Pride Action Tank has partnered with Women Employed to address issues related to financial security in the LGBTQ+ community. In July of 2017, Chicago and Cook County passed an ordinance for sick time that expanded the definition of family, to be an inclusive definition incorporating ‘chosen family.’ Chosen Family has been a crucial and central component of the LGBTQ+ community, and this expansion is a step towards more just laws that protect the interests and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The ordinance creates a baseline of paid sick-time that is available to all full-time and part-time workers, and creates opportunity for anyone to take this as needed to care for themselves or their family members. PAT has been working with local agencies and organizations to inform individuals about this new ordinance, and direct people to the appropriate resources. Some of the organizations that PAT has presented at include Affinity Community Services and Chicago House.

You can find more information about the ordinance, the expanded definition, and about Women Employed at http://sicktimechicago.org/. If you would like to present this information in your community or organization, reach out to Kim Hunt at [email protected]

 

Sick Time Ordinance “Know Your Rights” Presentation