Illinois launched a legal advice line for LGBTQ residents Monday, the first state to do so as the Trump administration’s policies on gender and sexuality face a wave of legal challenges.

The helpline, Illinois Pride Connect, offers free and confidential legal advice on discrimination, harassment and safety concerns, as well as access to housing, health care, identity documents and government benefits like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It serves callers in English and Spanish, according to the program’s website, and operates between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

An online resource hub offers additional information for LGBTQ people on education, family protection, elder rights and immigration rights.

“With all the things that are coming at all of us, for us to be able to go on offense, and not be on defense, is what I love about this state,” Democratic Gov. JB........

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