NCLR Leaders Panel
On Wednesday, February 19th, NCLR founder Donna Hitchens, former Executive Directors Roberta Achtenberg and Kate Kendell, along with current NCLR President Imani Rupert-Gordon, gathered in San Francisco to reflect on their experiences with NCLR. This marked the first occasion that both past and present leadership of NCLR came together. Donna, Roberta, Kate, and Imani shared their perspectives on the organization’s role and contributions to the movement, as well as their thoughts on the current state of the LGBTQ movement. The panel was moderated by Olga Talamante, a former board member of NCLR.
A Word from Imani
The past few weeks have been very difficult for our country, families, and communities.
As we continue to face unparalleled attacks on liberty and safety for LGBTQ people, and as the legal landscape continues to rapidly shift, NCLR’s vision remains clear and focused – protecting our community and responding to the dangers affecting all LGBTQ people.
While we do not have all the answers right now, we do know that our best way through is to stop, delay, and reduce harm – and that is exactly what NCLR is doing. Our legal team has been on the front lines responding to the recent executive orders and filing challenges.
Since January 20, NCLR has filed four new lawsuits, one challenging the ban on transgender people from serving in the military and three challenging President Trump’s shocking order to the Bureau of Prisons to violate the Prison Rape Elimination Act that would force all transgender women to be housed with men, with no consideration of their individual circumstances or safety. NCLR immediately filed challenges to this horrible, dangerous executive order, and because of our swift work, we were able to secure two temporary restraining orders that prevent Bureau of Prisons officials from enforcing the medication and housing portions of the executive order. This means our clients will still receive their necessary medical care and transgender women will not be moved to men’s facilities, keeping our clients and other folks safe while our cases are argued in court.
The Trump administration is determined to dismantle LGBTQ civil rights protections that NCLR has worked long and hard to achieve, and we will continue to mount legal challenges, engage in advocacy work with our partners, and ensure that the recent executive orders and proposed federal rule changes are unsuccessful.
This is a scary time, but NCLR has your back. Please use NCLR as a resource and contact our helpline if you are looking for legal advice or a referral: 415-392-6257.
Transgender Military Ban Preliminary Injunction Hearing
We are headed to court to argue for a preliminary injunction on the executive order banning transgender service members from serving in the military. If our plaintiffs are granted this preliminary injunction, the executive order will be paused until the courts decide the outcome of our legal challenge.
Black History Month
Black History Month began as Negro History Week when Carter G. Woodson created it to provide an opportunity for all Americans to understand the contributions of not just a few leaders but the depth and breadth of contributions Black people have made to this country.
We know that learning, celebrating, and honoring Black history and culture matters. Stories break down barriers, promote understanding, and reduce hate and discrimination.
Join us throughout this month as we uplift queer Black voices and perspectives that have shaped our movement and communities.
Annual Report 2024
NCLR’s latest Annual Report is here! Covering our work between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, the report details our cases, accomplishments, and financial statements from the past fiscal year. There is clearly a stark division between the government and the will of the people, and our work reflects that, but, as you’ll see from our report, inspiration is everywhere. We are in awe of what we continue to accomplish together and what is possible when those of us with a deep belief in justice refuse to back down. The fight for equality is far from over, but our commitment remains the same. Read the full report to learn more about NCLR’s impact on LGBTQ rights nationwide.
Pride in the Park 2025
NCLR’s Pride in the Park is back by popular demand! Kick off Pride Month with us on May 31!
Queer joy is an act of resistance! While we fight tirelessly against our immediate challenges, we must continue to make space for love, beauty, and solidarity. Celebrate the joy of our LGBTQ community at NCLR’s family-friendly Pride celebration, Pride in the Park.
Join us for an afternoon of great food and drink, entertainment, and activities filled with love and acceptance for all. Held at the beautiful National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park, Pride in the Park pairs the historical significance and stunning beauty of the Grove with the excitement and camaraderie of a pride party. This will be the one time to gather in San Francisco in support of NCLR this year and you don’t want to miss it! Kick off Pride 2025 with NCLR at Pride in the Park!
Pride in the Park | May 31, 2025
National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park
