The Equalizer, Summer 2016

In This Issue

Diversity & Inclusion

Message from the Chair

It cannot be denied, it has been a trying time for the LGBT Community since the events that took place at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando Florida on June 12. During the month where the LGBT Community celebrates its accomplishments we were all ripped back to reality.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Our Thoughts, Our Deeds

From Stonewall to Pulse, before, in between, and right now, LGBTQ people have been and are looking for safe spaces, for places where we could be known as ourselves. On June 12th, we awoke to the reminder that our spaces are not safe.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Reflections on Orlando

The “moment” I’m speaking about here is that instant as an LGBT individual where you feel fully and personally the effects of trauma against the community. I have heard about many of these moments over the past weeks as the entire LGBT community deals with the trauma of the Pulse shooting in Orlando.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Obergefell and Transgender Marriage

Almost any writer or reporter, activist or newscaster speaks of Obergefell as a win for lesbians and gays. It goes without saying that the win was equally valuable for bisexuals who are currently in a same-sex relationship. But it also affects transgenders who are married or who will become married; thus, Obergefell must be seen as an LGBT win, not merely and LG win.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Q & A Paulette Brown, 2015-2016 ABA President

I met President Paulette Brown about a year ago, during SOGI’s annual business meeting, held at the ABA offices in Washington, D.C. Pres. Brown not only introduced herself and the plans for her term, but she also sat-in on portions of SOGI’s business meeting, making it clear that she was interested and committed to SOGI’s work and role within the ABA.

LGBTQ Attorneys

CRSJ 50th Anniversary

This year, the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Section for Civil Rights and Social Justice (“CRSJ”) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this monumental milestone, CRSJ hosted a national event at the American University Washington College of Law on April 21, 2016.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Where Right Meets Privilege

The “religious liberty” movement, best exemplified by various state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs) in recent months, has a history dating back formally several decades and informally back to the founding of the country and is preparing to change and adapt once more.

LGBTQ Attorneys

Ally Toolkit Program

Each month, the ABA Staff Diversity Council features various diverse entities and programs so that ABA staff may learn about them. In lieu of LGBT Pride month, the SOGI Commission gave an interactive and informative presentation featuring the Ally Toolkit Program

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association

The Equalizer, Summer 2016

Reflections on Orlando Tragedy

In This Issue

Message from the Chair

Our Thoughts, Our Deeds

Reflections on Orlando

Obergefell and Transgender Marriage

Q & A Paulette Brown, 2015-2016 ABA President

CRSJ 50th Anniversary

Where Right Meets Privilege

Ally Toolkit Program