The Transgender / Gender Diverse Wellness and Equity Program
The Transgender/Gender Diverse (TGD) Wellness and Equity Program is a statewide initiative launched by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in partnership with the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC). This program is designed to expand comprehensive, lifesaving, and medically necessary gender affirming care to transgender, gender diverse, and LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout Illinois.
What is the purpose of these services?
Research shows how gender affirming care, including medical and behavioral health care, is both medically necessary and often time lifesaving. Access to this type of care is often difficult, if not impossible, for much of the TGD and LGBTQIA+ population. This grant is intended to expand the availability of gender affirming care, focused on coordinating inclusive health, wellness, employment, housing supports, education, and other services to enable individuals that identify as transgender, gender diverse, intersex, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer to thrive.
Increasing access to gender affirming care benefits everyone by fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Who can receive services?
This program is designed to support and serve Illinois residents seeking gender affirming care.
What services are offered?
- Culturally and medically competent mental health and behavioral health services
- Access to medical and supportive services
- Training and education
- Wholistic case management
- Healthcare navigation support
- Social supports
- Linkages to care
More information and resources
