL – September 29, 2025 – We at the Will County Pride Coalition are issuing an urgent and unequivocal condemnation of the anti-transgender provisions being attached to critical government funding bills in the U.S. Congress. Based on alerts from trusted health partners like Howard Brown Health, we consider these legislative attacks to be a direct and existential threat to the transgender and LGBTQ+ members of our community here in Will County and across the nation.

With the September 30th deadline to avoid a government shutdown fast approaching, we are horrified to see must-pass legislation being used as a vehicle for hate. These proposals seek to restrict access to life-saving gender-affirming care, establish discriminatory bathroom and sports bans, and even prohibit the display of the Pride flag.

These are not abstract political debates; they are calculated legislative attacks on the lives and autonomy of our friends, neighbors, and family members. Among our community are veterans who served this country honorably, defending the rights and freedoms of all Americans. They did not protect this nation only to have their own government advance a dangerous political agenda like "Project 2025," which threatens their very right to exist. They did not sign up to be eliminated, put in camps, or have their constitutional rights stripped away.

We are calling on our elected officials to recognize the profound and dangerous nature of these provisions. We demand that they vote NO on any appropriations bill that contains this hateful language. The safety and dignity of our community are not negotiable.

Call to Action:
The Will County Pride Coalition urges all residents of Will County and our allies to take immediate action. Contact your U.S. Senators and your congressional representative to demand they strip these discriminatory provisions from any funding bill.

You can find your representatives and their contact information here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

About the Will County Pride Coalition:
The Will County Pride Coalition is a community-based organization dedicated to celebrating, advocating for, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Will County, Illinois. Through educational outreach, community events, and advocacy, WCPC works to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all.

09/11/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 11, 2025

Will County Pride Coalition Condemns Senseless Violence in Colorado School Shooting, Calls for Action Against Hate

JOLIET, IL – The Will County Pride Coalition expresses its profound grief and horror at the news of the school shooting at a high school in suburban Denver, Colorado, which has reportedly left multiple students dead and injured. Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and a community now shattered by this senseless act of violence. Though this tragedy occurred hundreds of miles away, the pain is felt here in Will County, as it is in every community that believes its schools should be safe havens for learning and growth, not sites of terror.

This attack is a horrific reminder that the rising tide of hate and division in our country has devastating consequences. While details are still emerging, we know that such violence does not happen in a vacuum. It is often the brutal endpoint of rhetoric that dehumanizes, isolates, and targets others for who they are. We have a solemn responsibility to create a culture that universally rejects this hatred, whether it comes from a public figure, a social media post, or the quiet biases that infect our communities.

The safety of our children—all of our children—must be our absolute priority. This moment demands more than thoughts and prayers; it demands immediate and sustained action. We call on our elected officials at every level to find the courage to enact meaningful, common-sense gun safety legislation to keep weapons of war out of our schools and off our streets. We must also invest deeply in mental health resources for our youth and educational programs that foster empathy, inclusion, and respect for diversity.

We must come together to build an America where no child, parent, or teacher has to live in fear of the next headline. Let this tragedy fortify our resolve to disarm hate and build a future rooted in peace and acceptance.



About the Will County Pride Coalition:
The Will County Pride Coalition is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Will County through advocacy, education, and celebration. We work to build bridges of understanding and fight for a future free from discrimination and hate.

09/11/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 11, 2025

Will County Pride Coalition Condemns Killing of Charlie Kirk, Warns Against Martyrdom and Cycle of Violence

JOLIET, IL – In responding to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Will County Pride Coalition begins with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from his 1958 book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. Dr. King wrote, "Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. The old law of an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than to convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love."

Guided by this foundational principle of nonviolence, the Will County Pride Coalition strongly condemns this act of violence. Charlie Kirk may no longer be a threat to our community, but violence makes him a martyr to his cause, which is a greater threat. Worse, unlike figures such as Fred Phelps, who later in life recanted his hatred, Charlie will never have the chance to experience change. We call upon all LGBTQIA+ organizations to condemn this wanton act of violence in the strongest possible terms. This is not who we are. This is not the America we love and cherish. Hate only begets hate.

While we unequivocally condemn this violence, it is also essential to be honest about the harm Mr. Kirk caused our community, particularly its transgender members. He consistently used his prominent platform to promote misinformation and hostility. His public comments include calling for a complete ban on gender-affirming medical care, which he referred to as "medieval butchery." This pattern of verbal attacks sought to dehumanize transgender people and contributed to a political and social climate of fear and discrimination.

Our position is echoed by national advocacy leaders. Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, issued the following statement:

"While GLAAD condemns all forms of political violence, we cannot ignore the fact that Charlie Kirk spent his career building a platform on vitriolic, anti-transgender hate. His relentless campaign of misinformation and his dehumanizing language directly contributed to a climate of fear and hostility that endangers transgender people every day. Words have consequences, and Kirk’s legacy is inextricably linked to the real-world harm his rhetoric caused. Our hearts are with the transgender community, which has endured his attacks for years and continues to face the dangerous environment he helped create. We will honor them by continuing our work to reject this brand of hate and fight for a world where all LGBTQ people can live safely and authentically."

The Will County Pride Coalition stands with GLAAD in this assessment. We believe the only way forward is through dialogue, education, and unwavering, peaceful advocacy for the rights and dignity of all people.

About the Will County Pride Coalition:
The Will County Pride Coalition is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Will County through advocacy, education, and celebration. We work to build bridges of understanding and fight for a future free from discrimination and hate.

03/29/2025

Are you in need of a free gender-affirming haircut? Are you doing anything on Sunday, March 30th, from 5 PM to 8 PM? Contact three q***r stylists forming community in the suburbs!

https://linktr.ee/contactushere1969

03/28/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 27th, 2025

Will County Pride Coalition Condemns Administration's Extralegal Actions and Their Devastating Global Consequences

Joliet, Illinois – The Will County Pride Coalition expresses profound concern regarding the persistent legal challenges facing the current administration. These challenges expose a troubling disregard for established legal norms and democratic principles, with documented and potentially devastating consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly children.

Firstly, the administration's approach to immigration continues to generate legal chaos. State laws that clash with federal authority, as seen in Texas, demonstrate a clear disrespect for established legal lines. We believe in secure borders, but not at the expense of our core values and the rule of law, values that are important to the diverse population of Will County. These extralegal actions create instability and endanger the lives of those seeking refuge, including children. Furthermore, documented cases of the wrongful deportation of legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens raise serious concerns about the erosion of due process and the potential for anyone to be unjustly removed from their homes.

Secondly, the use of executive orders to circumvent established regulatory processes is a direct threat to our system of checks and balances. The Administrative Procedure Act exists to ensure fairness and transparency. These actions, often done with little to no justification, undermine the very foundation of our legal system, a system that protects all of us. These extralegal actions destabilize vital social safety nets, including those programs that support vulnerable children.

The ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only morally wrong, but legally questionable. We believe that everyone deserves equal opportunity, and we will fight any attempt to roll back progress, especially within our own communities in Will County. These actions create a climate of fear and discrimination, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, including children.

The administration's handling of federal funds and its resistance to congressional oversight is also deeply troubling. Reports from reputable sources indicate that the power of the purse is being misused, and that attempts to withhold funds or ignore lawful requests for information are unacceptable. Specifically, funding cuts to international aid programs are reportedly having a direct negative impact on the health and well-being of children in third-world countries. These extralegal actions deprive vital programs of necessary resources, as documented in various press reports.

Furthermore, the treatment of civil servants is a disgrace. These dedicated professionals deserve protection from political retaliation. The constant firings and changes to job rules create a climate of fear and instability, impacting the services our community relies on. These extralegal actions undermine the stability of our public institutions.

Adding insult to injury, the administration is now trying to make it harder for citizens to challenge its actions in court. This attempt to require financial "security" payments is a clear attack on the right to due process, a right that must be upheld for all. These extralegal actions deny access to justice for the most vulnerable.

Finally, the symbolic return of the Statue of Liberty, as requested by a French official, highlights the deep contradictions between this administration's policies and the values America is supposed to represent. While a symbol, it is a powerful one. We believe that the actions of this administration no longer reflect the values that the statue embodies.

We, the Will County Pride Coalition, call on the administration to respect the rule of law, uphold democratic principles, and restore faith in our institutions. We will continue to fight for justice, equality, and accountability for all residents of Will County and for the well-being of vulnerable people around the globe.

Contact:

Will County Pride Coalition
The ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only morally wrong but legally questionable. We believe that everyone deserves equal opportunity, and we will fight any attempt to roll back progress, especially within our own communities in Will County. These actions create a climate of fear and discrimination, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, including children.

Our organization combines the efforts of many LGBTQ and ally groups to support and empower the LGBTQ citizens of Will County and educate our allies.