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Year: 2024

Our Voices blog

2024 Update: Now that Trump Has Been Elected, Can Our Marriage Be Undone?

Back in 2016, after Donald Trump was elected President, we wrote an update for the community responding to people’s fears that their marriages were under threat. Today, we’re seeing the same concerns again. So here’s a short update on our original post. The short answer is that there is still no realistic reason to fear that existing marriages of same-sex couples will be invalidated. The law remains as strong as it was in 2016 that if a marriage is valid when entered, it cannot be invalidated...

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On the Ballot: Arizona’s Proposition 314

Proposition 314 is on Arizona’s ballot this year – what it is and why would it be detrimental for immigrants and broader communities in the state? What’s on the bill? Proposition 314 – more commonly known as, the “Secure the Border Act” – would make it a state crime for noncitizens to cross international borders in any way, other than the official ports of entry and allow for state and local enforcements to arrest noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully. Under this...

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Home at Last: 30 years of LGBTQ Asylum

In 1994, the United States granted asylum to an individual on the basis of sexual orientation for the first time. This opened the door for LGBTQ immigrants facing persecution in their countries of origin to seek protection as refugees and asylees. Thirty years later, immigration continues to be central to our political discourse and remains a focus in the presidential election.     In response to the US allowing asylum claims from LGBTQ immigrants, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)...

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Tracking Anti-LGBTQ Legislative Bans and the challenges organizations have brought against them.

Overview: Over the past four years, attacks on hard-won LGBTQ rights have increased across the United States. From medical care, to education, to identity documents, there are few areas that have been untouched by legislative bans on constitutionally protected activity, especially for the transgender community. More than half of the states now ban healthcare and sports participation for transgender youth. The scale of these attacks has ensured that only some of the bans get challenged in court...

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The Significance of the Pink Triangle

A Dark History At the turn of the 20th century, despite the German Criminal Code banning homosexuality, Germany had a thriving LGBTQ community. In Berlin alone, there were over one hundred queer bars, cafes, clubs, and organizations. Queer publications were plentiful and LGBTQ activists fought for a more equitable society.  However, as the Nazis rose to power, hostility towards LGBTQ people – especially gay men – increased, as they considered homosexuals to be a detriment to their...

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The Biden Administration has issued important new federal regulations barring anti-LGBTQ discrimination in education and health care. 

Here’s what they mean for you. If the term “federal regulations” doesn’t feel all that relevant or interesting to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The term does perhaps sound a little dry and boring.  But, as it turns out, federal regulations are actually very important and shape many aspects of our lives, even if we’re not aware of it.  Recently, two federal agencies – the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services – issued important new...

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Join us in welcoming NCLR’s New Director of Media and Communications Malkia Hutchinson!

Malkia Hutchinson (She/Her) – Director of Media and Communications We are excited to announce that Malkia Hutchinson recently filled the position of Director of Media and Communications! She comes to NCLR after working in communications in the reproductive justice space. Get to know Malkia in this Q & A!   Where do you currently reside? Missouri City, TX (a suburb outside of Houston)  What is your educational background? I have a BA in Sociology from Cornell University and an MPA...

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Join us in welcoming NCLR’s New Senior Staff Accountant, Staci Peters!

Staci Peters (she/her) – Senior Staff Accountant Staci knew it was important that her next job make an impact, and this is drew her to NCLR. Staci says she is excited to learn more about all the great work NCLR does as she begins her position. She brings a wealth of experience in accounting to NCLR, and we are excited to have her on our team! Where do you currently reside? Fox Point, Wisconsin What is your educational background? I have an BA in Accounting and a MBA from the University...

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NCLR + Planned Parenthood Northern California Q&A

51 years ago, on January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade recognized the individual right to decide whether or not to have an abortion. Since this right was overturned in the Dobbs decision in June 2022, we’ve seen cruel abortion bans passed and even attempts to outlaw medication abortion. We know bans and restrictions on this important healthcare impact poor and working class people, rural residents, people of color, and queer folks the most.  From advocating for...

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