LGBTQ Legal Issues

Over 175 law profs protest rescinding of University of Arkansas law school deanship offer

More than 175 law professors pushed back against the University of Arkansas’ decision to reverse its offer of the law school deanship to Emily Suski, who signed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court supporting transgender student athletes.

Feb 4, 2026 9:50 AM CST

Patient awarded $2M by jury in malpractice suit over gender-care surgery

In a legal first, a jury in New York has awarded $2 million in damages to a patient who received gender-affirming surgery as a minor.

Feb 4, 2026 9:24 AM CST

Policy on trans students’ pronouns didn’t violate teacher’s rights, court says

Montgomery County Public Schools did not violate the First Amendment rights of a Christian substitute teacher by requiring her to use transgender students’ pronouns in the classroom, according to a ruling by a federal appeals court.

Feb 2, 2026 1:52 PM CST

Judges in this state aren’t required to perform same-sex marriages, top state court rules

Texas judges can decline to perform same-sex weddings because of their "sincerely held religious belief" and not be in violation of the rules on judicial impartiality, according to the Texas Supreme Court.

Jan 14, 2026 1:43 PM CST

Supreme Court appears skeptical of arguments against bans of trans athletes

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared skeptical of arguments Tuesday against state bans on transgender athletes playing on women’s sports teams and whether such laws violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.

Jan 13, 2026 2:10 PM CST

Supreme Court considers challenges to laws banning transgender participation in sports

Becky Pepper-Jackson was assigned male at birth but began transitioning to a female gender identity in third grade. Her West Virginia school district has been sympathetic, providing a gender support plan that among other things respects her chosen name and pronouns.

Jan 8, 2026 10:54 AM CST

Breaking the Stigma: Gavin Alexander shares mental health struggles to improve the profession

Gavin Alexander often tells other lawyers that success and seeking help aren’t mutually exclusive. Alexander, the Boston-based well-being director at Jackson Lewis, speaks from experience.

Jan 1, 2026 12:25 AM CST

Pro bono work is the epitome of the holiday spirit

It may a be little-known fact to those outside the legal community, but attorneys give a significant amount of time and energy over the course of a year doing pro bono work.

Dec 11, 2025 9:25 AM CST

Supreme Court won’t hear challenge to landmark gay marriage ruling

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider a challenge to its landmark 2015 decision recognizing a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

Nov 10, 2025 9:38 AM CST

Supreme Court allows Trump to end policy of self-identifying gender on passports

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end for now a policy under which people can self-identify their gender on passports, the latest in a string of decisions by the high court rolling back gay and transgender rights.

Nov 7, 2025 9:17 AM CST

Supreme Court sharply questions law banning conversion therapy

The Supreme Court sounded deeply skeptical Tuesday about a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for gay and transgender minors, suggesting the justices may scuttle the statute and similar restrictions in nearly 30 states.

Oct 7, 2025 1:28 PM CDT

Chief justice’s legacy, emergency docket, president’s power likely themes of new SCOTUS term

Three themes are likely to dominate the new U.S. Supreme Court term, which is set to begin Oct. 6, the first Monday of the month. (Despite the budgetary shutdown of the federal government, the court is expected to operate as normal on its fees and reserves—at least for now.)

Oct 2, 2025 9:53 AM CDT

LGBTQ rights lawyer faces federal indictment for testimony in ‘judge shopping’ probe

A lawyer working for an advocacy organization for the LGBTQ+ community is facing a federal indictment alleging that he made false statements while testifying in an inquiry into "judge shopping."

Sep 11, 2025 12:15 PM CDT

First Amendment likely protects student drag show at West Texas A&M, 5th Circuit says

A federal appeals court has ruled for an LGBTQ+ student group and two of its leaders who contended that their First Amendment rights were violated when officials at West Texas A&M University canceled a charity drag performance show on campus.

Aug 21, 2025 11:04 AM CDT

Fewer will qualify for student loan forgiveness under proposed new guidelines; will sanctuary jurisdictions be disqualified?

Proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program published Monday would revoke eligibility for borrowers working for nonprofit and government organizations deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose,” a term with a broad definition.

Aug 19, 2025 12:05 PM CDT