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Lambda Legal's CEO and chief legal officer discuss what the future holds for the noted LGBTQ+ rights group.
As the leaves turn amber and fall softly to the ground, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates not only the rich tapestry of its history but also the remarkable 50-year journey of Lambda Legal, a legal powerhouse advocating for LGBTQ+ rights since 1973. During this LGBTQ+ History Month, Lambda Legal’s chief legal officer Jenny Pizer and CEO Kevin Jennings reflect on the organization’s past and future in a profound conversation with The Advocate.
Since its inception in 1973, Lambda Legal has been at the helm of pivotal legal battles, driving a tangible change in the societal and legal landscape. The organization's track record is illustrious—from winning the first HIV discrimination challenge in 1983, establishing protective measures for LGBTQ+ youth in schools, to the landmark victories in securing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Lambda Legal's tenure has been synonymous with the relentless pursuit of equality, dignity, and justice for the LGBTQ+ community and individuals living with HIV.
Lambda Legal’s fight for justice has been a balance between navigating judicial forums and engaging the public discourse.
Pizer highlighted the significance of their litigation strategy. “The impact litigation that we do is about a mechanism for telling a true story, accurate information, real experts, not junk science,” she said.
Jennings underscored the importance of being seen, noting, “The more visible we are, the more we get attacked. The more we are attacked, the more people organize and fight back.”
In light of recent onslaughts targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals, LGBTQ+ youth, and other marginalized groups within the community, Lambda Legal's leaders reiterate their unwavering commitment to combat these challenges head-on.
“Make no mistake, Lambda Legal is ready and prepared and has no illusions about the fights ahead... As we have for a half-century, we will defend them fiercely," Pizer said.
Lambda Legal’s sustained efforts continue to challenge and overturn discriminatory policies across 27 states, particularly those undermining transgender rights. The organization’s endeavors span a wide spectrum — from challenging anti-transgender healthcare rules in Florida and Texas to confronting discriminatory school sports policies in Tennessee and West Virginia. Each case underscores Lambda Legal’s unwavering resolve to uphold the rights and dignity of every member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Beyond litigations, Lambda Legal's impact reverberates through public education, community engagement, and collaborations with partner organizations. Their endeavors, including drafting statutes, training judges, and leading awareness campaigns, have transcended the courtroom to foster a more inclusive societal ethos.
With a hopeful gaze toward the future, Pizer emphasized the transformation that comes with the hard-fought battles.
“On the other side of that work has been an ability for people to have their lives and their families and a greater degree of security and participation,” she said.
Jennings shared his anticipation for the post-election landscape, albeit with a hint of trepidation.
“I’m looking forward to it being over,” fearing a “race to the bottom among right-wing candidates,” he said.
The upcoming election cycle, according to Jennings, could witness a new low in hateful rhetoric, yet he remains optimistic about the long-term societal shift, affirming, “long-term, they’re going to lose this war because as Americans come to know trans people as their neighbors, their family members, their coworkers, their classmates, fewer and fewer than will buy into these lies.”
The conversation touched on the human toll that political animosity inflicts. Pizer criticized the hypocrisy of supposedly protecting children by inflicting harm, terming it as “profound hypocrisy, perverse, perverse behavior.”
Jennings acknowledged the actual cost, sharing, “People are hurting and people are getting hurt. In the meantime, I don’t want to say in my optimism about our long-term victory that there isn’t a real cost to what’s happening right now.”
As Lambda Legal strides into its next 50 years, the spirit of advocacy remains as robust as ever. Pizer and Jennings’ dialogue exudes a firm resolve to continue the fight for justice despite the adversities ahead.
Jennings left a poignant remark on the legacy and future of Lambda Legal.
“Our opponents don’t realize that in the end, their attacks will backfire on ’em,” Jennings said. “So keep playing right into our hands because you are helping America understand that trans and non-binary people are part of the American story.”
