From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

It is my privilege as GLAD’s Executive Director to introduce you to the work of this amazing organization, and welcome you into the heart of GLAD’s community.

Please explore GLAD’s website to learn more about our organization and the rights GLAD has won and continues to win throughout New England.

Check out GLAD’s historical timeline to appreciate how far our community has come and how GLAD has made a difference as a civil rights leader for 25 years.
Take a look at the slate of cases currently on our docket to find out how we are working to expand the law right now.

Read one or many of the dozens of publications available to inform you of the shape of the law in your home state.

Or take a moment to discover how you can join us soon at an upcoming event or other ways you can become involved in GLAD’s work.
Since 1978, GLAD has been pursuing equal justice under law throughout New England, with enormous success.  Our legal victories have changed the landscape of the law regarding sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.  But more importantly, they have made a difference in the day-to-day lives of countless individuals.

New England has been fertile territory for the recognition of lgbt equality, yielding successes in every area of importance to our communities.  To name just a few, we now have marriage in Massachusetts and civil unions in Vermont; second-parent adoptions in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont; and recognition of non-biological parents as de facto parents in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.  Out of Maine came a decision that every person with HIV is protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the decision was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Sodomy laws have been abolished or de-clawed in every state in New England.  Lgbt students have had their rights to be safe and to meet together affirmed in Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.  Non-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation in 5 of the 6 New England states, and in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts protect transgender individuals.

These incredible gains have been possible because GLAD has been there to speak on behalf of the community in your name.  We have grown and thrived and made enormous progress in advancing the rights and protections of the lgbt community and people living with HIV and AIDS.  And GLAD is – when all is said and done – nothing more and nothing less than the handiwork of a community of dedicated individuals – board, donors, staff, volunteers and allies – with a vision of equality and justice.

Thank you for joining us in transforming that vision into reality.  Despite great accomplishments, we will not rest on our laurels; GLAD continues to expand its capacity to fight in every corner of New England for the equality we deserve.  Your continued support and investment in GLAD promises only more profound and lasting advances on the road to “Equal Justice Under Law.”

Sincerely,
Lee Swislow
Executive Director