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Trans Up Front Illinois Announces Grant from Born This Way Foundation Selected to Join Cohort of 55 Youth-Nominated Organizations Across Eleven Countries Supporting Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Chicago, IL — DECEMBER 10, 2025 — Today, Trans Up Front Illinois announced its selection as a 2025–2026 Kindness in Community Fund grant recipient by Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga. Trans Up Front Illinois will be receiving vital funds from the youth-driven grant making program to support its work uplifting transgender and gender-expansive youth throughout Illinois through leadership development, direct support, community education, and advocacy. The Kindness in Community Fund is supported by Pivotal, Cotton On Foundation, Sephora, Haus Labs, and others. Trans Up Front Illinois is one of 55 youth-centered organizations across eleven countries chosen as a Kindness in Community Fund recipient for 2025–2026. These organizations advance youth mental health by providing accessible services including direct mental health support, housing and food resources, community safety initiatives, and programs that foster belonging and resilience. From nominations to final selection, young people were engaged at every stage of the grant making process, ensuring their voices, priorities, and lived experiences shaped the cohort chosen to advance youth mental health and cultivate kindness in their communities. “Being selected for the Kindness in Community Fund is a powerful affirmation of the work our youth, families, and communities are doing every day,” said Asher McMaher, Executive Director of Trans Up Front Illinois. “This grant will directly strengthen our capacity to create safer spaces, expand support systems, and ensure trans young people across Illinois feel seen, valued, and supported.” “It is a testament to each Kindness in Community Fund grant recipient’s work that young people themselves selected them to receive this grant. We are thrilled to announce the 2025–2026 cohort of grant recipients that practice creative, innovative work to meet the needs of youth in their community, supporting their mental health and wellbeing,” said Rachel Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Born This Way Foundation. “With thanks to generous support from our partners, Born This Way Foundation is able to scale the important work of these grassroots organizations, ensuring they are able to help even more young people in their communities.” Despite the urgent global need for mental health investment, the World Health Organization reports that mental health accounts for only 2% of global health funding and just 0.5% of philanthropic health funding. The Kindness in Community Fund seeks to change this by investing directly in organizations that provide affirming, community-rooted services supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people. For more information about the 2025–2026 Kindness in Community Fund recipients, please visit: channelkindness.org/2025-kindness-in-community-fund-grant-recipients ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED About Trans Up Front Illinois Trans Up Front Illinois is a statewide organization dedicated to uplifting transgender and gender-expansive youth, young adults, and their support systems. Through leadership development, direct support, community education, and advocacy, we work to ensure every young person has access to affirming resources and pathways to thrive. About Born This Way Foundation Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, empowers and inspires young people to build a kinder, braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing. Based on the scientific link between kindness and mental health and built in partnership with young people, the Foundation leverages research, programs, grantmaking, and partnerships to engage young people and connect them with accessible mental health resources. This approach comes to life through the storytelling platform Channel Kindness, the mental health training course Be There Certificate, the youth-led grantmaking program Kindness in Community Fund, and more, reaching thousands of young people around the world each year. Learn more at bornthisway.foundation.

As an organization committed to amplifying and centering trans voices, Trans Up Front Illinois strongly condemns the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill poses a direct threat to the rights, dignity, and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals, particularly our youth. With this bill passing by a single vote, it is clear that the fight for trans and human rights are at a pivotal moment, and now more than ever, we must stand united in defense of our communities. H.R. 1 seeks to prohibit Medicaid programs from covering gender-affirming healthcare services for people of all ages—an alarming expansion of earlier proposals that specifically targeted minors. But this is not the full extent of the harm this bill can cause; it also includes provisions that would: Ban the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding gender-affirming healthcare services for youth, further depriving TGNC youth of critical care. Remove gender-affirming care from the list of essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would strip TGNC people of their right to access life-saving medical care, including hormone therapy, mental health services, and surgeries that align with their gender identity. These provisions directly undermine the well-being of TGNC individuals, particularly those who rely on Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA protections for access to essential, life-saving healthcare services. By denying access to gender-affirming care, the bill risks devastating consequences, including worsening mental health outcomes and higher rates of suicide among transgender individuals. Gender-affirming care is not just a matter of personal expression—it is life-saving care. Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have affirmed that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health, reduces suicide risk, and enhances overall well-being. Stripping away access to this care is not only harmful—it's a public health crisis in the making. Trans Up Front has been steadfast in advocating for the inclusion, protection, and support of TGNC youth, teens, and young adults, who already face disproportionate levels of discrimination, violence, and marginalization. This bill not only seeks to erase their voices but to actively obstruct their access to essential healthcare, education, and safe spaces—further exacerbating the mental and physical harm many already endure. We call on lawmakers to reject this harmful legislation and to instead prioritize policies that protect and uplift all people, regardless of their gender identity. For over a decade, the founders of Trans Up Front have worked alongside families, schools, workplaces, and communities to foster environments of understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. We have seen firsthand the transformative power of supportive policies, and we know the devastating impact of policies that seek to erase or harm marginalized communities. As we continue our mission to advocate for trans rights, we stand firm in our commitment to creating a world where TGNC individuals are celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive. We call on all allies, advocates, and communities to join us in standing up for the rights of TGNCpeople and to oppose this bill with all the strength we have. Together, we will ensure that trans voices remain up front in the fight for justice, equality, and dignity.

Chicago, IL – On Monday, March 31st, at 10:00 AM, trans-led organizations Chicago Therapy Collective, Brave Space Alliance, and Life Is Work, in partnership with elected officials and trans leaders, will hold a critical press conference at Chicago City Hall in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This press conference is more than just an event—it is a powerful statement of resilience, visibility, and collective strength in light of escalating attacks on transgender rights across the country. As state legislatures continue pushing discriminatory bills restricting healthcare access, education, and public accommodations for transgender people, leaders from Chicago’s trans-led organizations and government officials will come together to reaffirm their commitment to defending trans rights, dignity, and safety. Speakers Include: MC & Speaker: Chanynn Lynne Parker (she/her) – Executive Director, Brave Space Alliance Iggy Ladden (they/them) – Executive Director, Chicago Therapy Collective Hon. Precious Brady-Davis (she/her) – MWRD Commissioner, Cook County Caprice Carthans (she/her) – Deputy Director, Life Is Work Asher McMaher (they/them) – Executive Director, Trans Up Front of IL Hon. Kelly Cassidy (she/her) – State Representative, 14th District Hon. Lamont Robinson (he/him) – Alderman, 4th Ward – LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Hon. Maria Hadden (she/her) – Alderwoman, 49th Ward Hon. Jessie Fuentes (she/her) – Alderwoman, 26th Ward Hon. Kevin Morrison (he/him) – Cook County Commissioner, 15th District Mykel Selph (she/her) – Deputy Chief of Staff, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Cook County Jennifer King (she/her) – Executive Director, Department of Human Rights and Ethics, Cook County Event Details: 📍 Location: Chicago City Hall, 3rd Floor, 121 N. LaSalle St. ⏰ Time: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM The Press Conference will be Livestreamed via Cook County Government’s Youtube Channel accessible here: https://www.youtube.com/@CookCountyGovernment/streams Following the press conference, a Town Hall and Community Dinner will take place in Edgewater at 5:00 PM, providing an opportunity for deeper discussions and community engagement. About the Organizing Organizations: Chicago Therapy Collective provides accessible and affirming mental health care to queer and transgender individuals, focusing on advocacy, education, and the arts. Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago’s South Side, offering essential services and community support for historically marginalized groups. Life Is Work is dedicated to the financial, economic, and professional empowerment of trans and nonbinary individuals, providing job training, housing support, and advocacy. Press Inquiries: Myles Brady Davis Director of Communications, Equality Illinois mylesbradydavis@eqil.org | 312-613-3127

Chicago, IL – A historic demonstration for trans equality is set to take place on Sunday, March 30th at 1 PM at Federal Plaza in Chicago. Organized by Trans Up Front IL and in partnership with Indivisible Chicago, this powerful protest aims to demand justice, equality, and recognition for transgender and nonbinary individuals. With over 2,500 registered attendees and more than 50 endorsing organizations, this event is expected to be a landmark moment for the trans rights movement. The protest is strategically planned to occur just one day before Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV), an annual event celebrating the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of the trans community. In response to escalating attacks on trans rights nationwide, organizers are calling for an unignorable stand for justice. Mission and Statement of the Coalition The Rally for Transgender Day of Visibility is a declaration of resistance and solidarity. Spearheaded by Trans Up Front IL, this event unites organizations from across the country to center the liberation and dignity of the trans community. “Our rally is a response to the relentless attacks on trans rights,” said Asher McMaher (they/them) Executive Director of Trans Up Front IL. “We refuse to sit idly by while anti-trans laws attempt to erase and silence us. We are calling on those in power to be held accountable. This is not just a political issue—it is a matter of life and death.” Trans individuals are already facing harmful policies that deny access to life-saving healthcare, strip away fundamental protections, and criminalize their existence. Rising violence, discrimination, and systemic injustices make this fight urgent. The coalition is committed to not just awareness, but tangible change—ensuring Illinois becomes a state that fully celebrates and protects its trans community. Endorsing Organizations This march has garnered widespread support, with a coalition of over 50 organizations standing in solidarity, including: 46th Ward Neighbors United, 48th Ward Neighbors for Justice, 50501, ACLU Illinois, AFGE local 704, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, ALMA Chicago, Asian American Midwest Progressives, Aurora Pride, Brave Space Alliance, Buffalo Grove Pride, Center On Halsted, Chicago Abortion Fund, Chicago Democratic Socialists of America, Chicago Teachers Union, Chicago Tempest Collective, Equality Illinois, FLUX, Friends Who March, Gay Liberation Network, GLAAD, HRC Chicago, IL Handmaids, Illinois Families for Public Schools, Indivisible Chicago, Illinois Parents & Caregivers of Transgender & Gender Expansive Individuals, Lambda Legal, LGBTQ+ Center Lake County, Life is Work, Naper Pride, Organizing White Men for Collective Liberation, Party for Socialism and Liberation - Chicago, PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois, Pride Action Tank, Refuse Facism!, Second City Sisters, Socialist Alternative, Team BluePage, The List for Us, Trans Chicago Empowerment Center, TransParent USA, United Northwest Side, WORTHy Youth Community, Youth Empowerment Performance Project, and more! Event Details: What: Protest and March for Trans Rights When: Sunday, March 30th at 1 PM Where: Federal Plaza, Chicago, IL Who: Organized by Trans Up Front IL in partnership with Indivisible Chicago, supported by 40+ advocacy groups Why: To demand justice, visibility, and equal rights for the trans and nonbinary community