Housing Hope for Trans Lives
“Everyday clients reach out to me in tears, screaming and terrified at the laws changing back. Fearing they might be forced to live a life they desperately do not want. ‘How could they do this to us?’ a client asked, and at that moment I held back so many tears.”
~Priscilla Perez, Program Manager
For years, Chicago House has been a leading advocate for transgender individuals, providing services that break down barriers to well-being. Transgender women, specifically, face significant risks due to housing instability, which often leads to sex work, heightening their vulnerability to HIV and incarceration.
In 2013, Chicago House transformed our former hospice building in Edgewater into the TransLife Center. The space offered 13 rooms for transgender women facing homelessness as well as legal services, case management, and access to medical care open to the community—all under one roof. This approach established a hub that empowered individuals to access the support they needed for better health outcomes and stability.
As the program grew and gained recognition, demand for independent living increased. In response, we rebranded as the TransLife Care (TLC) model and introduced drop-in sessions at partner sites across the city. This expansion broadened our reach and impact, particularly with the addition of more community-based housing options.
Despite the strides made together, the transgender community now faces escalating erasure at the federal level. As Priscilla Perez, TLC Program Manager, explains:
“Clients are in an uproar with the new updated regulations. The increasing anxiety and fear among trans clients have significantly shifted my work. I've had to prioritize providing emotional support and reassurance, creating a space where clients feel safe to express their concerns. Creating an affirming environment is crucial, as it empowers clients to express themselves freely and seek the resources they need, ultimately fostering resilience and a sense of community.”
With the ongoing wave of executive orders, legal battles, and media headlines, lives hang in the balance as the community waits for answers. Proposed changes to name and gender marker regulations, which could reverse legal protections for transgender individuals, have created widespread fear and confusion. Priscilla adds, “I’ve had so many conversations with our clients and our legal team regarding whether name changes will be reversed. Will gender marker changes be set to the gender on their birth certificates and passports? ‘Is this going to affect my housing and medical services?’”
Chicago House's dedication to supporting our transgender community is stronger than ever, especially in these challenging times, thanks to partnerships with Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago and The Chicago Community Trust. Through initiatives like TransSafe, our weekly drop-ins at Taskforce Prevention and Center on Halsted, we continue providing a "one-stop-shop" for housing, health, legal, and employment services. We also provide a resource support line with a live operator.
As the fight for transgender rights continues, the TLC team’s work is essential. Priscilla urges, “It's essential for people to understand that each trans individual has a unique story and set of experiences, shaped by their identity, background, and the societal context they navigate. These experiences can include significant challenges related to discrimination, mental health, and access to healthcare, which must be approached with empathy and understanding.” However the political landscape shifts, Chicago House will remain a safe space to keep the T in LGBTQ+.