Trans Day of Visibility: Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of LGBTQ People Statement

Introduction

Dear UIC Community,

The Chancellor’s Committee for the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People (CCSLGBTQP) will recognize Transgender Day of Visibility  (TDOV) on March 31, 2026. This day serves as a dedicated time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and vital contributions of transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals within our university and beyond. We celebrate the immense value the trans community brings to our campus. From groundbreaking research and artistic expression to leadership in student organizations, the presence of our trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive students, faculty, staff, and alumni enriches our academic environment and strengthens our collective identity.

While TDOV is a day of celebration, it is also a reminder of our ongoing responsibility. We acknowledge that many in the transgender community continue to face significant barriers, discrimination, and a lack of safety. We call on UIC administration to remain steadfast in its commitment to building a campus where individuals—regardless of gender identity or expression—can live authentically and pursue their goals without fear.

Transgender visibility has always been a paradox. Increasing visibility is often accompanied by increased violence toward trans people, particularly trans people of color. Our trans community deserves care and support, now more than ever. In the last few years states and the federal government have advanced a record number of bills that attack LGBTQIA+ rights, especially for transgender youth. The ACLU is currently tracking 500  anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States. These bills attempt to undermine and weaken nondiscrimination laws by allowing employers, businesses, and even hospitals to turn away LGBTQ+ people. Therefore, we need all UIC administrators, employees and students to make space for trans students, staff, and faculty on campus as well as the greater Chicagoland area. Supporting trans folks includes fighting against racism, ableism, xenophobia, and misogyny in all their forms.

CCSLGBTQP stresses the importance of using a trans person’s correct gender identity, name, and pronouns. This is a required minimum way to respect trans people and work toward creating an environment that values inclusion. Not using a trans person’s name or pronouns is another form of disrespect against transgender people. If you encounter someone not using a trans person’s name or pronouns, check in with the trans person, disrupt communication, and speak up.

We are committed to working toward dismantling barriers faced by transgender faculty, staff, and students. If you are trans and a member of the UIC community, the following resources are available to you:

• UIC Gender and Sexuality Center’s Trans Resource Guide
• UIC Counseling (for students): The Center's intake phone number is 312-996-3490 and you can find information about an initial consultation HERE.
• UI Health resource for identifying LGBTQ affirming providers/services at UI Health and for information about educational training: UIH LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
• UIC Bias Reporting Tool: Bias Reporting & Prevention

The Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) provides crisis and non-crisis peer-support services for people who are transgender, non-binary, and questioning their gender identity.

Thank you,

UIC’s Chancellor Committee for the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People