LGBTQIA+ Resources

Precedent-setting litigation and public policy advocacy on LGBT issues and issues affecting those with HIV/AIDS.

Works to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive people, and helps obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home country based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status.

National organization committed to achieving full recognition of civil rights of LGBT people and those with HIV, through impact litigation, education, & public policy work.

The LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Unit seeks to create, support, and sustain affirming and safer spaces, practices and policies for LGBTQ+ clients and staff within the organization and throughout New York City and New York State.

A Bar Association of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) legal community in the New York Metropolitan area that provides a free, walk-in legal clinic at The Center every Tuesday at 6 p.m. For referrals to an attorney by phone, leave a message stating the nature of the matter and your name and phone number.

National association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated LGBT legal organizations. Promotes justice in and through legal profession for LGBT community in all of its diversity.

Provides legal assistance and referrals to low income LGBTQ community of New York in varied areas: family law, discrimination, adoption, name and document changes, homeless shelter issues, public assistance, advance directives and wills.

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.

Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

National nonprofit civil rights organization committed to ending discrimination based on gender identity or expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.

The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL) built this platform to connect the LGBT community and allies with the attorneys in its Lawyer Referral Network.

The New York State Division of Human Rights was created to enforce the Human Rights Law, which affords every citizen “an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life.” This law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions, based on age, race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military status, and other specified classes. The mission of the agency is to ensure that " every individual . . . has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the State."

The law protects you from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, credit, and purchasing or renting a home or commercial space based on your race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, prior arrest or conviction record, gender identity or expression, familial status, lawful source of income (in housing only), retaliation for opposing unlawful discriminatory practices.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights is charged with the enforcement of the Human Rights Law, Title 8 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and with educating the public and encouraging positive community relations.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. More than seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

Information on legal rights for LGBTQ persons in the workplace, living with HIV, in court, who are transgender, or who are teens/young adults.

A guide to law requirements and strategies for handling police encounters (also offered in Spanish).