Guide to Legal Assistance for Gays and Lesbians

Housing & Mortgages for Gay & Lesbian Couples (Mortgageloan.com)

This guide will help to explain the different approaches that same-sex couples can take to getting a mortgage, establishing ownership of a home, and creating legal documents that anticipate any legal or property-ownership issues that might occur if the couple breaks up or one partner dies.

Immigration Equality

National organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals. Provides information on the complex U.S. immigration laws, and can provide on request a list of names of LGBT- and HIV-friendly private immigration attorneys, and evaluate your case for possible pro bono representation.

Lambda Legal

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. Lambda Legal’s Help Desk staff provide legal information and assistance to members of the community who are facing discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status. To the extent that their resources and priorities allow, Lambda Legal takes on legal representation of callers whose situations present impact litigation issues; for many others, Lambda Legal provides leads to other organizations and practical information that might help them address their problems. Web site provides a list of suggested questions to ask a prospective Attorney .

Lesbian and Gay Rights Project (ACLU)

The American Civil Liberties Union is the nation’s foremost advocate of individual rights-litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. The Lesbian and Gay Rights Project fights discrimination and moves public opinion on LGBT rights through the courts, legislatures and public Education .

National Center for Lesbian Rights

National legal resource center committed to advancing the rights and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy Advocacy , and public education. Provides many useful publications online, and can provide answers by e-mail or phone to legal questions pertaining to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDI)

National, non-profit legal services, watchdog, and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related forms of intolerance. Web site includes a Survival Guide, an online Law library , a blog, and other information.

Transgender Law and Policy Institute (TLPI)

Non-profit organization dedicated to engaging in effective Advocacy for transgender people in our society. The TLPI brings experts and advocates together to work on law and policy initiatives designed to advance transgender equality. Web site provides informational publications, case summaries, briefs, and news stories on transgender legal issues.

Transgender Law Center (TLC)

Civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC utilizes direct legal services, public policy advocacy, and educational opportunities to advance the rights and safety of diverse transgender communities.

Author: international

Mentioned in these Entries

Advocacy, Attorney, Education, Law library.