Save the Date: Light the Way Soiree
Join us as Trans Up Front Illinois celebrates our first birthday at the Light the Way Soiree—an evening dedicated to community, reflection, and hope. This special celebration brings us together to honor what we have built in our first year, uplift the incredible community that made it possible, and look ahead to a bright future.
As we mark this milestone, we’ll celebrate the impact we’ve made and share our vision for continuing to support and advocate for transgender and gender-diverse youth across the state of Illinois. We can’t wait to gather with you, reflect on how far we’ve come, and light the way forward—together.
Interested in joining the host committee or volunteering?
Email us at contact@transupfrontil.com for more information.
Sponsorship
Support trans youth across Illinois by sponsoring the Light the Way Soirée, celebrating Trans Up Front Illinois’ first year. Your sponsorship helps empower trans youth, shows your commitment to equity and inclusion, and connects you with a community of advocates. Recognition and benefits come with every sponsorship, and your support directly fuels programs that create safety, joy, and opportunity.
the radiant leadership award
Place your nominations for the first annual Radiant Leadership Award. This award honors a transgender or gender non-conforming community member whose courage, dedication, and leadership have uplifted and strengthened their local TGNC community anywhere across the state of Illinois. This honor celebrates individuals who not only make a meaningful impact through their ongoing work, advocacy, or community care, but who also inspire others by lighting the way toward equity, belonging, and collective empowerment.
Nominees should be individuals who consistently show up for their community—whether through grassroots organizing, mutual aid, mentorship, education, creative expression, or any other form of transformative leadership. Their contributions should demonstrate a sustained commitment to fostering safety, joy, and connection for TGNC people in their area.
The recipient of the Radiant Leadership Award will be honored at the Light the Way Soiree on March 20, 2025 and will receive a grant to support hosting a community event in their local TGNC community. Applications close on Sunday, February 1, 2026