Mission Statement

Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.

GLAD is committed to fulfilling this mission with urgency and perseverance. To succeed, we will lead boldly and be guided by the following aspirational values:

GLAD’s Values

Justice and Lived Equality
GLAD is part of one justice movement. We work to ensure that our legal strategies to advance LGBTQ equity and equality acknowledge intersecting oppressions and advance other social movements, particularly movements for racial and economic justice. GLAD aspires to a world in which all communities that experience oppression and marginalization have the same opportunities as everyone to thrive in all aspects of life.

Inclusion, Equity, and Mutual Respect
GLAD embraces inclusion, equity, and mutual respect as critical to our mission and central to supporting an intersectional and intergenerational organizational culture. GLAD is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we advocate for and values a culture where everyone can bring their full selves and diverse perspectives.

Anti-Racism
GLAD acknowledges that systemic racism inflicts deep and unique harms to our community and movement, especially to communities of color. We are committed to actively challenging racist systems and behaviors and to lifting up the wisdom, leadership, and voices of people of color, through our work. GLAD employs a conscious lens of anti-racism in our culture, practices, policies, and decision-making.

Collaboration
GLAD strives to be a valued and accountable partner, and for the most directly impacted people and communities to inform our priorities. We will listen and learn from others and will amplify the leadership of our partners.