FreeState Justice

?? Episode 10 of Pathway to Progress is LIVE! Join Dr. Sarah A. Schmalzle, Medical Director of the THRIVE Program, as she dives into the critical issues facing HIV care today, from breaking down medical barriers to fighting stigma. Learn how Dr. Schmalzle and her team are making a difference for marginalized communities living with HIV. ?? Listen now https://lnkd.in/g9rpnZcP #PathwayToProgress #HIVCare #HealthEquity #BreakingBarriers #EndHIVStigma #LGBTQHealth #FreeStateJustice

Today, we come together to observe National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is a time to honor the strength and resilience of Native communities and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS crisis that disproportionately impacts these populations. Stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare are just a few of the barriers contributing to these disparities. To make lasting change, we must confront and dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV, listen to the words of Native advocates fighting HIV today, and offer community-driven support to reduce its impact on Native communities. To learn more about FreeState Justice's fight to decriminalize HIV in Maryland, visit mdhiv.org #EndTheStigma #HIVAIDSAwareness #FreeStateJustice

??? THIS SATURDAY! Join us on Saturday, March 22nd from 1 - 4 pm at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation (9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814) in the Fellowship Hall for a FREE legal name change and gender marker clinic! If you're looking to make your name and gender marker official, we’ve got your back. Register today https://lnkd.in/g5f77yws! ?? What you’ll need: - Birth Certificate or State-Issued ID - Maryland address for court mail Space is limited, so we encourage you to register in advance! #LGBTQIA #FreeStateJustice #TransRights #NameChangeClinic #GenderMarkerUpdate #CommunitySupport #LegalSupport #MarylandLGBTQ

??? Free Legal Clinic Alert! ??? We’re here to support you! Join us TOMORROW, Saturday, March 15th from 2 - 4 pm at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library (900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD) in the 3rd Floor Meeting Room for a FREE Legal Clinic! Whether you’re looking to update your name or just need some legal guidance, we've got you covered. REGISTER NOW by filling out our Legal Intake Form here https://lnkd.in/eWKxH9qP. Registrations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome! #legalclinic #legal #legalaid #advocacy #lgbtq #lgbt #maryland #baltimore #probono

??? New Episode Alert! ?? In Episode 9 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Melanie Reese, Executive Director of OWEL, as she shares her inspiring journey and work advocating for older individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Tune in to hear about the importance of decriminalization, the fight against stigma, and how Melanie empowers her community to live fulfilling lives. ?? Listen now and learn how Melanie dedicates her life to making a difference here https://lnkd.in/gvsVxup9! #HIVAIDS #Advocacy #LGBTQ #FreeStateJustice #Decriminalization #Podcast #NewEpisode #Maryland #Baltimore

??? FreeState Justice is here to support you! Join us on Saturday, March 22nd from 1 - 4 pm at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation (9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814) in the Fellowship Hall for a FREE legal name change and gender marker clinic! If you're looking to make your name and gender marker official, we’ve got your back. Register here https://lnkd.in/g_G9R5fX ! ?? What you’ll need: - Birth Certificate or State-Issued ID - Maryland address for court mail Space is limited, so we encourage you to register in advance! #LGBTQIA #FreeStateJustice #TransRights #NameChangeClinic #GenderMarkerUpdate #CommunitySupport #LegalSupport #MarylandLGBTQ

On National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we honor the women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, we come together to raise awareness, fight stigma, and advocate for equal access to care. Every woman and girl deserves equitable — and stigma-free — access to care, prevention, and support. Let's use today and every day to work hard for that kind of future and fight back against the discriminations that communities impacted by HIV still face today. If you would like to join the movement for HIV decriminalization, please visit https://MDHIV.org #WomenAndGirlsHIVAIDSAwareness #EndTheStigma #FightForChange #HIVDecriminalization"

Help us celebrate Joel Medina (he/him) on his promotion to Community Engagement & Development Manager at FSJ! Joel is currently the Outreach & Communications Coordinator at FSJ. Moving forward as the Community Engagement & Development Manager, he will be overseeing communications, public relations, coalition building and more to shape how the organization interacts with our community. We’re so proud of Joel and can’t wait to see his incredible impact in this new role! If you would like to support Joel and the work of our entire FSJ team providing LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the services they need, please consider making a donation here https://lnkd.in/gGgm7czs ! #promotion #job #lgbt #lgbtq #FreeStateJustice #maryland #bmore #md #advocacy #nonprofit

??? New Episode Alert! In Episode 8 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we dive into building inclusive communities for LGBTQ+ & BIPOC individuals in the fight against HIV. ???? Join experts from ViiV Healthcare, AIDS United, Safe Haven Therapy Services, Capital Ballroom Council, and more as they discuss breaking stigma and providing vital care. Listen now at the link in our bio! ?? #HIVCare #LGBTQHealth #BIPOCHealth #EndStigma #PathwayToProgress

FreeState Justice’s 2025 Legislative Tracker is live! Our MD Legislative Tracker is a way for locals to remain involved with legislative advocacy and is a great resource for advocates working on these bills. Now more than ever, it's important to remember that your voice matters. Stay tuned in to help FreeState Justice and countless other organizations fighting for change advance pro-LGBTQ+ legislation! You can find the tracker here https://lnkd.in/gGEa9mBV #LGBTQ #Maryland #LGBTQrights #resouces #advocacy