Every year on March 31, the world recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility by honoring and celebrating the achievements of transgender people while raising awareness of the ongoing work toward equality for all.

We understand that not everyone yet has the same freedom to live openly. To that end, we remain fiercely committed to fulfilling our mission for a just society in which everyone can live freely as who they are.

GLAD is proud to honor the voices and experiences of transgender individuals and their families courageousely fighting against discrimination, and helping realize that mission.

Here are a few of their stories.

Doe v. Massachusetts Department of Correction

GLAD and our partners at Prisoners’ Legal Services and Goodwin Procter LLP are fighting a groundbreaking case on behalf of our client, a transgender woman of color who is currently incarcerated at a Massachusetts facility that houses male inmates. We are seeking relief and proper treatment of our client, who is experiencing devastating daily harassment and mistreatment causing her both physically and emotionally harm. Read more about this critical case.

Journey Through Resilience

Our client Lynn, who is from Puerto Rico and identifies as transgender, is standing up to discrimination they faced by a public business in Massachusetts. At the time, Lynn was on a road to self-sufficiency after a long battle with substance abuse and poverty, outcomes linked to unsupportive family and bias related to their gender identity. Read more about how Lynn hopes their fight against discrimination encourages others to stand up for justice.

Critical Breakthrough for Transgender Students

Nicole Maines bravely fought her school’s discriminatory policy against transgender students in Maine. Her case marks the first time a state court has ruled that transgender students must be allowed to use the restrooms that are consistent with their gender identity. Nicole has gone on to become an outspoken advocate for transgender rights. Read more about her groundbreaking case, and what it means for transgender young people across the state.