Professor Appointed Chair To Chicago's Gay Advisory Council

Elizabeth Kelly will serve a 3-year term as chairperson of Chicago's Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender issues, ChicagoPride.com reported.

Mayor Richard Daley announced the appointment Friday.

The council advises Chicago's Commission on Human Relations. The commission enforces the city's anti-discrimination policy, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity (transgender protections) in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodations and credit.

“We have a diverse group of talented people currently serving on the council,” Kelly told the gay website. “I hope to develop new opportunities for showcasing everyone's talents and our diversity as we work to further secure and sustain rights, dignity and respect for all members of Chicago's LGBT communities – and the larger community as well.”

As chairperson of the council, Kelly, a professor of women's and gender studies at DePaul University, will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Commission on Human Relations Board of Commissioners. Kelly has been a member of the council since 2006.