The 21st Show

How does Illinois compare to other states on transgender rights?

 
Iggy Ladden, a co-founder of Chicago Therapy Collective, stands in front of a mural in Andersonville honoring Elise Malary, a transgender activist who went missing and was found dead in Lake Michigan last year.

Iggy Ladden, a co-founder of Chicago Therapy Collective, stands in front of a mural in Andersonville honoring Elise Malary, a transgender activist who went missing and was found dead in Lake Michigan last year. Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times

According to the Movement Advancement Project, 21 states have banned gender-affirming medicine for trans youth. In response, Illinois passed a law this year protecting patients and providers who cross into the state for care. Iggy Ladden is the executive director of the Chicago Therapy Collective, a mental health and advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ people. They are transgender and nonbinary. Illinois Public Media's Kimberly Schofield interviewed Ladden about the state of trans rights in Illinois as part of our series, Flights and Freedoms. 

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Iggy Ladden

Chicago Therapy Collective Executive Director