IDPH Celebrates 2025 Pride Month
[June 06, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is
joining Illinoisans in celebrating 2025 Pride Month throughout the month
of June by showcasing programs and services that improve the health and
wellness of the state’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community.
A highlight of the 2025 Pride Month in Illinois is Chicago’s Pride
Parade on June 29. IDPH will be hosting a contingent marching in the
parade, which this year features the theme “United in Pride.” More
information on Pride festivals around across the state can be found at
Pride Festivals in Illinois | Enjoy Illinois.
“During Pride Month, IDPH is extremely proud to join the LGBTQIA+
community and its allies across Illinois in celebrating the strength we
gain through unity and common purpose,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer
Vohra. “A mainstay of the health of our society is the ability of every
resident to be their true and authentic selves. We recognize this at
IDPH, and we are proud to partner with and learn from individuals and
organizations around the State this month and every month to improve the
health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
IDPH hosts a number of programs to address the unique health concerns of
the LGBTQIA+ community. Earlier this year, the department announced it
had made it easier to obtain medication that prevents HIV, known as PrEP
(pre-exposure prophylaxis), by issuing a standing order that allows
pharmacists to provide the oral medications without first requiring a
doctor’s prescription.
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In recent years, IDPH’s Division of Vital Records has implemented
changes that make it easier for individuals to change the sex
designation on their birth record by submitting an affidavit, the
Certificate of Correction Request Form, a photocopy of their ID and a
$15 payment. The designation can be changed to M, F, or X. Previously, a
request for such a change had to be accompanied by a form completed by a
physician. Additionally, IDPH worked with Equality Illinois to ensure
that parental designation fields on state birth records would be more
inclusive for same-sex and transgender couples.
IDPH provides a variety of programs and services to address the primary
health issues and concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community, and to ensure that
such services are provided equitably in an environment that is welcoming
and inclusive.
To further its goal of creating equitable and welcoming environments for
all, IDPH has also engaged in training of staff and outside partners on
use of appropriate and culturally sensitive language, and to ensure
compliance with all non-discrimination rules and laws. IDPH has also
adopted a policy of gender-neutral restrooms for all single-stall
facilities in its offices statewide.
[Illinois Dept. of Public Health] |
