Our Love Will Prevail by Kate Ke N D E L L , E S Q

N E W S L E T T E R

SPRING 2005

IN S I D E : Our Love Will Prevail by Kate Ke n d e l l , E s q . Q & A with NCLR’s Legal Direc t o r Shannon Minter Page 2

Kate Kendell emcees jubilant one-year anniversary celebration under the rotunda of San Francisco City Hall

On February 12, I had the thrill and honor of Sta t e m e n t , ” drafted and joined by many of us who sta n d ing in front of 3,000 invitees to an anniv e r s a r y care so deeply about this work and our collective celebration at San Fra n ci s c o ’ s City Hall. The guests future success (read it at www.N C L R i g h t s . o r g ) . Th e in attendance were couples who had been married st atement reiterates many of the priorities for our in San Fra n c isco during what some have dubbed our movement and makes clear that retreat and retrench- “Winter of Love.” It was a raucous, wonderful, exhil- ment are not an option. As we work long and hard arating, emotional celebration and reminder of what to win marriage rights for all, we also understand an amazing time that was here in San Fra n c isco, and that marriage may not be the preferred option for of the ongoing work ahead to make the promise of many to protect their families and may be legally NCLR Gives Vo i c e those heady days real for all in our communi t y .I foreclosed in many states for some years to come. kn o w that many are dispirited and anxious about our Because we are mindful of these facts, we will also to Queer Youth in future and what lies ahead for the rights and lives of work aggressively to win civil union and domestic Foster Care Page 6 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folks in this partner protections. For 28 years we have tirelessly co u n t r y . Let me be plain: we are going to prevail de d icated ourselves to winning recognition, protec- and we will leave no one behind. tions and security for your relationship and famil y . We will be here for the next 28 if that is what it tak e s . There have been numerous conversations among my colleagues at national, state and local organiz a t i o n s While our family and relationship advocacy has re g a r d ing the challenges and opposition we face. do m inated the headlines, it is important to note that We know that we must be smart even as we push our our work on behalf of queer youth, those seeking agenda for justice forward; we know we must be asylum and immig r a t i o n ad v o c a c y , elder LGBT strategic even as we forge ahead in our quest for folks and the eradication of homophobia in the equ a l i t y . Perhaps most of all we know we must work sports world have continued and expanded. I mar- collaboratively and in coalition with others commit - vel at what we have accomplished and the depth of ted to a vision of true social justice if we are to what we continue to do every day. Our dedic a t e d succeed and sustain our victories. st aff and your committed support make our ability to change the world possible. Together we WILL I was honored to have NCLR sign on to the “Unit y achieve our dream.

On the Docket— co n t e n t s Cu r r ent NCLR Q & A with Legal Director Shannon Minter...... 2 Cases Page 8 National Advisory Board Makes Cross-Country Strides...... 3 The Impact of NCLR--Beyond the Docket ...... 4 Elder Law Project Fights the Privatization of Social Security...... 6 LE G A L L YSP E A K I N G . Shannon Minter has served as NCL R ’ s Legal Direc t or since 1996. He is widely recognized as one of the nation’s lead- LEADERSHIP IN ACT I O N ing legal minds in the compl e x arena of LGBT fam i l y law, tran s g ender law and second-parent adoption. Overh te An Interview with pa s t 12 yea r s, Shannon has litigat ed numerous grou n d b r eaking impact cases across the Uni t ed Stat es. The editor NCLR Welcomes a New Member of the Board of Directors Shannon Minter, Esq. sat down with Shannon rec e n t l y to get his persp e c t i v e on NCL R ’ s role on the national LGBT legal stage . What is the most significant legal cha l l e n g e facing the LGBT community right now? Our most Angela Brown, Esq. si g n i f icant legal cha l l e n g e is to secure basic legal prot ections for our families. This includes an Legal Director Angela is an experienced litigator with 30 years’ experience working for the District Attorney’s Office in the City and County of San en o r mous ran g e of issues, and tak es differ ent for ms in differ ent stat es. In some stat es, we are Francisco. As a Principal Trial Attorney, she handles jury trial litigation of narcotic felony offenses. Angela brings a wealth of expe- fighting for the freedom to marry. In othe r s, we have not yet won the right to keep custody of our rience volunteering for numerous community organizations. She is currently a Board Member and past Vice President of the NIA own chi l d r en or the ability to adopt chi l d r en. NCLR is unique l y positioned to meet these cha l l e n ge s . Collective, which seeks to create and provide a safe and healthy environment for the growth and empowerment of lesbians of Since NCLR was founded in 1977, our prim a r y focus has been on fam i l y law, including projects tha t African descent; her work with the NIA Collective spans nearly a decade. She is also a Past President and Board Member of the Iris focus specific a l l y on LGBT immigrants, you t h, and elders. Center Women’s Counseling Center and has served as Past Board Secretary of the Black Adoption Placement & Research Center. La te l y, NCL R ’ s work in Califor nia has gen e ra t ed headlines nationwide in the battle for LGBT She received her BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco and her JD from San Francisco Law School. equ a l i t y . How does that work fit into NCL R ’ s national scope? NCL R ’ s current wor k in Califor nia is a microcosm of many of the issues we are fighting nationally. In Califor nia, NCLR wor ked with National Advisory Board Makes Cross-Country Strides Eq uality Califor nia to draf t the Religious Freedom and Civil Marria g e Prot ection Act, and we are leading the litigation on behalf of same-sex couples seeking to marry. At the same time, NCLR is pa rt n e r ing with our colleagues to defend Californ i a ’s domestic partn e r ship law, which is under Lesley Weaver, Esq. Ligaya Amojedo at ta c k by ext r eme rightwing groups, and to urge the Califor nia Supreme Court to prot ect chi l d re n NAB Chair New York, NY bo r n to same-sex couples, rega r dless of whether those couples are married or reg i s ter ed domesti c Li g aya is curren t l y a merchant control pa rt n e r s. Both in Califor nia and nationwide, NCLR is not only fighting for marria g e equa l i t y , but The National Adv i s o r y Board (NAB) has continued its gro u n d b re a k i n g an a l yst with Ross with retail exp e r tise in also fighting to ensure that all families and chi l d r en are prote c te d . su p p l y chain, planning and distri b u t i o n On February 12, 2005, NCLR’s Shannon wor k in expanding NCL R ’ s rea c h into Ma r ria g e equality is a hot issue right now. How would winning the right to marry further the di f fer ent regions of the country. In ma n a g ement. Ligaya’s invol vement with Minter received Equality Califor n i a ’ s rights of LGBT people in this country? NCLR is committed to winning marria g e equality because the space of just one yea r , the NAB no np ro f it organizations began with the “Equality Advocate” Award for his tireless doing so is essential to securing full equality and human dignity for our community. As long as the ho s ted events in Florida, Colorad o , You t h Foundation. She has served as a advocacy on behalf of LGBT individuals, go ver nment discrim i n a t es agai n s t LGBT people by barring us from such a basic civil and human Ut ah, Texas, Minnesota, New Yor k and Califor nia. Thanks to the tea c hing pro for the Uni t ed Stat es Tennis Association, You t h Ten n i s Association and National Junior Tennis League focusing on you th , couples and families. The award recog- right, we will not be seen – or trea t ed – as equal citizens of this country. Marria g e is certai n l y not NAB, thr ee new events added to the growing list - in Denver , Los education, sportsmanship, and women athl e tes. Ligaya has been nized Shannon’s “brilliant legal work” as the only issue for our community, but our exclusion from marria g e impedes our prog ress in ever y An g eles and Broo k l yn, NY - with two more new events slated for ar ea, because it allows the gover nment to brand us as infer ior and undeserving of equal rights. the coming yea r , including NCL R ’ s fir st- e ver appearance at in vol ved with NCLR for the past thr ee yea r s. lead attorney in a lawsuit challenging the Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, Califor nia on March 26, 2005. For constitutionality of California marriage Looking back at the last ten yea r s, what significant cha n g es have you seen in the legal land- the fir st time ever , NCLR had a presence at the Empi r e Stat e Prid e Surina Khan laws, where he represents 12 same-sex scape for LGBT people? Ten yea r s ago, I would not have pred i c t ed that by 2005, so many state s Agenda annual dinner in New Yor k City, where Kat e introd u c e d and localities would have enacted laws prot ecting tran s g ender people agai n s t discrimination, tha t Long Beach, CA couples seeking the right to marry. Ki m b e r ly Guilfoyle as the guest of honor. NCLR is for ging new sa m e - s e x couples would have won the right to marry anywhere in this country, or that the Uni te d relationships with other organizations across the country, A longtime pro gre s s i ve activist and Stat es Supreme Court would have so res o u n d i n g ly have affir med our right to enter into intimate including Equality Florida and the LGBT Center in Salt Lake City. w ri te r, Surina curren t l y wor ks as a con- relationships, as it did in the Lawr ence v. Texas decision of 2004. We must not tak e these victori e s Of equal impo r tance, NAB members have continued to rea c h out s u l tant to numerous social just i c e continued on page 5 to diver se communities across the country, spreading the gospel o rganizations and foundations. Her that LGBT persons of all backgrounds and exp e r ience deserve a pr evious positions include wor king as the exe c u t i ve dire c tor of th e BO ARD OF STA F F Co u rt n e y Joslin, Esq. Via n e y Ram i re z NA TIONAL ADV I S O R Y seat at the table - and that NCLR will fight for the m . DI R E C TO R S Senior Staf f Atto rn e y CO U N C I L In te r national Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission and as a Kat e Kendell, Esq. Amanda Goad Jody Marksa m e r , Esq. res e a r ch analyst for Political Res e a r ch Associates . Kel l y Dermo d y , Esq. Exe c u t i v e Direc to r NA TIONAL ADV I S O R Y Ca r ol Alpert We are also pleased to announce the addition of four Ak aya Win d wo o d Eq ual Justice Wor ks Fel l o w Lena Ayoub, Esq. BOA R D Jo yce Hunter , DSW ne w , spectacular members to the NAB, each of whom Co - C h a i r s Staf f Atto rn e y Shannon Minter , Esq. Ph yllis Lyon and Del Martin Be tsy L. Allen, Esq. Le g al Direc to r Le s l e y Wea ver , Esq., CA Lo r y Master s brings power and excitement of her own to the mix . Yesi Leon Leanna Blanken s h i p Ch a i r Trea s u re r De velopment Assistan t Jo yce Pierso n Raq uel Matas, Esq. Miami Beach, FL Donna Ryu, Esq. Kar en Boyd Elder Law Project Coordi n a to r Rob e r ta Achte n b e r g, Esq., CA Nancy Pol i ko f f, Esq. Yesi began her career in event pro- Rut hann Robson, Esq. Fiona Martin Se c r etar y Di re c t or of Communications Tracy Powel l Li g aya Amojedo, NY duction more than seven ye a rs ago Exe c u t i v e Assistant, Florid a De n v e r , CO Do r a J. Dome, Esq. Noemi Calonje Susan Gore, Ph.D., TX w i th the creation of Pa n d o ra eve n t s , Jessica Power s VP of Devel o p m e n t Im m i g ration Project Direc to r Su r ina Khan, CA NCLR tha n k s Heller Ehrman White & Fiona wor ks for Oracle Corpo ra t i o n p roducing a wo m e n’s event once a Ev ents Manager Mc Au l i f fe LLP and Orric k, Herrin g to n Rac hel Robasciotti, FP Helen J. Carrol l Yesi Leon, FL in corp o ra te marketing. Prior to m o n th in diffe rent venues all ove r VP of Ends Homophobia in Sports Trilce Santan a Jane A. Marqua r dt, Esq., UT & Sutcliffe LLP for their gen e r ous joining Oracle, she was empl o yed as Ev ents Assistan t su p p o r t of our law clerks in 2005. Miami. In 2001, Yesi stepped into th e Pr oject Coordi n a to r Fiona Martin, CO the Direc t or of CEO Communications An g ela Brown, Esq. Dena L. Zaldúa Hilken e club ring with th ree co-pro d u c e rs to produce some of th e Kar en Doering, Esq. Eleanor Palacios, CA for Nor thP oint. She has previ o u s l y Co u rt n e y Regional Counsel, Florid a Co o rd i n a t or of Annual Giving l a rge st wo m e n’s events in the country. She also vo l u n te e rs fo r Abb y Rub e n f eld, Esq., TN The NCLR newsl et t er is published by the se r ved on the Board for the Mile- Nancy Otto Robin Galas National Center for Lesbian Rights. n u m e rous non-pro fit organization boards and committe e s LA W CLERKS Eileen Scallen, Esq., MN High You t h Corps and the HRC Board of Govern o r s. Fio n a Eleanor Pal a c i o s Di re c t or of Operat i o n s including: Aqua Girl, the White Pa rt y, Wi n ter Pa rt y, the Miami Ca r men Vaz q uez, NY Ed i to r s: Kar en Boyd and Rut h Herring mo ved to Denver from the Bay Area with her partn e r , Amanda Ces Ros a l e s Rut h Herrin g Luz Val verd e Write rs / T ran s l a to r s: NCLR Staf f G ay and Lesbian Film Fe st i val, Save Dade, and The Miami Dade Le wis. They have two chi l d re n . Ol g a Tal a m a n t e Di re c t or of Res o u r ce Devel o p m e n t Da n n et t e Nel s o n - S ay ya d Design: Six In k G ay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerc e . Ba r b a r a Zoloth, Ph.D. Get e-Upd a t e s ! To subscribe to our monthly e-mail newsletter, send an e-mail message to: NCLRUpd a t e s l i s t @ b e n j a m i n c o . c o m 3 The Impact of NCLR— Advocacy and Collaboration LE G A L L YSP E A K I N G . cont. from page 2 with Mainstream Organizations for gran t ed, or let any of them be tak en away from us thr ough our own fai l u r e to demand – and wor k for – full equa l i t y . The American Bar Association Beyond the Docket The ABA is the most influential legal organization in the country. With What do you see as the role of stat e groups in the LGBT NC L R ’ s assistance, the ABA adopted a resolution opposing attempts to mo vement? In the past, our community often has been more amend the federal constitution to prohibit same-sex couples from marrying. successful at building national LGBT groups than at building a Di r ect Services str ong netwo r k of stat e-based LGBT groups. But that is cha n g - ing rap i d l y. As a national organization, NCLR is stro n g ly Empowering individuals to assert their rights and protect their Legal Services for Children co m m i t t ed to supporting stat e leaders and to building stro n g families is an integral component of our mission. Since our Family Builders by Adoption stat e-based groups. In addition to supporting NCLR and othe r inception in 1977, NCLR has answered e-mails and phone In collaboration with top youth advocates, NCLR created the nation’s first national organizations, it is crit i c a l l y impo r tant that people also calls from tens of thousands of individuals from every part of model standards of care to improve the lives of LGBT youth in the foster gi v e money and support to their stat e and local LGBT grou p . the country. In 2004 we served more than 4,500 clients. care and juvenile justice systems. We are now advocating with key service providers throughout the state of California to better address the Ho w does being grounded in a lesbian fem i n i s t persp e c t i v e af fect NCL R ’ s approa c h to its legal work? NCLR serves all Three out of five requests for assistance (59%) pertained to harassment of LGBT youth in foster care. people in our community – lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, family law, which includes marriage, parenting (adoption and and tran s g ender people. Having a lesbian fem i n i s t persp e c t i v e custody), and relationship recognition. Eleven percent (11%) Wom e n ’ s Sports Foundation shapes our wor k in many ways. We stri v e to wor k collabora- related to employment and housing discrimination. U.S. Olympic Committee ti ve l y and to help other organizations grow stro n ge r . We Black W om e n ’ s Coaches Association focus on the connections betw een sexism, racism, and In addition to litigating the cases on our legal docket, NCLR Top officials at the U.S. Olympics are using materials developed by NCLR homophobia. And we try to prio r itize the issues with the creates a powerful impact on our clients, the legal communi- and the Wom e n ’ s Sports Foundation in their programs to address homo- mo s t immediate impact on people’s lives – whether that be ty, and the mainstream culture: phobia. For the first time at their national conference, the Black Wom e n ’ s helping parents keep custody of their chi l d r en, helping LGB T Coaches Association addressed the links between racism and homophobia. people who are seeking asylum or trying to stay in this country to be with their life partn e r s, helping you t h who are being 1. We provide direct service free of charge to more than NCLR and the Wom e n ’ s Sports Foundation organized and led this dis c u s s i o n . 4,500 clients each year in all 50 states through our advice ha r assed or abused in schools or juvenile detention fac i l i t i e s , helping LGBT elders who are being discrim i n a t ed agai n s t in and counseling hotline, and to thousands more through American Society on Aging reti r ement facilities, or helping LGBT pris o n e r s who are not conference presenta t i o n s . National Council on Aging pe rm i t t ed to hug their partn e r s on visiting days. American Geriatrics Society 2. We provide significant legal advocacy outside the courtroom NCLR was a lead player in developing the first-ever programming, From where do you draw inspiration? I am most inspired by advising other attorneys throughout the country, helping with the American Society on Aging’s LGBT group, at various national by the ability of LGBT people to build community and to care for our partn e r s and our chi l d r en in the face of trem e n d o u s write key policies and legislation, and convening practice- conferences of these premier organizations of mainstream elder service ho s tility on the part of the courts and the gover nment. Wit h area experts nationwide to strengthen the work of lawy e r s providers. We continue to advocate for inclusiveness at the national, few exce p tions, even when the law does eve ry thing within its around the country on LGBT issues. regional, and local levels. po wer to tear our families apart, we do not give up on each ot her or our chi l d r en. 3. We collaborate with numerous progressive and mainstream American University Washington College of Law or g a n izations to create far-reaching national and state policy For the first time ever, we convened 25 of the nation’s foremost LGBT Who are your heroes? My heroes are activists like Del Marti n and Phyllis Lyon, who had the courag e to speak out on behalf changes that increase legal protections for all LGBT people family law attorneys to share new legal strategies that are proving most of lesbians and gay men in the 1950s, during an ext re m e l y and move our socie t y ’ s major institutions toward greater effective in their states. This group has created a network to communi c a t e co n s e r vat i v e and punitive era. We need more of that inclusion of LGBT people. throughout the year. co u ra g e tod a y.

NCLR is a national, lesbian-feminist, non-profit law firm with headquarters in San Francisco, and regional offices in Making a Diffe re n c e I cannot thank you enough for the time that you spent with me on the St. Petersburg, Florida and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to create a world in which every lesbian can live fully, phone during my “emotional meltdown.” I felt so alone, and had no free from discrimination. Through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, public education, collaboration with Letters like these make it all wor t h w hi l e . idea where to turn … Although there is a road ahead of me in this other social justice organizations and activists, and direct legal services, we advance the legal and human rights of les- matter, I feel more optimistic. Although it may have seemed small to bians, gay men, and bisexual and transgender individuals across the United States. Each year we serve more than We are both strong, proud and successful business women you, your help that day was enormous. It’s nice to find that there are 4,500 clients in all fifty states. NCLR prioritizes serving those who historically have been marginalized: lesbians, who are finding the current political climate rather intimi- still caring people in this world. immigrants, low-income people, lesbians of color, youth, elders, and transgender individuals. dating. Just knowing your team is out there fighting on our behalf is somewhat soothing. Please know that our spirit has Thank you to everyone who has supported me in all my battles. Every Co n t act Us National Offic e F l o ri d a Regional Offic e Was h i n g t on, D.C. Regional Offic e been sque l c hed a bit, but not totally discouraged. This is kind thought sent my way carried me through the tough times and (4 15) 392-6257 [T] 870 Market Stre e t, Suite 370 3150 5th Avenue Nor th 1325 Massachu s e tts Avenue NW due to organizations such as yours, who are willing to con- continues to sustain me. The work you do for all of us touches many (4 15) 392-8442 [F] San Francisco, CA 94102 Su i t e 325 Su i t e 600 (800) 528-6257 St. Pete rs b u rg, FL 33713 Was h i n g t on, D.C. 20005 tinue the good fight! Thank you for your relentlessness! lives and is amazing. w w w. N C L R i g h t s. o r g in fo @ NC L R i g h t s . o r g 4 5 NCLR also provides direct rep re s e n t ation to LGBT immigrants in impa c t humanos inter nacionales, y Noemi Calonje, quien tiene más de diez años de cases, as well as providing assistance to priva t e attorn e ys rep re s e n t i n g Noticias de Nuetros exp e r iencia como activista defen s o r a de los inmigran t es LGB T . Par a todos aque - Pr oject Updates LGBT immigrants in proceedings befor e the Immigration Court, Board llos que buscan asilo o que ya son asilados en el Área de la Bahía de San of Immigration Appeals, and Fed e r al Court of Appeals. NCL R ’ s Pro y e c t o s Francisco, el NCLR acompaña a sus clientes a las agencias estat ales y agencias no Im m i g ration Project is staf fed by attorn e y Lena Ayoub, who has lu c ra t i v as las cuales les ayudan a obtener difere n t es rec u r sos como estamp i l l a s de comida, asistencia médica y entren a m i e n t o para obtener trab a jo, prop o rc i o - Homophobia in Sports Project exte n s i v e exp e r ience in the areas of immigration law and intern a t i o n a l Proyecto Contra la Homofobia en nando muy a menudo servicios de interp r ete (Ingles-Español) lo que es human rights law, and Project Direc t or Noemi Calonje, who has more ext re m a d a m e n t e necesario en estos casos. than ten yea r s’ exp e r ience as an advoc a t e for LGBT immigrants. For los Deportes as y lum seeker s and asylees in the San Francisco Bay Area, NCLR also Atl e tas mundiales participan con el NCLR (Centro Nacional de Derech o s ac c o m panies clients to stat e and non-prof it agencies that help the m Lésbicos) en tal l e r es patrocinados por Olivia Cruises para combatir la homo- Proyecto Juvenil ob t ain food stam ps, medical care, and job training, often provi d i n g fobia: (de izqui e r da a derec ha) Jenny McNaulty (a favor del fútbol Americ a n o NCLR (El Centro Nacional de Derec hos Lésbicos) esta tomando un lideraz g o mu c h-needed Spanish translation servi c e s . pro f esional), Rosie Casals (a favor del tenis prof esional); Diana Nyad (Rec o r d Ol í m pico Actual de natación a distancia); Nat alie Williams (Medalla de Oro nacional en los esfuerzos para cambiar el sistema discrim i n a to r io hacia la ju v entud LGBT en adopción temp o r al (fos ter care). Hace poco apoyamos en la Ol í m pica de baloncesto prof esional); Rosie Jones (a favor del golf profe s i o n - pro m u l g ación de una nueva ley en Califor nia que provee a la juventud LGBT en Youth Project al); Helen Carroll (Coordi n a d o r a del Proyec t o de Deportes de NCL R ) . adopción temp o r al ciertos derec hos legales – la prim e r a ley de este tipo en tod o NCLR is taking a national Una prio r idad prim o r dial del Proyec t o de Deportes de NCLR es asistir en la el país. Estamos colaborando con el Califor nia You t h Connection (Conexi ó n le a d e r ship role in cha n g i n g cr eación de una regl a m e n t ación gen e r al para todas las categorías en los Ju v enil de Califor nia) y el Out of Home You t h Adv ocacy Council (Concilio de Apoyo Wor ld-class athl e tes parti c i p a t e with NCLR at a panel, sponsored by the system that discrim i n a te s de p o r tes, ya sea prof esional, aficionado o colegial. Par a lograr ese fin, el pa r a Jóvenes Fue r a de Casa) para entrenar a los provee d o r es a través del estad o Olivia Cruises and Res o r ts, discussing the advances of women and aga i n s t LGBT fos ter you t h. We pe r sonal del NCLR, del Women Sports Foundation (Fundación de las Mujeres pa r a cerci o ra r nos de que esta nueva ley se cumpla. Con nuestr a ayuda, la juven - lesbians in sport: (l-r): Jenny McNaulty (pro ofo tball), Rosie Casals helped pass a new Californ i a en Deportes) y del National Collegiate Athl e tic Association (Asociación tud LGBT en adopción temp o r al esta rom piendo el silencio por prim e r a vez. Ellos (p r o tennis), Diana Nyad (Olym pic rec o r d holder, distance swimmer), han empezado a hablar sobre el maltrat o que reciben a manos de los empl e a d o s , la w to give LGBT fos ter you t h Nacional Atlética Colegial) están participando en un comité con The Ladies Nat alie Williams (Olym pic Gold Medalist, pro basketball), Rosie Jones de los servicios que se les niegan, sobre como los encierran y las golpizas que le g al rights – the fir st such Pro f essional Golf Association (Asociación Prof esional del Golf de Damas) y el (p r o golf), Helen Carroll (NCLR Sports Project Coordi n a to r ) . Pro f essional Golf Association (Asociación Prof esional de Golf) refe re n t e a la reciben a mano de otros jóvenes. Estamos llevando sus voces a todos aque l l o s la w in the country. We are pa r ticipación de golfis tas tran s e xuales en tor neos en los Estados Uni d o s . quienes son responsables por for mular nuevas reg las y quienes tienen el poder no w collaborating with the A top prio r ity of NCL R ’ s Sports Project is to help crea t e inclusive poli- Rem y, Danielle, Kira, Captain, & Darryn — Cabe mencionar que modelos de regl a m e n t os ejempl a r es exi s ten en Aust ra l i a pa r a impl e m e n t ar los cambios requ e r idos por la ley. Ca l i fo r nia You t h Connection cies in prof essional, amateu r , and collegiate sports of all kinds. To tha t for mer or current LGBT ofs ter you t h speak- con la British Ladies Golf Union (Unión de Damas Brit ánicas en Golf) y tam - and the Out of Home You t h En el fren t e nacional, continuamos trab a jando direc ta m e n t e con el Legal Servi c e s end, staf f members from NCLR, the Wom e n ’s Sports Foundation, and ing out for their rig h t s bién en el European Prof essional Women Golf Tour (Gira Europea de Golf Adv ocacy Council to trai n Pro f essional de Mujeres). Mianne Bagger es la prim e r a atleta tran s e xual que for Children (Servicios Legales para los Niños) para impl e m e n t ar los modelos the National Collegiate Athl e tic Association are serving on a commit- es tan d a r izados para el cuidado de la juventud LGBT en el sistema estat al. Como pr ovi d e r s across the stat e to make sure it is enfor ced. Wit h our help, LGB T ha sido invi t ada a participar en todos estos países y NCLR se mantiene en tee that is advocating with the Ladies’ Prof essional Golf Association pa r te de este esfuerzo, también estamos trab a jando en asociación con el Child co n ta c t o con ella. and the Prof essional Golf Association to allow tran s s e xual golfer s to fos ter you t h are breaking the silence for the fir st time about how the y Wel fa r e League of America (Asociación Americana del Bienestar Infantil) la pa rt i c i p a t e in tou r naments in the Uni t ed Stat es. Model policies now ar e mistre a t ed by staf f, denied services, put in isolation, and beaten up También prop o r cionamos rep re s e n t ación legal a los atletas y entren a d o re s . or ganización más grande y res p e tada que trab a ja para defender la niñez de este exi s t in Aust r alia, with the British Ladies’ Golf Union, and on the by other you t h. NCLR is bringing their voices to the policymaker s who Por ejemplo, Merry Stephens se comunicó con el NCLR rec i e n te m e n te . país. Con la ayuda de CWLA deseamos publicar los están d a r es en su serie de “Guía Eu r opean Prof essional Wom e n ’s Golf Tou r . Mianne Bagger is the fir st ha ve the power to make the cha n g es now requ i r ed by law. Me r ry es una entren a d o r a de baloncesto en la escuela de secundaria del de las Mejores Practicas”. Esta publicación prop o rc i o n a r á dirección concreta y las he r ram i e n t as necesarias que permi t i r án que las agencias de justicia juvenil y tra n s e xual athl e te to be invi t ed to parti c i p a t e in all of these countrie s , pe q ueño pueblo de Boomburg, en Texas. A ella la habían despedido de On the national front, we continue to wor k closely with Legal Services for su trab a jo debido a su orie n t ación sexual a pesar de su exp e d i e n t e or ganizaciones que trab a jan para el bienestar del niño en todo el país sirvan a la and NCLR is in close tou c h with her. Ch i l d r en to implement model stan d a r ds of care for LGBT you t h in stat e exce p c i o n a l m e n t e bueno como entren a d o r a. Los abogados del NCLR la ju v entud LGBT y sus familias de una manera res p e tuosa, compe ten t e y justa. ca r e. As part of this effor t, we are also wor king closely with the Child rep re s e n ta r on en la corte. En San José, Califor nia, estamos ayudando a We also provide legal rep re s e n t ation to athl e tes and coaches. For Alicia Pe rz a rro, una mucha c ha de 13 años de edad, quien fue expulsada exam ple, NCLR rec e n t l y rec e i v ed a call from Merry Stephens, a high Wel fa r e League of America, the larges t and most res p e c t ed child advoc a - cy organization in the country. Negotiations are underway with CWLA to de su equipo local de softball por uno de los entren a d o r es por ser perci b i d a Proyecto de Legislación para sc hool basketball coach in the tiny rur al town of Bloomburg, Texas . como lesbiana. También estamos recomendando firm e m e n t e a la Amateu r publish the stan d a r ds in their “Best Practice Guidelines” series. This pub- She was fir ed from her job based on her sexual orie n t ation despite a So f tball Association (Asociación de Softball No- P ro f esional) que adopte Personas de la Tercera Edad lication will provide concrete guidance and tools that will enable chi l d stellar rec o r d as a coach. NCLR attorn e ys are now rep r esenting her in una regl a m e n t ación anti-discrim i n a to r ia. La ASA gobierna no solamente a Llamado a todas las lesbianas boomers (personas nacidas entre 1946 y 196 4 ) : wel fa r e and juvenile justice agencies around the country to serve LGB T co u r t. In San Jose, Califor nia, we are helping Alicia Perz a r ro, a 13- los equipos, sino también a las univer sidades y las olimpiadas en los ¡Ú nanse al Proyec t o de Legislación de Per sonas de Terc e r a Edad del NCL R yea r -old girl who was rem o ved from the local softball club team by the you t h and families res p e c t f u l l y, compe ten t l y, and fai r ly. Es tados Unidos por lo cual una victor ia aquí tendría implicaciones que (C e n t r o Nacional de Derec hos Lésbicos) para luchar contra la priv atización del co a c h because she was perce i v ed to be a lesbian. We are also urgi n g ab a r can mucho más. Se g u r o Social! He c hos: Las mujeres mayor es de 75 años de edad evidencian el the Amateur Softball Association to adopt non-discrimination policies. Elder Law Project ni v el más alto de pobreza que cualquier otro grupo en los Estados Unidos; el The ASA gover ns not only club teams, but also univer sities and the Pr oyecto de Inmigración pr omedio mensual de beneficios para las mujeres es de $775 (compa r ado a los $1 ,080 que osten t an los hombres); recibir los beneficios del Seguro Social es un U.S. Olym pics, so a victor y here would have far- re a c hing implications. Calling all lesbian boomers: Join the NCLR Elder Law Project to fig h t Desde el inicio de nuestr o Proyec t o de Inmigración en 199 4, NCLR (El Centro requ i s i t o previo para recibir el Medicare – la fuente principal de seguro de salud the priv atization of Social Securit y ! The facts: women over 75 alrea d y Nacional de Derec hos Lésbicos) ha prop o r cionado una ayuda legal grat u i t a a pa r a personas mayor es de 65 años de edad. Debemos luchar y levan t ar nuestra s ha ve the highest pover ty level of any group in the U.S.; the avera g e ni v el nacional a miles de inmigran t es de la comunidad LGBT y ha asistido a voces ahora mismo para pres e r var la red de seguridad social que ha exi s tido Immigration Proj e c t mo n th l y benefit for women is $775 (as compa r ed with $1,080 for men); mu c hos en la obtención de visas y asilos. Debido a que la ley fed e r al tod av í a desde el New Deal (prog ramas culturales establecidos por la presidencia de receiving Social Security benefits is a prere qu i s i t e to be eligible to rec e i v e no reconoce a las parejas bi-nationals (bi-nacionales) para prop ó s i t os de Franklin Delano Roo s e l vet). Debemos revelar y aclarar el mito de que el Seguro Since the inception of our Immigration Project in 199 4, NCLR has Me d i c a r e – the prim a r y source of health insurance for those 65 and older. in m i g ración, muchos de nuestr os clientes están desesperados por encontrar Social esta en bancarrot a. NCLR esta colaborando con el National Committee to pr ovided free legal assistance to thousands of LGBT immigran t s We must stand str ong and raise our voices now to pres e r ve the social una manera de permanecer en este país para continuar con sus parejas. Por Pre s e r ve Social Security (Comité Nacional para la Pres e r vación del Seguro Social) na t i o n wide, and has helped many to obtain visas or to win asylu m . sa f ety net that has exi s ted since the New Deal. We must expose the myth medio de nuestr a línea nacional de asistencia y consultas y nuestr as clínicas y el grupo LGBT de la American Society on Aging (Sociedad Estadounidense sobre Because fed e r al law still does not recognize bi-national couples for that Social Security is bankrup t. NCLR is collaborating with the Nat i o n a l mensuales grat u i t as en el Área de la Bahía de San Francisco, asistimos a que el Envej e c i m i e n t o), el National Gay and Lesbian Task For ce (Coalición Nac i o n a l Lé s b i c a / G a y), el Senior Action in a Gay Envi r onment (Per sonas de la Terc e r a Edad im m i g ration purposes, many of our clients are desperat e to find a Co m m i t t ee to Pres e r ve Social Securit y , the LGBT group of the Americ a n in m i g ran t es LGBT entiendan sus visas, las aplicaciones de asilo, la excl u s i ó n way to stay in this country to remain with their partn e r s. Throu g h del VIH, las estra t egias y prácticas legales para las parejas bi-nacionales. Act i v as en un Medio Ambiente Gay) y muchas otras organizaciones para infor mar y So c i e ty on Aging, the National Gay and Lesbian Task For ce, Senior Act i o n mo vilizar a nuestr a comunidad. Estamos organizándonos para enviar a un rep r e- our national advice and counseling service, as well as thr ough free NCLR también provee rep re s e n t ación direc t a de inmigran t es LGBT en casos de in a Gay Envi r onment, and many other organizations to educate and mobi- imp a c t o positivo para toda la comunidad. También asistimos a abogados pri- se n ta n t e LGBT a la Confer encia sobre el Envej e c i m i e n t o de la Casa Blanca que mo n th l y clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area, we help LGBT lize our community. We are organizing to have an LGBT delegat e at the fal l vados que están rep re s e n t ando inmigran t es LGBT en proc e d i m i e n t o fren t e a tom a r a lugar este otoño. Este tema ten d r á alta prio r idad en esta confer encia. Por im m i g rants understand visas, asylum claims, the HIV exclusion, Wh i t e House Confer ence on Aging where this will be a top issue. Please see la Corte de Inmigración, El Tribunal de Apelaciones de Inmigración y la Corte favor revise las páginas del Proyec t o de Legalización de Per sonas de Edad Avan z a d a and legal and practical st ra tegies for bi-national couples. the Elder Law Project pages of NCL R ’ s web site (www.NC L R i g h t s . o rg / p r o- Fed e r al de Apelaciones. El proyec t o de inmigración esta compu e s to de Lena en la página web de NCLR (http://www.n c l ri g h t s . o rg / p ro j e c t s / e l d e rl a w.h t m ) je c t s / e l d e rl a w.htm) for education tools and links to other organizations. Ayoub, abogada de exp e r iencia amplia en el área de inmigración y derech o s donde podrá obtener mater iales educativos y enlaces de otras organ i z a c i o n e s . 6 7 Rep re s e n t ed by NCLR and the law fir m of In re Parentage of L.B. Su p r eme Court, in its fir st decision involv i n g Or ric k, Herrin g t on & Sutcliffe LLP, the Washington a lesbian or gay parent, held that Idaho On th e Do c k e t Bu t l e r s filed a lawsuit challenging this Appeal pending co u r ts may not base child custody decisions di s c ri m i n a to r y policy under Califor nia law, on a paren t ’s sexual orie n t ation but ref u s e d The National Center for Lesbian Rights works to achieve equality for lesbian, ELDER wh i c h prohibits businesses from discrim i n a t - Sue Ellen Carvin and her for mer partn e r , Pag e to overt u r n the trial court decision, stat i n g gay, bisexual, and transgender people in courts across the nation. Our advice ing on the basis of sexual orie n ta t i o n . Bri t ain, wer e in a committed relationship for that it could have been based on other and counseling service—providing free assistance to callers from across the Sheila Ortiz-Taylor and Joy 12 yea r s. They had a child tog ether in 199 5 fac to r s. The court has allowed the chi l d r en country and technical assistance to attorneys—is a key component of NCLR’s Lewis v. Westminster Oaks Elisa B. v. Superior Court and raised her tog ether for six yea r s until in this case to suffer by being depriv ed of Retirement Community California the y separat ed in 2001. Carvin was the chi l d ’ s co n t act with a loving and devot ed fath e r . litigation program. In addition to litigating impact cases through direct rep- Fl o r i d a Appeal pending pri m a r y caretake r . After their separat i o n , resentation and amicus (friend of the court) briefs, NCLR joins in briefs on VI C TO R Y! Settlement rea c h e d Bri t ain cut off all contact betw een Carvin and Lisa W. v. Carolyn W. Elisa and Emily wer e in a committed rel a - the child. When rep e a t ed effor ts to wor k out Georgia issues of importance to lesbians that are authored by other organizations, and tionship for more than six yea r s. In 199 8 , NCLR clients Sheila Orti z - Taylor and Joy Lewi s a vol u n ta r y settlement failed, Carvin brou g h t Appeal pending serves as co-counsel with firms at both the trial and appellate levels. the y had twins, using an anonymous sperm rea c hed a confidential settlement with a lawsuit to prot ect her relationship with the do n o r . One of the twins has Down ’s syn- Lisa W. and Carol yn K. W. wer e in a committed Attorneys interested in providing pro bono assistance may contact NCLR Pre s by te r ian Reti r ement Communities, Inc., child. This case is curren t l y befor e the dr ome and requ i r es rou n d - th e - c l o c k medical relationship for eight yea r s. In 1995, the y Executive Director, Kate Kendell, Esq. a national chain of reti r ement communities. Was h i n g t on Supreme Court. Carvin is ca r e. After the chi l d r en wer e born, Emily had a child tog ether using altern a t i v e insemi- Jo y and Sheila filed a lawsuit alleging tha t rep re s e n t ed by the Nor thwe s t Wom e n ’s Law stayed home and cared for them, and Elisa nation. After Lisa and Carol yn separat ed in Higgs v.Kolhage West m i n s ter Oaks, the Pres by te r ian reti re m e n t Ce n te r . NCLR and Lambda filed a frie n d - o f - MARRIAGE & was the prim a r y wag e earne r . 2002, Lisa visited the child on a regular basis. co m m u n i t y , discrim i n a t ed agai n s t them based the - c o u r t brief, with the assistance of Seattle Fl o r i d a In 2003, however , Lisa was for ced to file a RELATIONSHIP on their sexual orie n t ation. Fol l o wing the at to rn e y Jamie D. Ped e r sen of Pres ton Gates When Elisa and Emily separat ed, Elisa la wsuit after Carol yn refused to permit Lisa to se ttlement, Joy and Sheila said that the y & Ellis LLP. RECOGNITION NCLR is rep r esenting six same-sex couples and even t u a l l y cut off all financial assistan c e ha ve any further contact with their chi l d . wer e looking for war d to being part of the Eq uality Florida, a stat ewide LGBT education and contact with the twins, and Emily was NCLR and Lambda Legal filed an am i c u s bri e f West m i n s ter Oaks community and wer e pleased Burch Woo v. Lockyer and advocacy organization, in a lawsuit seek- for ced to apply for public assistance. The ar guing that Lisa must be permi t t ed to that PRC has made clear that all qua l i fi e d West Virginia Ca l i f o r nia Superior Court ing marria g e equality for same-sex couples in County of El Dorado filed a child support pre s e r ve her relationship with the child. applicants have equal access to its facilities. Appeal pending Case filed March 12, 20 0 4 Fl o r ida. All six couples wer e turned away by action agai n s t Elisa, and a trial court fou n d VI C TO RY ! the Clerk of the Court’s office when the y trie d that Elisa is a legal parent and must pay Wood v.Wood to apply for a marria g e license. Local attorn e y Tina Burch and Chris tine D. Smarr, a lesbian child support. Florida/Colorado On March 14, 2005, San Francisco Superio r Alan Eckstein is co-counsel in the suit. couple, lived tog ether for many yea r s and had two chi l d r en tog ethe r . When Christ i n e VICTORY! Co u r t Judge Richa r d Kramer issued a favor - NCLR now rep r esents Emily befor e the died, Christ i n e ’s parents tried to obtain able ruling in NCL R ’ s marria g e equality case Knight v. Davis Ca l i fo r nia Supreme Court. Atto rn e y General NCLR rep r esents Hannah Wood in a Florid a cu s tody of one of the chi l d r en, over Tin a ’s on behalf of Equality Califor nia, Our Fam i l y Thomasson v. Davis Bill Locky er and the County of El Dorado are child custody case agai n s t her for mer part- str ong objection. The trial court rej e c t ed the Coalition and 12 same-sex couples. Judge Ca l i f o rn i a asking the court to hold that same-sex cou- ne r , Courtn e y Wood. Hannah and Courtn e y gran d p a re n t s ’ attem pt, but an appellate Kr amer ruled that excluding same-sex VI C TO R Y! – Appeal pending ples who have chi l d r en tog ether are both had a child tog ether using altern a t i v e co u r t rever sed, holding that Tina had no couples from marria g e unconsti t u t i o n a l l y le g al parents. insemination. After the couple separat ed, a right to custod y , even though she has d i s c ri m i n a tes on the basis of gen d e r , in Shortly af ter AB 205—the California Co l o r ado court gran t ed Hannah visitat i o n pa re n t ed the child his entire life. NCLR and violation of the equal prot ection clause of Domestic Partner Rights and wi t h the couple’s daughter . Courtn e y fled the Angela G. Lambda Legal filed an am i c u s br ief in the the Califor nia Constitution, and also uncon- Responsibilities Act of 2003—was signed stat e with their daughter and filed an action Jo y Lewis and Sheila Orti z - Taylo r California case. Tina is rep re s e n t ed by James Wil s o n sti t u t i o n a l l y depriv es lesbians and gay men by former Governor Davis, two extremist in Florida, seeking a ruling that Hannah has Appeal pending Do u g las of Sutton, Wes t Virg i n i a . of the fundamental right to marry. NCLR is rightwing groups (the Proposition 22 Legal no paren t al rights. Rep re s e n t ed by NCL R lead counsel in the case. Our co-counsel are Defense and Education Fund and the PARENTING An g ela G. and Dindi W., a lesbian couple, at to rn e y Kar en Doering, Hannah successfully Lambda Legal; the ACLU; Stephen V. Bomse, McGriff v. McGriff Campaign for California Families) filed had a child tog ether in 1998. After the cou- ar gued that Colorado, not Florida, had Ri ch a r d DeNat ale, Chris Stoll, and Ryan Adoption.com Idaho lawsuits seeking to prevent the law from ple separat ed in 2000, Angela continued to ju r isdiction over the case. NCLR cooperat i n g Tac o r da of Heller Ehrman White & McAul i f fe Ca l i f o rn i a Partial victory going into effect. The rightwing groups ha ve regular visitation and to provide chi l d at to rn e y Kyle Vel t e is rep r esenting Hannah in LLP; David C. Codell of the Law Office of claimed that AB 205 violates Proposition New case the Colorado action. su p p o r t. In 2003, after Dindi arbitra ri ly cut NCLR rep re s e n t ed Theron McGrif f, a gay Da vid C. Codell; and Clyde J. Wad s wo r th and 22, a law that prevents California from hon- of f all contact betw een Angela and the fat her in Idaho who lost joint legal and Dena L. Narbaitz of Stee f el, Levitt & Wei s s . oring the marriages of same-sex couples Ado p tion.com, the larges t adopti o n - re l a te d child, Angela filed for custod y . The tria l ph ysical custody of his two chi l d r en because Hedberg v. Detthow NCLR Legal Direc t or Shannon Minter pre- from other jurisdictions. NCLR is helping to In te rn e t business in the Uni t ed State s , co u r t denied Angel a ’s petition, holding tha t of his sexual orie n t ation. Theron and his Maryland se n t ed oral arguments to Judge Kramer on defend AB 205 on behalf of 12 same-sex refused to accept an application from Rich a lesbian co-parent does not have stan d i n g ex- w i f e shared custody of their chi l d r en until Appeal pending December 22 and 23, 2005. San Fran c i s c o couples and Equality California. Our co- and Michael Butler, a same-sex couple who to requ e s t custody or visitation with a chi l d Th e r on became invol ved with a male partn e r , City Atto rn e y Dennis Herrer a is also cha l - counsel are David C. Codell of the Law Office ha ve been tog ether eight yea r s and who NCLR, Lambda, and Maryland attorn e y Susan that she jointly brought into the wor ld and at which point an Idaho trial court gran te d lenging Californ i a ’s discrim i n a to r y marria g e of David C. Codell, the ACLU, and Lambda sought to post their prof iles on one of Silber of Silber & Per lman rep r esent Ulf co - p a re n t ed. NCLR is rep r esenting Angela in the mothe r ’s requ e s t to give her sole custod y . la ws, in a case that has been consolidated Legal. This case is currently before the Ado pt i o n . c o m ’ s web s i t es. A compa n y He d b e r g, a gay fat her in Maryland who is appealing that decision to the Californ i a The trial court also held that Theron could not wi t h Woo v. Lockye r . California Court of Appeal. Oral argument sp o ke s p e r son told the Butlers tha t challenging a custody orde r , issued severa l Co u r t of Appeal. even visit with his chi l d r en unless he and his is set for March 2005. Ado p tion.com does not allow gay and yea r s ago in Vir ginia, that prohibits him from pa r tner lived in separat e homes. The Idaho lesbian couples to use their servi c e s . living with his life partn e r , Blaise

8 9 De l a h o u s s a ye. The Vir ginia order was based court decision that had removed Austin, a not specify that the clothing options wer e IMMIGRATION/ clubs and the ways that discrim i n a t i o n had served an impo r tant public purpose by on Virg i n i a ’s sodomy law, which was stru c k young foster child, from his longtime les- gender specific. When the principal learne d excludes women from impo r tant political, cl a r ifying that tran s g ender people are prote c t - do wn, along with 12 othe r s nationwide, in a bian foster parents, Rosemary Fontaine and that a female student had chosen to wea r ASYLUM pro f essional, and business connections. ed from discrimination under New Yor k City U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003. The case her partner. The trial court removed Austin the tuxedo, he orde r ed the yearbook editor la w. NCLR filed an am i c u s br ief in this case, is curren t l y befor e the Maryland Court of from Rosemary’s home and awarded custody to pull her photo from the senior yea r b o o k . Asylum case co a u th o r ed by Craig Gurian of the Anti- Special Appeals. to his grandparents, even though the The school superin t endent agreed, and the California EMPLOYMENT Di s c r imination Center of Metr o New Yor k. Department of Child and Family Services sc hool board refused to inter vene. When the New case, trial court decision previously had found that the grandparents student editor of the yearbook refused to pending Coyne v. Bel-Aire Kantaras v. Kantaras had physically abused him, fracturing his pull Kel l i ’ s portr ait, she was fir ed as editor Investments, Inc. and Fl o r i d a skull and his leg. With the assistance of and kicked out of her journalism class. NCL R In September 2003, a young woman left Donald F. Winter, Sr. On rem a n d Chicago attorney Richard A. Wilson, NCLR is inve st i gating the case and will initiate Ni c a r agua and fled to the Uni t ed Stat es after Florida and Legal Services for Children filed an ap p ro p ri a t e legal action shortl y. being physi c a l l y attac ked by her form e r New case On July 23, 2004, a Florida appeals court amicus brief arguing that the trial court boy f r iend, who became violent and abusive rever sed an 800+ page trial court rul i n g could not disregard the prior finding of Lake Weir High School because of her desire for independence and NCLR and cooperating attorn e ys Ken d r a wh i c h, after a careful revi e w of the exte n s i v e abuse. Rosemary Fontaine was represented Florida because he knew she was a lesbian. She was Pre s s w ood and Margar et Laney rep re s e n t medical evidence pres e n t ed at trial, held tha t by Michael Brody of Winston & Strawn LLP. New case pi c ked up by INS shortl y after crossing the Peter Coyne in a sexual harassment suit Mi c hael Kan ta r as, a tran s g ender man, is both Lambda Legal also provided assistance to Uni t ed Stat es borde r . After she was detai n e d , aga i n s t his for mer empl o yer . Peter alleges me d i c a l l y and legal l y male, that his marria g e Ulf Hedberg NCLR and the ACLU of Florida rep r esent Rosemary and filed an amicus brief. her friend connected her with the Lawye r s that Don Win te r , the president and owner of to Linda Kan ta r as was valid, and that he is the se ver al students seeking to star t a Gay Co m m i t t ee for Civil Rights, an organ i z a t i o n Be l -A i r e inves tments, began groping and le g al fat her of the couple’s two chi l d r en, now Jones v. Barlow Str aight Alliance (GSA) club at Lake Weir High R a m i rez v. Los A n g e l e s that locates attorn e ys to rep r esent individu- tou c hing Peter in a sexu a l l y offen s i v e way ag es 15 and 12. The trial in this case was tel e - Utah Sc hool in Marion County, Florida. Altho u g h Unified School District als on political asylum cases pro bono. NCL R sh o rt l y after he began wor king the re . vised on Court TV, and the trial court decision VICTORY!—Appeal pending La k e Weir has many non-curricular stu d e n t C a l i f o rn i a pa rt n e r ed with local attorn e y Betsy Allen and Th r oughout Peter ’s 14 months of rec e i v ed nationwide acclaim for its tho u g h t f u l - clubs, the school refused to allow a GSA club emp l o yment, Win t er bullied, manipulated , Ker i Jones and Cheryl Barlo w had a chi l d New case filed an asylum application on her behalf ness and humanity. NCLR staf f attorn e y Kare n to meet. NCLR and the ACLU are assisting the and denigrat ed Peter and subjected him to tog ether in Utah using altern a t i v e insemina- based on gender and sexual orie n t ation. She Do e r ing and NCLR Legal Direc t or Shannon On October 28, 2004, NCLR and the ACLU of students in challenging this blatan t l y continued sexual harassment, including tion. After the y separat ed, Cheryl tried to is awaiting a hearing on her claim. Mi n t er argued the case, along with local Southern California filed suit against the un l a wful discrimination. thre a t ening to fir e Peter if he ref u s e d pr event Ker ri from having any contact with counsel Collin Vause. Although the Florid a Los Angeles Unified School District and Win te r ’s sexual demands. When Peter fin a l l y their child. In December 2004, a Utah tria l Co u r t of Appeal rever sed the trial court’s rul - Washington Preparatory High School for did refuse any further sexual contact, he was co u r t gran t ed Ker i visitation. Cheryl has Youngblood v. School SPORTS ing on the validity of the marria g e, it ref u s e d discriminating against students based on co n st ru c t i ve l y discha r ged and then haras s e d appealed this decision to the Utah Suprem e Board of Hillsborough to str ip Michael of his paren t al rights, sending their sexual orientation. The students and stal k ed by Win te r . Peter is seeking Co u r t and is being rep re s e n t ed by an anti-gay County et al Koebke v. Bernardo the case back to the trial court to determ i n e allege that administrators, teachers, and da m a g es to compe n s a t e him for the lost le g al organization. NCLR is rep r esenting Ker i Florida Heights Country Club the legal status of the couple’s two chi l d r en. staff repeatedly called students derogatory wag es and sever e mental anguish and on appeal with the assistance of local counsel VICTORY!—Settlement reached California anti-gay names and made anti-gay com- emotional distr ess he suffer ed as a result La u r en R. Barrows, of Lauren R. Barrows, P.C . Appeal pending In re Marriage of Simmons ments, threatened to out students to their of Win te r ’s unrelenting harassment. Ms. Barrows also rep re s e n t ed Ker i at tria l . NCLR represented Robinson High School Illinois families, and failed to protect students from Senior Nikki Youngblood in a federal lawsuit B. Birgit Koe b k e and Kendall E. Fren c h, a les- Appeal pending anti-gay assaults. NCLR and the ACLU of against a Florida school district for requir- bian couple who have been domestic partn e r s Southern California are being assisted by YOU T H ing all female students to wear a revealing, for 12 yea r s, sued the Berna r do Heights TRANSGENDER NCLR is assisting Ster ling Simmons, a the law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & scoop-neck drape for their senior portraits, Co u n t r y Club for refusing to provide the m tra n s g ender fat her in Chicago. Ster ling has McCloy LLP. wi t h the same membership benefits given to re: Austin W. while allowing male students to wear a McGrath v. Toys ‘R’ Us li v ed his entire adult life as a male and has di f fere n t - s e x couples and for allowing othe r Il l i n o i s jacket and tie. Despite repeated requests New Yor k un d e r gone medical treatment for sex- re a s - Kelli Davis v. Fleming me m b e r s to harass and insult them because VI C TO RY ! from Nikki and her mother to exempt Nikki VI C TO RY ! signment. He also had his birth certi fi c a t e High School from wearing the drape because she did not of their sexual orie n t ation. Lambda Legal is cha n g ed to ref lect his male gen d e r . Sterl i n g rep r esenting Koe b k e and Fren c h on appeal to The Illinois Supreme Court reversed a trial New case feel comfortable wearing stereotypically The plaintiffs in the case are thr ee tran s ge n - ma r ried in 1985. He and his wife had a chi l d the Califor nia Supreme Court. NCLR, the Florida feminine attire, school officials would not der women who wer e harassed and excl u d e d tog ether in 1992 thr ough altern a t i v e insemi- Wom e n ’s Sports Foundation, and the let Nikki be in the yearbook unless she wore while shopping at a Broo k l yn Toys ‘R’ Us stor e nation. When Ster ling filed for divor ce in NCLR rep r esents Kelli Davis, a senior at Ca l i fo r nia Wom e n ’s Law Center filed an a drape. NCLR filed suit in federal court on in December of 2000. Rep re s e n t ed by Thomas 1998, his wife counter- p e titioned to have the i r Fleming High School, who was denied the am i c u s br ief that discusses the histor y of Nikki’s behalf, alleging violations of state Shanahan of the law fir m Shanahan & ma r ria g e declared void and to term i n a t e op p o r tunity to have her picture appear in di s c r imination agai n s t women by priva t e golf and federal constitutional provisions and As s o c i a t es, the plaintiffs sued under the New Sterl i n g ’ s paren t al rights. All thr ee the ra p i st s her senior yea r b o o k . NCLR successfully sex discrimination laws. While the case was Yor k City Human Rights law, a civil rig h t s who eval u a t ed the fam i l y for the court fou n d res o l ved a similar case on behalf of Nicki pending before the Eleventh Circuit Court stat u t e that prohibits discrimination in public the mother to be unstable and rec o m m e n d e d Youngblood last yea r . At her senior portra i t For the complete docket, see of Appeals, the school board agreed to accommodations. After a jury found that Toys that Ster ling be given custod y . Despite the s e sitting, the school mater ials indicated Kel l i modify its dress code policies to allow for ww w. N C L R i g h t s . o r g ‘R’ Us had violated the plaintiffs’ rig h t s , recommendations, the trial court gave custod y could choose betw een a tuxedo and a fril l y, exemptions from any sex-differentiated law ye r s for the thr ee women wer e award e d to Sterl i n g ’ s ex- w i f e and held that Ster ling is sc o o p - n e c k drape. Unl i k e the You n g b l o o d For free assistance in English dress codes. $19 3 , 5 5 1 by a fed e r al distr ict court judge. not a legal parent, solely because he is The Fon t aine and Johnson fam i l y (left to rig h t : case, the Fleming High school mater ials did and Spanish, call us at: tra n s ge n d e r . Ster ling is seeking revi e w by Ja r od, Aus tin, Ros e m a r y Fon t aine, Tam m y (4 15) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257 On appeal, New York ’ s highest court affirm e d Johnson, Owen ) the attorn e y fee awar d, holding that the case the Illinois Supreme Court.

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