Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 1d

For 50+ years, we've been at the forefront of advancing LGBTQ+ students' rights.🎒

In 2013, Amber Hatcher was punished by her school for participating in @glsen.bsky.social's National Day of (No) Silence.

Learn more about Amber's win, & 3 more milestone students' rights cases: tinyurl.com/2s37vwzy

1 10

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 2d

This year, Banned Books Week falls during a time when LGBTQ+ people are being attacked for living as their authentic selves.

LGBTQ+ representation is not only important, it's necessary: our stories belong, our stories matter, and our stories deserve to be told.

Read our blog: tinyurl.com/4vrntre3

4 13

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 7d

LGBTQ+ people today are the legacy of those who dared to be. 🏳️‍🌈

Because of ACT UP activists in the '80s, leaders like Sylvia Rivera in the '60s–and so many others–we're able to fight for our community in courtrooms across the country.

To those who dared to fight for our rights, we thank you. ❤️

Purple graphic with white text that reads, "LGBTQ+ History Month: we are the legacy of those who dared to be".

11 29

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 8d

LGBTQ+ history includes the voices & contributions of Latinx people. To celebrate Latinx Heritage Month & LGBTQ+ History Month, we’re spotlighting a few of our LGBTQ+ Latinx plaintiffs whose courageous legal fights have made history. 🏳️‍🌈

Read about 6 LGBTQ+ Latinx trailblazers: tinyurl.com/muz6ptjz

1 4 14

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 13d

“This law is one that does not classify based on medical use, but targets a gender transition, which is a defining feature of transgender people.” – Nora Huppert, Lambda Legal Senior Attorney

Mo. Supreme Court hears transgender case

The latest videos from KOLR - OzarksFirst.com

www.ozarksfirst.com

5 16

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 13d

"The state wrapping these two provisions together, and ... with a law that bans the participation of trans youth in school sports really shows that the state's claimed arguments ... [are] really just a thin veil for discrimination." – Nora Huppert, Lambda Legal Senior Attorney

Missouri Supreme Court hears appeal over gender-affirming care restrictions

The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in an appeal over Missouri's law banning gender-affirming care for minors. Senate Bill 49 also bans the use of Medicaid funds for gender-affirming care and prohibits incarcerated people from receiving gender-affirming care.

www.komu.com

7 18

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 13d

Yesterday, Lambda Legal & @aclumo.bsky.social urged the Missouri Supreme Court to reverse a circuit court ruling upholding Senate Bill 49, a discriminatory law that bars trans youth from gender-affirming medical care.

Learn more ➡️ tinyurl.com/r9sxafcw
@pflag.org @glma-lgbthealth.bsky.social

Quote from Nora Huppert, Lambda Legal Senior Attorney, that reads, "Missouri’s bans violate fundamental constitutional rights that protect all Missourians."

Quote from Gillian Wilcox, ACLU of Missouri Director of Litigation, that reads, "Missouri's discriminatory ban singles out and denies transgender people access to lifesaving medical care in violation of their constitutional rights."

2 10

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 15d

This Bi Visibility Day, we’re recognizing the beautiful diversity within the bisexual+ community! 🩷💜💙

Check out these resources in honor of Bi Awareness Week:
glaad.org/biweek
biresource.org/bi-info/
stillbi.org/understandin...

3 18

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 16d

One of our attorneys is facing a serious and unjust situation. This detailed assessment by an independent journalist deserves a read all the way through.

Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 18d

Federal judges have levied an “ego-driven, petty” attack that targets a transgender civil rights attorney.

We spoke with legal journalist, @chrisgeidner.bsky.social, to discuss the importance of this case:

How federal judges put a trans civil rights lawyer under criminal investigation

An “ego-driven, petty” attack targets attorneys who fought a transgender care ban in Alabama.

www.motherjones.com

7 19

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 19d

We've played a critical role in advancing the LGBTQ+ students' rights for 50+ years. 🎒

In 1999, we & @peoplefor.bsky.social filed Colín v. Orange Unified School District. This landmark case marked the 1st time a school was ordered to allow a GSA to meet on campus.

Learn more: tinyurl.com/2s37vwzy

2 19

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 20d

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.

Honor National HIV & Aging Awareness Day by sharing this post. ❤️

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."

purple graphic with text that reads, "Sources for this post include the CDC's 2022 HIV Surveillance Report and the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law's 2024 report titled Better Integration Between HIV and Aging Systems Is Critical."

12 29

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 21d

This Latinx Heritage Month, we celebrate the vibrant intersection of Latinidad and queerness, and the many ways it has shaped our world. 🏳️‍🌈

From trailblazing activists to everyday heroes, LGBTQ+ Latinx folks are an integral part of the rich history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. ✨

Text that reads, "LGBTQ+ Latinx: Latinx history is LGBTQ+ history." Below text are photos of ten LGBTQ+ icons including Sylvia Rivera, Eric Sedeño, Liniker, Sonia Guiñansaca, Bamby Salcedo, Gloria Anzaldúa, Cecilia Gentili, Laith Ashley, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, and Wilson Cruz.

3 24

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 27d

"The court recognized that forcing inaccurate identity documents on transgender Americans causes immediate and irreparable harm," said Lambda Legal Counsel Carl Charles. "Our clients can now travel with dignity and safety while we continue fighting to overturn this discriminatory policy entirely."

Federal judge in Md. rules against White House passport policy

Lambda Legal represents transgender, nonbinary people in lawsuit

www.washingtonblade.com

3 82 350

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 28d

CASTING CALL! 📸 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
We're looking for members of our community to appear in a campaign for Lambda Legal, bringing awareness to our current legal fights.

If you'll be in NYC on Sept 16 or Sept 17, please register below and our production partners will be in touch! ⬇️

forms.gle/fahzAZkqfQYr...

7 13

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 29d

Yesterday, an indictment in the Middle District of Alabama of Lambda Legal Counsel Carl Charles was made public.

Read our statement ➡️ tinyurl.com/yvz854my

“This unjustified federal indictment is an outrageous act of governmental overreach. We stand behind Carl and all of our attorneys."

1 15 37

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · 29d

Today, a U.S. District Court ordered the U.S. Dept of State to process passport applications, with accurate sex markers, for 6 trans U.S. citizens. 👏

"This is a crucial victory for our clients and trans people nationwide." – Carl Charles, Lambda Legal Counsel

VICTORY! Lambda Legal Wins Accurate Passports for Transgender U.S. Citizens

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ordered the U.S. Department of State to process the passport applications of six transgender U.S. citizens with accurate sex markers, reflec...

tinyurl.com

85 250

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Sep 4

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.

9 20

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Sep 3

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."

50 81

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 27

For many LGBTQ+ students, reading a book with queer characters is the first time they truly see themselves and their families. These stories have power, helping young people feel less alone. 🏳️‍🌈

Here are 12 banned books you can read in support of LGBTQ+ stories. 📚 #BackToSchool #BookBans

Purple background with text that reads, "Reminder: LGBTQ+ stories belong in schools!"

1 25 61

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 25

Becky, the 15-year-old student in our SCOTUS case with @aclu.org fighting a trans youth sports ban, received this fortune cookie message:

"Your involvement in sports will inspire others to reach for their dreams."

Becky absolutely inspires us! ✊🏳️‍⚧️

Read more about Becky's case: tinyurl.com/bddrfjtv

2 30 210

Reposted by Lambda Legal

Omar GP @omargp.bsky.social · Aug 21

This does not affect the restoration of research grants ordered in GLMA v. NIH. That preliminary injunction is based on violations of the ACA and the Fifth Amendment. lambdalegal.org/wp-content/u...

3 7

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 21

Read more about our landmark case Monroe v. Foley: ⬇️

“Missouri is 1 of 3 states that singles out people with HIV when it comes to solitary confinement, according to a review of 49 states’ policies.

“The department’s HIV policy will now be changed under the terms of an Aug. 20 settlement.”

For 2,000 Days, Her Pleas From Solitary Were Ignored. Now, Missouri Is Changing Its Policy.

Honesty Bishop was attacked by her cellmate. Prison officials deemed her sexually active and kept her in isolation for more than 2,000 days.

tinyurl.com

3 14

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 21

✊ LAMBDA LEGAL WIN: Today, we reached a settlement in a landmark solitary confinement and HIV discrimination case against the Missouri Department of Corrections.

"[My sister's] courage in speaking out has created lasting changes.” – Latasha Monroe

Learn more about the case: tinyurl.com/3ej9n7be

1 24 47

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 19

Lambda Legal condemns the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s announcement that it will exclude coverage for gender-affirming care for adults from the Federal Employee Health Benefits and Postal Service Health Benefits programs beginning in 2026.

Our statement: lambdalegal.org/newsroom/us_...

Graphic with headline: “BREAKING NEWS: Lambda Legal Condemns Trump Administration’s Illegal Exclusion of Gender-Affirming Care from Government Employee Health Benefits.” Background shows a stethoscope and clipboard.

Quote graphic with text from Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Lambda Legal Counsel and Health Care Strategist: “This discriminatory policy denying medical care to government employees and their dependents is not only cruel—it is illegal. The federal government cannot simply strip away essential healthcare coverage from transgender employees while providing comprehensive medical care to all other federal workers. … We will not stand by while the federal government tramples on the civil rights of hardworking transgender public servants. Lambda Legal is exploring all options to respond to this discriminatory policy and protect the rights of transgender Americans, including those serving our country.”

3 11 26

Lambda Legal @lambdalegal.org · Aug 16

“All we want to do is live. And health care is a part of that.” – Karleigh, @translifeline.org 🏳️‍⚧️

No matter what SCOTUS says, trans youth deserve the ability to make decisions about their own medical care with the support of affirming doctors and their families — free from government interference.

25 57