The Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Wellness and Equity Program is a groundbreaking statewide initiative launched by The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) in early 2024 to support and expand gender affirming care.

The TGD Program expands comprehensive and medically necessary care for transgender, gender diverse, and LGBTQ+ individuals across Illinois. This initiative expands organizational capacity to provide respectful and affirming care, contributing to the dismantling of systemic discrimination and promoting equitable healthcare access.






Through this initiative, participating organizations provide services and conduct activities that include but are not limited to training and behavioral health support; employing Healthcare Navigation Specialists; gender affirming care training for staff; participation in a learning collaborative to share successes, challenges, and best practices; and develop strategies to expand their medically- and culturally-appropriate gender affirming care throughout their service areas.

Access IL Pride Connect, a new statewide resource hub and first of its kind legal hotline that expands access to legal information and support for LGBTQIA+ residents across Illinois.

To find a Healthcare Navigation Specialist, click here. 

See Resource Hub
for the TGD Community, Allies, Advocates, and Providers

Convenings

In collaboration with the Alliance, the TGD staff supports the Midwest LGBTQ+ Network. The Network creates space for those who work with LGBTQ+ youth  throughout the Midwest to come together to build community by sharing successes, challenges, and resources as we collectively fight back against the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that is occurring through policy, legislation, and social factors. If you have any questions regarding joining or participating in the Midwest LGBTQ+ Network, please reach out to Julio Flores at julio.flores@phimc.org and Bryan Gooding at bryan.gooding@phimc.org.

Importance of gender affirming care

Increasing access to gender affirming care benefits everyone by fostering equitable and inclusive healthcare practices.

Gender affirming care:

• Improves overall mental health and well-being through fostering a sense of acceptance of one’s gender identity
• Contributes to better employment opportunities, educational attainment, and social integration
• Reduces stigma and barriers faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals
• Encourages regular engagement with healthcare systems leading to better preventive care and management of chronic conditions
• Creates stronger, more connected communities

A society that supports gender affirming care values diversity and well-being, resulting in stronger, more connected communities.

Follow #TGDWellness on social media for current events and resources through our TGD network.

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The Need

Gender affirming care is life-saving, but access is not equitable and it can be difficult to seek.

According to a 2022 survey from the Center for American Progress:

• Over 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ adults shared that they avoided care due to disrespect or discrimination from providers, rising to 1 in 3 for transgender or nonbinary respondents.
• 2 in 3 transgender adults worry their health evaluations are affected by their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Nearly half of transgender adults report having negative or discriminatory experiences with a healthcare provider.
• Nearly 1 in 2 transgender adults have had insurers deny them coverage for gender affirming care.

Access to gender affirming care is under attack across the nation. The need to expand the capacity of existing organizations providing gender affirming care and the overall availability of culturally and medically competent care throughout Illinois is greater now than ever. TGD/LGBTQ+ youth and adults deserve respect, dignity, and equal access to care that affirms all aspects of their identities.

On February 1, 2024, a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released for providers of gender-affirming care. PHIMC has finalized the FY24 NOFO process and all applicants have received notification of funding status. Learn more here about participating organizations.

Advisory Group Opportunity