Overview

• IL Pride Connect will provide free, confidential legal advice statewide at 855-805-9200, operating Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central in English and Spanish.
• Callers can get help with access to health care including gender-affirming care, discrimination or harassment, public benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP, identity documents, and housing or safety concerns.
• The service is led by the Legal Council for Health Justice in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services and local groups including Brave Space Alliance, ALMA Chicago, and AIDS Foundation Chicago.
• Initial funding totals $350,000, with $250,000 from the state and $100,000 in philanthropic support designated for legal staffing and statewide accessibility.
• Officials framed the launch against tightened federal policies, noting the recent shutdown of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services and executive actions restricting gender-affirming care.