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Evanston proclaims July 2025 LGBTQIA+ Veterans Month; local AVfER chapter receives proclamation
Summary
The City of Evanston declared July 2025 LGBTQIA+ Veterans Month and presented a proclamation to members of American Veterans for Equal Rights; speakers recounted the history of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and called for recognition of veterans discharged under that policy.
Mayor David Biss (referred to in the meeting as Mayor Biss) presented a proclamation declaring July 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Veterans Month in Evanston and invited members of the Chicago-area chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights to accept the document.
The proclamation recited the history of discrimination in the U.S. military, noting that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy (DADT) in effect from 1994 until repeal by the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 left many service members discharged and with less-than-honorable records. The proclamation acknowledged ongoing barriers that some LGBTQIA+ veterans face, particularly transgender veterans and veterans of color, in accessing care and benefits.
Larry Simpson, acting president of the Chicago-area chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, accepted the proclamation and thanked the council. The mayor and multiple council members thanked advocates who helped propose the proclamation, including Mike Petrosius, who was acknowledged by the mayor for advocating for the proclamation and working with council members on the text.
The proclamation was read from the dais and members of the organization were invited forward for photographs and remarks. No formal vote or ordinance was required for the ceremonial proclamation.
