Trans Up Front

Event flier with white background and trans flag smudge. Text says: "Unite for Trans Youth Lives Rally & Protest | Sunday, August 10 1PM, Federal Plaza, Chicago" with logos from Brave Space Alliance, CTC, Indivisible Chicago, and Trans Up Front IL

Across Illinois and the nation, trans youth are under attack.
Join us in our continued fight to protect trans youth lives!

✊🏽 Trans youth deserve care. ✊🏽 Trans youth deserve safety. ✊🏽 Trans youth deserve to live. ✊🏽 Trans healthcare is a human right.

mobilize.us/s/EbuDxk

Event flier with brick background and spotlights. Text says: "Chuckles for Charity Standup Comedy Showcase Friday August 1st, 7PM" in neon light-looking text. "Benefiting Trans Up Front Illinois, Location My Buddy's Chicago, 4416 N Clark St. ASL Interpreted Show. Reservations available at MyBuddysChicago.com"

Looking for an awesome comedy event tomorrow night with funds raised going to support Trans Up Front?! Come hang out with us and see an amazing, inclusive, interpreted standup comedy showcase tomorrow at My Buddy's, 7pm!

www.exploretock.com/mybuddys/eve...

A group of 7 diverse people inside of a park district meeting room. From the left: Asher McMaher, a transmasc nonbinary person with light skin, dark curly hair, wearing a Trans Up Front Shows Up shirt with flannel over, blue jeans, and grey shoes. Kelly Cassidy, a light skinned woman with light skin and her hair in a ponytail, wearing a pink buttonup, grey pants, and brown shoes. Next is an asian woman with grey hair, a tan suit coat over a fun stripy dress and sneakers. Next is a curley haired woman wearing all black with light skin. Next is Silas, a transmasc person with light skin and curly dark hair wearing a black and white striped button down, tan shorts, and using a mobility scooter. Next is a darker skinned woman with dark brown hair, a white suit, with a pink shirt and heels. Last is a black woman with braids or locs holding a blue folder, wearing a floral light colored dress, black sweater, and sneakers.

Last night, we had the deep honor of having our Executive Director, Asher McMaher, sitting in community with transgender and gender nonconforming individuals for a critical conversation following the State of Emergency for Transfemicide issued in Chicago.

www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...

You can:

Sign up to volunteer: www.transupfrontil.com/takeaction
Join a committee: www.transupfrontil.com/committee
Support the work we do: www.transupfrontil.com/donate
AND join our mailing list to find out about more awesome events to attend: www.transupfrontil.com

Photograph of 11 people of various gender identities, skin tones, and abilities, all wearing black shirts that say "Trans Up Front Shows Up!" holding a banner that says "Accessibility Advisory Board with the Trans Up Front logo with a heart and the Disability Pride Flag on the left and Trans Pride Flag on the right. The background is an iconic raised CTA train station and two Chicago buildings on either side of the street.

Trans Up Front deals with some pretty heavy things, especially right now, but we also know how to have FUN! Here's our Accessibility Advisory Board members, leadership, and volunteers at the Disability Pride Parade yesterday!

Do you want to get involved?

Disability Pride: Accessibility Fund By Trans Up Front Illinois

Interested in contributing to our accessibility fund specifically, donate here: givebutter.com/DPDayof

We had an AMAZING drag show with performers with disabilitiefor Disability Pride Month. We raised funds for our Accessibility Fund not just for Trans Up Front but for other organizations who need assistance making their work more accessible, whether it's ASL interpreters, using portable ramps, etc.

Event flier with multicolor confetti on a white background. In the center is a large blue circle outline with text inside saying "Sat. July 26, 2025 11 AM in the Loop | 22nd annual Chicago Disability Pride Parade | Celebrate ADA 35th Year! | Details at disabilityprideparade.org"

🥳📣 Looking for something fun to do in Chicago tomorrow? Come check us out in the Chicago Disability Pride Parade or show up early and come walk or ride with us! There'll also be a resource fair at the end.

For more details including route, go to disabilityprideparade.org

White background with a teal, pink and white flag that borders the side and bottom. Text in black that says Gender Affirming Care is LIFESAVING. We can help! Do you need help navigating gender affirming care due to the ongoing recent roll backs in our hospital systems or don’t know where to go to get care? TUF is working directly with medical providers to give direct referrals so no individuals or families are left behind. on the bottom it says Contact us today! www.transupfrontil.com/GAC *Current response time is can be up to 72 hours. Please be patient as we navigate a high volume of requests

In one week, we have helped over 50 families secure new providers after rollbacks to gender-affirming care. We are continuing to provide rapid responses to anyone seeking help.

If you or someone you know needs help accessing gender-affirming care — we’re here for you.

📲 www.transupfrontil.com/gac

Dark wood with teal border that says Gender-affirming care is supported by every major medical association in the United States. It is life-saving, developmentally appropriate, and most importantly, it works. The removal of these services at a major medical institution in a sanctuary state does not exist in a vacuum. It gives legitimacy to a dangerous and growing national movement to criminalize trans lives and erase trans futures. Without any advance notice or contingency plan, it leaves current patients and their families without access to ongoing treatment and prevents the continuation of care.

Dark wood border with teal with text that says Consistent with Illinois law, we call on The University of Chicago to immediately reinstate access to gender-affirming care for minors and uphold its responsibility as a medical and educational institution committed to ethical care. Trans youth in Illinois deserve better. We will not stand by while their care is politicized, restricted, or erased. We are watching. We are organizing. And we will never stop fighting.

Dark wood background with teal border. Pink oval on top with black writing that says call to action in all caps with text Gender affirming care is rapidly disappearing for our youth. Our team is working around the clock to help youth & their families find care. Do you know of a medical provider continuing to provide gender affirming care to minors anywhere in the state? Please message us privately! Do you need help navigating care? Please contact us!

The sudden pulling of Gender Affirming Care for trans youth is incredibly dangerous and we are already seeing the devastating effects in the young people we work with.

If you know of a provider still working with trans youth, please send us a private message with their information!

Dark wood border with teal, Trans Up Front logo on top with black background, white circle. trans in teal and pink and up front in white. Text Trans Up Front IL condemns The University of Chicago’s actions in ending access to gender-affirming care for minors. Gender-affirming care is health care — and health care is a human right.

Dark wood border with teal outline with text We are outraged and deeply disturbed by The University of Chicago’s decision to eliminate access to gender-affirming care for youth under the age of 19 effective immediately. This is not just a policy shift – it is a betrayal of Illinois’s values of equity, evidence-based medicine, and basic human dignity. It also goes against the Illinois Human Rights Act which prevents discrimination based on gender identity and was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2023 to protect Illinoisans’ rights to gender affirming care and reproductive care.

Dark wood with teal border with text Illinois is a sanctuary state and safe haven for trans people across the midwest. The University of Chicago’s decision undermines Illinois’s legislative commitment to preserve access to healthcare for trans youth. It sends a chilling message to trans youth, their families, and the providers who care for them that their existence, safety, and futures are negotiable.

Trans Up Front's official statement condemning the University of Chicago's decision to end access to gender affirming care for trans and gender nonconforming youth.

Protest flier with dark grey crumpled paper background and two trans flag colored smudges. Text says "Unite for Trans Youth Lives | Fight back against attacks on gender affirming medical and mental health services | Sunday, August 10th 1pm | Federal Plaza, Chicago" Partnership logos on the bottom are for Chicago Therapy Collective, Brave Space Alliance, Trans Up Front Illinois, and Equality Illinois.

Even in a sanctuary state, we're feeling direct impact of the anti-trans war being inflicted by the administration. Join us to fight back against the attacks on gender affirming medical care and mental health services. Join us to fight for trans youth.

Sunday, August 10, 1pm, Fedral Plaza, Chicago

Event flier with white crumpled paper background. Text at the top and bottom fades from darker to light saying Protect LGBTQ+ Youth repeated. Center has icon of a phone rining and text saying "Stand up Speak out against the defunding of the LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services | Sunday, August 10 | Federal Plaza, 12PM. There are logos below that for Trans Up Front IL, Brave Space Alliance, and Chicago Therapy Collective

Stand Up! Speak Out! against the cruel cut of funding supporting crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth.

This is a call to organizers, advocates, allies, and everyone who refuses to sit quietly while LGBTQ+ youth are left without support.

ASL interpreters and accessibility considerations provided.

Event flier, top section has disability pride flag background with green, blue, white, yellow, and red stripes on a dark grey background with silhouette of a drag queen with big buns, long hair, sunglasses, a bra top, and gloves to her elbows looking sassy. Text says Drag Up Front! Disability Pride Edition in neon-like letters. Below in a dark grey box says Come celebrate disability pride with performers of all abilities and raise money for accessibility services! in white letters, to the right in a teal box with silhouette of a drag queen with long elegant hair, long earrings, a necklace, and an elegant dress. Text says My Buddy's 4416 N Clark Chicago, IL | Sunday, July 27th 1PM | 21+. In a teal box: Space is limited, reserve your spot! https://www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront. In bottom section is the disability pride flag background with icon of a wheelchair user zooming and hands signing interpreter in ASL, text says Wheelchair Accessible | ASL Interpreted.

🎉 Join us on July 27th at 1 PM for a special Disability Pride Month Drag Up Front!

💥 Proceeds support accessibility services—for Trans Up Front and other organizations that need accessibility assistance!

🎟️ Registration required to attend:
www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront

Graphic with light beige background, pink bold scribbles, and teal flower-shaped designs. Text says "Join our TGNC Parents Support & Advocacy Committee! transupfrontil.com/committee" There's an illustration in a circle in pastel colors of three people. One person with light skin, long blond hair, mustache, a grey tank top, a trans flag tattoo and their arms around the other two people. Second person in the middle has medium tone skin, short curly black hair, and an open teal buttondown. They are leaning into the person with the long blond hair. The third person has darker skin, short textured blue hair, is wearing hoop earrings and bracelets and is angled toward the person in the middle with their arms around them too.

Trans Up Front is hosting a monthly support and advocacy committee for parents who are transgender/gender nonconforming.

Everything Trans Up Front does is free of charge and community first. The first meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday July 15th at 7pm.

Register here: www.transupfrontil.com/committee

Teal background with dim purple scribbles, nonbinary flag colored (yellow, white, purple, and black) circle with Happy International Nonbinary People's Day! and Trans Up Front on the bottom.

Happy International Non-Binary People's Day!

On July 14th, we honor and uplift non-binary people around the world. Halfway between International Women's Day and International Men's Day, this date shows that not everyone fits within the gender binary and that is worth celebrating!

Infographic with dark grey background and circular Trans Up Front Illinois logo on the top right. Title text: "Colors of the Disability Pride Flag" First section is in green with an icon of a brain and the 5 senses with a hand, nose, eye, tongue, and ear. Text in a green box says "Sensory Disabilities | Including D/deaf, hard of hearing, and blind communities, as well as people without other senses." The second section is blue with an icon of a head with scribbly brains. Text in a blue box says "Emotional & Psychiatric Disabilities | Such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, etc..." The third section is white with an icon of a face outlined with a dashed line. Text in the white box says "Invisible and Not Yet Diagnosed Disabilities." The fourth section is gold with an icon of the neurodiversity symbol which is infinity shaped and rainbow colored. Text in the gold box says "Neurodiversity | Such as autism, ADHD, tourettes, synesthesia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc..." The fifth section is red with the icon of an active person in a wheelchair. Text in the red box says "Physical Disabilities | Including physical disabilities people are born with or acquire due to trauma, genetics, illness, age, etc..." The last section is in white text on the dark grey background and says "The charcoal gray background commemorates disabled people who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness, and eugenics."

Did you know that July is its own pride month?
Did you know that Disability Pride has its own flag?
Did you know that every color has its own meaning?

Trans Up Front is trans and disability led and provides services through the lens of access so you know there is always space for you here with us!

Dark grey background with neon lettering. Top says Thanks to you, we exceeded our goal! Middle section has teal background and the silhouette of a drag queen with space buns and long hair, sunglasses, a bra top, and elbow height gloves looking sassy. Text in middle section says "Drag Up Front!" in neon letters. Bottom section has dark grey background with pink neon letters that say We raised over $4,500 for the TUF Fund, TUF Ambassador Program, & Sanctuary Project. | Trans Up Front IL

Thank you to everyone who came out to our first ever Drag Up Front fundraiser!

Together, we raised over $4,500 for the TUF Ambassador Program and Sanctuary Project.

Our next one is already scheduled!
July 27th Disability Pride Edition!

Register online to attend:
www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront

Event flier, top section has teal background with silhouette of a drag queen with big buns, long hair, sunglasses, a bra top, and gloves to her elbows looking sassy. Text says Drag Up Front! in neon-like letters. Below in a dark grey box says Tomorrow!!! in pink neon letters. Then Today is the last day to register! Closes at 11:59 tonight! in white letters, to the right in a pink box with silhouette of a drag queen with long elegant hair, long earrings, a necklace, and an elegant dress. Text says My Buddy's 4416 N Clark Chicago, IL | Sunday, July 6 1PM | 21+. In a pink box: Space is limited, reserve your spot! transupfrontil.com/DragUpFront. In teal box icon of a wheelchair user zooming and hands signing interpreter in ASL, text says Wheelchair Accessible | ASL Interpreted.

We are so excited to party at our first Drag Up Front fundraiser TOMORROW!

Space is limited, and today is the last day to register, we will not be able to register at the door, so make sure you sign up ASAP!

www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront

Graphic with pink background and torn darker-pink corners with white box in center: Trans Up Front Illinois logo | Statement in Opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill (bolded) | (plain text) At Trans Up Front, we are outraged by the passage of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, a deeply unjust piece of legislation that prioritizes the wealth of a few over the well-being of millions. This bill is not beautiful—it is cruel. | 1/3 with arrow pointing right

Graphic with pink background and torn darker-pink corners with white box in center: BBB strips Medicaid coverage from an estimated 12 million people, slashes vital SNAP food and housing assistance, preserves tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, and reallocates funds to discriminate and detain migrants. It is a calculated attack on low-income communities, disabled individuals, immigrants, and families already struggling to survive. While provisions specifically targeting gender-affirming care were removed, the harm to transgender and gender-expansive people remains profound. Of the estimated 1.3 million trans people living in the U.S., more than 20% (276,000) depend on Medicaid to access lifesaving care. Many in our communities, youth and adults alike, rely on Medicaid not only for healthcare, but as a basic foundation for survival. By tearing away that support, this bill further marginalizes trans people—particularly trans people of color, disabled trans individuals, and those living in poverty—exacerbating existing disparities in health, housing, and food security. Trans up front logo on bottom left, 2/3 and arrow pointing right on bottom right

Graphic with pink background and torn darker-pink corners with white box in center: Our organization has long advocated for systemic change that uplifts those too often left behind. We know that dignity is not a privilege—it is a human right. Legislation like this bill betrays that principle. It undermines the values of inclusion, equity, and compassion that we strive to uphold in every partnership, every program and training, and every policy we help shape. We call on lawmakers, institutions, and our partners to reject this shortsighted, shameful approach. Real leadership means protecting the vulnerable—not sacrificing them to enrich the already powerful. We will not stand by silently. We will continue to fight for a society where every person—regardless of gender identity, income, or background—has access to the care, nourishment, and respect they deserve. Trans Up Front logo on bottom left, 3/3 on bottom right.

We oppose the #BigBeautifulBill.

Stripping health care from 12 million people and cutting food assistance while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy is unconscionable. Trans and marginalized communities will suffer most.

This isn’t justice—it’s cruelty.

Dark grey background with the disability pride flag lined up with the trans pride flag on a diagonal across the graphic. Text in blue says "Happy Disability Pride Month | Trans Up Front is disability led & believes in access first"

🌈♿ Happy Disability Pride Month from Trans Up Front IL!

Our organization was founded by individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities, and we're proud to center accessibility in everything we do.

Disability justice is trans justice. 💜♿🏳️‍⚧️

Infographic with teal backgound and pink accents, photograph of two trans women. Text says "Pride Month Fact | Trans women are women. Trans Up Front IL"

Infographic with teal backgound and pink accents, photograph of 6 diverse excited looking nonbinary people. Text says: "Pride Month Fact: Nonbinary people deserve respect. No matter what specific identity they have, no matter what words they use, they are the only people who experience life as themselves and deserve to be given the trust and respect to know their own identities. Trans Up Front IL"

Infographic with teal backgound and pink accents, photograph of a trans man. Text says "Pride Month Fact | Trans men are men. Trans Up Front IL"

For the last day of Pride Month 2025, here are our last three irrefutable facts!

Nonbinary people deserve respect.
Trans women are women.
Trans men are men.

Support a trans led organization supporting trans youth: www.transupfrontil.com/donate

Event flier in teal, pink, and dark grey with stylized illustrated silhouettes of drag two drag queens, one with space buns and long hair, sun glasses, a bra-style top, high gloves, looking sassy. The second with long elegant hair, big earrings, a gown, and high gloves looking elegant. Text says: One week until: DRAG UP FRONT! Reserve your spot today, registration required, no purchases at the door! (My Buddy's logo in yellow) | My Buddy's 4416 N Clark, Chicago, IL | Sunday, July 6 1pm | 21+ | Space is limited. Reserve your spot! Wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreted.

Only 1 week away!

Join us on July 6th for a Sunday Funday to support trans youth.

100% of the proceeds go back to the families we serve throughout the state and those who come to Illinois to access care.

Reserve your space now, no payments at the door.

www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront

Infographic with teal background and pink accents. Photograph of trans flag on a light pink background. Text says: Pride Month Fact: Seeing LGBTQIA+ representation does not make children LGBTQIA+. Representation allows LGBTQIA+ youth to see themselves and see a possible path forward as their true selves.

Infographic with teal background and pink accents. Photograph of a family with light skin and brown hair in a clean kitchen. Text says: Pride Month Fact: Trans and queer parents are still parents. Biology and DNA does not determine relationship. Just like parents of adopted children, foster children, and step children. | Trans Up Front IL

This year, for pride month, we intended to share one pride fact every day, however life and the work that we do sometimes get in the way. So here are some more pride facts to finish out the month!

Support Trans Up Front at TransUpFrontIL.com/donate

Infographic with teal background and pink accents. Photograph of a hand holding a small trans pride flag on a green background. Text says: "Transgendered" and "transgenderism" are not words. Transgender is an adjective, not a verb. It cannot be done to someone, it is not something someone does, it is an identity and a characteristic. | Trans Up Front IL

Infographic with teal background and pink accents. Photograph of trans and rainbow pride flags. Text says: Pride Month Fact: Gender and sexuality are different characteristics. While they may interact, they do not necessarily go together. Children often know their gender identity long before they know their sexuality. | Trans Up Front

Infographic with teal background and pink accents. Photograph of paper people-shaped cutouts in trans flag colors on a textured wood background. Text says: Pride Month Fact: Trans children know who they are. They are the only person who experiences the world as they do. Many trans children begin expressing their gender identity as soon as they are able to speak. | Trans Up Front IL

This year, for pride month, we intended to share one pride fact every day, however life and the work that we do sometimes get in the way. So here are some more pride facts to finish out the month!

Support Trans Up Front at TransUpFrontIL.com/donate

Infographic with teal background and pink rectangle in middle, line of colorful illustrated books along the bottom, Trans Up Front Illinois logo in the middle of the line of books. Text says: "Children deserve to see a full and honest reflection of the world they live in, including people and families of all genders, identities, and orientations. Inclusive books foster empathy, reduce stigma, and help build safer, more compassionate classrooms. | They affirm LGBTQ+ youth and normalize diverse identities for all students."

Infographic with teal background and pink rectangle in middle, line of colorful illustrated books along the bottom, Trans Up Front Illinois logo in the middle of the line of books. Text says: "At Trans Up Front, we stand with the educators, families, and young people who are fighting for a future where every child sees themselves in the stories they read. We know that inclusion is not a threat, it's a necessity. | We urge school districts and communities to resist the chilling effects of this decision and continue to champion inclusive education. Representation matters. Visibility saves lives. | _We will never stop fighting for a world where all children feel seen, valued, and safe.

At Trans Up Front, we believe every child deserves to see themselves and their communities reflected in the stories they read. Inclusive education fosters empathy, safety, and belonging.

We won’t back down.

Representation matters. Visibility saves lives. (2/2)

Infographic with teal background and pink rectangle in middle, line of colorful illustrated books along the bottom, Trans Up Front Illinois logo in center top. Text says: "Statement condemning the SCOTUS decision. MAHMOUD V. TAYLOR"

Infographic with teal background and pink rectangle in middle, line of colorful illustrated books along the bottom, Trans Up Front Illinois logo in the middle of the line of books. Text says: "Trans Up Front strongly condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Mahmoud V. Taylor, which has allowed the Montgomvery County School Board in Maryland to permit families to opt out of reading books that include LGBTQ+ people and families, and pull their children away from content they object to solely based on religious views. The Supreme Court got it wrong again."

Infographic with teal background and pink rectangle in middle, line of colorful illustrated books along the bottom, Trans Up Front Illinois logo in the middle of the line of books. Text says: "This decision is a dangerous rollback of inclusion and representation in public education, and it creates devastating precedent and implications for how elementary schools and school boards across the country more forward with inclusive education. | When books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or families are treated as optional or controversial, it sends a clear message: that LGBTQ+ people are less valid, less appropriate, and less worthy of being seen."

In a 6–3 decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, SCOTUS has allowed families to opt their kids out of LGBTQ+ inclusive books based solely on religious objection.

This is a dangerous rollback of inclusion in public education and a direct attack on representation. (1/2)

Just over a week away! Don't forget to reserve your spot!

Event flier: top section is teal with the silhouette of a drag queen with space buns and long hair that she's twirling, wearing a bra-top and high gloves, text is in a neon style says DRAG UP FRONT! Next section is dark grey with pink neon text: A benefit event for Trans Up Front, in white neon text: Come for drag and fundraising, stay for community, food, and drinks! My Buddy's logo in yellow and a QR Code. Pink section has the silhouette of an elegant drag queen with long hair, fancy earrings and necklace, a sleek dress, and high gloves. Text in neon blue says My Buddy's 4416 N Clark Chicago, IL | Sunday, July 6 1PM | 21+. Another pink sections says: Space is limited, reserve your spot! transupfrontil.com/DragUpFront and the last section is teal with a person in a wheelchair icon and hands signing Interpreter in ASL, text says: Wheelchair Accessible, ASL Interpreted.

First ever, Drag Up Front! Fundraiser on Sunday, July 6th at 1pm at My Buddy's! Trans Up Front shows up for you, so come show up for Trans Up Front!

We're super excited to put together this amazing show for you, so make sure you reserve your seats asap at www.transupfrontil.com/dragupfront

Today we are thankful for those who fought before us and for the rights we have achieved. We know that we must continue fighting.

#transupfront #transupfrontil #marriageequality #Obergefell #pride #pride2025 #marriage #marriagegoals #activism