Pritzker launches IL Pride connect, first statewide LGBTQ legal hotline
CHICAGO, Ill., (KBSI) — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced the launch of IL Pride Connect, a statewide resource hub and legal hotline designed to expand access to legal information and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Human Services will lead the initiative in partnership with the Legal Council for Health Justice and other community organizations. Pritzker made the announcement during an event hosted by the Legal Council in Chicago.
“In Illinois, we are fighting ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion,” Pritzker said. “IL Pride Connect will inform individuals of their rights and connect them to health and social services support — making us the only state in the nation to provide free legal advice and advocacy tools to protect the LGBTQ community.”
Backed by $250,000 from the state and $100,000 in philanthropic support, the initiative provides two primary tools: a digital resource hub at www.ilprideconnect.org and a free legal hotline at 855-805-9200, available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The program was developed with input from LGBTQIA+ organizations and legal advocates statewide. The hotline offers real-time information and referrals on issues such as name and gender marker changes, housing and education rights, and access to healthcare and public benefits.
Supporters said the effort comes at a time when LGBTQIA+ communities are facing an unprecedented wave of policy and legal challenges. “This work is about solidarity and responsiveness — making sure our systems reflect the needs, strength and lived realities of the people they serve,” said Dulce M. Quintero, secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
IL Pride Connect is supported by several community partners and foundations, including Equality Illinois, ALMA, Brave Space Alliance, Lambda Legal, AIDS Foundation of Chicago/Pride Action Tank, Comer Family Foundation, Healthy Communities Foundation, Woods Fund Chicago, Field Foundation and Alphawood Foundation.
“This hotline and resource hub remove barriers to justice and provide a trusted lifeline for communities in need,” said Maria Pesqueira, president of the Healthy Communities Foundation.
