Lambda Legal

ICYMI: This week, we filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to uphold a district court ruling in APHA v. NIH and Massachusetts v. Kennedy that vacated the Trump administration’s guidance prohibiting NIH-funding for research relating to LGBTQI+ health, transgender issues, or that is equity-related. “If a presidential administration can erase an entire field of study because it disapproves of the people being studied, then no community is safe, and no scientific field is secure,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Senior Counsel and Health Care Strategist at Lambda Legal.  Read our full statement on our website: https://lnkd.in/eXq2Z_8U 

Transgender Day of Remembrance is not just about remembrance. It is a call to action to interrogate and dismantle oppressive systems that perpetuate this violence, which disproportionately impacts Black trans women. Today and every day, we recommit ourselves to fighting for a world in which all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people can thrive. #TDOR #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransRights

It's been three years since a mass shooting claimed the lives of five people at Club Q, the LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We send our condolences to the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs, whose lives were forever changed by this horrific act of hate.  Sadly, our country's toxic mix of bigotry and easy access to firearms means that these events are all too common and our communities pay the price again and again for our political leadership’s failure to act.  We must continue to stand together to demand meaningful action to stop these senseless tragedies once and for all.

Tune in today, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT for our third annual webinar sharing our work to protect and advance transgender, gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) rights ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eQRb-Jz3  This is a critical moment for our communities. Whether you’re navigating legal challenges personally or supporting others, this session will equip you with the information you need to stay informed and empowered to challenge the attacks we are facing. *Recording will be available on YouTube after the broadcast*

NEWS: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today issued a decision broadly affirming most of a decision holding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois liable for its administration of discriminatory exclusions in self-funded plans. “The decision by the court of appeals is wide-ranging and upheld the district court’s reasoning and our arguments in critical respects. Indeed, in all but one respect we prevailed, and the court established a strong precedent about the scope of the Affordable Care Act’s anti-discrimination law, which covers third-party administrators, and the lack of defenses under RFRA in private litigation,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Senior Counsel and Health Care Strategist, Lambda Legal.  Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/ePd-WUeW 

We asked you for affirmations for trans youth and were moved by the outpouring of love we received. 💖     Now is the time to show up for trans young people and to fight against hate, misinformation, and harmful laws.     Trans youth deserve respect, celebration, and the freedom to live fully and authentically.     Let’s keep imagining and fighting for a world where that’s possible!    Share this post and comment your own affirmations below! ✍️

Meet Commander Blake Dremann: an ultra runner, St. Louis Cardinals fan, devoted dog parent, and plaintiff in Shilling v. Trump, our case against the Trump administration’s discriminatory trans military ban.  This Memorial Day Weekend, we're going beyond the uniform and highlighting the everyday lives of the trans service members at the heart of Shilling v. Trump.  For Commander Dremann and thousands of trans service members, honor isn't just a word: it’s how they live, even when faced with injustice.  Hear more “Beyond The Uniform” stories: https://lnkd.in/eWbi_YSk  Learn more about Shilling v. Trump: https://lnkd.in/eQ_7xTRM 

Nine months into Trump’s second term and the federal courts are under serious threat from a slew of new judges who are anti-civil rights and have anti-LGBTQ+ backgrounds.     Read our latest blog to learn why the harmful agenda of Trump’s judges matters for LGBTQ+ people, and what you can do to fight back. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e8XKcpGG 

Join us 11/18 at 1 p.m. ET for our 3rd annual webinar sharing our work to protect and advance transgender, gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) rights.🏳️⚧️ Tune in as we break down fast-moving developments and share the information you need to stay empowered. *Recording will be available on YouTube after the broadcast* 📅 RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/eYGCF3Xp 

“Trans people are ordinary people. We have passions, hopes, dreams, fears, doubts, and struggles.” – Dr. Christy Perez    Trans Awareness Week honors and uplifts the trans community in a time when anti-trans bigotry and political attacks are on the rise. It’s more important than ever that we listen to, learn from, and show up with compassion for trans folks.    “I want [trans people] to know that you are loved. You are important. You are worthy. You are enough.” – Monroe Alise    🏳️⚧️ Hear more trans people #SpeakOUT: https://lnkd.in/gXcnSjD4