Thanks for the feature, Loyola University Chicago School of Law! It was an honor to write HB 1286 in law school and to advocate for its passage into law. ⚖ ✅
HB 1286, now Public Act 103-0518, allows businesses, schools, nonprofits, and more to install multi-stall gender-inclusive restrooms, which were previously restricted under an archaic Illinois law. With HB 1286’s passage, our state restroom law is now more inclusive for transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGNCI) individuals, who often face harassment or physical abuse in gendered restrooms. This first-in-the-nation law bolsters Illinois’ status as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ community—I am proud to have led this effort alongside advocates across the state.
Contrary to what the media may tell you, this law doesn’t just serve TGNCI folks—it serves everyone in our society. Many groups would benefit from using gender-inclusive restrooms: parents wanting to help their kids of a different gender in the restroom, older heterosexual couples who accompany and assist each other in the restroom, and caretakers of patients of a different gender.
I firmly believe that inclusive initiatives like HB 1286 can benefit society as a whole, even unintentionally. After all, we as a society are better when everyone can participate equally. We must continue to make society more inclusive. It’s common sense.
But despite the common sense behind HB 1286, passing it was not easy. The bill’s legislative sponsor, Rep. Katie Stuart, received death threats for pushing this bill. A Republican lawmaker, during debate and in public record, threatened violence over this bill.
Yet I continue to be so proud of my work on this bill. Changing minds and hearts is never easy, but the advocacy is worth it when you know our society is better for it. I am thankful for this victory, and the lessons and friends I’ve gained from it, and I am eager to carry all of this with me for the rest of my career.
If you’d like to learn more about gender-inclusive restrooms, consider reading my op-ed in Crain’s Chicago Business: https://lnkd.in/gz_8Xp6H.
In 2023, House Bill 1286 went into effect in Illinois. This groundbreaking new statute allows businesses, schools, and other organizations to designate their multi-stall restrooms as gender neutral, which previously was not permitted under state law. A major victory for the LGBTQ community, HB 1286 had a long journey to becoming law. And it all started at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where Justin Sia (JD ‘20) drafted the bill as his capstone project. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHjimhUp
Passionate DE&I Advocate & Change Agent; ERG Co-Founder & Chair; Past President of the National LGBTQ Bar Association; Inaugural Chair, LGBTQ Bar Corporate Counsel Division; Thinkfluencer
4wCongrats, Bill, on this very, very well-deserved recognition. Thanks for all you have done for the Bar & our community & all you continue to do! Looking forward to celebrating you in August!