Research Guides: LGBTQIA+ Legal Research Guide: Organizations and Current Awareness

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Organizations

There are many organizations focused on LGBTQIA+ legal issues. Depending on the organization, researchers might find a wealth of information including multi-state surveys, reports, papers, and self-help guides.

These organizations vary from legal advocacy groups to research/policy think tanks. For any organization, look at the mission or the "about us" section to determine the purpose of the group and funding sources. While information on these sites can be very useful, be aware of any bias in their analysis--advocacy groups are advocating for a cause and think tanks might have a certain research agenda.

Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal is a national legal advocacy organization for the civil rights of the LGBT community and those living with HIV. It advocates through high impact litigation, education campaigns, and public policy work.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
National legal advocacy organization fighting discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation through litigation and advocacy work.
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
NCLR is a national legal organization that focuses on promoting the equality and human rights of the LGBTQ+ community. It provides free legal assistance and conducts community education, public policy and legislative advocacy.
The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
NCTE is an advocacy organization committed to advancing transgender equality, working at the local, state, and federal levels to change laws and policies.
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NCTE provides resource manuals and self-help guides. It also runs the Trans Legal Services Network (TLSN).
Movement Advancement Project (MAP)
MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank that produces research on equality and opportunity for LGBT+ community.
Human Rights Campaign
National advocacy organization that seeks equality for LGBTQ+ people. Well-known for its logo, the blue and yellow equal sign.
National LGBTQ Task Force
This task force advocates for freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people by mobilizing and training activists.
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
NBJC is a national civil rights organization focused on Black LGBTQ+/SGL people. Its website has research reports, toolkits, and surveys.
Transgender Law Center (TLC)
TLC is a national legal advocacy organization focused on transgender and gender nonconforming people. Their website provides information on identity documents, immigration, health, employment, prisons, youth, public accommodations, housing, etc.
OutRight Action International
OutRight is a global organization that advocates for human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people. It has been involved in important international cases and produces hundreds of reports and working papers.
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It has consultative status with the UN and serves as the secretariat of the UN LGBTI Core Group.
ACLU's LGBTQ & HIV Project
The ACLU advocates for the LGBTQ community through litigation, lobbying, public education, and organizing. Its website includes reports and information on cases and legislation.
Immigration Equality
LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrant rights organization that supports immigrants and families through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation. Select the Legal Help tab to access resources on asylum, detention, etc.

Professional Associations

The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation
The LGBTQ+ Bar is an official affiliate of the American Bar Association. Formerly known as the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association (NLGLA).
LGBT Bar Association of Oregon (OGALLA)
Oregon association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers, judges, legal workers, law students, and others.
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It supports the needs of sexual minorities and gender non-conforming people in the legal profession, and it is associated with the National LGBT Bar.
ABA's Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
This commission seeks to secure equal treatment in the American Bar Association, the legal profession, and the justice system without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.

International

OutRight Action International
OutRight is a global organization that advocates for human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people. It has been involved in important international cases and produces hundreds of reports and working papers.
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It has consultative status with the UN and serves as the secretariat of the UN LGBTI Core Group.
UN LGBTI Core Group
The United Nations LGBTI Core Group is an informal cross regional group of United Nations Member States. It advocates for the human LGBTI people, focusing on protection from discrimination and violence.
Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality
Coalition of organizations and businesses that advocates for LGBTI equality and inclusion.

Regional Organizations

There are many regional organizations that focus on LGBT law. These include BALIF (San Francisco) and Sylvia Rivera Law Project (New York City).