What is gender-Affirming healthcare?

Gender-affirming care is any form of support that helps people feel more aligned with their gender identity, whether that’s socially, emotionally, or physically. That might include things like hormone therapy, surgery, name and gender marker changes, clothing and makeup, or finding a supportive community.

Every journey is different. Some people may pursue medical options, while others may not. What matters most is access to care that respects who you are.

Find Gender-Affirming Care Near You

Everyone deserves access to care that sees and supports them. Below are resources across the Chicago area offering gender-affirming services for trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals. Whether you're looking for medical support, mental health care, or community spaces, there’s something here for you.

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Get the Facts

60%

Of transgender adults reported having poor mental health at least one day in the past month.

54%

Of transgender adults reported having poor physical health at least one day in the past month.

1 in 3

Transgender adults had to teach their doctor about trans people to receive appropriate care.

Who Are We?

CALOR is a Chicago-based non-profit that connects Latino communities to health services, HIV care, and gender-affirming support. Our goal is to help people live healthy, empowered lives.

At CALOR, we provide many different services to those impacted by HIV and AIDS, specifically within the Latinx community. From housing and support services to HIV testing, prevention, and education, we’re committed to providing the services you need when you need them. Find out more about CALOR today.

Our Ambassadors

At CALOR, we are dedicated to educating our community about both mpox and HIV while raising awareness about gender-affirming care. As a part of these efforts, we are proud to launch our Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Awareness Ambassador Program.

Our ambassadors will be attending community events, raising awareness on social media, and helping trans & gender-nonconforming individuals access the care they need. Get to know our ambassadors today.

Ashanti Johnson

Ambassador

Ashanti Johnson is a 20-year-old African and Native (Choctaw Yakni) agender person and quite a mighty one. Raised in the Englewood, Wicker Park, Cabrini-Green, and West Chesterfield neighborhoods across Chicago, she dedicates her life to community and national liberation organizing for the freedom of oppressed lower-income, working-class communities in the Chicago area. Through her work in “el barrio” and various other community orgs, she hopes to not only enhance the lives of community members but also assist in positively impacting the trajectory of their lives.

David standing in front of trees at a park

David Enrique Mikaél Pérez

Ambassador

David Enrique Mikaél Pérez is a vibrant 26-year-old Puerto Rican musician, college graduate, and passionate teen educator with a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. Born in Waukegan, IL, and raised in Zion IL, he has called both Chicago and Puerto Rico home since 2018. David dedicates much of his time to teaching and mentoring, not only in the academic classroom but also through his work with teens in ministry and as a small group leader. Each week, he guides young people in their spiritual and personal growth, both as a mentor in his church's male mentoring program and through his leadership in teen ministry.

Danni Limonez

PHOTOGRAPHER

Danni Limonez is a Chicago-based photographer. They focus on photographing people in various Chicago communities, including youth programs, musical performances, portraits, and, most recently, advocacy campaigns for Chicago-based Non-Profit Organizations. Danni is skilled in both photography and videography, aiming to capture life’s essence through art and storytelling in visual narratives.

Eve Estrella Stiles

AMBASSADOR

Eve Estrella Stiles is a proud 25-year-old, undocumented, transgender woman of color. She was born in Mexico but raised in the Northwest side of Chicago, in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. She dedicates her time to spreading mental health awareness through public speaking and workshop facilitation. She hopes to inform others about the important role mental health can play in our lives and share cognitive tools that she has accrued in her own personal journey to help improve our quality of life.

Monica standing in front of a park with a white dog

Monica Fernandez

AMBASSADOR

Monica Fernandez is a 50-year-old trans woman, born in Mexico, living in Chicago. As a passionate business owner and modeling coach, she dedicates her life to empowering others in the fashion industry. Monica is a committed advocate for the trans community, using her voice to promote visibility and acceptance. With a deep love for fashion, she strives to inspire and uplift fellow trans individuals, celebrating their unique journeys. Monica believes in the power of self-expression and works tirelessly to create opportunities for others to shine.

Sabrina Bracho

AMBASSADOR

Sabrina Bracho una chica orgullosamente trans venezolana tengo 19 años y pues le cuento un poco de mi. Soy inmigrante desde los 11 años , Vivi por 7 años en Colombia cual cambio mi vida total ya que me hice parte de su cultura a la cual amo y luego decidí venir aquí a los Estados Unidos, ya que es un país de oportunidad y libertad. Amo estar aquí ya que por fin pude ser libre y ser quien soy ya que aquí comencé mi transición y he conocido personas súper maravillosas, me gusta mucho el maquillaje y la cocina. Amo cocinar, salir, caminar y pasar tiempo familiar.

Alfredo Flores

PROGRAM MANAGER, CALOR

Alfredo is a Queer Mexican-American raised in Chicago. Initially, Alfredo started off as a volunteer for a south side organization in Chicago and later transitioned into providing direct service that includes HIV testing, outreach, and care coordination for people living with HIV and those interested in PrEP. Alfredo is currently the program manager of prevention and education services for CALOR. At CALOR, Alfredo has been able to provide sexual health services at local festivals, health fairs, community events, and through local partnerships. Alfredo is also the programs coordinator at Association for Latino/a/xs Motivating Action (ALMA).

Juan Martinez

PROGRAM COORDINATOR, CALOR

Juan Martinez is an LGBT DACA recipient who was born in Puebla, Mexico, but raised in the Brighton Park neighborhood of South Side of Chicago. Juan is a trained HIV tester, Phlebotomist, Insurance Navigator, and Linkage Coordinator for the Latinx community. Juan was selected to participate in the Bilingual Cook County PrEPárate Campaign as an ambassador and spokesperson. Through this campaign, he was the face of the campaign that targeted Latinx communities in becoming educated about PrEP. The campaign was featured on several social media platforms, and there were also billboards in public spaces, including our city’s transportation systems.

Chelcy Flores

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR , CALOR

Chelcy is a first-generation Latina working towards decreasing healthcare disparities among historically underserved communities in Chicago. Flores is currently working towards her bachelor's in health sciences and biology at DePaul University while additionally working on her emergency medical technician license. Chelcy began her community work during the COVID-19 pandemic as a volunteer for CALOR, promoting free HIV & COVID testing, along with providing PPE gear.

Fe Ramirez

Health navigator, CALOR

Fe Ramirez is a proud transgender Latina woman originally from Manizales, Colombia, and now residing in Chicago. She works as a Health Navigator, dedicating her time to connecting communities of strength/marginalized communities with essential medical and housing services. Fe is passionate about empowering others and fostering equity through her work and advocacy.

Iselle Jimenez

Social media administrator, CALOR

Iselle Jimenez is a creative soul with a deep passion for helping her community in Chicago and beyond. As a proud transgender Latina and first-generation American, she’s no stranger to the challenges her communities face. Growing up in Chicago shaped her drive to uplift others and give a voice to those who need it most. For Iselle, it’s about fostering inclusivity and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—especially within the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities.

Our Commitment to You.

CALOR has touched many lives since the organization started. Many Latinx indivuals are affected by HIV/AIDS and CALOR is helping those affected since the beginning. Currently, we have been reaching Latinx individuals with our prevention team working out in the field and providing rapid HIV Testing. Since COVID-19 hit in 2020, our prevention team began providing HIV testing at COVID testing sites. By having both of these services in the same space, CALOR was able to reach a lot more people who never got HIV Tested. CALOR continues to think outside the box, that is why we are implementing more gender affirming care for Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Folks.

Our goal is to continue providing Latinx, Transgender & Gender non conforming acces to our services as well as assistance with getting their name changed, access to gender affirming clothes, Gender affirming care, and much more. We are here to help you navaigate life.