The Brief
May 2026
NCLR FILES CLASS ACTION TO STOP TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM FORCING HOSPITALS TO TURN OVER FAMILIES’ CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL RECORDS
Over the past several months, the Department of Justice has been demanding hospitals across the country turn over the private medical records of transgender young people in a blatant attempt to bully and harass medical providers and families.
This month, NCLR and our partners at GLAD Law filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop this abuse, protect families, and to stand up to this shocking and dangerous abuse of federal power. The subpoenas that the DOJ has issued to at least 20 hospitals across the country demand a wide range of sensitive information, including patient dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and home addresses—as well as sensitive medical information.
Courts have already condemned these demands, stating they lack any proper investigative purpose and amount to unlawful overreach, intimidation and harassment of patients.
NCLR SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR IGNORING FEDERAL PROTECTIONS AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE IN PRISON
NCLR has sued the Trump administration for ignoring federal protections against sexual assault in prisons on behalf of our plaintiff, Paulina Poe, who is a transgender woman currently incarcerated by the Department of Justice. Poe has been propositioned, groped, sexually harassed, and assaulted by men in her facility, and has been strip-searched by male officers — experiences the Prison Rape Elimination Act regulations were designed to prevent.
Transgender people in prison are sexually abused or assaulted at nearly 10x the rate of the general prison population.
Paulina is not asking for special treatment. She is asking for the protections Congress determined more than a decade ago that every incarcerated person deserves.
- Mandatory screening of incarcerated people, including for transgender status, to assess risk of sexual victimization.
- Individualized, case-by-case housing decisions — including whether to assign a transgender person to a male or female facility — that consider the person’s health and safety as well as any management or security concerns.
- The opportunity for transgender people to shower separately.
- A prohibition on searches or physical examinations conducted for the sole purpose of determining a person’s genital status.
- Staff training on professional, respectful, and least-intrusive search and communication practices.
These are vital safeguards developed for a population at proven, extreme risk of violent assault behind bars.
“The question is not whether these women will be sexually assaulted without these important protections put in place more than a decade ago by Congress—they will—the question is how many times. The Trump administration cannot issue a memo on a whim gutting these protections. They, like anyone else, must follow the law.” ~NCLR Senior Staff Attorney Amy Whelan.
Champions for Justice
On Saturday, we gathered for Champions for Justice to celebrate and honor the plaintiffs and leaders powering our work during this critical time. We are deeply grateful to our gala guests, hosts and sponsors for making it a truly unforgettable evening fueling the future of our movement. We are thrilled to share that we raised over $400,000!
Guests had the opportunity to hear from emcee and comedian Irene Tu, and honorees including journalist and author Paola Ramos, transgender activist and former NCLR plaintiff Jazz Jennings, current NCLR Talbott v. USA plaintiff Captain Gordon Herrero challenging the Trump administration’s ban on transgender military service, and the Golden State Valkyries’ Andrea Fernandes. Deep thanks also to, President Imani Rupert-Gordon, Legal Director Shannon Minter, Senior Staff Attorney Amy Whelan and Board Co-Chairs Dulce Garcia and Karen Bowen for their powerful remarks about how NCLR is meeting this moment.
Watch this short, powerful video recapping how NCLR is fighting for our democracy and pushing back on Trump administration attacks on our community.
AN INTERVIEW WITH KERBY LYNCH, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BAY AREA LESBIAN ARCHIVES
Recently we sat down with Kerby Lynch, Board member and Interim Executive Director of the Bay Area Lesbian Archives to discuss the preservation of queer history and Directory of Dreams: Bay Area Lesbian Economies and Radical Care, 1970-1995, an exhibition currently mounted at the GLBT Historical Society Museum of archival pieces that traces the everyday labor of Bay Area lesbians who refused erasure and built community networks rooted in care, solidarity, and economic self-determination. Watch the interview to learn more about the exciting work the Bay Area Lesbian Archives is doing, and visit the GLBT Historical Society Museum to see Directory of Dreams, on view through Pride in San Francisco.
JOIN NCLR PRESIDENT IMANI RUPERT-GORDON IN THE SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE PARADE
NCLR’s President Imani Rupert-Gordon will be representing NCLR as a Community Grand Marshal in the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 28th! If you would like to march with Imani in the Parade, please register with us, and we’ll send you details to attend as they become available.
NCLR OUT LOUD
The conversations we’re starting, the stories making noise, and the posts you don’t want to miss.
The Trump administration is demanding access to the private medical records of thousands of transgender kids. Learn more about what this means and NCLR and GLAD Law’s class action lawsuit challenging these unprecedented subpoenas.
The Advocate, “Lawsuit accuses Trump DOJ of Stripping Anti-Rape Protections from Trans prisoners: The National Center for LGBTQ Rights says the Trump administration unlawfully ordered prisons to ignore federal standards protecting transgender incarcerated people from sexual violence.” by Christopher Wiggins, May 7, 2026
Jezebel with Splinter, “Federal Prosecutor in Texas Subpoenas Another State Hospital for its Trans Youth Health Care Records: The subpoena, as usual, asks for an expansive amount of information, like emails, calendar entries, and text messages. But what’s different is that this one seems to entail federal criminal charges.” by Danielle Han May 14, 2026
Los Angeles Blade, “Bureau of Prisons Declines to Reconsider Transgender Inmate Policy: Democratic lawmakers raised concerns this week, lawsuit filed.” By Joe Reberkenny May 14, 2026
Mother Jones, “New York Hospital Faces Criminal Subpoena in Texas Over Trans Youth Care: This is mafia-type behavior.” by Sophie Hurwitz May 12, 2026
The Guardian, “RFK Jr. Agenda Suffers Another Loss as Trans Advocates Hail ‘Huge Step Forward’: Judge’s repeal of Trump ban on gender-affirming care for children ‘a meaningful win for patients’, experts say.” by Melody Schreiber April 23, 2026
Friend of NCLR Cameron Esposito and her wife Katy Nishimoto Dress their Baby in Style! Get your NCLR onesie and other NCLR merchandise in our store!
Latest Issues
April 2026
NCLR’S SHANNON MINTER NAMED ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
HAPPY LESBIAN VISIBILITY WEEK! APRIL 20-26
THE CURRENT STATE OF LGBTQ FAMILY LAW VIRTUAL PANEL
NCLR LAUNCHES NEW STATE-LEVEL STRATEGY TO PROTECT CONVERSION THERAPY SURVIVORS AFTER SUPREME COURT RULING
AN EMMY NOMINATION FOR FIGHTING TO SERVE, A FILM CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NCLR AND FEATURING THE STORY OF TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN PLAINTIFF MAJOR ERICA VANDAL
NCLR PRESIDENT IMANI-RUPERT GORDON WILL TRAVEL TO BRAZIL FOR A LEADERS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
SHANNON MINTER HONORED AT DALLAS RESOURCE CENTER
WATCH THE RECORDING: VIRTUAL DISCUSSION ON NCLR’S URVASHI VAID LGBTQ WOMEN’S COMMUNITY SURVEY
NCLR OUT LOUD
March 2026
NCLR BRIEFING TO HIGHLIGHT WOMEN LEADERS AND CRITICAL DATA ON QUEER WOMEN’S HEALTH IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
BEYOND THE COURT: ENDING CONVERSION THERAPY THROUGH LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
UNPRECEDENTED AND EXTREME KANSAS LAW WOULD SUPPRESS TRANSGENDER VOTERS
NCLR FIGHTS FEDERAL HEALTH CARE RESTRICTIONS FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH
HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL INVITES NCLR PRESIDENT IMANI RUPERT-GORDON AS FEATURED SPEAKER
NCLR PRESIDENT IMANI RUPERT-GORDON TO SERVE AS SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHALL
BE A CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE MAY 16, 2026!
NCLR OUT LOUD
February 2026
Black History Month Holds the Answers to Today’s Questions
From the Desk of Senior Staff Attorney Amy Whelan
NCLR To Host LGBTQ Rights Conference For Legal Aid Advocates
The L-Fund Honors NCLR President Imani Rupert-Gordon
Champions for Justice 2026
Ways to Give
NCLR in the News
January 2026
MLK Day Message from President Imani Rupert-Gordon
Litigation/Case Updates
SAVE THE DATE! CHAMPIONS FOR JUSTICE GALA COMING MAY 2026
Say It Loud, Wear It Proud! NCLR merch for all!
NCLR in the News
Our Address has Changed
December 2025
From NCLR’s Vice President of Advancement Jennifer Bing
2025 Year in Review
Staff Highlights
In Defense of Democracy
Say It Loud, Wear It Proud! NCLR merch for all!
Supporter Shout Out
NCLR in the News
Out & About: LGBTQ Events Happening Near You!
November 2025
Courage and consistency amidst chaos
Honor our Siblings Lost
Native American Heritage Month
Litigation/Case Updates
Courage to Serve
October 2025
From the Desk of Imani
In Memorium: Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Chiles v. Salazar Argument Recap
What’s Killing Us? New Report on the State of LGBTQ+ Women’s Health
Seven Years of Rural Pride in North Dakota
Staff Highlights
Ways to Give
NCLR In the News
Out & About: LGBTQ Events Happening Near You!
Applications Open for The Advocate’s New Future of Queer Media Fellowship
September 2025
Chiles v. Salazar: What You Need to Know
Tricare Case: Preliminary Injunction Filed
Nic Talbot Op-Ed
Staff Highlights
Ways to Give
NCLR in the News
National Suicide Prevention Month
Latinx Heritage Month
Out & About: LGBTQ Events Happening Near You
NCLR Condemns SCOTUS Decision Allowing Discriminatory Enforcement Tactics
August 2025
August is Trans History Month
Transgender service members: A Double Betrayal
Marriage Equality Update
From Legal
Congrats Shauna Madison!
Congrats Helen Caroll!
Leave Your Legacy
NCLR in the News
Community Events
July 2025
SCOTUS Debrief
Remembering Andrea Gibson
A Decade of Marriage – 10 Years Since the Obergefell Decision
NCLR Joins Call for Universal Clemency
The Time is Now for an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Economic Justice Movement
NCLR’s Cross Country Pride
Imani at Ballhalla!
NCLR in the News
June 2025
New Name. New Look. Always NCLR
Our Pride – and Joy – is Revolutionary
Obergefell V. Hodges: Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage Equality Nationwide!
Pride in the Park
Transgender Servicemembers Targeted and Purged from the Military
OUTWORDS’ Initiative Shares the Stories of LGBTQ Elders from California
June 19th is Juneteenth!
Dine at Holbrook House on June 21st to Benefit NCLR!
Threads of Pride: A New Path for Queer Resistance and Empowerment
May 2025
Updates on Transgender Military Ban Cases
Kick off Pride 2025 with NCLR at Pride in the Park!
The First 100 Days: Trump’s impact on the LGBTQ community
Lesbian Week of Visibility Instagram Live
Solidarity with Workers: International Workers’ Day
20th Annual LGBTQ Families Day
LGBTQ Family Rights Talk with NCLR Staff
April 2025
NCLR Continues to Fight Against Administration’s Anti-LGBTQ Executive Orders
National Center for LGBTQ Rights LGBTQ Sports Consultant Helen Carroll Inducted into LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
Transgender Day of Visibility
Lesbian Week of Visibility Instagram Live
Virtual Briefing: The First 100 Days of the Trump Administration
Get Your Tickets for Pride in the Park!
March 2025
Women’s History Month
We Continue to Fight Against Administration’s Anti-LGBTQ Executive Orders
Supreme Court to Hear Colorado Conversion Therapy Case
The Importance of Medicare and Medicaid
No State Can Invalidate Your Marriage
Kick off Pride 2025 at Pride in the Park!
NCLR Leaders Panel Recording Available Now
February 2025
NCLR Leaders Panel
A Word from Imani
Transgender Military Ban Preliminary Injunction Hearing
Black History Month
Annual Report 2024
Pride in the Park 2025
January 2025
A heartfelt thank you to our supporters!
Save the Date: NCLR Leaders Panel
Challenging the Florida ban on transgender healthcare
NCLR Staff Speaking Engagements
December 2024
Shannon Minter on U.S. v. Skrmetti;
Florida Rural Pride Success;
LGBTQ Family + Marriage Webinar and Resource Guide;
2024 NCLR Virtual Briefing + Year in Review;
An Evening with Transgender Rights Trailblazers;
A Gift for 100% of Us
November 2024
Building Coalition: our work post-election;
Advancing Our Freedom Beyond the 2024 Elections;
Transgender Day of Remembrance;
Imani Rupert-Gordon to Join Panel of LGBTQ Leaders;
Giving Tuesday;
Supreme Court—U.S. v. Skrmetti;
Florida Rural Pride;
End-of-Year Virtual Briefing
October 2024
Florida Families File Brief Against Ban on Healthcare for Transgender Youth;
National LGBTQ Women’s Community Survey;
NCLR President spoke at University of Chicago;
Florida Rural Pride
September 2024
Victory for Transgender Kids in Arizona;
Conversion Therapy Remains Banned in Colorado;
Shannon Minter Featured in Twelve Soldiers Project;
Florida Rural Pride;
SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Healthcare Ban Case
August 2024
NCLR Continues to Fight in Oklahoma Parental Rights Case;
Massachusetts Passes Parentage Act;
SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Healthcare Ban Case;
Victory for Transgender Youth and Adults in Florida
Archive: Out for Justice (2010 – 2020)
