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Anita Alvarez
Cook County State's Attorney
Communications Department
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-3423
saomedia@cookcountyil.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 30 , 2010

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez along with members of the office’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered Advisory Council will honor two Chicago residents, who have made prominent contributions to the community during a ceremony today in commemoration of Gay Pride month.

Arthur L. Johnston, local business owner and co-founder of a human rights group and Glen Pietrandoni, R.Ph., AAHIVE , a veteran pharmacist and HIV medicine expert, will both receive the office’s first ever Pride Award.

For nearly 30 years, Arthur L. Johnston has been making his mark as an activist and businessman in Chicago’s gay and lesbian communities.  Johnston has been instrumental in the crusade for gay rights, helping to establish Equality Illinois (formerly called the Illinois Federation for Human Rights), which had a key role in the  passage of a statewide, non-discrimination law in 2005, banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

A longtime member of the Northhalsted Merchants Association, Johnston pioneered efforts to aid in the growth and development of gay and lesbian businesses.   He is the co-owner of Sidetrack, which has been a prominent and popular venue in the LGBT community for 28 years.  Johnston has received awards from the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Commission on Human Relations, the Bailiwick Theater and the Center on Halsted.

Glen Pietrandoni, R.Ph. began his career with Walgreens in 1990.  He managed the first Walgreens pharmacy in Chicago that specialized in HIV/AIDS medication and support.  Now a 20 year veteran with the company, Pietrandoni is responsible for HIV/AIDS pharmacy services for people living with HIV/AIDS across the country.  He has implemented patient support programs and provides pharmacist HIV/AIDS education. 

In 2008, Pietrandoni earned the American Academy of HIV Medicine Expert designation for his work within the community. Pietrandoni plays an active role in community initiatives, as well as serving on the board of directors for several national and local HIV/AID organizations. Pietrandoni is the recipient of several awards, including 2002 Volunteer of the Year from the Test Positive Aware Network and Pharmacist of the Year honors from Drug Tropics Magazine in 1998 and 1999.     

Also during the ceremony, a scholarship will be presented to a DePaul University College of Law student by the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s first annual Pride Awards Ceremony will be held today, Wednesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m at the Center on Halsted, at 3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago. 

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