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Lambda Legal

Read the latest news about Lambda Legal, one of the nation's leading nonprofits dedicated to equality litigation. Under the leadership of Kevin Cathcart, who has served as executive director of Lambda Legal since 1992, the organization has helped achieve historic victories in the fight for LGBT rights, including its argument before the Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas (2003), which established the right to sexual intimacy for gay Americans. Learn more about this gay legal organization that has also launced the Foster Care Initiative for lesbian and gay youth, as well as the Marriage Project and Transgender Rights Project.

Federal court overturns West Virginia ban transgender athletes girls sports
News

West Virginia can’t ban transgender athletes says federal court

Another court stands in the way of Republican attacks on transgender people.

Eagle Pass Texas USA Border Patrol agents migrants seeking asylum taken into custody under International Bridge
News

Advocacy Groups Warn White House of Risks to LGBTQ+ Refugee in Potential Asylum Policy Overhaul

A united front of LGBTQ+ and immigrants' rights organizations recently condemned potential changes to asylum regulations.

People living with HIV
Voices

On World AIDS Day, We Must Recommit Ourselves to Eradicating Stigma

There is much work that remains to fight stigma, especially in communities of color.

Jennifer Eller
News

Trans Teacher's Discrimination Suit Settled With Maryland School Board

For years, Jennifer Eller suffered from degrading insults within the school system where she taught because of her gender identity.

Biden
Politics

LGBTQ+ Progress Under Biden Major But Incomplete, Says New Report

Lambda Legal's analysis of the president's first year praises advancements made for LGBTQ+ Americans but recommends further actions.

Fain Martell McNemar
Transgender

West Virginians Sue Over State Ban on Gender-Affirming Health Coverage

West Virginia's Medicaid program and its state employee health plan both refuse to pay for gender-confirmation care.

U.S. army troops
News

Trump administration admits to judge it doesn’t know how many troops are trans—or why it’s banning them

“The Department of Defense does not track service members or applicants by gender identity,” DOJ lawyers told a judge in a Saturday filing.

True
military members Navy midshipman Air Force cadet denied promotions HIV status positive lawsuit Blood samples laboratory test Hand holding Red Ribbon supporting World Aids Day
Military

Two military members denied promotions for having HIV just won their lawsuit

The settlement will see that the two are commissioned as officers "in recognition of the status and military careers they qualified for and earned years ago."

Lambda Legal Jenny Pizer Kevin Jennings
News

Lambda Legal Celebrates 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy

Lambda Legal's CEO and chief legal officer discuss what the future holds for the noted LGBTQ+ rights group.

PFLAG rally
History

1973: When the LGBTQ+ Movement Caught Fire

Stonewall shook the establishment, but four years later, queer rights started to take over the mainstream.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and a gavel.
News

LGBTQ+ Groups & Florida Families Sue Over “Don’t Say Gay” Law

Lambda Legal, Southern Poverty Law Center, and others filed a suit against what they say is Florida's harmful anti-LGBTQ+ law.

medicaid
Transgender

Alaska Allows Medicaid to Cover Gender-Affirming Health Care

Following a lawsuit, the red state begrudgingly changes its policy.

The Kiviti family
Family

State Dept. Quits Fight Over Citizenship of Same-Sex Couples' Kids

The department had failed to recognize the citizenship of children born abroad to same-sex couples who are U.S. citizens.

POS Pete Hegseth Pentagon memo kick out transgender troops
News

Outrage after Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon tries to quietly move to kick out transgender troops

The Trump administration directive looking to discharge trans service members was tucked away in a court filing.

lakeview chicago lgbtq pride parade marchers and signs
News

Civil rights groups sue Trump over executive orders targeting DEI & transgender people

“President Trump, we will see you in court again, and we will beat you again,” Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings said.

HRC Equality Flags LGBTQ Rainbow Pride March
Politics

Senate Democrats urged to reject anti-LGBTQ+ measures in funding bills by coalition (exclusive)

The Human Rights Campaign and ACLU lead the charge, with 63 groups, challenging discriminatory riders in congressional budget talks.

Protest for trans rights
Law

North Carolina's Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Transgender Youth Faces Legal Challenge

A new Lambda Legal lawsuit alleges HB 808’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors violates Constitution and Affordable Care Act rights.

Race car driver Zach Herrin
Sports

NASCAR Racer Zach Herrin Wears His Gay Identity Proudly

The out motorsports contender found sponsors turning their back on him — until one of the most influential LGBTQ+ organizations took his phone call.

Jennifer C Pizer
News

Jennifer C. Pizer Named Lambda Legal's Chief Legal Officer

Pizer, who joined Lambda Legal in 1996, previously held the post on an acting basis.