KNOW

YOUR RIGHTS

You are entitled to equal rights, dignity, and the freedom to live authentically,

regardless of your identity or background.

The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment guarantees that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws."
The right to privacy is protected under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, which prevents the government from interfering with certain private matters
The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. This protects the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to express their identity, form associations, and advocate for their rights, including:
- The right to publicly celebrate LGBTQ+ pride through events like Pride parades.
- Protection of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and their ability to challenge discriminatory laws.

The right to freely associate with others is also protected by the First Amendment. This right extends to:
- LGBTQ+ individuals’ ability to form support groups, advocacy organizations, and communities (e.g., the formation of LGBTQ+ pride events and nonprofit groups).
The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment ensures that individuals are not deprived of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This has been interpreted to include the right to marry and build a family.
Under the Equal Protection Clause, LGBTQ+ individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, and, as interpreted, this now includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Under the interpretation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, transgender individuals have the right to express their gender identity and seek gender-affirming care. Courts have struck down laws that unfairly restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare or impose undue burdens on transgender individuals

Same-sex marriage is legal across the United States, and LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples, including access to marriage benefits.
Under federal law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes hiring, firing, pay, and promotions.
You have the right to live free from discrimination in housing based on your sexual orientation or gender identity. Protections are in place to prevent landlords from denying or evicting you due to your LGBTQ+ status.
You are protected from discrimination in public spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, transportation, and retail establishments, on the basis of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people, are entitled to access healthcare without discrimination. Providers are required to offer care based on gender identity, and healthcare plans must cover gender-affirming treatments.

You have the right to express your gender identity in public, including changing your gender marker on official documents like birth certificates, driver's licenses, and passports.
The federal government recognizes hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and you are protected by laws that provide penalties for crimes motivated by bias or hatred toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have the right to adopt children and have equal parenting rights. Courts cannot deny adoption based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Transgender individuals have the right to serve openly in the military, and all LGBTQ+ individuals can serve without fear of discrimination.
Many states and localities have banned conversion therapy for minors. This harmful practice, which attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, is illegal in many parts of the country.