LGBTQ+ immigrants and families face unique challenges when navigating the U.S. immigration system. The incoming federal administration has announced plans to remove existing protections and intensify deportation efforts, making it more crucial than ever to understand your rights and be familiar with available resources.
On January 14, 2025, GLAD Law, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project, and Ropes & Gray hosted a discussion about our community’s rights, resources for LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers, and the immigration system.
This webinar provides legal information, not legal advice, and you should consult with an immigration expert to discuss your specific situation. Immigration law is an area of law that may change rapidly. It is important to seek up-to-date information from a trusted source, such as a reputable immigration attorney or an organization with specialization in immigration law.
Mary Bonauto to Receive Presidential Citizen Medal
Mary Bonauto, Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law)is among 20 individuals receiving the Presidential Citizens Medalin a ceremony at the White House this afternoon.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is given out to Americans who “have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”
“It is an astonishing honor to receive this recognition, and to be in the company of other incredible individuals who have had such a significant impact on the lives of Americans,” said Bonauto. “The Presidential Citizens Medal represents something fundamental: that we each have a role to play in fulfilling our country’s promises of equality, dignity, and freedom. I stand alongside so many courageous individuals who fought for the right to marry, and others across our nation who share a deep desire that all of our community members be treated with fairness and dignity. This recognition today is a testament to the profoundly positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families, and communities across our country.”
The White House described Mary’s service and contributions in a statement to the press:
Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in 奥贝格费尔诉霍奇斯案, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.
“President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others,” the White House said in the statement. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
We are thrilled to see this well-deserved recognition for Mary, and for the positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families, and communities across the country.
Tuesday, December 17 8-9:30pm EST / 5-6:30pm PST 登记
Earlier this fall, two trailblazers of LGBTQ+ advocacy, National Center For Lesbian Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter and GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights Jennifer Levi discussed their decades of experience in the movement to secure equal rights for transgender people, what’s happening across the country now, and what we can take into the work for justice ahead of us.
Join Ricardo Martinez and NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon for a virtual screening of excerpts from this insightful and inspiring conversation, followed by a live discussion with Shannon and Jennifer about the Supreme Court, other pending legal challenges, what we expect with the incoming administration, and more. RSVP today!
8 Ways to Support GLAD Law’s Work for LGBTQ+ Justice
In today’s political climate of increasing threats to our rights, many of us are asking the same question: What can I do to make a difference?
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) has fought and won against tough odds for nearly 50 years. And we aren’t backing down.
Our commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people and our families are recognized, welcomed, and protected throughout our lives has never been stronger – and neither has our resolve to find new ways forward.
But we can’t do it without you.
Ready to make an impact? Here are eight meaningful ways you can join us in the fight for justice.
1. Make a gift
Every dollar makes a difference, and there are a lot of ways to give. Become a monthly donor to make the biggest impact and help GLAD Law meet the challenges ahead!
2. Organize a fundraiser
Help spread the word about GLAD Law’s work and encourage others to donate! Host a fundraising page for a birthday, anniversary, or just because. Start a friendly competition over who can raise the most for LGBTQ+ rights. 了解更多.
3. Help host an event
Host a “friendraiser” event! You provide the event space and we’ll help with the logistics and planning. Or join the Host Committee of a GLAD Law event near you to help make it a success. Reach out for details to events@glad.org.
4. Get your workplace involved
Talk to your employer about sponsoring an event! Ask if your workplace has a matching gift program or start one to double your donation’s impact. Contact giving@glad.org 了解更多信息。
5. Join the Lawyer Referral Service
Attorneys can sign up to help provide legal counsel on LGBTQ+ issues to the thousands in need who contact GLAD Law each year. Apply to join or share with a lawyer you know!
6. Volunteer
Donate your time! Sign up to volunteer at events or help staff GLAD Law Answers, our legal information hotline.
7. Sign up for updates
Get the latest information about your rights, ways to take action, and updates on GLAD Law’s important work for equality. 立即注册, then share GLAD Law with five of your friends!
Thursday, November 14 at 5:30-6:30pm EST / 2:30-3:30pm PST Register for free: Zoom Webinar
Share your questions and join GLAD Law for a conversation about what we expect in the incoming Trump administration and state legislative sessions, what rights, protections, and resources are available now, and how we plan to keep working together to advance justice and keep our communities secure.
特色
Ricardo Martinez, Executive Director
Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights
Mary Bonauto, Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies
A Message from Organizations Committed to Advancing LGBTQIA2S+ Freedom Beyond the 2024 Elections
Our LGBTQIA2S+ community has risen again and again to meet moments that have challenged our rights, our humanity, and our freedom. Today is no different.
Ours is a long history of never backing down from a fight for our rights. United in our strength, during the most difficult of times, we have pushed forward and achieved significant progress across the decades. From the early days of the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis, to the Stonewall Uprising and HIV/AIDS activism, to achieving marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections in the workplace, to the fight for transgender rights, and beyond, we march on.
For every member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and for those who support us: We’ve got this. We’ve got us. No matter who you are, where you live, or the outcome of yesterday’s election, today we are an LGBTQIA2S+ community united. Together, across races, places, genders, and abilities, we have shown up for each other by organizing, mobilizing, and casting our ballots for the freedom to be ourselves. Our work continues.
Election outcomes at national, state, and local levels will impact our health, our safety, and our rights as LGBTQIA2S+ people and families. Despite anti-LGBTQIA2S+ efforts to divide our communities, and particularly severe attacks against transgender people and LGBTQIA2S+ youth, we have succeeded in moving a few steps closer toward equity and justice for our community. In particular, we celebrate the election of the first openly transgender person to U.S. Congress, Rep. Sarah McBride (Del.), as well as out lawmakers U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson (Texas), and State Rep. Wick Thomas (Mo.), and cementing the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in California, Colorado, and Hawaii.
Across the country, LGBTQIA2S+ organizations and advocates engaged and educated voters, made calls, sent texts, and knocked on doors to ensure every voter had the information necessary to cast a ballot. Every single conversation reflected our commitment to vote for our families, our freedoms, and our futures.
We know that so much more work lies ahead of us. Yet as an LGBTQIA2S+ movement, we will continue to work towards what we always have: a country where all LGBTQIA2S+ people are safe, seen, and accepted for who we truly are, without exception. We are here together, and we will move forward. We’ve got this. We’ve got us.
Statement from Ricardo Martinez, Executive Director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) on the results of the 2024 election:
Many of us are reeling as we process election results that are devastating for so many in our communities and for our country. But here’s what I know: Together, we are powerful, and we aren’t going anywhere.
As someone who has done this work in Texas, a microcosm of the worst-case scenario many may be imagining right now, I know that strategic resistance leads to a path forward.
The fights to come may be some of the most challenging of our lives. Election results across the country, including in New England, may mean an increase in laws that seek to limit or strip away our fundamental rights and freedoms.
But GLAD Law has fought and won against tough odds for nearly 50 years. When the last Trump administration banned transgender military service members, we fought back immediately – and won. When states have attacked LGBTQ+ youth and families, we’ve met that challenge head-on in the courts.
What comes next will require fighting on every front – from the courts and state legislatures, to countering the disinformation targeting our communities and ensuring LGBTQ+ people and people with HIV have the information they need to protect and exercise their rights.
We won’t back down. Our commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people and our families are recognized, welcomed, and protected throughout our lives has never been stronger – and neither has our resolve to find new ways forward.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders now also known as GLAD Law!
After nearly 50 years of winning precedent-setting legal victories for our community, we are excited to announce a new chapter: GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders will now also be known as GLAD Law，而不是简单地感到高兴。
We know that using our long-time acronym ‘GLAD’ has occasionally caused confusion with other organizations with similar names. We’re making the switch to GLAD 法律 not just to clear up any confusion, but to foreground our legacy of reshaping the legal landscape to advance equality for all. GLAD Law expresses our determination that LGBTQ+ people belong – in our laws, in our Constitution, and in public life.
Our mission isn’t changing. We are as committed as ever to our roots in New England and our national impact fighting discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or HIV status.
And in today’s climate of increasing threats to civil liberties, legal advocacy, and education about decisions that impact the LGBTQ+ community are more needed than ever. No matter the challenge, GLAD Law will continue to guard against growing extremism, and we will continue to fight for you.
Looking to the future, we’re eager to continue building on GLAD Law’s legacy by working in the courts, in state legislatures, and through public education to tackle emerging threats to LGBTQ+ rights and using our voice to support policies that advance and protect the rights of our community.
We’re so excited to kick off this new chapter at such a critical time. Thank you for your support and allyship as we move forward in this work – together.
Leading LGBTQ Civil Rights Litigators Shannon Minter and Jennifer Levi to Receive 2024 Spirit of Justice Award Oct. 25
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders will honor attorneys Shannon Minter and Jennifer Levi, who have long been at the forefront of the contemporary LGBTQ+ legal movement, crafting legal strategies to secure the civil rights of transgender people, successfully advocating for marriage equality and security for LGBTQ parents, establishing protections for LGBTQ+ youth, and advancing and defending nondiscrimination protections
New England-based GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ legal rights organizations, will present its 2024 Spirit of Justice Award to Shannon Minter and Jennifer Levi, two of the foremost LGBTQ+ civil rights attorneys and experts on transgender rights litigation in the country. Minter and Levi will receive the award at the annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner Oct. 25 in Boston. This event is sold out.
“As we confront significant and growing threats to the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ people, more than ever we need bold defenders of our equality and humanity in state legislatures, mobilizing in their communities, and fighting in the courts,” said Ricardo Martinez, GLAD Law’s Executive Director. “Through their visionary legal work, Shannon Minter and Jennifer Levi have secured — and continue to win — essential court victories that tangibly improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people and provide a foundation on which others in our movement have built. We’re tremendously proud to honor each of them with this year’s Spirit of Justice Award.”
Minter is Legal Director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). Levi is Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. Over legal careers spanning more than three decades, Minter and Levi have, both individually and in partnership, contributed to the development of legal strategies that have shaped the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights jurisprudence.
Minter and Levi have been long-time collaborators at the forefront of legal efforts to secure and defend the civil rights of transgender people, including early foundational victories for transgender students, establishing employment protections, and in cases laying the groundwork to ensure transgender people are protected under laws prohibiting sex discrimination. They co-led the successful legal fight against former President Trump’s 2017 transgender military ban and are currently challenging multiple state laws banning health care for transgender adolescents or restricting care for transgender adults.
In addition to their groundbreaking transgender legal rights work in litigation, legislation and public policy, they have each litigated cases securing marriage equality for same-sex couples, establishing protections for LGBTQ youth, parents, and families, and enforcing non-discrimination protections. In 1993, Minter started the nation’s first Youth Project at an LGBTQ legal organization, at NCLR. Levi litigated her first transgender rights case at GLAD Law in 1999 and formally founded the first Transgender Rights Project at an LGBTQ legal organization in 2008.
“I have had the good fortune to work side by side with Shannon and Jennifer as they have fought to advance the rights of transgender and queer people. Our movement couldn’t have come this far without the legal and policy strategies they pioneered, individually and as collaborators,” said Chai Feldblum, legal scholar, LGBTQ activist, and former Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “It has been the litigation and policy work that Jennifer and Shannon have done over the past many, many years that has provided the real protection for transgender and queer people.”
The Spirit of Justice Award Dinner is GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders’ flagship event, now in its twenty-fifth year. Past Spirit of Justice honorees include Nadine Smith, Tony Kushner, Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall, Bishop Gene Robinson, Phill Wilson, former Attorney General Eric Holder, Jose Antonio Vargas, Chai Feldblum, and Kylar Broadus. The 2023 honorees were the plaintiffs in the landmark 古德里奇v. MA DPH case that made Massachusetts the first state where same-sex couples could legally marry, in recognition of the 20日 anniversary of that historic ruling.
The 2024 Spirit of Justice Award Dinner is co-chaired by Jamie Bergeron, Gavin Alexander, and Jean-Phillip Brignol. More details are available at glad.org/events/2024SOJ
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