LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy

The ACLU of Illinois firmly believes that rights should not be limited based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

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We stand in support of inclusive policies that strengthen rights for LGBT individuals. After securing the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples in Illinois, the ACLU of Illinois has continued to protect gay and lesbian couples from discrimination by those who justify their actions based on religion. Our advocacy also supports people who are transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming, so that they are able to live their authentic lives, without discrimination in employment, access to accurate identity documents and public schools. And, the ACLU is continuing our historic work to resist and combat discrimination for those with HIV.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU of Illinois Responds to Calls for School Districts to Reverse Inclusive Transgender Student Policies

Issue Areas: LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy
Press Release
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ACLU of Illinois Responds to Cessation of Gender Affirming Care for Patients Under 19 Years of Age at UChicago Medicine

On Friday, UChicago Medicine abruptly announced that they would cease providing gender affirming care to patients under the age of 19 years old, even though that care is lawful in the State of Illinois.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy
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ACLU of Illinois Responds to Supreme Court Decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti

In Illinois, gender-affirming care for youth and adults is available, legal, and protected.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy
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Transgender Federal Worker Challenges Trump’s Federal Bathroom Ban

An Illinois National Guard employee has filed a class action complaint to the Army National Guard Bureau Equal Opportunity Office (NGB-EO) challenging a Trump administration policy prohibiting transgender federal employees from using restrooms and other accommodations aligned with their gender.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy
Court Case
Jan 14, 2026

Withrow v. United States of America

Court Case
Aug 17, 2022

Hyatt v. Walmart

Court Case
Nov 20, 2020

Holt v. Springfield

Court Case
Sep 28, 2020

Iglesias v. Federal Bureau of Prisons