Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced this week that Illinois is launching a “first of its kind” resource guide and hotline to support LGBTQ+ residents.
The legal advice line, Illinois Pride Connect, will come online Monday and serve English and Spanish speakers, according to the program’s site.
Callers can get advice on access to health care, identifying documents, housing, safety concerns and government benefits, such as Medicaid and SNAP. Advocates fielding calls will offer one-time advice and refer callers to the line’s legal partners.
Pritzker announced the hotline Thursday night, although a pilot was launched earlier this month.
“For us to be able to go on offense, and not be on defense, is what I love about this state,” Pritzker said in a video posted to social media. “Together we are fighting ignorance with information. We’re fighting cruelty with compassion.”
The state has spent $250,000 launching the help line, which is a partnership between the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services and the Legal Council for Health Justice, Equality Illinois, Life is Work and other nonprofit aid organizations. The state has only committed to fund through line through next summer, but its partners plan to use private funding to keep it running after that.
Julie Justicz, executive director of Legal Council for Health Justice, said many of the calls received in the trial period were from residents in the southern part of the state looking for resources.
Two advocates and an attorney from Justicz’ organization will help staff the hotline. She said she hopes it can bring clarity to those confused about executive orders issued by President Donald Trump and a constantly shifting legal landscape.
“A particular goal is to build out and strengthen supports especially for folks in the downstate areas,” Justicz told the Sun-Times Friday. “I imagine volume will increase. … [But] we are prepared.”
While the hotline is intended for Illinois residents, residents of other states can also call to get connected to resources.
“If you’re an LGBTQIA+ individual (or a concerned family member or friend), and you’re facing legal issues that impact your health, safety, or access to care, we’re here to help,” its website reads.
Illinois Pride Connect can be reached at (855) 805-9200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The state’s 988 line also provides mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth, despite federal cuts to queer-specific support on the national 988 line.