A Community Campaign to Build Trans-Inclusive Safety, Equity, and Belonging in Oak Park, Cook County & Illinois
Oak Park has always stood out—a village known for bold inclusion, strong communities, and justice-minded governance. But in the face of rising national attacks on trans lives and freedoms, standing out isn’t enough.
It’s time to stand up—and lead.
The Strengthen Our Sanctuary campaign is a bold initiative from Solidora to make Oak Park, Cook County, and Illinois a tri-level model of trans sanctuary and belonging. We’re building people power to pass transformative local policy, activate county resources, and shape state-level strategy—starting right here, right now.
What Does It Mean to Be a Sanctuary?
We’re not just talking about symbolic resolutions. Sanctuary means real protections and proactive care:
- Non-cooperation with attempts to criminalize gender-affirming healthcare
- Investment in affirming housing, schools, mental health care, and youth programs
- Legal and civic commitments to inclusion, expression, and safety
- Economic policies that empower trans and nonbinary entrepreneurs, workers, and families
When we protect trans lives, we protect the future of everyone. This is about building a village, a county, and a state where all of us can thrive—openly, joyfully, and free.
Why Now?
Across the country, extremist policies are threatening basic human rights. In Illinois, we have the legal tools to fight back—but we need the political will and public pressure to match.
Oak Park can lead with:
- A municipal sanctuary ordinance that sets the standard for suburban progress
- A Cook County-wide initiative to embed trans equity into public health, housing, and emergency services
- State-level advocacy to expand and enforce protections across Illinois
This isn’t just defense—it’s visionary offense.
We are building a multi-layered movement that turns local care into systemic power.
Our Goals
For Oak Park:
- Pass a Trans Sanctuary City ordinance
- Establish a Trans Equity & Belonging Task Force
- Fund inclusive public services, youth spaces, and housing protections
For Cook County:
- Expand mental health resources and housing supports for trans people
- Integrate trans equity into emergency planning and violence prevention
- Build a countywide communications campaign that centers trans joy and safety
For Illinois:
- Push for stronger enforcement of gender-affirming care access
- Advocate for funding streams that support local sanctuary programs
- Pass a statewide declaration of sanctuary—and back it up with budget and infrastructure
The Benefits Are Shared
- Joy and Belonging – Public spaces where every person, especially trans youth, feels safe and celebrated.
- Housing and Neighborhood Stability – Less displacement. More connection. Stronger property values.
- Youth Success – Higher GPAs, lower suicide rates, and deeper community investment.
- Economic Growth – Creative entrepreneurship, mission-driven businesses, and talent attraction.
- Fewer Crises, Lower Costs – Reducing the strain on healthcare, housing, and public safety systems.
The Cost of Inaction?
Mistrust. Harm. Lost potential.
When we delay justice, we create risk. For trans people—and for the integrity of our whole community.
Let’s not wait to act. Let’s lead.
Take Action: Sign the Petition
Declare your support for sanctuary. Show our trustees, county commissioners, and state legislators that the people are ready to protect and uplift trans lives—not just in principle, but in practice.
Sign the Petition Now
Be the reason Oak Park keeps its promise. Be the reason Illinois becomes the boldest state in the Midwest.
Together, we can strengthen our sanctuary—from our streets to the statehouse.