Kelly's Update

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. While the transgender community has never had the comfort of widespread support and allyship, the volume, intensity, and danger brought about by the current administration’s hateful focus on attacking trans people is unlike anything we’ve seen in my lifetime. Hundreds of bills attacking their very existence have been introduced in state legislative bodies across the country, including somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 here in Illinois. While those bills will not see the light of day because of our pro-equality majority here, every day the members of the Fearful Caucus (they like to call themselves the Freedom Caucus, but we know the truth) get up and spew hatred, usually including a transphobic rant or two. More often than not, the people in the chamber continue their conversations about legislation or lunch and ignore them. However, I started hearing from people who were tuning into the live stream who were concerned that their lies were going unchallenged. I realized that it wasn’t enough to treat their rants as irrelevant. We had to ensure that our constituents listening to their words knew they weren’t going unchallenged and along with some of my colleagues have refused to let them have the last word.

Today, I introduced HR221, honoring Transgender Day of Visibility. I’m pleased that 25 of my colleagues have already signed on in support. While symbolic, it’s important that we take steps to acknowledge the contributions of the transgender community and the many ways our world is a better place because of our commitment to inclusion in Illinois. The Resolution honors many trailblazing members of the community, from Albert Cashiers who passed as a man to join the Union Army in the Civil War and lived most of his post war life as Albert, to Judge Jill Rose Quinn who was the first trans person to win countywide office, to Lilly Wachowski and her groundbreaking filmmaking, philanthropy, and advocacy, to the incredible Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Illinois, we simply can’t pretend that trans people have not always been here, always a critical part of the fabric of our community.

Press Release regarding Kelly's efforts marking Trans Day of Visibility

I was honored to be invited by Trans Up Front to speak at the Rally for Trans Visibility Sunday on Federal Plaza. It was awesome to join with Precious and other amazing leaders in our transgender community to demand an end to the irresponsible and dangerous rhetoric at every level that makes all of us less safe. Thousands turned out under cloudy skies to declare support for the trans community as we see unprecedented attacks on their very existence. We heard from parents, trans advocates, artists, and elected officials about the ways that we can push back and support each other.

Kelly attending and speaking at Trans Up Front's Rally for Trans Visibility

Monday morning, I’ll be standing with fellow LGBTQ+ electeds to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility at City Hall. Monday evening, I’ll be participating in a panel discussion hosted by The Chicago Therapy Collective with fellow electeds and advocates sharing information on Illinois’ law and supports for access to trans affirming care.

We are in district this week and return to session on Monday the 7th for what promises to be a jam packed and slog of a week to our third reading deadline to get bills out of the House on Friday. Not being in Springfield this week will inevitably add challenges to efforts to come to final agreement on bill language, so I’m a bit concerned about what the week will have in store for us.

I’m looking forward to being part of a panel organized by Chicago Therapy Collective for Trans Day of Visibility on the State of Trans Rights in Illinois. I’m excited to join with MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Nora Huppert from Lambda Legal, 48th Ward Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Alexis Martinez from Transformative Justice Law Project, 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Sen. Mike Simmons, and Mike Ziri of Equality Illinois in a panel discussion from 5-6:30pm at Bramble Arts Loft at 5545 N. Clark Street. The panel discussion is just one part of a full array of events to honor TDOV. From 4-6pm, Chicago House will provide no cost STI testing and offer information on community resources. After the panel, Putopia Collective will kick off a performance and dance party from 6:30-9pm. 

I’m also going to confess that the start of baseball season will be consuming some portion of my attention this week, especially on Friday when I’ll be suffering from a terrible case of day baseball-itis starting about noon-ish. 

Need to Know Info

Applications for our grant are starting to come in! Click here to be taken to the website to apply for yours today! If you have any questions contact our office at info@repcassidy.com.

You can find out more information and a recording of an informational webinar on the grant website www.14sbsig.org.

Join the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and your Northside elected officials on Wednesday, April 16th at 6 PM for an informative virtual seminar focused on Weather and Climate-related Property and Casualty Insurance. This seminar will provide valuable insights into common homeowners, renters, and condo insurance coverages, and highlight critical gaps that are often overlooked, such as flood, sewage backup, and earthquake protection. 

RSVP now to secure your spot. Once you RSVP, the Webex link will be sent closer to the event date.

We encourage you to attend this important seminar to gain valuable knowledge and protect your property!

Neighborhood Shoutout

This past Sunday, Trans Up Front Illinois held a rally with more than 50 partner organizations a day before National Trans Day of Visibility. “This rally is a response to the relentless attacks on trans rights,” said Asher McMaher, Executive Director of Trans Up Front. “We are calling out those in power and demanding accountability. Our rights will not be stripped away.” 

More than a thousand people gathered to march in the loop to support the rights of trans people. Shoutout to the City of Chicago for showing up for your trans siblings and let's continue this energy into the days, months, and years ahead. 

District Events

You'll relish this! In recognition of National Library Week, Friends of the Edgewater Library in partnership with Patio Beef, 6022 N. Broadway, is offering a 20% discount on anything on its menu from April 5 to April 12. Just show your library card. If you don't have one, read how easy it is to get one—in-person or online.

The Rogers Park Singers provide an opportunity for singers to participate in a choral community, improve individual vocal skills, and experience choral performances. RPS is an inclusive group that practices and performs a variety of genres, both sacred and secular. Members are not just from Rogers Park but come from across the city. The choir has developed a supportive and fun community while working hard on improving their skills and creating beautiful music.

Over the course of four 10-week sessions a year, the choir rehearses on Saturdays from 12pm-1:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale) and performs occasionally at local community events and concerts. Anyone interested in the choir is encouraged to fill out this form and then will be contacted with more information and invited to attend a rehearsal. No interested members will be turned away for lack of experience or inability to pay the session fee. The RPS Purpose and Guidelines can be found here.

Join us at the heart of Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for a delightful journey into the art of cookie decoration. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this class is perfect for everyone. During the class, Anna (owner of Believe Cakes) will guide you through various decorating techniques, from piping royal icing to adding intricate designs. You’ll have the chance to unleash your creativity and decorate your own batch of cookies, which you can take home and share with loved ones.

All supplies and tools are included—just bring yourself!

Join for a relaxed, fun atmosphere perfect for unwinding and expressing yourself.

Learn practical decorating techniques you can use for future projects.

Take home five beautifully decorated cookies to enjoy or share.

Water & snacks will also be available.

The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark Street

Sunday, April 13th 2025 4:30p-6:30p

Sunday, April 27th 2025 4:30p-6:30p

You can purchase tickets here.

The ARRP Community Group is hosting a FREE meeting at Third Space at Lake View Presbyterian Church (716 W Addison) on Tuesday, April 1st. This month's meeting features a presentation by Lucy Sears, the Development and Communications Manager for Green City Market. The presentation will detail how to acquire fresh farm product and support local farmers!

To learn more about the organization, click HERE.

To register for the event, email NorthsideAARPCommunitygroup@gmail.com.

Join the Bryn Mar Alliance, Edgewater Beach Neighborhood Association, and the Edgewater Triangle Neighborhood Association, in partnership with the Edgewater Environmental Coalition for a neighborhood clean up of Bryn Mawr Ave and surrounding areas.

Visit a welcoming station at one of the cross streets on Bryn Mawr Ave between Clark and Sheridan to collect your clean-up equipment and a coffee sponsored by a local cafe.

Local Filmmaker Debora Masterson and her late partner, Craig Ingraham, bring their film ABOVE AND BEYOND: The Story of Cpl. William T. Perkins, Jr. to Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W Hollywood Ave, Chicago) for a special free screening on Friday, April 11th at 7PM.

On October 12, 1967 during Operation Medina, a major reconnaissance operation in the Hai Lang National Forest in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, Cpl. William T. Perkins Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice when he hurled himself upon an enemy hand grenade to save the lives of his fellow Marines.​

Bill Perkins Jr. is the only combat photographer in our nation’s history to receive the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor.

Thirty years later, his friend Craig Ingraham set out on a journey to discover what happened that day in Vietnam and along the way, he discovered so much more.

You can learn more about the film at their website here.

Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence unites Loyola and Chicagoland communities to become powerful advocates for change. The 2025 summit, led by an interdisciplinary group of community organizations and gun violence prevention leaders, will equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies to amplify their voices to enact change. This event empowers a generation raised in the shadow of gun violence to take bold action and create safer communities during challenging times.

The summit features Keynote Speaker David Hogg, survivor of the Stoneman Douglas high school shooting, anti-violence activist, and elected as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2025. Hogg uses his platform to promote civic engagement, activism and voting. As a speaker, he informs, challenges and energizes, empowering his generation to resist apathy and become catalysts for positive social change.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the summit will include presentations from local community leaders, panel discussions, and a resource fair featuring local organizations fighting to end gun violence. Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.

To learn more about this event, click HERE!

Join the free art workshop series happening across the Northside of Chicago, organized by Swedish Hospital, Endeavor Health, and the Healthy Chicago Zones North Central Region!

Led by a team of professional artists, participants will explore multimedia art, community, and personal wellness. Art pieces created during these workshops will be submitted to build a community art installation. All participants will be invited to view and celebrate their work at the unveiling of this art exhibition in April!

For more information, email: sneeraja@schosp.org

The 24th District Police are hosting a conversation with their Commander, Alison Christian, on April 10th at 2 pm at Candlelite Chicago (7452 N Western Ave). By attending, you will learn more about the safety initiatives the police are implementing in their district. No reservations or RSVPs are required!

Emanuel Congregation is hosting a mobile blood drive event.

5959 N. Sheridan

NE Corner of Thorndale/Sheridan

To schedule an appointment call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code ORD00P01.

Appointments recommended, but walk-ins welcome.

Are you looking for ways to lower stress and increase energy? We have two amazing Sunday Wellness Offerings for you!

Tai Chi improves blood flow, strengthens muscles, helps concentration, increases mobility and balance, calms the mind and delays growing old. Sifu’s Tai Chi sessions include stretching, breathing and meditation in motion. Sifu has been teaching in Rogers Park and the Chicago Area since 2005.

Sundays 9am to 10am

This class has a suggested donation of $15 but online registration is required. 

QiGong is an ancient practice that helps the practitioner become skillful at managing energy. Reclaiming energy from tension and stress and increasing vitality by moving your body effortlessly. Take away exercises you can practice at home to continue improving your energy and vitality.

Sundays 4:00-5:00pm

Online registration is required.

Location for both offerings:

Culture of Safety

6961 N. Clark St

Chicago, IL 60626

Theatre

Rivendell Theatre (5775 N Ridge Ave) is presenting a new production called No Such Thing from March 22-April 27 on Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm and on Saturdays at 4 pm & 8 pm!

From Rivendell's Website:

Once a sought-after screenwriter, Ren finds herself "a woman of a certain age" at a crossroads of social and professional invisibility. 

The newest play from the writer of Rivendell’s hit productions of The Walls and American Wee-Pie, No Such Thing examines what makes a life story and charts the unpredictable changes in a society that downsizes women out of their most productive years. 

To learn more and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

A New Leaf is more than a benefit—it's a tribute to the magic of our lauded KidSeries, which has been inspiring young audiences and nurturing the next generation of theatre lovers for decades. Savor passed hors d'oeuvres and choice libations as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Lifeline's KidSeries with a musical reverie of your favorites—all on the set of our world premiere KidSeries show Leaf!

Friday, April 11 at 6:30pm

Lifeline Theatre

6912 N. Glenwood Ave

Tickets are limited, reserve yours here.

Lifeline Theatre’s Kid Series presents the world premiere of Leaf, based on the beloved picture book by Sandra Dieckmann, March 15 to April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Adaptor and Lifeline ensemble member Amanda Link teams up with director Nathaniel Niemi to bring audiences a timely world premiere featuring a polar bear on their quest to return home and the young crow who finds it within herself to help them. Leaf centers on our interconnectedness with each other and our planet, and the importance of sharing one’s story. 

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. during the run of Leaf (following the 11:00 a.m. show, or before the 1:00 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is $10 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information. 

Four favorite Beatrix Potter stories, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tailor of Gloucestor, The Tale of Jeremy Fisher, and The Tale of Tom Kitten, come to life in this mesmerizing puppet show, complete with Potter’s original text and live, original music. Various instruments, such as mandolin, violin, toy piano, and banjo, create the score and melodies behind each story. The set is filled with dynamic suitcases and trunks where levers are pulled and cranks are turned to reveal images that surprise and delight. Three charming performers interweave classic narration and puppetry with gentle interactive moments, recruiting the audience to join the adventure and encouraging young watchers to think about these iconic animal characters’ big emotions.

A limited run at Raven Theatre

April 5 - April 20

Performance Times:

Sat & Sun @ 9:30am & 11:30am

You can purchase tickets here.

Youth & Teen

Apply Now for Your Perfect Summer Job in the Parks – for Ages 16+!

Earn a paycheck, make friends, keep active, have fun, and make a difference by working in the parks! A variety of employment opportunities are available at the Chicago Park District this summer to suit all interests, schedules, and experience levels. These positions offer competitive wages, opportunities to build life skills, flexible work schedules, and pathways to careers and year-round employment. Another plus: working indoors and outdoors, depending on the position, and having summer nights off. Positions available for Chicago residents ages 16 and older include Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for Day Camp), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

Learn more & apply now.

Job Openings

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is now accepting applications for its third-annual summer job program!

Approximately 150 positions are available for college, trade school, graduate school students, law students, or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall.

Available positions include working in Secretary of State offices in Chicago, surrounding suburbs, Springfield and downstate facility locations. Under the program, college and trade school students earn $17 per hour and specific contractual intern positions for graduate and law school students earn $25 per hour. Job offerings include working in one of the 25 departments in the Secretary of State’s office or at a DMV.

Interested applicants can apply at www.ilsos.gov/summerjobs and must submit a resume, application, and cover letter explaining their interest in working at the Secretary of State’s office. Please reach out to publicengagement@ilsos.gov with any questions.

Find contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway airports at the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Airport Expo and Job Fair, free for attendees on Thursday, May 1 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.

Business representatives will recruit candidates to fill cargo, concessions, construction, security and other positions at all experience levels — with some hiring on the spot! Small business owners will learn how to obtain city certification and enter the airport business.

Access the UIC Forum via CTA Blue Line (UIC-Halsted), #12 Roosevelt bus, or #8 Halsted bus.

Register: flychicago.com/airportexpo

The Illinois Department of Human Services is Hiring!

Explore career opportunities in professional, healthcare, administration, technical, clerical/administrative, and service roles—across the entire state of Illinois!

Join their next Virtual Recruitment Presentation to:

Discover the benefits of working with the State of Illinois.

Learn about future career opportunities.

Get a clear understanding of the online application process.

Receive tips to help you successfully complete your application.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Click to register for the next presentation (English and Spanish available)

Join us for the upcoming virtual job fair hosted by Heartland Human Care Services to explore exciting career opportunities and learn more about the benefits they offer. Heartland is currently looking to fill a variety of positions, including:

Youth Care Workers (Multiple Shifts)

Family Reunification Specialist

Mental Health Clinical Practitioner

Clinical Supervisor

Utility Worker

Cook

Directors, Program Managers

Teachers, and many more!

Tuesday April 8th

2:00pm-3:00pm

Register here.

Each year, the Illinois Secretary of State's office awards 100 grants for Adult Volunteer, Family and Workplace Literacy programming. One-on-one tutoring is essential to the success of the thousands of students enrolled in these programs.

Tutors are needed throughout Illinois. Volunteer to tutor basic math, reading, writing or English acquisition and the Illinois Literacy Foundation will refer you to one of our partners statewide.

Send your name, email, and zip code to info@illinoisliteracy.org or inquire HERE.

The Misericordia community needs hard-working, dependable, compassionate and motivated individuals to give of themselves to help enrich the lives of our residents. They offer a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package in addition to paid training for employees hired as Direct Support Professionals and Certified Nursing Assistants who have passed their state boards or have state boards pending!

To see positions available and to apply click here.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626