Illinois launches first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ legal hotline after Trump administration shut down national line
Illinois is the "the only state in the entire United States" to launch an LGBTQ+ legal hotline, says Governor JB Pritzker
By Aaron Sugg
Illinois has become the first state in the United States to create a statewide legal hotline dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ residents.
The move follows the Trump administration’s closure of the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline under the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In response, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled the new programme last week. Named Illinois Pride Connect, the initiative offers callers free, confidential legal advice and referrals tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ residents.
The announcement first made in June by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed the Trump administration will “no longer silo LGB+ youth services”. Instead, officials said it will serve all users through a general helpline.
Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker announced the new programme last week, entitled Illinois Pride Connect, the initiative connects callers with free, confidential legal advice and referrals.
He said: “With all the things that are coming at all of us, for us to be able to go on offence and not be on defence is what I love about this state.”
Illinois Pride Connect is the first state in the US to offer a free LGBTQ+ legal service
According to Pritzker, the hotline is “a first-of-its-kind legal hotline for LGBTQ individuals across the state. And Illinois is proud to announce it.”
He emphasised that the project builds on earlier state efforts to expand equity: “Building upon the state’s transgender and gender-diverse wellness and equity project that we launched at the beginning of 2024, we will be the only state, the only state in the entire United States, that provides free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community.”
The TGD Wellness and Equity Program expanded care for LGBTQ+ people and supports organisations in providing gender-affirming services.
Beyond legal help, the organisation will also provide resources related to health care, education, immigration, family support and elder services.
This comes at a relevant time given the termination of the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline in the US in July.
The bodies official website describes it’s services in a statement: “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. The IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline offers free, confidential legal advice and referrals across Illinois.”
“We’re fighting cruelty with compassion” – Governor JB Pritzker on the new LGBTQ+ service
The initiative is led by the Legal Council for Health Justice, with support from state legal advocates and local LGBTQ+ groups such as Brave Space Alliance, ALMA Chicago and AIDS Foundation Chicago.
Pritzker framed the launch as part of Illinois’ commitment to standing with LGBTQ+ residents: “Together, we are fighting ignorance with information. We’re fighting cruelty with compassion.”
The hotline was made available 25 August, available at 855-805-9200.
The service operates Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm GMT, with services offered in both English and Spanish.