TLGBQIA+ 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.

LGBQ&T Equality

What you need to know

2014

Marriage equality was established in Pennsylvania, making same-sex marriage legal in the commonwealth.

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.

Current Issues:

Know Your Rights:

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

ACLU of Pennsylvania Settles Teacher Suspension Lawsuit with Central Bucks School District

PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has settled a lawsuit against the Central Bucks School District over the district’s wrongful suspension of teacher Andrew Burgess in May of 2022.
Issue Areas: TLGBQIA+ Equality, Student & Youth Rights, First Amendment Rights
Court Cases: Burgess v. Central Bucks School District
Press Release

ACLU-PA Statement After House Committee Passage of TLGBQIA+ Nondiscrimination Bill

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania praised a state House committee after the passage of legislation today to include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in the commonwealth’s nondiscrimination law, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Issue Areas: TLGBQIA+ Equality
Press Release
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ACLU-PA Statement in Response to Pa. Regulation Banning TLGBQIA+ Discrimination

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission today passed a new regulation from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission defining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Issue Areas: TLGBQIA+ Equality

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Legislation
Apr 24, 2023

HB 300 | PA Fairness Act

Position: Support
Court Case
Jun 8, 2018

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia

Court Case
Apr 4, 2017

Doe v. Boyertown Area School District

Court Case
Jul 22, 2026

Stiles v. Penn State Health

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County against Penn State Health, Penn State Health St. Joseph, and the Pennsylvania State University after a hospital in the Penn State Health network abruptly canceled a gender-affirming procedure less than 24 hours before the patient was scheduled to receive their care. Administrators at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center claimed the operation went against Catholic doctrine despite regularly performing similar procedures on cisgender men and women. Penn State Health is a network of public hospitals funded in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. EJ Stiles was scheduled for a medically necessary mastectomy when the procedure was canceled by hospital administrators because the procedure was in violation of the hospital’s “Catholic doctrine." The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and attorneys’ fees on behalf of Stiles and asks the court to declare that Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center’s actions violated their rights under the Equal Rights Amendment, equal protection provisions, and religious freedom provisions of the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.