CHICAGO — More than 250 people gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza over the weekend to protest a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upholds a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors — a decision that many say could endanger vulnerable youth and set a dangerous national precedent.
Chicago Residents Rally for Trans Rights
The demonstration, which took place Saturday afternoon before a march through the Loop, was organized by the advocacy group Trans Up Front. Attendees held signs, chanted, and listened to speeches from elected officials and activists who fear the ruling could escalate harm to transgender children across the country.
“This is about standing up for our kids — for their safety, dignity, and future,” said Hyacinth Piel, 48, who identifies as genderqueer. “You have to pay it forward.”
Personal Stories Highlight Urgency
The protest was deeply personal for some speakers, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who addressed the crowd as the father of two transgender children.
“When you see your child finally exhale and be themselves after carrying the weight of hiding — you realize this fight is not optional,” Biss told attendees.
Amelia, a nurse who declined to give her full name for privacy, described watching young patients attempt suicide due to the psychological toll of being denied care.
“It’s crushing to see a 12-year-old feel like ending their life is better than living in a world that doesn’t accept them,” she said.
Illinois Offers Some Protection — But Not Enough
While Illinois remains a legal safe haven for gender-affirming care, advocates warned that access remains fragile. Major institutions like UI Health and Lurie Children’s Hospital have recently paused gender-affirming surgeries for minors, citing national political pressure and logistical challenges.
Illinois is one of 14 states (plus D.C.) with “shield laws” protecting patients and providers offering gender-affirming treatment, but it is largely isolated in the Midwest.
Ellenore Delgado, a 35-year-old veteran from Edgewater, spoke about losing access to her medication when trans service member coverage was cut under the Trump administration.
“That second month without care was miserable,” she said. “Now imagine being a teenager with no support.”
Fear Over Broader Impact
Many protesters, including 23-year-old Hyde Park resident Julian Belz, voiced concerns that the Supreme Court ruling could soon open the door to restrictions on adult access to gender-affirming care.
“Trans healthcare is a human right,” Belz said. “We deserve the respect and medical autonomy that everyone else expects.”
Federal Decisions, Local Consequences
The protest also coincided with another major blow: the federal government’s decision to shut down the LGBTQ+ youth suicide hotline. Advocates say this decision, coupled with the healthcare ruling, endangers trans minors’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
In his opinion for the Court, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that questions about treatments like puberty blockers should be resolved by the states — a stance that leaves trans youth subject to varying protections based on geography.
Do you think healthcare for trans youth should be decided by states or protected federally? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
