Channyn Lynne Parker has been chosen as the new CEO of Equality Illinois after being tapped as the interim boss of the LGBTQ+ rights organization earlier this summer.
Parker is the first Black trans woman to lead Equality Illinois in its 34-year history advocating for the queer community.
In 2023, she was hired as chief executive of Brave Space Alliance, the first Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the city’s South Side. She was named acting CEO of Equality Illinois in late June, when Brian Johnson stepped down after nearly a decade in the role.
Equality Illinois said she was the “clear choice” based on her “experience, leadership, deep ties to Illinois’ most impacted communities, and vision for the future of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Illinois.”
“Channyn is a visionary leader whose career has been dedicated to building power and advancing LGBTQ+ people and communities in our state,” Equality Illinois Board Chair Justin DeJong and Equality Illinois Institute Board Chair Kelly Emery said in a statement.
Parker’s career began at the Cook County Department of Corrections, where she advocated for people in custody as the first openly trans woman to work in the department.
She previously specialized in community outreach and youth care at Howard Brown Health Center, led youth programs at the Broadway Youth Center, and was director of the TransLife Project at Chicago House. In 2019, she received the Humanitarian Freedom Award from Equality Illinois.
Parker also serves as commissioner of the Illinois Commission on Hate Crimes and Discrimination, as well as the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security.
“Equality Illinois has long been a beacon for justice, and I am honored to step into this role at such a critical time for our communities,” Parker said in a statement. “This is more than a professional transition for me — it’s deeply personal. I’m committed to leading with courage, compassion, and collaboration as we build a future where every LGBTQ+ person in Illinois is seen, valued, and protected.”
Parker will depart Brave Space Alliance in November, the organization said.
Maliyah Arnold, the organization’s board chair, said it “has deeply benefited from Channyn’s leadership and vision, especially as she guided us through a critical period of rebuilding, solidifying our foundation for long-term strength and impact.”
“Brave Space looks forward to continued collaboration between our organizations in advancing justice for our communities,“ Arnold said in a statement.
Parker recently spoke to the Sun-Times about cuts to gender affirming care for patients under 19 and urged groups like her own, as well as state residents, to press government officials about how they will ensure access to state-protected health care. She has also spoken in support of some state lawmakers’ push to decriminalize sex work in Illinois.
In a 2020 interview with Vocalo, Parker said that “above all things” her advocacy work was focused on helping people “walk away knowing that they’re valued.”
“Not just from a theoretical lens, not just being poetic, but that they actually feel valued and that they see their communities thriving,” Parker said.
“For me, it’s really important to acknowledge those pieces of everyone’s humanity. It’s important for me make sure that I am doing the best I can and serving the best way that I can … to meet the needs of the individuals who live throughout this city.”