In addition to removing Johnsons Chicago from the Chicago Pride Parade we have filled complaints with the elected officials of Chicago and the East Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, in an attempt to stop Johnsons from receiving permits to open. You are more than welcome to copy and paste the following to email them yourselves. 

Dear Elected Officials and Community Organizers, 
 
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention some deeply concerning violations of human rights laws at Johnsons Chicago, an establishment seeking to operate within our community. It has come to our attention that “the proposed” Johnsons Chicago, located at (954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657, has been engaging in actions that directly contravene the Human Rights Ordinance (Section 2-160-070) of the Chicago Municipal Code and civil rights laws (775 ILCS 5/5-102) of the state of Illinois. 

Specifically, Johnsons Chicago is allegedly in violation of Section 2-160-070 of the Chicago Municipal Code, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on various protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status, credit history, criminal history, or source of income. Additionally, CCHR Reg. 520.150 mandates that public accommodation environments remain free of harassment based on membership in a protected class. 

Despite these legal mandates, there have been reports of harassment and the creation of a hostile environment at Johnsons Chicago, which directly violates the aforementioned regulations. To give an example, Johnson's website states, “Woman are only allowed in the establishment with a male escort.” This is deeply concerning for our community, particularly considering the historical struggles against oppression that we have faced. Johnsons Chicago's policies not only undermine the rights of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community but also impact the entire fabric of our city.  

Therefore, we urge Chicago city officials, the owner of the venue, and the chamber of commerce to take swift and decisive action to prevent Johnsons Chicago from operating within the City of Chicago. We cannot allow our community to be subjected to discrimination, harassment, and hostility, especially from establishments that seek to undermine the progress we have made towards equality and inclusivity. We as an organization have created a petition to gather signatures from community members to not only tell their story but also oppose the opening of this new business.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt action to address these violations and uphold the rights of all individuals within our community. 
  
Sincerely, 
Your Name

The contacts to which you can email in addition to your local alderperson are:

City of Chicago Mayor: letterforthemayor@cityofchicago.org

44th Ward Alderperson: ward44@cityofchicago.org

46th Ward Alderperson: info@46thward.com

East Lakeview Chamber of Commerce: Info@lakevieweast.com

North Halsted Business Alliance: Info@northhalsted.com

Pride Chicago Organizers: info@pridechicago.org