LGBT
The ACLU of Northern California and the national ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project fight discrimination in Northern California and across the nation through precedent-setting litigation, public-policy advocacy, and public education.
Our goal is equal treatment and basic respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. This means even-handed treatment by government; protection from discrimination in jobs, schools, housing, and public accommodations; and equal rights for same-sex couples and LGBT families. Please click here to support the ACLU's work to advance LGBT rights.
Zero Tolerance = Zero Help
Would it surprise you to hear that almost 85% of LGBT students are verbally harassed at school? Or that 40% are physically harassed? Perhaps you’ve already heard these troubling statistics, and know that when it comes to stopping bullying, “zero tolerance” is the new catchphrase.
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Same-Sex Marriage: Why Should I Care?
Winning marriage for LGBT couples in California is essential to full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Same-sex couples deserve the same dignity and respect that heterosexual married couples enjoy. Marriage equality is a hallmark civil rights issue of our time.
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Let's Make It Better for LGBT Youth
Your Rights, Your School is the ACLU in California's contribution to the Make it Better Project, which was launched in response to tragic suicides by LGBTQ youth in recent weeks. Youth have the right to a safe and supportive school environment. No one should suffer through bullying and harassment. Don't just wait for it to get better - let's make it better together!
Your Rights, Your School: Inspired by the Make It Better Project, the ACLU's California Affiliates have released a new video on youth bullying and LGBTQ students' rights. A range of clients, youth activists, and staff remind LGBTQ youth in California that they have the right to a safe and supportive school environment. No one should suffer through bullying and harassment. Watch the video and spread the word - let's make it better together!
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Lesbian Student Teaches School District a Lesson
For Rochelle Hamilton, starting high school was the beginning of relentless harassment from teachers and school staff because she’s openly gay. One teacher told her, "You're going to hell. This is a sin." After months of asking the school and the district to intervene—to no avail—Rochelle and her mom reached out to the ACLU for help. Together, we took on the school district—and won. ACLU-NC reached a settlement with the Vallejo School District, designed to combat anti-gay harassment and discrimination at all the district’s schools.
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LGBTQ Student Rights
This guide will show you what the law says about your rights in school, allowing you and your friends to take the lead in making the future of LGBTQ students as bright and fair as possible.
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Strauss v. Horton
On Nov. 5, 2008, ACLU-NC, along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Lambda Legal, filed a writ petition in the California Supreme Court challenging the validity of Proposition 8. Proposition 8, passed by a narrow majority of California voters in the November 2008 election, purports to amend California's Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Equality California and six couples who did not marry before the election but would like to be able to marry now.
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ACLU and Mother of Seth Walsh Send a Message to Schools: Take Anti-Gay Bullying Seriously, Don't Let Another Student Take Their Own Life
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