Established in 1989, OPALGA+ is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ membership organizations in Illinois. Our diverse membership includes individuals and families in Chicago’s near-west suburbs, Chicago proper and beyond.  Members and non-members are welcome at most OPALGA+ events.

Mission

To promote full equality for and positive attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community. To provide a positive community family for our members through social activities, civic engagement, and community activism.

What We Do

• Award scholarship funds for LGBTQIA+ and allied students.
• Host many social activities, including monthly potlucks, parties, theater events, parade marches, OPALGA+ Scholarship Gala, and more.
• Participate in community volunteer efforts, including Donut Days, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and more.
• Participate in local community human rights forums, rallies, and parades.
• Educate the public by providing information and resources at events like Oak Park's Day in Our Village.

What We Have Accomplished

• Provide $25,000 in scholarships annually to help LGBTQIA+ or allied students pursue higher education
• Helped amend Oak Park’s Human Rights Ordinance to bar employment and housing discrimination (1989)
• Helped secure Domestic Partnership Benefits for Oak Park Village employees (1994)
• Helped secure Oak Park’s Domestic Partnership Registry for same-sex couples — a first-ever achievement in Illinois, and since used as a model for other communities (1997)
• Worked to educate local school administrators to establish a Human Dignity policy for LGBTQ school employees (2009)
• Received numerous awards for community service
• Served as a Gay Games VII sponsor and hosted events in Oak Park (2006)
• Rallied locally and in Springfield for the passage of Civil Unions and Marriage Equality in Illinois (2013)