Cal Ning, a 21-year-old resident of Chicago, embodies the struggles faced by many transgender individuals navigating their identities in a new environment.
Having moved from Lake County to Pilsen in January, Ning was eager to embrace independence and secure meaningful employment after completing their associate degree.
However, the transition into city life has been fraught with challenges, including difficulties in securing a job.
Ning, who prefers to use their chosen name in professional settings, expressed concern about the potential risks of revealing their transgender identity during the job search.
“I was hoping that when I moved [in January], I’d be able to find a job very quickly. That has not been the case,” Ning remarked.
Chicago is known for its strong protection of transgender civil rights, contrasting sharply with neighboring states where transgender healthcare is under siege.
However, the Trump administration’s policies have instilled a sense of fear and insecurity for trans residents across even the safest of states.
Beginning on Inauguration Day, executive orders targeting transgender rights have prompted healthcare providers like Lurie Children’s and Northwestern Memorial to temporarily halt gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under the age of 19, anticipating compliance with federal directives.
Other organizations also faced repercussions, including the cancellation of LGBTQ youth programs and the cessation of gender-affirming care by University of Illinois Health, as alleged in a nationwide lawsuit.
In a significant development, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a tax bill poised to cut Medicaid coverage for gender transition services, while a recent ruling by the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, impacting similar legislation across twenty other states.
Organizations committed to supporting trans individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their operations without drawing unwelcome attention that could jeopardize funding.
Ridley Holmes, a youth case manager at The Night Ministry, shared insights into the cautious approach many service providers must adopt.
“I know a lot of agencies want to come out and be like, ‘Hey, we support [diversity, equity and inclusion],’ but there’s a very cautious line you have to take because you could lose your funding for that,” Holmes said.
As federal hostility intensifies, young trans individuals in Chicago grapple with survival amidst the typical struggles of young adulthood, such as employment and housing.
Many trans people face difficulties when applying for jobs without having completed legal name changes or when carrying mismatched identification.
In Illinois, individuals must reside in the state for three months before navigating the often-costly legal process of changing their name, which can amount to $388 in Cook County.
Although fee waivers exist for those who can demonstrate financial hardship, obtaining assistance often comes with extended waiting periods.
Organizations like the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law’s Pro Bono Litigation Clinic and the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois provide free legal help, although applicants may encounter lengthy delays.
Julian, a graduate student who relocated to Chicago in September, also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles in accessing proper identification.
“I knew I wanted to be in a place that had good protections in place [for transgender residents],” Julian explained.
However, anti-trans policies under the Trump administration severely hindered Julian’s ability to update critical documents, including his passport and Social Security card.
With mismatched documents, Julian fears the complications that may arise when applying for jobs in the future.
“So who knows what’s going to happen with that when it comes to filling out forms for jobs in the future and whatnot?” Julian questioned.
In a bittersweet turn, a federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration from denying passport applications based on gender identity.
Despite this victory, the ACLU advises against applying for new or corrected passports, as the State Department has yet to align its policies with the court’s ruling.
Similarly, Ning struggles with the complexities of mismatched identification and worries about potential discrimination related to their Asian heritage amidst rising anti-Asian sentiments.
Ning expressed the emotional toll of navigating their identity authentically while feeling pressure to avoid attracting negative attention.
“In this climate, it’s difficult sometimes just to be who I am authentically and not stir up something,” they said.
Statistics paint a grim picture of homelessness and housing instability among queer youth, with trans youth facing even higher rates than their cisgender counterparts.
Azazel Ramsey, a 24-year-old who journeyed from Appalachia in search of a supportive community, has firsthand experience with these challenges.
While some family members were supportive, Ramsey faced rejection from others and ultimately left home in 2021.
After a stay with friends and experiencing a mental health crisis, Ramsey found refuge at The Crib, a shelter operated by The Night Ministry.
This safe space enabled them to access gender-affirming hormone therapy at the Broadway Youth Center.
Ramsey acknowledged the surprising ease of navigating life while also undergoing hormone therapy, stating, “If I was gonna be homeless, I was at least gonna be happy.”
Both Ning and Ramsey are gradually finding stability in Chicago, with Ramsey securing an apartment in Englewood and starting a new job, indicative of positive progress.
Their journeys underscore the importance of community support and the ongoing need for accessible resources and services geared toward LGBTQ youth.
Community organizations are taking proactive steps to address the challenges faced by trans individuals, fostering connections and raising awareness about ongoing threats to their rights and wellbeing.
Asher McMaher, the executive director of Trans Up Front IL, noted the significance of community outreach during these turbulent times.
“For us, it’s all about education and knowing that they are seen and valid,” McMaher said.
Various initiatives organized by local organizations, such as the Broadway Youth Center, focus on providing gender-affirming care and social opportunities for LGBTQ youth aged 12-24.
On most weekdays, the center hosts community meetings, allowing young clients to voice their concerns and receive updated information regarding issues that may affect their lives.
The Night Ministry, too, remains a vital resource, offering emergency shelter and case management for youth experiencing homelessness.
Another important player in the supportive landscape is the Center on Halsted, which offers a range of services from healthcare to job support while also hosting LGBTQ-focused support groups.
Brave Space Alliance, founded by trans and Black individuals, provides essential mutual aid and housing support alongside outreach programs that address the unique needs of their community.
Leadership of these organizations emphasizes the privilege of serving young people in Chicago and their commitment to continual growth and adaptation to meet evolving needs.
In a powerful show of unity, dozens of organizations rallied at Dirksen Federal Plaza for Transgender Day of Visibility this past March.
The event drew thousands of attendees who gathered to advocate for transgender legal and civil rights in light of recent escalations against trans individuals.
As the crowd cheered on speakers from a coalition of 50 organizations, the energy was palpable.
With slogans echoing throughout the plaza, the resilience of the trans community shone brightly, affirming their existence in the face of adversity.
Despite harsh weather conditions, attendees remained determined, chanting, “When trans people are under attack, what do we do? Stand up! Fight back!”
As Chicago’s trans community battles against hostility, the solidarity and support of local organizations stand as a pillar of hope.
For individuals or families seeking trans-affirming support across various needs—be it housing, healthcare, or legal assistance—numerous organizations remain available to help.
Organizations such as The Night Ministry, Howard Brown Health, Center on Halsted, and others provide essential resources, fostering a culture of inclusion and encouraging community connection.
As this vibrant community rallies together, a collective spirit of resilience persists, illuminating the path toward a more equitable future for transgender individuals in Chicago.
image source from：windycitytimes
