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Lambda Legal

@lambdalegal.org

We’re the oldest and largest legal organization fighting for #LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with #HIV. Learn more: lambdalegal.org

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Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 38m ago

This National Coming Out Day is a powerful reminder that we continue to fight for a world where no one must hide their identity. ❤️ In our podcast, LGBTQ+ elder Jo Marshall shares what it was like to come out during a time of criminalization. Watch now: youtu.be/8AUKWpulRJ8

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 3d ago

"In our nation’s 250th year, American democracy is at a crossroads. It’s time to be united and make our country a place where every LGBTQ person and family is welcome, safe, and free. When they come for one of us, they come for all of us." Read our full op-ed with @advocate.com 🏳️‍🌈

Anti-trans ballot measures are a political test run for the 2028 presidential election

LGBTQ+ leaders warn that 2026 anti-trans ballot measures could test political messaging and strategies that may be used nationwide in the 2028 election.

tinyurl.com

Banned Books Week @bannedbooksweek.bsky.social · 7d ago

It's finally here! Are you ready to join us in kicking off #BannedBooksWeek?! This year's event is too big for just one piece of art, so we have THREE! #LetBooksBe bannedbooksweek.org

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 6d ago

For LGBTQ+ folks, seeing people like us in the books we read can be a powerful reminder that we belong. 🏳️‍🌈 In honor of @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's #BannedBooksWeek, check out 7 of the most challenged LGBTQ+ books in recent years. Read these books to show that LGBTQ+ stories matter! 🏳️‍🌈

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last wk.

“As a queer, Latinx advocate migrating from Puerto Rico, I have been profoundly inspired by Sylvia Rivera’s legacy.” – Samy Nemir Olivares, Lambda Legal staff Read more about Sylvia Rivera’s incredible impact on the LGBTQ+ community in honor of Latinx Heritage Month: lambdalegal.lgbt/2p83ccdu

Kevin Jennings @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social · last wk.

Omar embodies what public service means. At a moment when the rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV are under relentless attack, he is in the courtroom fighting back and winning. This recognition is richly deserved, and we are proud to call him a colleague.

Lambda Legal@lambdalegal.org · last wk.

We're proud to share that Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Senior Counsel and Health Care Strategist, is a recipient of the 2026 New York County Lawyers’ Association Public Service Award! 🎉 “Omar embodies what public service means. This recognition is richly deserved.” –– @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last wk.

Lambda Legal’s Omar Gonzalez-Pagan Named 2026 NYCLA Public Service Award Recipient

Lambda Legal is proud to announce that Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Senior Counsel and Health Care Strategist, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA) Public Service Award. The award recognizes distinguished service and will be presented at the Public Service Awards Reception on November 17, 2026, at the United States...

lambdalegal.lgbt

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last wk.

Our fight began in 1973 with volunteer lawyers who believed they could break new ground for LGBTQ+ people through the justice system. From then on, Lambda Legal has fought for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV — and won. Learn more LGBTQ+ legal history: lambdalegal.org/history/

Black and white archival photo of Lambda Legal banner in a parade. Text surrounding photo reads, "LGBTQ+ History Month: 12 milestone legal wins for LGBTQ+ rights."

Three milestone LGBTQ+ rights cases are highlighted with the year, case name, and a brief description of the win. Cases include the founding of Lambda Legal in 1973, the first HIV discrimination case in 1983, and an anti-bullying case in 1996.

Three milestone LGBTQ+ rights cases are highlighted with the year, case name, and a brief description of the win. Cases include a win for Brandon Teena in 2001, the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in 2003, and securing workplace discrimination protections for transgender people in 2011.

Three milestone LGBTQ+ rights cases are highlighted with the year, case name, and a brief description of the win. Cases include marriage equality in 2015, LGBTQ+ protections from employment discrimination in 2020, and overturning the military ban against people living with HIV in 2022.

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last wk.

Over the last 50 years, Lambda Legal has fought hard in court for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. But today, these hard-won rights are under direct assault. Learn more about how we're meeting the moment via @advocate.com ✊

Lambda Legal’s new LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights goes on offense by using tactics perfected by the right

The civil rights legal organization will adopt a conservative playbook by pushing model legislation, starting in 20 states whose leaders support equality, CEO Kevin Jennings tells The Advocate.

advocate.com

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2w ago

On 9/28, the DOE announced it's permanently bringing back the Title IX rule on sexual harassment & assault from Trump’s first term. The Department is promoting the move as proof that Title IX does not protect transgender students. Read our statement: lambdalegal.lgbt/bdcu5237

"Breaking news: Trump Administration Cements Title IX Rule That Fails Survivors and Targets LGBTQ+ Students."

Quote from Lambda Legal senior attorney Nicholas Hite reads, "Lambda Legal has long called this what it is: a dangerous, legally unsound, and despicably cruel weaponization of Title IX, and we oppose its return today. Survivors deserve schools that take their safety seriously, whoever they are."

Quote from Lambda Legal senior attorney Nicholas Hite that reads, "Title IX exists so every student can learn free from harassment and assault. Yet this rule from the Trump administration lets schools look away until harm becomes severe and pervasive."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2w ago

From eyewitness accounts of the Stonewall uprising to reflections on the joys of being queer, season 2 of our podcast “Making The Case” has been moving and illuminating! And our next episode is one for the history books. 🏳️‍🌈🎙️ Watch our season 2 recap now: youtu.be/BPnfS1Ffm0U

Peppermint quote that reads, "Can you see my humanity? Is it visible to you?"

Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings quote that reads, "Lambda Legal fought for over 50 years to win things like the right to marry. They didn't just give it to us because they were nice."

B Hawk Snipes quote that reads, "I come into the room not just as myself, but with my community on my shoulders, my ancestors on my shoulders, the people that have paved the way for me to be here today."

Quote about the transgender military ban that reads, "This is the test case. This is what they're using to try to decide who gets to serve generally, and they just happened to pick transgender people first."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 3w ago

CASE UPDATE: Today, Lambda Legal and co-counsel argued in a non-jury trial against the unlawful targeting of transgender people in our lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Learn more: lambdalegal.lgbt/48rn2wra

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 3w ago

Fifty years ago, our movement didn't wait for permission to demand what was right — and neither will we now. Read more about our past and present fight for LGBTQ+ rights from @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social via @advocate.com: tinyurl.com/4ytbbjz8

1970 photo of protestors marching. Text above reads, "In 1968, a conference of gay activists had the audacity to demand “homosexual rights.” Today, we’re fighting to keep their vision alive."

Text reads, "In the dark days of same-sex relationships being a felony and the federal government barring the employment of “known perverts,” the North American Conference of Homophile Organizations (NACHO, pronounced nay-ko) adopted what they called the “Homosexual Bill of Rights.”

2003 photo of three people hugging. Text above reads, "Over the next 50 years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement would win them all. The rights our NACHO forebears demanded were fought for and secured. But today, they are under direct assault

Text reads, "Which is exactly why it’s time for a New LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights. Our vision includes equal treatment and protection under the law regarding access to health care, opportunity to participate in society, belonging for LGBTQ+ families, access to education, and participation in democracy."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 3w ago

CASE UPDATE: On Friday, DOJ announced a settlement with New York University Langone Hospitals (NYU) that allegedly resolves their investigation into NYU providing gender-affirming care to minors. Read our joint statement with @aclu.org & @nyclu.org about the settlement: lambdalegal.lgbt/5ddx5vbk

Breaking news: Lambda Legal, ACLU, NYCLU Statement on DOJ’s Settlement with NYU to End Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth

Quote from joint statement that reads, "Because of our lawsuit and the resulting injunction, no patient information of any kind has been disclosed to the Department of Justice as part of NYU’s or Mount Sinai’s recently-announced settlements—nor could it be, as that order remains in full effect."

Quote from joint statement that reads, "While we don’t know the full terms of the agreement, we do know...that [it] puts political retribution over hospitals’ ethical and legal obligations to, and the well-being of, trans youth. Transgender young people deserve access to gender-affirming care."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 3w ago

40 years ago, the idea that someone with HIV would live decades was unimaginable; now people with HIV are living well into their golden years. We believe LGBTQ+ elders living with HIV deserve to age with dignity. Share this post to honor National HIV & Aging Awareness Day! ❤️

purple graphic with text that reads, "LGBTQ+ elders deserve HIV justice."

purple graphic with text that reads, "54% of all people in the United States living with HIV are over 50 years old."

purple graphic with text that reads, "LGBTQ+ elders living with HIV deserve improved access to quality HIV health care & age-affirming services; access to tailored sexual health education & services; protection from stigma & discrimination in healthcare, long-term care, home, & community-based services; and advocates who speak up & refuse to be silent about their needs."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 4w ago

Flight attendant Jeff Collman was aboard American Airlines Flight 11 on 9/11. 💔 After his death, his longtime partner Keith Bradkowski was denied survivor benefits because he was gay and unable to marry. Thus began Bradkowski's years-long battle for equality. Hear more: tinyurl.com/bdez69uh

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

Taxpayer dollars should NOT be used to discriminate against 4-year-olds! 🖍️ Recently, we filed an amicus brief in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a SCOTUS case about whether a publicly funded Colorado preschool is allowed to keep out kids of LGBTQ+ parents. Learn more: lambdalegal.lgbt/preschool

Photo of kids playing with colorful paper and pencils. Text on top reads, "Lambda Legal, GLAD Law File Amicus Brief Supporting LGBTQ+ Families’ Access to Publicly Funded Preschool Programs."

Photo of an amicus brief on white paper with black text. Quote from the brief is above in white words. Text reads, "[We] have a strong interest in robust and consistent application of nondiscrimination protections to ensure that children of LGBTQ+ parents and LGBTQ+ students can learn freely and equally in publicly funded educational settings. This includes when taxpayer dollars fund private schools to fulfill the state’s educational promises.”

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

“When stories about LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and other communities are removed [from classrooms], students lose opportunities to learn from the full range of human experiences.” Read more about the fight for inclusive education in our latest blog: lambdalegal.lgbt/mr4xpyt4 @aaup.org #DEI

Student holding a stack of books next to text that reads, "Books, Classrooms, & the Fight for Inclusive Education: a blog by Lake Geslani".

Inclusive course content and books make education more complete — and better prepare students
for the future. When stories about LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and other communities are removed, students lose opportunities to learn from the full range of human experiences.

In Texas, Lambda Legal and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund are challenging policies in the Texas Tech University System that have resulted in course materials being restricted or removed entirely. These policies stifle debate, undermine students’ education, and sideline faculty expertise.

Quote from Lambda Legal senior attorney that reads, "Faculty at Texas Tech are being barred from teaching that gay and bisexual men were persecuted during the Holocaust, and medical students pulled out of exam rooms rather than learn to treat transgender patients. That is viewpoint discrimination.

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

This World Sexual Health Day, it’s important to recognize that sexual justice means affirming and defending the rights, dignity, needs, and identities of all LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. Share this post to promote sexual justice and the fight for LGBTQ+ and HIV rights! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Sexual justice is gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, inclusive sex education, trans rights, and access to PrEP.

Ways to promote sexual justice: listen to + center the voices of LGBTQ+ people & everyone living with HIV; stand against laws that criminalize identity & deny health care; and refuse to be silent in the face of hate, homophobia, and transphobia.

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

Lambda Legal mourns the loss of pioneering feminist & activist Gloria Steinem. "Steinem showed us that liberation is indivisible — a truth that lives in the work Lambda Legal does every day.” – Kevin Jennings, Lambda Legal CEO Read our full statement: lambdalegal.org/newsroom/us_...

Gloria Steinem speaking into a microphone at a podium. Text below reads, "Remembering Gloria Steinem."

Photos of Gloria Steinem sitting at a desk next to a copy of Ms. Magazine and posing on a couch looking at the camera. A quote from Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings reads, "Gloria Steinem insisted that none of us is free until all of us are free, and she understood long before her peers that the fight for women's rights and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights are one and the same. She stood with our community when it was neither safe nor popular to do so, naming plainly that feminists and LGBTQ+ people share the same struggle and the same opponents. Steinem showed us that liberation
is indivisible — a truth that lives in the work Lambda Legal does every day. We are grateful for her decades of allyship and for the advocates she inspired.”

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

This Suicide Prevention Month, we want every LGBTQ+ person to know that no politician or ban can erase your identity. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. ❤️ @trevorproject.bsky.social — 866-488-7386 @lgbtnatlhelpctr.bsky.social — 800-246-7743 @translifeline.org — 877-565-8860

Purple graphic with white text that reads, "You are seen. You are loved. You belong. You are not alone."

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

“I ran from bullies as a kid. Many of us did. What 36 years of this fight have taught me is that the bluster is the act itself. [They] never actually chased me. They were [just] hoping I wouldn't turn around and push back.” – James Dale, Lambda Legal board member and former client via @usatoday.com

Hegseth bullied Scouting America. One lawsuit made him fold. | Opinion

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he forced Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts, to purge 'an insidious, radical, woke ideology.' I sued.

tinyurl.com

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · last mo.

LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV are facing attacks on nearly every front. Knowing your rights has never mattered more. Educate yourself today––visit Lambda Legal’s Know Your Rights Hub: lambdalegal.org/know-your-ri...

LGBTQ+ People & Everyone Living with HIV: Know Your Rights. Information and resources you need now.

A right you don’t know you have is a right you can’t use. Lambda Legal’s updated Know Your Rights hub brings together practical resources to help you understand how current laws and policies affect your rights and your life. lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights

Our Know Your Rights hub speaks to the most pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community today. The resource hub also helps answer your questions about rights related to health care, HIV, LGBTQ+ youth, the legal system, employment, LGBTQ+ seniors, and more. lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights

Knowing your rights means you can better protect yourself and support your community. Rising together and winning justice takes more than litigation and legislation. It takes a community of people who are informed, empowered, and ready to act. Know your rights. Stay informed.

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

Nurse Nicole Carr––a plaintiff in our recent case challenging Missouri’s law restricting gender-affirming medical care––understands the harms of restricting health care for trans youth. To the families of trans youth, Carr has a few words of wisdom. ❤️ Hear more: lambdalegal.org/beyond-the-p...

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

In a victory for trans youth & their families, a court of appeals has rejected the Department of Justice’s latest attempt to stop a lower court win that protected the medical records of trans youth in New York City from the Trump admin’s attempts to seize them. Learn more: lambdalegal.lgbt/2p8wnc5v

Appeals Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Latest Effort to Seize Private Medical Records of Transgender New Yorkers

In a victory for transgender young people and their families, a panel for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected the Department of Justice’s attempt to stay a lower court win that protected the medical records of transgender youth from serial attempts by the Trump administration to seize them. “Today’s order by the court...

lambdalegal.lgbt

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

As a new school year begins, families play a vital role in making sure trans youth feel supported. Annette Bening, celebrated actor & proud mother of a trans son, knows just how life-changing that support can be. 🏳️‍⚧️ Looking for tips on supporting trans youth? Check out @pflag.org #Parenting

Photo of Annette Bening smiling. Text reads, "How Parents Can Support Trans Kids: Celebrated actor Annette Bening is a proud parent of a trans son. Here’s her advice for other families."

Annette Bening speaking at a podium. Quote from Bening reads, “As a well-meaning parent, I didn’t always know how to support my [trans son] who was just trying to live his truth. But you know what? I learned."

Annette Bening speaking in front of the Supreme Court. Quote from Bening reads, "The most important thing is love. Trans kids exist and it is our responsibility to support and love them. There’s nothing to be frightened of. Our trans kids, and all trans folks, need to be seen and heard."

Kevin Jennings @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social · 2mo ago

As a son of Appalachia myself, I personally connected deeply to Dolly’s life story and her music — I even used her original version of “I Will Always Love You” as the song to which I danced with my godmother at my wedding last year. Dolly was one of a kind, and I am deeply saddened by her passing.

Lambda Legal@lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

Lambda Legal mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, a glittering & iconic entertainer, philanthropist, & LGBTQ+ ally. With compassion & grace, Parton lent her voice & resources to show her love for the LGBTQ+ community & everyone living with HIV. Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. We will always love you. 🩷

Black and white photo of Dolly Parton smiling. Text below reads, "Remembering Dolly Parton".

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

Two photos of Dolly Parton smiling. Quote from Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings reads, "Today we lost an icon, both in entertainment and for the bold, consistent support she showed the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV. Long before it was easy or popular, Dolly Parton told our community that we belonged, and she meant it. She lent her voice and resources to the fight against HIV and AIDS, and stood up, time and again, for the community she embraced as her own, all with the humor, warmth, and grace that made the whole world fall for her. We extend our deepest condolences to Dolly’s family, her friends, and the countless fans whose lives she touched. We will always love her.”

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

At a time when our community is fighting back against a myriad of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, it’s more important than ever to know our history. Swipe to see 20 books that highlight some of the political struggles, vibrant cultures, and powerful stories that shaped LGBTQ+ history. 🏳️‍🌈

Four book covers including Transgender History by Susan Stryker, The Stonewall Reader by the New York Public Library, Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers by Lillian Faderman, and Let the Record Show by Sarah Schulman.

Four book covers including How to Survive a Plague by David France, A Queer History of the United States by Michael Bronski, We Are Everywhere by Mathew Riener and Leighton Brown, and A Black Queer History of the United States by C. Riley Snorton and Darius Bost.

Four book covers including Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett, Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg, Legendary Children by Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez, and Bi Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner.

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2mo ago

For trans youth returning to school, inclusion can look like being welcomed by fellow students, receiving support from teachers, & having the freedom to participate in activities like sports. 🏀 Swipe to hear what sports mean to 3 trans athletes. ❤️ Read more athlete stories: lambdalegal.lgbt/sports

Sports equipment with a purple overlay. Text reads, "Sports for all. Transgender athletes on what sports mean to them."

Quote from Mack Beggs, trans MMA professional, that reads, "Doing martial arts has given me the tools to be a better athlete and person everyday. Sports in general has given me the tools to be resilient and unstoppable in any situation life gives me. Sports gave me strength.”

Quote from Veronica Garcia, trans student-athlete, that reads, "I won the Class 2A girls 400-meter dash in 2024 and 2025 here in Washington state. Sports shaped me by giving me discipline, athleticism, and the ability to just make friends–which every kid should have the ability to do.”

Quote from Charlie Ferguson, trans long-distance runner, that reads, “Running became vital for me as I began to process what it meant to be trans. Running helped shape me into a strong, confident, and deeply joyful person. It makes me happy to be alive and happy to be exactly who I am.”