LEGAL RESOURCES
Advocates for Trans Equality @ transequality.org
Legal organization that provides trans-related organizing, legal case litigation, election endorsements, and policy lobbying throughout the country. Hosts the Trans Legal Service Network, which connects users with nearby trans-related ID assistance programs, has detailed information on updating government IDs and records, and manages the Trans Health Project (transhealthproject.org) to guide transgender individuals through health insurance and related care. Formerly known as both the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.
AIDS United @ aidsunited.org
National organization that fights HIV/AIDS-related inequality through policy lobbying to ensure more effective HIV care and treatment and nondiscrimination law.
American Bar Association @ americanbar.org
Established in 1878 as the leading organization of lawyers and law students in the United States. Maintains a Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities as part of its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and full/equal participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the ABA, legal professions, and larger society. SOGI Commission manages free toolkits, webinars, and workshops.
American Civil Liberties Union @ aclu.org
Human rights organization that has aimed “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States” since 1920. The ACLU has chapters in every state (ACLU of Illinois @ aclu-il.org) that takes on court battles and campaigns in addition to creating dozens of simplified rights info centers every year on LGBTQIA+ rights, HIV, disability, prisoners, racial justice, religious liberty, free speech, immigration, voting rights, and more.
Equality Illinois @ equalityillinois.us
Illinois-based 501(c)(4) organization that works alongside the Equality Illinois Institute, Equality Illinois Political Action Committee (PAC), and Equality Federation to advance laws and social justice for LGBTQIA+ people in Illinois through lobbying in Springfield and Washington DC. The Equality Institute focuses on educational and charitable initiatives, while the Equality Illinois PAC promotes candidates for public office.
Equality Federation @ equalityfederation.org
Advocacy and social justice capacity-building organization that supports other similar LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations in the United States. In addition to their advocacy work, they also provide resources on current pro and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.
Family Caregiver Alliance @ caregiver.org
Provides legal support and resources to family caregivers through care planning, wellness programs, consultation vouchers, and ongoing digital support through the FCA CareNav. FCA also provides in-depth information about the legal rights and concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the caregiving process.
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders @ glad.org
Provides litigation, advocacy, and educational work regarding LGBTQIA+ issues and civil rights. In addition to their legal rights info centers, GLAD also provides free, confidential legal information and lawyer referrals.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) @ glsen.org
National network that provides allyship education to American educators and students, as well as immense support for LGBTQIA+ student organizations like GSAs. GLSEN also works in policy lobbying to advance LGBTQIA+ student rights and helps K-12 schools receive LGBTQIA+ affirming books in their classrooms for free through the Rainbow Library.
GLAAD @ glaad.org
Media-focused advocacy organization that promotes acceptance in news, entertainment, and digital media. GLAAD advises news and media organizations on best practices for including and writing about LGBTQIA+ people, holding them accountable, and keeps current information about voting and elections.
Golden Rainbows of Illinois South @ goldenrainbows.org
Southern Illinois-based organization that centers on advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 50 and older, or those aging with HIV.
Human Rights Campaign @ hrc.org
Nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization, lobbies Congress on pro-equality laws, provides campaign support for federal office candidates, legal litigation, and educates the public on civil rights and discrimination issues. HRC also maintains a corporate policy index that ranks all major corporations in the country on LGBTQIA+ policies, as well as additional indexes that rank state legal rights on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Illinois Legal Aid Online @ illinoislegalaid.org
Provides free legal support and resources to individuals in Illinois - including LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as crime, traffic violations, work, school, debt, housing, immigration, and more. ILAO hosts the Form Library, which includes hundreds of regularly used forms necessary in Illinois courts and legal issues, and the Legal Self-Help Center to guide users to relevant local tools. Alongside Equality Illinois and the ACLU of Illinois, ILAO is the best authority on current LGBTQIA+ laws in the state.
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance @ ilsafeschools.org
Part of the greater Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, the Alliance promotes the safety, support, and healthy development of LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois schools. The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance provides free public education, resources, and support for youth-based organizing, and policy advocacy - including free help fighting anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination and harassment at school through their Advocacy Intake Form.
Illinois State Bar Association @ isba.org
Legal organization that connects Illinois-practicing lawyers and law students. ISBA also holds a continuing Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to educate Illinois attorney’s judges, the Association, and the general public on LGBTQIA+-related legal issues.
Immigration Equality @ immigrationequality.org
America’s leading LGBTQIA+ immigrant rights organization. Connects users with free legal resources on asylum, detention, and paths to citizenship. Immigration Equality also lobbies for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigration legislation, helps asylum seekers find pro bono attorneys, offers legal inquiries and referrals, and performs legal litigation.
International Association of LGBTQ Judges @ lgbtqjudges.org
The Association provides resources and aid to LGBTQIA+ attorneys, jurors, judges, staff people, and other individuals who may appear in courtrooms across the nation.
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association @ ilga.org
Federation of over 2,000 organizations from over 150 countries that campaign for LGBTQIA+ human rights, and has had consultative status at the United Nations since 1978. ILGA acts as a leading voice for queer rights on the international stage and advises governing powers to create equitable laws and societies where LGBTQIA+ people are safe, equal, and free.
Intersex Initiative @ intersexinitiative.org
Activist and advocacy organization for people born with intersex-related conditions. IPDX maintains recent and relevant intersex news in addition to building movements for the betterment of intersex people.
Lambda Legal @ lambdalegal.org
Also known as the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Lambda Legal is one of the largest American LGBTQIA+ civil rights organizations and has worked on court cases and litigation since 1973. Some of their biggest cases include Henkle v. Gregory, Lawrence v. Texas, and Obergefell v. Hodges. Additionally, Lambda Legal also lobbies to advise legislators about policy and creates public resources to educate the public on LGBTQIA+ issues and rights.
LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce of Illinois @ lgbtcc.com
Chicago-based organization that promotes economic opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy and resources. The Chamber promotes and connects queer Illinois businesses, regardless of size, and works alongside the Illinois legislature to create laws ensuring the equality of LGBTQIA+ businesses, and services of the overall queer community.
LGBTQ Victory Fund @ victoryfund.org
Formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the Fund is a Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated to increasing the number of out LGBTQIA+ public officials in the United States. In addition to endorsing LGBTQIA+ candidates during election season, the Victory Fund provides voters with information regarding candidate policies and platforms.
Modern Military Association of America @ modernmilitary.org
Formerly known as OutServe, MMAA is the United States’ largest LGBTQIA+ service member organization and works to expand and support the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ service members, military spouses, veterans, and their families and allies.
Movement Advancement Project @ lgbtmap.org
Independent nonprofit think tank that provides research and information for the general public on policies. The Project keeps up-to-date data on state laws on LGBTQIA+ issues as well as other major voting issues.
National Black Justice Coalition @ nbjc.org
NBJC is America's leading national civil rights organization dedicated to Black LGBTQIA+ individuals. By supporting Black individuals and communities, NBJC aims to fight both racial injustice and anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination through policy change, lobbying, and advocacy.
National Center for Lesbian Rights @ nclrights.org
The United States’ first national LGBTQIA+ legal organization was founded by women and still works today to bring justice to the most vulnerable. NCLR is a pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer organization that provides legal litigation throughout the country and serves the entire LGBTQIA+ community.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force @ thetaskforce.org
Social justice advocacy nonprofit that organizes and empowers LGBTQIA+ grassroots organizations/movements across the country. The Task Force works to organize lobbying on pro-equality legislation and ballot initiatives as well as educate welcoming and affirming religious communities through their Institute for Welcoming Resources.
National LGBTQ+ Bar Association @ lgbtqbar.org
Official affiliate of the American Bar Association made up of lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated LGBTQIA+ legal organizations to promote equality and diversity in the United States. The Association provides public resources on LGBTQIA+ “Panic” Defense laws, equal jury access, blood ban laws, and other legal information. They also partner with Black and Pink and TGI Justice Project to improve carceral housing for transgender people in America, assist in voter registration and mis/information, and bring visibility regarding the number of openly LGBTQIA+ federal judges in the country.
NMAC @ nmac.org
Formerly known as the National Minority AIDS Council, NMAC works to advance health equity and racial justice in Washington DC. In addition to partnering with the Get Out The Vote campaign, NMAC leads policy advocacy in Congress to create pro-equality legislation that centers the lives and health of those living with HIV.
Nolo @ nolo.com
Publishing company formerly known as Nolo Press produces DIY books and internet articles to guide everyday people through legal jargon and issues. Nolo is entirely free to use and exists to help people become informed enough to make their own choices. In addition to advice and information about all kinds of legal issues, including accident and injury law, disability, workers’ compensation, criminal law, traffic violations, bankruptcy, social security, taxes, wills/trusts/probate, copyrights, business law, divorce and family law, employment, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, etc - Nolo also hosts a directory of local lawyers that users can use to find experienced attorneys.
Outright Action International @ outrightinternational.org
Worldwide organization that works with partners across the globe to strengthen LGBTQIA+ rights, advocate for inclusion and equality, and document and amplify human rights violations.
Pride Law Fund @ pridelawfund.squarespace.com
The Pride Law Fund was originally founded in 1979 as the National Educational Foundation for Individuals Rights by Lambda Legal, GLAD, and other major national civil rights organizations to raise money specifically to support legal litigation. Currently, the Fund focuses on fellowship programs where it awards grant money to the next generation of LGBTQIA+ attorneys.
Queer Law Caucus @ callink.berkeley.edu/organization.QC
The Queer Caucus at Berkeley Law is a student legal organization that organizes LGBTQIA+ attorneys for public interest organizations, private firms, and government agencies to eradicate the legal, political, and social oppression of queer people.
Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center | Open Trans Legal Hours
Free public service at Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center’s community center, where in-person assistance is given to guide individuals through the legal process of changing their legal name and gender marker to fit their authentic selves.
Southern Poverty Law Center @ splcenter.org
SPLC monitors and reports hate crime organizations as a United States-based watchdog organization that seeks to ensure that the promise of civil rights to all becomes a reality. In addition to monitoring hate groups, SPLC also creates a large variety of educational material to teach the public about civil rights.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project @ srlp.org
SRLP works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. They provide direct representation for low-income transgender people and transgender people of color.
Transgender Law Center @ transgenderlawcenter.org
Trans-led advocacy organization that lobbies to change law, policy, and attitudes so that transgender people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination.
Williams Institute at UCLA @ williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu
Public policy research institute based in the University of California School of Law that focuses on sexual orientation and gender identities-based issues to inform and support legislation for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Legal organization that provides trans-related organizing, legal case litigation, election endorsements, and policy lobbying throughout the country. Hosts the Trans Legal Service Network, which connects users with nearby trans-related ID assistance programs, has detailed information on updating government IDs and records, and manages the Trans Health Project (transhealthproject.org) to guide transgender individuals through health insurance and related care. Formerly known as both the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.
AIDS United @ aidsunited.org
National organization that fights HIV/AIDS-related inequality through policy lobbying to ensure more effective HIV care and treatment and nondiscrimination law.
American Bar Association @ americanbar.org
Established in 1878 as the leading organization of lawyers and law students in the United States. Maintains a Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities as part of its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and full/equal participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the ABA, legal professions, and larger society. SOGI Commission manages free toolkits, webinars, and workshops.
American Civil Liberties Union @ aclu.org
Human rights organization that has aimed “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States” since 1920. The ACLU has chapters in every state (ACLU of Illinois @ aclu-il.org) that takes on court battles and campaigns in addition to creating dozens of simplified rights info centers every year on LGBTQIA+ rights, HIV, disability, prisoners, racial justice, religious liberty, free speech, immigration, voting rights, and more.
Equality Illinois @ equalityillinois.us
Illinois-based 501(c)(4) organization that works alongside the Equality Illinois Institute, Equality Illinois Political Action Committee (PAC), and Equality Federation to advance laws and social justice for LGBTQIA+ people in Illinois through lobbying in Springfield and Washington DC. The Equality Institute focuses on educational and charitable initiatives, while the Equality Illinois PAC promotes candidates for public office.
Equality Federation @ equalityfederation.org
Advocacy and social justice capacity-building organization that supports other similar LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations in the United States. In addition to their advocacy work, they also provide resources on current pro and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.
Family Caregiver Alliance @ caregiver.org
Provides legal support and resources to family caregivers through care planning, wellness programs, consultation vouchers, and ongoing digital support through the FCA CareNav. FCA also provides in-depth information about the legal rights and concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the caregiving process.
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders @ glad.org
Provides litigation, advocacy, and educational work regarding LGBTQIA+ issues and civil rights. In addition to their legal rights info centers, GLAD also provides free, confidential legal information and lawyer referrals.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) @ glsen.org
National network that provides allyship education to American educators and students, as well as immense support for LGBTQIA+ student organizations like GSAs. GLSEN also works in policy lobbying to advance LGBTQIA+ student rights and helps K-12 schools receive LGBTQIA+ affirming books in their classrooms for free through the Rainbow Library.
GLAAD @ glaad.org
Media-focused advocacy organization that promotes acceptance in news, entertainment, and digital media. GLAAD advises news and media organizations on best practices for including and writing about LGBTQIA+ people, holding them accountable, and keeps current information about voting and elections.
Golden Rainbows of Illinois South @ goldenrainbows.org
Southern Illinois-based organization that centers on advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 50 and older, or those aging with HIV.
Human Rights Campaign @ hrc.org
Nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization, lobbies Congress on pro-equality laws, provides campaign support for federal office candidates, legal litigation, and educates the public on civil rights and discrimination issues. HRC also maintains a corporate policy index that ranks all major corporations in the country on LGBTQIA+ policies, as well as additional indexes that rank state legal rights on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Illinois Legal Aid Online @ illinoislegalaid.org
Provides free legal support and resources to individuals in Illinois - including LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as crime, traffic violations, work, school, debt, housing, immigration, and more. ILAO hosts the Form Library, which includes hundreds of regularly used forms necessary in Illinois courts and legal issues, and the Legal Self-Help Center to guide users to relevant local tools. Alongside Equality Illinois and the ACLU of Illinois, ILAO is the best authority on current LGBTQIA+ laws in the state.
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance @ ilsafeschools.org
Part of the greater Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, the Alliance promotes the safety, support, and healthy development of LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois schools. The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance provides free public education, resources, and support for youth-based organizing, and policy advocacy - including free help fighting anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination and harassment at school through their Advocacy Intake Form.
Illinois State Bar Association @ isba.org
Legal organization that connects Illinois-practicing lawyers and law students. ISBA also holds a continuing Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to educate Illinois attorney’s judges, the Association, and the general public on LGBTQIA+-related legal issues.
Immigration Equality @ immigrationequality.org
America’s leading LGBTQIA+ immigrant rights organization. Connects users with free legal resources on asylum, detention, and paths to citizenship. Immigration Equality also lobbies for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigration legislation, helps asylum seekers find pro bono attorneys, offers legal inquiries and referrals, and performs legal litigation.
International Association of LGBTQ Judges @ lgbtqjudges.org
The Association provides resources and aid to LGBTQIA+ attorneys, jurors, judges, staff people, and other individuals who may appear in courtrooms across the nation.
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association @ ilga.org
Federation of over 2,000 organizations from over 150 countries that campaign for LGBTQIA+ human rights, and has had consultative status at the United Nations since 1978. ILGA acts as a leading voice for queer rights on the international stage and advises governing powers to create equitable laws and societies where LGBTQIA+ people are safe, equal, and free.
Intersex Initiative @ intersexinitiative.org
Activist and advocacy organization for people born with intersex-related conditions. IPDX maintains recent and relevant intersex news in addition to building movements for the betterment of intersex people.
Lambda Legal @ lambdalegal.org
Also known as the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Lambda Legal is one of the largest American LGBTQIA+ civil rights organizations and has worked on court cases and litigation since 1973. Some of their biggest cases include Henkle v. Gregory, Lawrence v. Texas, and Obergefell v. Hodges. Additionally, Lambda Legal also lobbies to advise legislators about policy and creates public resources to educate the public on LGBTQIA+ issues and rights.
LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce of Illinois @ lgbtcc.com
Chicago-based organization that promotes economic opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy and resources. The Chamber promotes and connects queer Illinois businesses, regardless of size, and works alongside the Illinois legislature to create laws ensuring the equality of LGBTQIA+ businesses, and services of the overall queer community.
LGBTQ Victory Fund @ victoryfund.org
Formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the Fund is a Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated to increasing the number of out LGBTQIA+ public officials in the United States. In addition to endorsing LGBTQIA+ candidates during election season, the Victory Fund provides voters with information regarding candidate policies and platforms.
Modern Military Association of America @ modernmilitary.org
Formerly known as OutServe, MMAA is the United States’ largest LGBTQIA+ service member organization and works to expand and support the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ service members, military spouses, veterans, and their families and allies.
Movement Advancement Project @ lgbtmap.org
Independent nonprofit think tank that provides research and information for the general public on policies. The Project keeps up-to-date data on state laws on LGBTQIA+ issues as well as other major voting issues.
National Black Justice Coalition @ nbjc.org
NBJC is America's leading national civil rights organization dedicated to Black LGBTQIA+ individuals. By supporting Black individuals and communities, NBJC aims to fight both racial injustice and anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination through policy change, lobbying, and advocacy.
National Center for Lesbian Rights @ nclrights.org
The United States’ first national LGBTQIA+ legal organization was founded by women and still works today to bring justice to the most vulnerable. NCLR is a pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer organization that provides legal litigation throughout the country and serves the entire LGBTQIA+ community.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force @ thetaskforce.org
Social justice advocacy nonprofit that organizes and empowers LGBTQIA+ grassroots organizations/movements across the country. The Task Force works to organize lobbying on pro-equality legislation and ballot initiatives as well as educate welcoming and affirming religious communities through their Institute for Welcoming Resources.
National LGBTQ+ Bar Association @ lgbtqbar.org
Official affiliate of the American Bar Association made up of lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated LGBTQIA+ legal organizations to promote equality and diversity in the United States. The Association provides public resources on LGBTQIA+ “Panic” Defense laws, equal jury access, blood ban laws, and other legal information. They also partner with Black and Pink and TGI Justice Project to improve carceral housing for transgender people in America, assist in voter registration and mis/information, and bring visibility regarding the number of openly LGBTQIA+ federal judges in the country.
- AFFILIATE CONGRESS is the governing body under the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association that references LGBTQ+ ABA attorneys. The Affiliate Congress body overseeing Illinois is LAGBAC (Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association)
- LAVENDER LAW CONFERENCE is the largest LGBTQIA+ legal conference in the United States, which has been organized and hosted by the Association since 1988.
NMAC @ nmac.org
Formerly known as the National Minority AIDS Council, NMAC works to advance health equity and racial justice in Washington DC. In addition to partnering with the Get Out The Vote campaign, NMAC leads policy advocacy in Congress to create pro-equality legislation that centers the lives and health of those living with HIV.
Nolo @ nolo.com
Publishing company formerly known as Nolo Press produces DIY books and internet articles to guide everyday people through legal jargon and issues. Nolo is entirely free to use and exists to help people become informed enough to make their own choices. In addition to advice and information about all kinds of legal issues, including accident and injury law, disability, workers’ compensation, criminal law, traffic violations, bankruptcy, social security, taxes, wills/trusts/probate, copyrights, business law, divorce and family law, employment, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, etc - Nolo also hosts a directory of local lawyers that users can use to find experienced attorneys.
Outright Action International @ outrightinternational.org
Worldwide organization that works with partners across the globe to strengthen LGBTQIA+ rights, advocate for inclusion and equality, and document and amplify human rights violations.
Pride Law Fund @ pridelawfund.squarespace.com
The Pride Law Fund was originally founded in 1979 as the National Educational Foundation for Individuals Rights by Lambda Legal, GLAD, and other major national civil rights organizations to raise money specifically to support legal litigation. Currently, the Fund focuses on fellowship programs where it awards grant money to the next generation of LGBTQIA+ attorneys.
Queer Law Caucus @ callink.berkeley.edu/organization.QC
The Queer Caucus at Berkeley Law is a student legal organization that organizes LGBTQIA+ attorneys for public interest organizations, private firms, and government agencies to eradicate the legal, political, and social oppression of queer people.
Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center | Open Trans Legal Hours
Free public service at Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center’s community center, where in-person assistance is given to guide individuals through the legal process of changing their legal name and gender marker to fit their authentic selves.
Southern Poverty Law Center @ splcenter.org
SPLC monitors and reports hate crime organizations as a United States-based watchdog organization that seeks to ensure that the promise of civil rights to all becomes a reality. In addition to monitoring hate groups, SPLC also creates a large variety of educational material to teach the public about civil rights.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project @ srlp.org
SRLP works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. They provide direct representation for low-income transgender people and transgender people of color.
Transgender Law Center @ transgenderlawcenter.org
Trans-led advocacy organization that lobbies to change law, policy, and attitudes so that transgender people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination.
Williams Institute at UCLA @ williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu
Public policy research institute based in the University of California School of Law that focuses on sexual orientation and gender identities-based issues to inform and support legislation for the LGBTQIA+ community.