For the first time, Chicago has created a director of LGBTQ+ Affairs within the Mayor’s Office. Antonio King, who has a background in LGBTQ+ health and outreach, was appointed to the position by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
King previously worked as the LGBTQ+ Health and Outreach liaison at the Chicago Department of Public Health. His responsibilities often went beyond health care to include housing, safety, and other quality-of-life issues for LGBTQ+ residents. Now, his new role at City Hall gives LGBTQ+ policy a permanent executive-level presence.
The appointment comes during a period of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ communities due to federal policy changes and potential reductions in funding for public health and social services that support transgender and queer people. King said, “We’re at a time where we have a federal administration that is so adversarial to the LGBTQ+ community, including our trans siblings who are under attack. It’s important to have this role working with this mayor, at this moment in history, to show that we are supported in Chicago.”
King’s focus will be on coordinating citywide policies related to LGBTQ+ issues. He aims to create and implement Chicago’s first comprehensive plan for these matters across city departments. King explained that his job is not about starting over but about building on existing programs: “I’m building on the foundations that were laid by people like Mary Morten and Bill Greaves. My role is to make sure the work that’s already being done is highlighted, enhanced and supported.”
A significant part of King’s agenda involves supporting LGBTQ+ youth in schools. He plans close cooperation with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), school-based organizations, and student groups such as Gay-Straight Alliances. Programs like CPS’s annual Galaxy Summit—which brings together hundreds of LGBTQ+ students—are expected to expand under his leadership.
King also intends to address challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ adults regarding housing stability, long-term care, isolation, and access to affirming services. “That’s a population whose needs are often pushed to the back burner,” he said. “How do we better support our LGBTQ+ elders? That means working with organizations like [Pride] Action Tank and figuring out how the Mayor’s Office can help implement changes across the city, with providers, nursing homes and senior living facilities.”
His new position will allow closer coordination with agencies such as the Mayor’s Office on Aging and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.
Alderman Bennett Lawson (44th) emphasized that local leadership is increasingly vital as many community groups rely heavily on federal funds for gender-affirming care. “As federal attacks increase, organizations are being forced to collaborate more, share resources and prepare for potential cuts,” Lawson said. “The question becomes: If agencies have to make cuts, how does that happen, and where can the city, county and state step in? We’re at a moment where the focus isn’t just growth, it’s about protection.”
Alderman Timmy Knudsen (43rd), who advocated for establishing this role in City Hall, noted its importance: “In a time where the rights of the queer community are consistently being dismantled, having an experienced and impactful leader such as King is needed now more than ever. I’m glad to see this role solidified into a permanent position that will carry on no matter who occupies the fifth floor of City Hall.”
Keith R. Green from Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus stated: “This appointment is far more than symbolic. It signals that LGBTQ+ Chicagoans will have an executive-level champion inside the mayor’s office who understands our community’s lived experiences and urgent needs.” Green hopes this leads to better coordination across city agencies—especially addressing disparities affecting Black LGBTQ+ residents.
Dr. Travis Gayles from Howard Brown Health echoed these views: “Having a dedicated, executive-level leader focused on LGBTQ+ issues within the Mayor’s Office sends a clear message that our city is committed to listening, coordinating across departments and turning equity into action.”
King concluded: “The response from the community when my appointment was announced — that support — that already feels like success,” King said. “But if the community doesn’t buy into what we’re doing, if they don’t feel the impact, then I’m not successful. Success for me is the community saying ‘Y’all did that.’ Seeing the change. Feeling the improvement.”
