Vision & Mission

Supporting the gender-diverse community
and their families in Greater Chicago and beyond.

Our Vision

To promote and support the value and welfare of the gender diverse community and their families, enabling them to thrive authentically and positively. 

Our Mission

  • Provide activities and events that foster a safe, affirming, and supportive community environment 

  • Promote education and resources that support acceptance and growth for gender diverse people and within the broader community 

  • Champion the inclusion and recognition of gender diverse people, in partnership with allied organizations

Who We Are

The Chicago Gender Support Alliance, CGSA, supports gender-diverse people and their families, helping them thrive authentically.

The Chicago Gender Support Alliance stands on the shoulders of the volunteers and members who came before us — Chi-Chapter (originally a chapter of Tri-Ess, later independent under its own name), the Chicago Gender Society, and the Chi-Town Gender Alliance — whose contributions to the gender-diverse community span many decades. CGSA continues that legacy, serving Chicago, Northern Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin.

CGSA welcomes anyone under the gender-diverse umbrella, including those who identify as transgender, gender fluid, crossdresser, genderqueer, non-binary, gender expansive, androgynous, demigender, two-spirit, agender, pangender, and others.

What We Do

  • Offer educational information, speakers, resources, and social activities for our members and the wider community

  • Help individuals build self-understanding and self-acceptance

  • Connect members with information on health insurance, medical options, family relationships, and professionals who support the community

  • Partner with allied gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ organizations to extend our reach and support shared goals

  • Contribute volunteer time to organizations doing related work, in the spirit of mutual support

CGSA is an independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-run support organization (organized as a non-profit, though not a 501(c)(3)).

We hope you find support — and family — in CGSA, as you live your best, authentic self.