LGBTQ+ Rights

ACLU NorCal defends the right of LGBTQ+ individuals to live authentically, with full equality, and without fear.

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kid with pride flag button

LGBTQ Student Rights

California has some of the strongest laws in the country to protect and support LGBTQ youth. Knowing your rights is the first step in making sure you’re treated equally, and youth across the state are taking steps to uphold their rights and be themselves. Our guides will show you what the law says about your rights in school, allowing you and your classmates to take the lead in making the future of LGBTQ students as bright and fair as possible.

My School, My Rights

Protecting the Rights of Trans and Nonbinary Youth in California

The ACLU of Northern California is fighting in courtrooms and at the State Capitol to push back against forced outing policies and defend California laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ students.

Learn about ongoing litigation and legislation, as well as helpful resources for students, families, and policymakers.

Learn More
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The Latest

Know Your Rights
SF Pride 2013

Know Your Rights: Same-Sex Marriage

Practical information for same-sex couples who are considering getting married in California. For legal advice concerning your individual case, please consult an attorney.
Know Your Rights
Rainbow Flarg

California LGBTQ Employment Rights

It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, fail to hire, fail to promote, harass, or otherwise discriminate against you because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Know your rights under state and federal law.
Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights When Using Restrooms

Know Your Rights: Gender and Restrooms

You can't be stopped from using a restroom or other sex-segrated facility in California based on your perceived gender. Know your rights.
Press Release
person holding a sign that says "Protect trans youth"

ACLU Statement on SCOTUS Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti

Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights
Court Case
Mar 13, 2019

Reeder v. Chawanakee Unified School District (LGBTQ Yearbook Quotes)

The ACLU sued Chawanakee Unified School District for censoring two students' pro-LGBTQ yearbook quotes.
Court Case
Mar 12, 2019

Knight v. St. Joseph Health (Sex Discrimination)

The ACLU Foundation of Northern California, the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and the law firm Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP filed a lawsuit on March 21, 2019 on behalf of Oliver Knight, a 29-year-old transgender man who was denied health care based on the hospital’s religious views, which do not recognize gender-affirming care. On August 30, 2017, minutes before Mr. Knight was scheduled to receive a hysterectomy, the St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka canceled his surgery. St. Joseph regularly allows hysterectomies for patients who are not transgender and Knight’s doctor said he and other physicians regularly perform the procedure. The discriminatory denial was because Mr. Knight is transgender.
Court Case
Sep 26, 2017

Minton v. Dignity Health (Sex Discrimination)

Court Case
Feb 27, 2016

T.V. v. Beukelman (Student Censorship)