Founded: 1973

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

At Lambda Legal, we imagine a different world — a world of full equality for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV — and we work to create that world every day. We pursue impact litigation, education and advocacy to make the case for equality in state and federal court, the Supreme Court and in the court of public opinion.

The work we do has impact on the way we live — we change laws, policies and ideas. From our national headquarters in New York and four regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles, our legal and public education experts select the cases and issues that will have the greatest impact in protecting and advancing the rights of LGBT people and those with HIV.

Our legal and educational work touches nearly every aspect of our lives. We win legal victories for clients who seek equality on the job, protection for their parenting or relationship rights, equal access to health care or protection against discrimination because of HIV status, sexual orientation or gender identity. We also represent clients in cases involving immigration, military service, the rights of students in school and the rights of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care. We support our work in the courts with high-impact public education campaigns to change the hearts and minds of people across the country.

We also maintain a national network of volunteer Cooperating Attorneys, which widens the scope of our legal work and allows attorneys, legal workers and law students to become involved in our program by working with our legal staff.

Lambda Legal's work ultimately benefits all people, for it helps to fashion a society that is truly diverse and tolerant. Our mission to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV status in this country has become an intrinsic part of the struggle for civil rights.

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