National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Post

Are you familiar with the Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court ruling? If not, you should be. Just over two decades ago, in 2003, the decision decriminalized homosexual activity across the United States! This landmark ruling was a paramount step toward equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and made progress in reducing stigma and discrimination. It also helped lay the groundwork for further legal advancements like the legalization of same-sex marriage – which was legalized across the US in 2015. These are very significant and affirming judgments that recognize the dignity and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, who deserve privacy, respect, and freedom. While we can celebrate our progress, it’s important to remain committed to fighting for equal rights for all. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dw2nHV4h.

🌈Here’s a few things to feel proud about this Pride season🏳️🌈: -Nearly 90% of all anti-LGBTQ+ bills tracked were stopped, but every bill considered that debates the existence and rights of LGBTQ+ people is harmful, especially for young LGBTQ+ people. -A record-breaking number of 14 pro-LGBTQ+ bills also passed in 2023, many specific to protecting transgender medical care and other LGBTQ+ youth protections. Michigan Democrats ban ‘destructive’ practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth -On Wednesday, June 14, a bill banning the dangerous practice of conversion therapy passed the Michigan House of Representatives and is set to become law after moving through the Senate and governor’s office. -US judge blocks Florida ban on trans minor care in narrow ruling, says “gender identity is real” -A federal judge temporarily blocked sections of a Florida law that bans trans young people from receiving puberty blockers -Gov. Whitmer establishes Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ Commission with executive order -The commission will represent the LGBTQ+ community within Michigan’s state government, providing policy recommendations to the administration and the legislature -Both Colorado and Washington passed bills strengthening their anti-harassment school policies Washington State now explicitly requires schools to develop policies and complaint procedures for transgender young people. Out of the 650 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that were considered this year, The Trevor Project assisted in blocking over 300 of them! 💪🌈 #pride2024 #strongertogether #lgbtqpride #🏳️🌈

Today, June 26, marks the anniversary of marriage equality in the United States! This milestone represents a significant step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, but our journey is far from over. Despite the progress we've made, challenges like voter suppression, discrimination, and lack of representation continue to impact our community. Ensuring equal access to voting rights and addressing barriers to participation is crucial. LGBTQ+ voters have the power to shape the direction of our democracy and improve our lived experiences by exercising our voting rights as a collective force. Recent research from RAND and The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law highlights the profound effects of marriage equality, but it also underscores the ongoing need for advocacy and action. Let's continue to stand up, speak out, and vote for the changes we want to see. For more insights, check out the latest research from RAND and the Williams Institute: 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gPBjeN44 🔎 https://lnkd.in/ehax85bH #MarriageEquality #LGBTQRights #VoterRights #EqualityForAll #Research #Advocacy #Vote

Every year, March 31 marks Trans Day of Visibility. It’s a day to celebrate the everyday experiences and aspirations of transgender and non-binary people around the world. The day also raises awareness of the pervasive discrimination still facing too many within the LGBTQIA+ community. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the US: There are more than 2 million transgender people in the US. One in five adults knows someone who uses non-binary pronouns other than he or she There were more than 340 anti-LGBTQ+ legislative bills introduced in 2023 across the country—including 90 bills that would restrict gender-affirming medical care for young trans people. In the US, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to live in poverty. Black trans women face high rates of fatal violence.

Marriage isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a powerful statement for equality. In the LGBTQ+ community, marriage represents more than love and commitment; it symbolizes progress and the ongoing fight for acceptance. Celebrating LGBTQ+ marriages highlights the significant strides we’ve made towards equality, while also shining a light on the challenges that still exist. Each LGBTQ+ marriage is a testament to the resilience of individuals who fight for their right to love openly. These unions contribute to greater visibility and acceptance, fostering a society where love in all its forms is recognized and valued. By honoring these celebrations, we not only acknowledge the personal joy they bring but also reaffirm our commitment to equality and respect for every individual. As we continue to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ marriages, we pave the way for a more inclusive world. Let’s keep championing love and equality in every aspect of our lives.

🏳️🌈🏢 Why Companies Must Recommit to the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights Progress in equity and inclusion, especially LGBTQ+ rights, isn't always steady. Between 2000 and 2020, significant strides were made: reducing workplace discrimination, achieving legal marriage, parenting rights, and open military service. However, ongoing efforts are crucial. This article explores why companies must recommit to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. #ceoinsights #pridemonth #executiveleadership #DEI

Basic human rights are increasingly under threat across the world, whether a woman’s right to decide on her health and reproductive care (currently raging across US politics today) or Trans people trying to live their lives as equal citizens in our society; we are seeing some political leaders use these hot-button issues to drive a wedge through our society and challenge these rights. After a few decades of real progress in helping establish basic human rights across so many communities, LGBTQ+ people are facing a creeping challenge to, and in some cases a full-blown assault on these hard-won freedoms. February 2024, as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for acceptance, equality, and visibility for some in the LGBTQ+ community. So, while progress has been made, there's still much work to do, and we need to be vigilant to those who would want to row back decades of progress. It's a time to celebrate the vibrant and resilient LGBTQ+ community, recognizing their contributions and enriching our lives. From pivotal events like the decriminalization of homosexuality to the legalization of gay marriage in 2014, LGBTQ+ individuals have shown incredible courage and perseverance. Let's honor their legacy by engaging with their history (https://lnkd.in/ee-KTJaR) standing together as allies, and advocating for a future where everyone is respected and celebrated for who they are. #lgbtqhistorymonth 

🌈 Stand Up Against Book Bans and Discrimination 📚 During Pride Month and beyond, #UniteAgainstBookBans is dedicated to ensuring our libraries are inclusive of everyone. Recent data reveals a significant rise in efforts to censor LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices in books—47% of targeted titles in 2023! Now, the American Library Association and #UniteAgainstBookBans urgently need our help to combat new legislation threatening non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ communities and the presence of queer-themed books in libraries. Congress may vote on this soon, so let's raise awareness: ✍️ Write to Congress and spread the word in your community. 📖 The Biden administration's Title IX rule affirms equal access to educational resources regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—a crucial protection being challenged. Together, we can defend the right to diverse literature and ensure libraries remain safe spaces for all. Join us in celebrating Pride with action! Use the form below to quickly and effectively write to YOUR congress people today! #UniteAgainstBookBans #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #LibraryEquality #FreedomToRead

Mediation Minute 2024.2.27 To help increase the selection of diverse neutrals in mediation, advocates can undertake the following actions: When proposing mediators for consideration, include at least 30% diverse candidates (defined as individuals who identify as Black, Latin, Indigenous, AAPI, other people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals living with disabilities). When receiving a list of proposed mediators, some of whom are unknown, consider additional vetting options beyond inquiring internally within a firm or reaching out to a trusted network of colleagues. Request and contact references from those mediators, or schedule a 30-minute call to speak with the mediator directly.

GLAAD’s 2024 Accelerating Acceptance Study arrives at a monumental inflection point for the LGBTQ community and for our entire country. While #acceptance for #LGBTQ people remains at supermajority levels, the data this year also sounds substantial alarms about threats to this progress and to freedoms valued by every American. The same extremist lawmakers, judges and media sources targeting abortion access, contraception, free and fair elections, and free speech, are using the same strategies of fear and disinformation to undermine LGBTQ people and our equality. Fortunately, the data also points to proven ways to keep expanding and accelerating acceptance. Our study shows that more non-LGBTQ people have been inspired to speak up for LGBTQ #equality as a result of accurate news coverage, and voters have shown up in election after election to reject extremist candidates and their anti-trans campaigns. GLAAD’s Accelerating Acceptance Study should continue to inspire and empower all of us to rise up and speak out for everyone’s freedom to be themselves. Our #safety, our collective success, and the future of our democracy depend on it. Check out GLAAD’s 2024 Accelerating Acceptance Study here ⤵ https://lnkd.in/g4NujX2M