Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Saturday pledged to remain open to transgender issues in the state, especially after the issue of minors became a partisan issue during the presidential campaign.
The billionaire governor, whose family is deeply involved in the transgender movement, posted a tweet to commemorate Transgender Awareness Week.
“This Transgender Awareness Week, I want you to know that I see you and support you as Governor,” Pritzker wrote. “Illinois has put in place systems to protect gender-affirming care for this moment, so you can always have a home here.”
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The state is one of several states, including Minnesota and California, that critics say foster a climate that encourages some children to seek so-called “gender-affirming care.” claims to be doing so.
Pritzker's cousin, Jennifer, was born male but now identifies as female and is an outspoken supporter of transgender treatment. Jennifer (née James) Pritzker is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard and the father of three children.
Jennifer Pritzker also heads the Chicago-based Tawani Foundation, which makes grants to organizations that support “gender and human sexuality,” according to its website. The Pritzker family's fortune was built on Hyatt hotels.
Colonel Jennifer Pritzker, the first openly transgender billionaire, poses for a photo at the Hyatt Hotel. (Vince Tarotta/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
“Continuing my family's tradition of individual philanthropy for the common good, the Thawani Foundation is committed to helping the organizations we support realize and advance their missions,” Jennifer wrote on the foundation's website. We are working hard to provide subsidies so that we can do so.”
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Illinois is one of the most progressive states in the nation regarding minors who identify as the opposite sex.
governor pritzker established guidance In December 2021, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHR) issued a statement regarding nondiscrimination protections for “transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students” under the Illinois Human Rights Act of 1979.
“Ensuring that every student in Illinois has access to a safe and validated learning environment where they can be their authentic selves is a top priority of my administration,” Pritzker said in the release. “This guidance from the Illinois Department of Human Rights will provide students, parents, and educators with new tools to ensure classrooms are welcoming, affirming, and inclusive for all students. .”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker attends the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting at the Hilton Midtown in New York City on September 24, 2024. (John Nasion/Getty Images)
In Illinois, under Pritzker's guidance, biological males can compete against females in school and club sports.
Additionally, “the use of restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms shall not be restricted based on a student's physical anatomy or chromosomal sex. They must be allowed access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms,” and are not required to provide documentation or other evidence of gender. ” According to IDHR.
Pritzker's policy states that “annoyance or privacy concerns of other students, teachers, or parents” are “justifiable grounds for denying or restricting full and equal use of facilities based on a student's gender-related identity.” It is clear that this is not a reason.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks at a transgender advocacy rally at the Federal Building Plaza in Chicago on April 27, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The national Republican mandate for the 2024 presidential election is giving Democrats a pause after publicly supporting “gender-affirming” policies for minors.
In a February 2023 video, President-elect Trump said: ask the council To permanently stop federal taxpayers from being used to facilitate or pay for these procedures, and to pass laws banning child sexual mutilation in all 50 states. ”
In Illinois, Can be covered by Medicaid Under Gov. Pritzker, gender reassignment surgery and drug treatment for men and women 21 and older.
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Pritzker's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
