Summer has arrived in full force, and doesn't seem to have any plans of holding back in July.
We had beautiful weather the last week of June when Rogers Park played host to the debut of North Side Queer Pride, a highlight of 2026 so far. The way our local organizations, community businesses, and neighbors came together to put on a fantastic two-day festival should amaze me. Still, I wouldn't expect anything less from the best neighborhood on the planet.
There were so many high points from the weekend, but I'd have to say the overarching theme of providing a safe and joyful space to celebrate love and individuality was the highlight for so many folks who attended.
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But Pride month isn't a "cure-all" for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, and the celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions shouldn’t close with June 30. Moving into July and with the observation of Independence Day, the rights, freedoms, and liberties of the LGBTQ+ community remain open to attack: the ACLU continues to track 529 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country, and the National LGBTQ+ Bar actively tracks the Trump Administration's anti-LGBTQ+ Executive Orders. The Genocide Watch has its eyes on particular LGBTQ+ articles infringing on human rights, including attempts to require states that are recipients of federal funding to openly discriminate against transgender, gender expansive, and intersex people through legalized discrimination:
These bills are just a small part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to erase LGBTQ+ folks and widen the gap between inclusive and hostile states, creating political and legal friction. We’re already seeing effects through business boycotts and travel bans, economic disruption, and population migration. Because if we’re too busy fighting amongst ourselves, we’ll be distracted by the real damage happening in the White House.
Last year, the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14168 directed agencies to remove policies that "promote gender ideology”. As a result, at the start of 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, removing language stating that “repeated, intentional misgendering and denial of restroom access consistent with an employee's gender identity are potential forms of unlawful harassment under Title VII,” making it harder for LGBTQ+ folks to report harassment in the workplace.
In 2019, when I was elected to office, I became the first openly LGBTQ black woman elected to the City Council. I can’t even imagine my campaign or historic election being possible without the non-discrimination laws of the Illinois Human Rights Act, which now seems like a luxury compared to the hurdles many face in other states. We are lucky to live in a state that’s among the top five best-performing states regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
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We need to ensure diverse representation remains in our elected offices, not only in our local municipalities but also as an example for those across the country in conservative communities and cities considering running for office or seeking to establish seats at the decision-making table at the local level. Currently, there are around 1,334 openly LGBTQ+ elected officials in 519,000 elected positions nationwide. Although this number has tripled from just 10 years ago, we cannot lose these seats in the upcoming election cycle.
The biggest hurdles progressive candidates are facing in cities that have defied Trump’s fascist policies are federal funding. We have lost billions of pledged funding in Chicago, which has directly impacted the budget we receive as Alderpersons for capital projects, health and safety, and social services in our wards. Funding I previously received for our ward office now needs to be supplemented by donations made through my campaign, leaving fewer funds for re-election campaigning.
As I pledged from day one, I have remained a full-time alderperson who does not accept developer dollars. I have also pledged not to accept donations from people or organizations who are linked to anti-democratic and discriminatory agendas within the South Asian American community. My ability to continue making community-centered decisions and to sustain our programs in the 49th ward relies entirely on hyper-local contributions and donations.
Asking for campaign donations is never fun; however, we have made it very easy to support both services in the ward and my re-election. Becoming a M49 Club member is the most straightforward way to make a monthly impact in the 49th ward and fuel my campaign. You can set a monthly contribution that fits within your budget, and if you set your contribution to at least $4.90 or more, you will receive special perks and invites throughout election season. Or, if you’re up for making a one-time donation to help fund community activities in the ward this summer, you can make a contribution here.
If donating is not feasible at the moment, we’ll soon send further communications on how to get involved with my campaign. I’m looking forward to the fast-approaching election season, starting with signature gathering at the end of July, and we’ll need volunteers!
In the meantime: hydrate, be safe, and stay cool!
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Onward,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
49th Ward, Chicago
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The M49 Club is Accepting New Members
Maria remains independent and rooted in our community because of the generous contributions of our recurring donors. If you live in the 49th Ward and set a monthly recurring donation for as little as $4.90 a month, you will receive:
- One Campaign Window Sign
- Two Campaign Buttons/Stickers
- Two Invitations to supporter receptions
- One Invitation to our election night party
Club members can pick up the items from Maria at any campaign event or the campaign office this spring. Join the M49 Club today!
Become a Member
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July 2026 | Elect Democrats on the North Side
Organize IL 2026 has planned a series of door knocking in the north side for Gov. Pritzker, Juliana Stratton, and other Democrats up and down the ballot to ensure success in November's election.
All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a fully charged phone to join the efforts. Organize IL will provide trainings before shifts to all volunteers, rain or shine!
When: July 7 - July 26. See the full schedule here.
Time: morning and afternoon shifts available
Where: 4742 N Broadway
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July 8 | Book Event: A Second Sight by Sarah J. Jackson
When Black media-makers raise their voices and speak the uncomfortable truths about America, they shape memories of the nation and push us toward a future more closely aligned with our espoused values. For two centuries, this “second sight” has been an overlooked engine of American democracy.
Join the folks at Women and Children First for timely an event with Sarah J. Jackson in conversation with Moya Bailey to celebrate the release of "A Second Sight: How the Wonder and Vision of Black Mediamakers Push America Toward Freedom".
When: Wednesday, July 8
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Women and Children First (5233 North Clark Street)
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July 9 | Democratic Party for Illinois is coming to the Northside!
The Democratic Party of Illinois is planting roots in Chicago's North Side, and they're having a grand opening to celebrate!
The party will be held at the brand new North Side Field office where there will be food, music, and prizes.
When: Thursday, July 9
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: 742 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
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July 21 | "Yes You Canvass" Training
Have you been interested in canvassing but not confident about your canvassing skills or hesitant to sign up as a first-time volunteer?
Indivisible Rogers Park-West Ridge is hosting a live training class that will put your nerves as ease. Step by step, they'll cover what to expect while canvassing and share tips accumulated over years of experience.
For specific scenario training, folks from Chicago improv companies will be joining the session to add a little fun and dialogue practice.
*Maria's door knocking and cavassing season is rapidly approaching and this training is a great refresher to hep kick off the season.
When: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Rogers School (7345 N. Washtenaw Ave, door 1, South Side of Building)
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July 23 | Book Talk with Gov. Pritzker and Stacey Abrams
Join The Book Cellar at Everybody's Coffee to celebrate the release of Former Wisconsin DNC Chair, Ben Wikler's, new book "This is the Plan!: How to End America' Meltdown and Save Democracy", a revelatory account of what you―yes, you―can do to defeat Trumpism.
Governor Pritzker will introduce Ben Wikler and Stacey Abrams, followed by a book talk, Q&A, and book signing.
*A signed copy of the book is included with a ticket.
When: Thursday, July 23
Where: Everybody's Coffee (935 West Wilson Avenue)
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
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July 25 | Knock Doors with the 49th Ward Dems and Network49
As we head into critical 2026 midterms, there's a very real shot to take back the House and the Senate to finally roll back the Trump regime's authoritarian agenda.
Join the 49th Ward Dems and Network 49 on July 25 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to knock doors. Uniting together is the only path to success and connecting with our neighboring states to talk about the votes is crucial to turning swing states blue.
Once the team arrives Milwaukee, there will be a training before heading to the doors. For more information and carpooling visit this link.
When: Saturday, July 25
Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Milwaukee, WI
Meet at: Volunteers will meet at 1509 W Morse Ave in Chicago before carpooling up to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to knock doors.
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