U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Aurora)
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Aurora)
Congressmen Bill Foster (D-Aurora) and Sean Casten (D-Wheaton) recently hosted a panel discussion in Naperville where issues faced by the LGBTQ community were put front and center. NCTV 17 reports that about 40 local residents turned out for the event held at the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church.
“We’re part of the way along a difficult and continuing path in this country,” Foster told the crowd. “That things are better in the suburbs, things are not perfect. And that it’s never going to be easy for someone struggling with their gender identity, and they deserve support from the community and not being pushed aside or ridiculed.”
Part of Casten’s speech focused on the strides he feels are being made.
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Wheaton)
“And getting people to understand that we are so close,” he said. “I mean, if we can pass the equality act into law and get [President Donald] Trump to sign it – now think about how insane that sounds, right? But sometimes the way to do that is with a lot of political pressure.”
Also part of the panel were representatives from 360 Youth Services and Youth Outlook, both of whom talked about the resources they offer LGBTQ youth, and Denika McMillen from the local group Naper Pride.