Trans Up Front

A white background with light distressing overtop. In the center there is black font that states, " Trans Up Front IL, Want to get involved? Consider becoming a monthly donor! With as little as $5 a month, Trans Up Front can utilize your funds to uplift, advocate for, and support trans and GNC youth." Below the text, there are three pink dollar bills fanned out over a teal half circle.

We are so grateful for every donation we collect and are honored to utilize our funding to help give back to our community!

For as little as $5 a month, you can help us continue our work in youth support, uplift, and advocacy!

Become a monthly donor today!
🔗transupfrontil.com/donate

A black background with light distressing. On the top left corner there is white font that states, "Trans Up Front Illinois" In the center there is gold and white font that states, "Ignite the Night!" On the top right corner there is white font that states, "21.Mar 2026" Below all this font there is a gold line across the page. Under the line in the center there is a circular logo stating, "Light the Way Soiree" On either side of the logo, there is white font stating, "Ticket Sale" Below this, there is a line of golden tickets with the words, "Ignite the Night! Light the Way General Admission 21.03.36" in black font. Below the tickets, there is white font that states, "Grab a general admission ticket for 15% off this week only March 9th - March 13th" Below that there is gold font that states, "Buy Tickets: www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway"

✨Ignite the Night with us at the Light the Way Soiree!✨

🎟️For THIS WEEK ONLY we will be selling discounted tickets to you all! All our general admission tickets are 15% off from now until March 13th!🎟️

🔗www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway

#transrights #transrightsarehumanrights

✨March 15th✨

We're very excited to announce our partnership with Lush! We will be tabling at the Woodfield location this weekend!
Meet us at 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173!

#transrights #transrightsarehumanrights #transupfront #transkids #transyouth #protecttranskids #protecttransyouth

✨March 12th✨

Our Graphic Design & Art committee is meeting at 7PM!
Want to join our Graphic Design & Art?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/committee

✨March 10th✨

Our Policy & Research committee is meeting at 6:30PM!
Want to join our Policy & Research team?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/committee

A black background with grey distressing. On the left side, there is sideways pink font stating, THIS WEEK" To the right of this on top, there is font that states, "@ TRANS UP FRONT" in the trans flag color pattern (teal, white, pink). Below this, there are teal lines with a four pointed star on the end (left). These lines create sections where pink font reads dates/events. The events are as follows, "3.9, Survey & Research Committee 7PM to 8:30pm, 3.10, Policy & Research Committee 6:30pm to 7:30pm, 3.12, Graphic Design & Art Committee 7pm to 8pm, 3.15, Come see us at Lush! (Woodfield) 12pm to 4pm

🏳️‍⚧️Where will we be this week from 3/9 to 3/15?🏳️‍⚧️

✨March 9th✨

Our Survey & Research sub-committee is meeting at 7PM!
Want to join our Survey & Research team?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/committee

A black background with gold stars and solar flares. There is a cream colored envelope in the center with an open flap. There is a golden seal in the center of the envelop with the Trans Up Front Logo on it, there is a white page of paper sticking out of the envelope. On the white page, there are swirls of gold in the corners, along with gold font that states, "Trans Up Front Illinois Formally invited you to Light the Way Soiree" Below the golden logo seal there is more gold font that states: "Saturday, March 21st, Doors @ 7pm. At the bottom of the page there is gold font that states, "Register today! www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway"

✨Looking for a fun night out? Want to uplift and support transgender and gender non-conforming youth? Our Light the Way Soiree is the place to be!✨

Still need to buy tickets? Grab yours at the link below!
🔗www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway

A black background with grungy grey overtone. On the top of the page there is teal curved text stating, "Trans Up Front" and pink curved font overlapping stating, "is proud to present". At the bottom of the page there is teal curved text stating, "one of our performers" and pink curved font overlapping stating "Rozbot!" In the center there is a drawn oval frame with intricate swirls, in the frame there is a mauve background with a photo of Rozbot posing in a clown inspired pink outfit, clown makeup, and holding three juggling receptables." On her left side, there is gold text stating, "March 21st Doors @ 7pm Hairpin Arts Center" and on her right side, There is a golden and teal cirgles with the words, "light the way" in gold and "soiree" in white.

🤡We can't wait to clown around at our first birthday party with the one and only, Rozbot!🤡

Join us on March 21st, as we illuminate the path forward to trans and gender-expansive youth, celebrate our first year of operation, and watch some juggling!

✨March 8th✨

Hear our Executive Director, Asher McMaher speak on the Out Chicago radio show!
🔗https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago/

Meet us at the Daley Plaza in Chicago as we join the march for International Women's Day!

✨March 7th✨

We're very excited to announce our partnership with Lush! We will be tabling at all their Illinois storefronts throughout the year, beginning with the Orland Park location!
Meet us at 124 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462!

✨March 7th✨

Trans Up Front will be attending the Galaxy Summit to celebrate the galaxies of gender, sexuality and love that exist in our communities. This event is for all CPS students and staff!

✨March 5th✨

Parents and caregivers of trans and GNC individuals are welcome to join our TUF C.H.A.T. as we meet with their peers and our featured guest, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago!
Want to join our support group?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/supportgroups

✨March 5th✨

Join us at the CTU Center (1901 W Carrol Ave, Chicago IL 60612) for a screening of the documentary, "Heightened Scrutiny" and a subsequent panel discussion!
🔗https://www.ctulocal1.org/.../heightened-scrutiny-screening/

A black background with light distressing throughout. On the left, there is large sideways pink text that reads, "This Week" and at the top right there is font stating, "@ Trans Up Front" in a trans flag color pattern (teal, white, pink). Below this, there are teal lines with four point stars on the end that create sections all the way down the page. In each section there is pink font stating a date and event. The dates and events are as follows, "3/4 Grant Committee 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, 3/5 Heightened Scrutiny Screening & Panel 5PM - 8pm, 3/5 TUF C.H.A.T. 6:30PM - 8PM, 3/7 Galaxy Summit 11:30AM - 3PM, 3/7 Come see us at Lush! (Orland Park) 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 3/8 Hear our Executive Director Speak on Out Chicago at 12PM, 3/8 Chicago International Women's Day March 10:30AM - 12PM

🏳️‍⚧️Check out where we'll be and what we'll be doing the first week of March!🏳️‍⚧️

✨March 4th✨

Our grant committee has their first March meeting!
Want to join our grant committee?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/committee

✨March 7th✨
Trans Up Front will be attending the Galaxy Summit to celebrate the galaxies of gender, sexuality and love that exist in our communities. This event is for all CPS students and staff!

✨March 5th✨
Parents and caregivers of trans and GNC individuals are welcome to join our TUF C.H.A.T. as we meet with their peers and our featured guest, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago!
Want to join our support group?
🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/supportgroups

✨March 5th✨
Join us at the CTU Center (1901 W Carrol Ave, Chicago IL 60612) for a screening of the documentary, "Heightened Scrutiny" and a subsequent panel discussion!
🔗https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/event/heightened-scrutiny-screening/

A black background with golden solar flares and stars throughout. On the top left there is gold font that states, "Ticket Bundles" with a teal star shape to the right of it. Below this text there are two teal tickets with black font within that states, "Community Mini Bundle, 5 tickets for a discounted price!" on the top ticket and, "Community Bundle, 10 tickets for a discounted price!" on the bottom ticket. Next to both tickets there are pink star shapes. Below the tickets there is a teal star shape on the left side, and on the right in gold font it states, "Is your company, group, or organization looking for a discounted way to join us at our soiree? Grab one of our community bundles today!". On the very bottom of the page there is white text stating, "Get your tickets today at www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway"

We are so excited to announce ticket bundles for our Light the Way Soiree! Are you part of an organization, community, or even a friend group looking for a discounted opportunity to join us? This is your chance!

Find our community bundles on our ticketing page!
🔗www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway

Graphic says "How to Support the Trans Youth in Your Life | When the world looks bleak, be the light they can turn toward." with a pink outline of a sunflower and the Trans Up Front logo.

Wondering how to show up for the trans youth in your life? It’s more important than ever that we’re showing young TGNC people that we support them in meaningful ways.

Substack link in bio.

#supporttransyouth #supporttransrights #supporttranskids #TransUpFront #showup #fightfortransrights

A black background with gold stars/flares throughout. On the bottom of the page there are teal and gold paper edges overlapping underneath a gold seal in the center with the Trans Up Front Logo. There is a gold rectangle outline with gold fond inside. The font inside reads, "Trans Up Front Illinois 2026, The Luminary Impact Awardee: Indivisible Chicago" Below this font there is a photo of the Indivisible Chicago logo. A white rectangle with the Chicago flag overtop (blue stripes and red stars) and the words Indivisible Chicago in black font.

A black background with gold stars/flares throughout. On the bottom of the page there are teal and gold paper edges overlapping underneath a gold seal in the center with the Trans Up Front Logo. There is a gold rectangle outline with gold fond inside. The font inside reads, "Trans Up Front Illinois 2026, The Radiant Leadership Awardee: Mx. Leo Wilder" Below this font there is a headshot of Leo. It is in black and white and shows an individual in overalls.

A black background with gold stars/flares throughout. On the bottom of the page there are teal and gold paper edges overlapping underneath a gold seal in the center with the Trans Up Front Logo. There is a gold rectangle outline with gold fond inside. The font inside reads, "Trans Up Front Illinois 2026, The Living Legacy Awardee: Channyn Lynne Parker" Below this font there is a headshot of Channyn. It shows an individual in a navy top and silver hoop earrings.

Trans Up Front Illinois is proud to present the awardees for our Light the Way Soiree Awards Ceremony!

✨The Luminary Impact Award goes to Indivisible Chicago!✨

✨The Radiant Leadership Award goes to Mx. Leo Wilder (he/they)!✨

✨The Living Legacy Award goes to Channyn Lynne Parker (she/her)! ✨

A black background with white transparent grunge. There is a teal and pink squiggle line across the bottom half of the page. The Trans Up Front IL logo sits at the bottom right of the page. In the center there is white font stating, "We asked what have you always wanted to know about HRT?"

A black background with white transparent grunge. There is a teal and pink squiggle line across the bottom half of the page. The Trans Up Front IL logo sits at the bottom right of the page. In the center there is white font stating, "You asked" below this font there is a white square that has bold text on top stating the question asked, and smaller black font stating our answer. The question is, "Most doctors leave dosing to yourself and the labs are confusing. Who should I ask about this?" Our answer is, "HRT doses can vary largely depending on metabolism, weight, age & even lifestyle! Everybody is different. Assess what you are wanting out of HRT and communicate that with a medical professional. When viewing lab results, you will want to look for your hormone lab result (testosterone, estrogen, estradol, etc.) and locate your resulting pg/mL. Most lab results will also provide an ‘ideal range’ for you to use to understand if you are within range. Note: Your ‘ideal’ levels may be different than the range provided, not everyone wants to experience the hormone levels of the opposite sex and many individuals utilize low-level HRT to maintain more of an androgynous/neutral presentation! Understanding exactly what dosage you should be taking to reach your ideal hormone levels comes from a comprehensive discussion with a medical professional that can help you make a plan and adjustments until you reach your desired results!" After that, there is a black arrow and the words continued on next slide.

A black background with white transparent grunge. There is a teal and pink squiggle line across the bottom half of the page. The Trans Up Front IL logo sits at the bottom right of the page. In the center there is white font stating, "You asked" below this font there is a white square that has bold text on top stating the question asked, and smaller black font stating our answer. The question is, "Most doctors leave dosing to yourself and the labs are confusing. Who should I ask about this?" Our answer is, "However, it is unusual for a doctor to allow you to choose a dosage without their input. If you are between the ages of 4-25 I would encourage you to utilize our Gender Affirming Care navigation system (link in caption) and we can help you find a provider that’s a better fit for you! Older than 25? The Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago has The Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Wellness and Equity Program (link in caption) on their website with a plethora of contacts across Illinois that can help you contact a Healthcare Navigation Specialist. If you don’t want to change doctors that is also okay! Ensure that at your next appointment you are prepared to discuss what you want out of Hormone Replacement Therapy, what dose would be appropriate for that, and what levels should you be hoping for on your lab results. Have more questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments below or DM us and we’ll get back to you as quick as we can!"

Keep an eye on our stories on Mondays and Tuesdays as we will continue to offer an open channel for you to ask questions about a specific topic every week!

🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/gac

🔗https://phimc.org/initiatives/tgd-wellness-and-equity-program/

A black background with grey distressing over top. A teal banner at the top stating, "Our February Reading List" In the center is a book: My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal. The cover is yellow with white text stating the title and an image of a young black girl with rainbow flowers placed in her natural hair, she is also wearing a teal tank top. Coming out of the book cover there are five arrows in pink, teal, and white. They state, "gender affirming beauty, Rainbow List: Top 10 LGBTQ+ Books for Children & Teens ('11-'26), based on a true story, for ages 4-8 and slide to description.

A black background with grey distressing over top. A white post-it style note is in the center with a piece of tape in the corner. at the top the title and authors are stated in teal, pink, and black font, "My Rainbow by Trinity & DeShanna Neal. Below this, there is a description of the book from Goodreads stating, "Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home. And on one quiet day, playtime leads to an important realization: Trinity wants long hair like her dolls. She needs it to express who she truly is. So her family decides to take a trip to the beauty supply store, but none of the wigs is the perfect fit. Determined, Mom leaves with bundles of hair in hand, ready to craft a wig as colorful and vibrant as her daughter is. With powerful text by Trinity and DeShanna Neal and radiant art by Art Twink, My Rainbow is a celebration of showing up as our full selves with the people who have seen us fully all along." In the bottom left corner of the page sits the Trans Up Front Logo.

Black History is Trans History and we're loving the making of our February Reading List!

✨Today's favorite book highlight is...✨

My Rainbow by Trinity & DeShanna Neal
Age Range: Pre-K to 3rd Grade (approx. ages 4-8)

#transkids #transyouth #blackhistorymonth

A black paper background, in the center a graphic of a person in a pink shirt, pink sunglasses, and a teal jacket is holding up a white protest sign. The sign states, "Rally for Trans Visibility" in black font. On the bottom left corner it states, "Saturday, April 4th, 1PM - Federal Plaza, Chicago - transupfrontil.com"

🏳️‍⚧️It's officially that time again! Join Trans Up Front for our second official rally for Trans Day of Visibility. Last year you all showed up, rain AND shine, and we can't wait to see you all again!🏳️‍⚧️

Interested in endorsing this rally? Email us at contact@transupfrontil.com

A white poster with a pink stripe on the left side, there are books cascading down the pink stripe. On the white section, at the top the logos for the Human Rights Campaign (Blue square with yellow equal mark), Trans Up Front (Black circle that says Trans in alternating teal and pink, and black font of up front Illinois below,) and Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading (A rainbow order line of books). Below those logos there is navy blue font stating: National Day of Reading Open House. Below that is a light blue shape with more navy font on top stating February 27th, 2026, 11:30AM - 1:30PM. Below that there is a logo of the bookstore hosting and the information, Lilliput Books 2160 N Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614. Below that there are four bullet points with emojis and lettering. The first is a book emoji and says Community Reading Station, the second is a paint pallet emoji and says Bookmark Making Station, the third is a rainbow emoji and says Affirming Community Space, and the final is a juice box emoji and says Light Refreshments. Below that there is pink text stating the schedule. The schedule is: 11:30 Am - story time, 12:00 PM - Snacks & Crafts, 12:30 PM - Story Time, 1:00 PM Snacks & Craft. Below that there is a link to register as follows: chicago.hrc.org/events. There is also a blue starburst shape on the lower right with the text, "Recommended for children ages 3-8. Caregiver must remain at event."

📚February 27th is the National Day of Reading, and as we know, reading is power! We are so excited to be joining @hrcillinois and @lilliputbookschicago in celebrating & empowering young readers. 📚

🔗 Register at chicago.hrc.org/events and we'll see you there!

A flier with a black background with pink texture overtop. There are two squiggle lines in the transgender flag colors. On the top are the words our services, trans up front. Below there are four star bullet points: One on One Advocacy (ages 4 – 25): Free, individualized advocacy for transgender and GNC youth and young adults, along with their support networks. School Board Advocacy: Partnering with you and your community to show up and speak out. Organizational Consulting: Implementing inclusive practices that foster equitable workspaces. Training & Education: Custom training programs tailored to your school, organization, conference, or workplace. Below the bullet points there is a teal line with a pink text box stating: "personalized, collaborative care" to the left of this box is the Trans Up Front Illinois logo and our tag @transupfrontil

Looking for aid for yourself or child within the school, medical, or legal system? Trans Up Front is proud to offer free services to assist in the navigation of them. We are here to walk beside you!

🔗transupfrontil.com/services

It's official, keychains are here! Check out our four new designs on our shop website! We're so excited to show off our new button and sticker designs while we're out and about this year, and we hope to see you there!

🔗https://trans-up-front-il.square.site/

A black background with a grey grunge overtop. A teal banner on the top states, "Our February Reading List" In the center of the screen is a book cover, Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, showing a young black individual with a flower crown on a red background. There are five arrows coming off of the book cover stating: 1. 2021 Stonewall Honor Book 2. Time Magazine's 100 Best YA Novels of All Time (all time underlined) 3. For Ages 14-18 4. Self Discovery, First Love 5. Slide to description

A black background with a grey grunge overtop. A white paper sits in the middle of the page with the title Felix Ever After by Kacen Calender. Below the title, there is a space where the book description sits, "Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after. When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle....But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself. Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve." Above the white paper there is an arrow pointing to a Trigger Warning that states, TW: Bullying & Transphobia

In honor of Black History Month, Trans Up Front would like to take the time to share our favorite YA and children's books. Our February reading list will focus on stories pertaining to black trans folk in different age ranges to ensure everyone can find a story they see themselves in!

It's Trans Up Front's first birthday in March! Our soiree is a meaningful way to give back, enjoy our community, and celebrate all we've been able to accomplish this year! General Admission and VIP tickets are still available at this time!

🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway

It's Trans Up Front's first birthday in March! Our soiree is a meaningful way to give back, enjoy our community, and celebrate all we've been able to accomplish this year! General Admission and VIP tickets are still available at this time!

🔗https://www.transupfrontil.com/lighttheway

A black poster with a white ticket in the middle, a pink heard inside the ticket, and flowers wrapping around the heart. Photo reads: No Valentine? No problem! Be our valentine this year! Come volunteer with Trans Up Front! Table with us at this year's Two Piece Fest in Rogers Park! Feb. 14 2pm-11pm

Trans Up Front is excited to be vending at the Two Piece Fest in Rogers Park!

We do not expect any volunteers to work the entirety of the festival and have many shifts available to make it easy for everyone to join us! Sign up below and we will see you soon!

🔗https://forms.gle/jvr67mqJzsTMwcJk7