As rapid-fire change comes at the federal level, advocates want to keep Illinois' status as one of the leading states in offering protections for LGBT individuals.

President Barack Obama's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland was born in Chicago. While attending Niles West High School in nearby Skokie, he was involved with student government, drama and debating. 

Marriage for same-sex couples is now the law of the land.  So what's next in the push for rights in the LGBT community?

Advocates in Illinois are celebrating the Supreme Court's ruling making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.  Equality Illinois says the ruling sends a powerful message that LGBT Americans "should be treated equally and justly in all facets of life.''