SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The governor has officially proclaimed March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility.
Transgender Day of Visibility was first celebrated internationally in 2010 according to LGBTQ+ rights group GLAAD. The day recognizes the lives and contributions of the transgender community.
State leaders are touting Illinois’ strong discrimination laws protecting gender identity, making the state safer for the community.
“As Governor, it has been my mission to ensure that every Illinoisan lives without the fear of violence, prejudice, or discrimination,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “If you’re looking for a place to be authentically yourself, come to Illinois — a state where, regardless of who you are, we celebrate all Illinoisans, recognize their accomplishments, and fight to protect rights to live with dignity and respect.”
The Illinois Department of Human Rights issued more non-regulatory guidance for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people clarifying the state’s rights and responsibilities with protections for discrimination.
“Illinois is clear on our commitment to protect all Illinoisans, ensuring transgender people are treated with dignity and respect in every aspect of life,” IDHR Director Jim Bennett said. “Amid federal attempts to erase and roll back the rights of transgender Americans, Illinois will remain a place where our transgender community are fully protected under state law.”
Some examples of discriminatory treatment that’s illegal under the Illinois Human Rights Act:
- An employer terminating an employee because they are transgender or nonbinary.
- A housing provider refusing a prospective tenant an apartment rental because of their gender identity or expression.
- A bank or credit union denying an applicant a loan or credit because they are transgender.
- A doctor’s office refusing to treat a patient because they are transgender or nonbinary.
- A business refusing to serve a customer who is transgender.
- An educational institution treating a student differently because of their gender identity.
Additionally, any actions that treat people differently because of their gender identity may violate the Illinois Human Rights Act. These include:
- Prohibiting hormone treatment for transition-related care when the same treatment is provided for other conditions.
- Restricting access to a restroom or facility that aligns with a person’s gender identity or presentation.
- Refusing to respond to harassment of a transgender student based on the student’s gender identity.
- Enacting a policy that prohibits transgender girls from participating in female sports teams.
Officials said the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Illinois Human Rights Commission will continue to fully enforce the protections provided by the Illinois Human Rights Act, including anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. This is despite the rolling back of federal protections under President Donald Trump.
Bennett also sent a letter to universities and colleges reminding them of their responsibility to provide students equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities – including athletic programs.
IDHR also encourages students, parents, educators, and school administrators to review their guidance for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students in Illinois to help guarantee all students attend school in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Anyone with questions on the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR’s rules and regulations should call (312) 814-6262 or complete the contact IDHR online form.
The full proclamation can be found here.
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via News | WCIA.com https://www.wcia.com
March 31, 2025 at 05:41PM
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