Trans Up Front Illinois announced the launch of its Illinois Gender Affirming Care Fund March 21 during its first annual “Light the Way” Soiree, a signature fundraising event supporting its work with transgender and gender nonconforming youth and families.
The event, held at Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., raised more than $15,000 for Trans Up Front Illinois (TUF) as it marked its one-year anniversary, bringing together community members, advocates and partners from across the state.
The newly launched fund is designed to help families access gender-affirming care by offsetting costs and removing logistical barriers—an effort TUF leaders said is critical as families navigate an increasingly uncertain landscape of care.
“This fund will provide direct grants to families with transgender and gender non conforming youth and young people—because no family should be denied care due to cost, travel or systemic barriers,” founder and Executive Director Asher McMaher said during the program.
The initiative will operate in partnership with Elevated Access, which provides transportation support, and the Trans Youth Emergency Project through the Campaign for Southern Equality, allowing families to access care across state lines when needed.
The announcement builds on TUF’s broader work over the past year, including its statewide gender-affirming care navigation system, which has helped more than 500 families connect with providers and resources at no cost.
Founded in early 2025 by McMaher and Director of Operations Charlee Friedman, the organization emerged in response to growing restrictions on care and a surge of families seeking guidance and support. Over the past year, TUF has expanded its reach through advocacy, education and direct services, including school-based support, protests and statewide organizing.
The soiree also highlighted leaders and partners advancing that work through a series of awards.
Indivisible Chicago received the Luminary Impact Award for its role supporting TUF’s public actions and demonstrations, including providing safety marshals, sound systems and volunteer coordination at rallies advocating for trans youth.
Mx. Leo Wilder, a nonbinary educator and founder of a micro-school in Springfield serving neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ youth, was honored with the Radiant Leadership Award. In remarks accepting the award, Wilder emphasized the importance of affirmation and visibility for young people.
Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Equality Illinois and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, received the Living Legacy Award for her decades of leadership and coalition-building work.
In her remarks, Parker underscored the role of families in supporting trans youth.
“To every parent in this audience, I thank you for giving your young people the voice to tell the world what their names are,” Parker said.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the organization’s rapid growth and the urgency of its mission.
“What began as a single spark has now grown into a radiant beam of hope and power in a moment when those things are hard to come by,” said Dr. Corey Lascano, TUF’s director of education.
In a statement following the event, McMaher said the Soiree reflected the strength of the community behind TUF’s work.
“The Light the Way Soiree was more than just a fundraiser; it was a powerful night of community, connection, and support in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” McMaher said. “It reflected what’s possible when people come together with a shared commitment to showing up for trans and gender non-conforming youth.”
