TLGBQIA+ Equality

LGBQ&T Equality

The struggle of Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+ (TLGBQIA+) people for full equality is one of this generation’s most important and galvanizing civil rights movements. Despite the many advances that have been made, however, TLGBQIA+ people continue to face discrimination in many areas of their lives.

Neither Pennsylvania law nor federal statutes specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission - the government agency that enforces the commonwealth's nondiscrimination law - announced that it accepts complaints of discrimination against TLGBQIA+ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations as a form of sex discrimination.

We have had some victories in federal courts and with some federal agencies recognizing discrimination against TLGBQIA+ people as a form of gender or sex discrimination. However, the current political climate threatens those wins, charging us to continue the work for equity.

Finally, more than 70 local governments in Pennsylvania have ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

The Latest

News & Commentary
Trans pride flag with a woman speaking on stage in the background.

By Refusing to Provide Necessary Care to Trans Youth Under 19 Years of Age, Penn State Health and UPMC Are Failing Their Patients

The ACLU advocates for the legality of and access to gender-affirming care because we have a 105-year track record of fighting for equality and equity for all, especially those who have been marginalized and had their rights compromised, historically and in the present moment. 
Press Release
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ACLU-PA and Education Law Center Send Guidance to PA Schools In Response to Department of Education Threats to Cut Funding Over DEI

ACLU-PA and the Education Law Center-PA sent a letter of guidance to Pennsylvania school districts and charter schools in response to a U.S. Department of Education threat to cut federal funding to schools that implement policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Issue Areas: Racial Justice, TLGBQIA+ Equality, Student & Youth Rights
Podcast
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Getting Ready for the Challenges Ahead

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. And based on his first turn as president and his rhetoric in the campaign, we know that he and his cronies are a clear and present danger to our most basic freedoms and to democracy itself.
News & Commentary
man holding sign that reads "Immigrants Make America Great"

Eyes Wide Open About the Challenges Ahead

The ACLU of Pennsylvania is prepared for a second Trump administration, which is a clear and present danger to civil liberties, to communities we serve, and to democracy itself.
Court Case
Apr 10, 2023

Burgess v. Central Bucks School District

The ACLU of PA and the law firm LeVan Stapleton Segal Cochran LLC filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of teacher Andrew Burgess against the Central Bucks School District.
Court Case
Oct 05, 2022

Re Central Bucks School District Title IX violations

On October 6, 2022, the ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education on behalf of seven students in Central Bucks School District who allege a culture of discrimination against LGBQ&T students, particularly trans and nonbinary students.
Court Case
Jun 08, 2018

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia

Court Case
Nov 06, 2017

Williams v. Allegheny County