About Us
At Lambda Legal, we imagine a world without discrimination and inequality, and we work to achieve that vision every day. We make the case for equality in the nation’s courts and in the court of public opinion. The work we do has impact on the way all of us live—we change laws, policies and ideas.
Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to safeguard and advance the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and policy work.
We pursue impact litigation. Our legal experts select the cases that will change or interpret laws in order to have the greatest impact in protecting and advancing the rights of LGBT people and those with HIV.
We win legal victories for clients who seek equality on the job, protection for their parenting or relationship rights, equal access to health care or protection against discrimination because of HIV status. We fight for the rights of transgender people and LGBT seniors. We battle government misconduct and support of discrimination. We also represent clients in cases involving students and schools and the rights of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care.
Through our Fair Courts Project, we advocate for a fair and impartial judicial system. Our outreach program to Latino communities, Proyecto Igualdad, provides information, resources and support.
We combine our work in the courts with high-impact public education campaigns to help people exercise the rights they have and to build public support for equality.
LGBT people and people with HIV need advocates in every part of the country, and Lambda Legal’s expert staff works for equality in five offices around the country—New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. We also maintain a national network of volunteer Cooperating Attorneys. In addition, we operate a Legal Help Desk to respond directly to queries from those who seek legal information and assistance with discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
History
Lambda Legal was founded in 1973 as the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for lesbian and gay people. The government tried to keep us from opening our doors, so we became our own first client.
Legal Help Desk
Lambda Legal’s Help Desk staff respond directly to members of our communities who are seeking legal information and assistance with discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status.
