National LGBTQ+ Bar Association

With the joy of reading a great book, you sometimes get the added bonus of a passage that includes good advice on topics such as how to advocate for yourself, understand different viewpoints or provide meaningful support to others. Considering that, the ABA Journal asked lawyers for book recommendations, with attention to works attorneys and law students may find useful. M. Dru Levasseur, Director of Diversity, Equity and inclusion for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, recommended “Surviving Transphobia”, edited by Laura Jacobs - a survival guide for trans and nonbinary law students and lawyers. Dru authored a chapter: "Your Authenticity Is Your Power—Tales From a Trans Lawyer." This book is also relevant to law students and lawyers who are seeking to understand and be supportive of their trans and nonbinary colleagues. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKMpJMTg Add your recommendations in the comments!

Dear LGBTQ+ Bar community - we know that this is a week where so many of us are gathering with family members and friends to be together and to celebrate connection and gratitude. These gatherings can be healing and comforting - they can be challenging and lonely, as well. We want you to know how grateful we are to be part of such an incredible community of LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies. You and your support mean everything to us. We also acknowledge that the Thanksgiving holiday, while celebrated by many as a time of family and togetherness, is a complicated "American" story and myth, typically not told with the honesty and complexity it deserves. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gV8NNiz We recognize that November 28 is a National Day of Mourning for many Indigenous and ally people. Read more here: https://www.uaine.org/ We stand with our Indigenous LGBTQ+ and two-spirit community members and believe in telling the full and complete narratives of all people, events, and experiences.

?? Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we draw attention to the escalation of violence against women to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers. Bi, lesbian, and trans women and those living at multiple intersections of identity have the highest rates of violence. We know that systems of oppression contribute to higher rates of gender-based violence. These systems include racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism, among others. We stand in solidarity with survivors, lawyers, advocates, and allies worldwide. Watch the documentary “SURVIVOR MADE” made by the team at FreeFrom, that takes you into the lives of six dynamic survivors, each on a unique healing journey, transforming the narrative of gender-based violence from stories of pain to stories of possibility: https://lnkd.in/ebk7ggVa #noexcuse #iInternationalDayEliminationViolenceAgainstWomen

Given the upcoming administration’s anti-trans track record, our trans community is preparing for increased political and legal attacks. Whether you are single, married, parenting, or considering adoption, it’s worth taking the time for a legal “checkup.” Check out the Trans Survival Guide by our sibling legal organization, Advocates 4 Trans Equality (A4TE), to learn more about the steps can you can help you protect yourself: https://lnkd.in/eTHKXz9y

Our Trans in BigLaw Program offers law firms a chance to be visible supporters of their trans and nonbinary employees. Thank you to our Silver Sponsor, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeQbb953

Proud to support NMAC’s Coalition for Justice and Equality. National LGBTQ+ Bar Association Executive Director Anya L. was there to join the discussion with a focus on how to support the movement lawyers and workers.

Our Trans in BigLaw Program offers law firms a chance to be visible supporters of their trans and nonbinary employees. Thank you to our Silver Sponsor, Sidley. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeQbb953

Today, we honor the transgender lives taken by hate, violence, and discrimination. Transgender Day of Remembrance stands as a powerful call to action, reminding us of the urgent work needed to ensure safety, justice, and equality for all. Let us come together in solidarity and purpose, reaffirming our commitment to building a world where every transgender person is treated with dignity and empowered to live and thrive without fear. We call on our legal community and allies to stand with us, advocating for policies and protections that ensure equity and justice for transgender individuals. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR #TransRightsAreHumanRights

A message from National LGBTQ+ Bar Executive Director, Anya L., on Transgender Day of Remembrance. “In this moment of grief and remembering it is important to also honor and celebrate the fact that trans and nonbinary folks are here, we’ve always been here, and we’re never going away regardless of what legislation or policy or rhetoric is out there. That doesn’t erase our humanity or who we are or how we move through the world. Everyone deserves to live their life free from violence. Our children deserve to live long and gorgeous lives, including our trans and nonbinary children. That is what we stand for at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. We stand with our community, we stand with our members, and we stand with all of you.” #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR #TransRightsAreHumanRights

The global Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube showcase leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and smashing the ceiling for LGBTQ+ employees within global business. These inspirational leaders are paving the way when it comes to increasing representation and driving inclusion for others within the workplace. Congratulations to Foundation Past-President, Travis Torrence, Association Board member, Omar Alaniz, and Association Past-President Wes Bizzell who made the 2024 Top 100 Executives list. https://lnkd.in/e-7Pbrsd