Kevin Jennings

Lambda Legal mourns the loss of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a towering figure in the fight for trans liberation. 💔

Miss Major's legacy will forever inspire our work. We commit to carrying forward her vision of a world where all trans people can live freely with dignity.

Rest in power, Miss Major.

37 years ago, I helped create the nation’s first GSA. Today, thousands exist, thanks in part to cases like @lambdalegal.org’s Colín v. Orange Unified School District.

Lambda will continue fighting for students’ rights. If you mess with LGBTQ+ kids, you’re going to have to come through us first.

Graphic with headline: “BREAKING NEWS: Lambda Legal Condemns Trump Administration’s Illegal Exclusion of Gender-Affirming Care from Government Employee Health Benefits.” Background shows a stethoscope and clipboard.

Quote graphic with text from Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Lambda Legal Counsel and Health Care Strategist: “This discriminatory policy denying medical care to government employees and their dependents is not only cruel—it is illegal. The federal government cannot simply strip away essential healthcare coverage from transgender employees while providing comprehensive medical care to all other federal workers. … We will not stand by while the federal government tramples on the civil rights of hardworking transgender public servants. Lambda Legal is exploring all options to respond to this discriminatory policy and protect the rights of transgender Americans, including those serving our country.”

Lambda Legal condemns the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s announcement that it will exclude coverage for gender-affirming care for adults from the Federal Employee Health Benefits and Postal Service Health Benefits programs beginning in 2026.

Our statement: lambdalegal.org/newsroom/us_...

We didn’t fight for over 20 years to win marriage equality to let it be taken away from us now.

To all same-sex couples out there, I want you to know this: @lambdalegal.org has your back.

Lambda Legal Mourns the Loss of LGBTQ+ and AIDS Advocate Michael Seltzer Lambda Legal mourns the passing of Michael Seltzer, a transformative leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and AIDS advocacy.   In 1981, Seltzer became co-chair of Lambda Legal’s board of directors....

We mourn the passing of Michael Seltzer, a transformative leader in our movement.

Michael’s passion and dedication touched countless lives, and his loss leaves a profound void in our community. His legacy of love, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire us.

Quote graphic with a backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court building. The quote reads: “If history teaches us anything, it is that you can’t wait until the United States is ‘ready’ for civil rights: You must advocate, educate and litigate to help the country get ready for equality. You choose cases based on whether they’re right — not whether they are popular. That’s how you create change in America.” — Kevin Jennings, Lambda Legal CEO. The Lambda Legal logo appears in the bottom right corner.

New op-ed by Kevin Jennings (@lambdalegalceo.bsky.social) that uses an important history lesson to push back against recent criticism for bringing our Skrmetti case to SCOTUS.

“You choose cases based on whether they’re right — not whether they are popular."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...

Opinion | History shows there is no ‘right time’ for civil rights litigation Critics are wrong to argue that a trans rights case was brought to the Supreme Court prematurely.

"If history teaches us anything, it is that you can’t wait until the U.S. is “ready” for civil rights: You must advocate, educate and litigate to help the country get ready... You choose cases based on whether they’re right — not whether they are popular. That’s how you create change."

My latest ⬇️

Graphic with headline that reads "breaking news Supreme Court will hear challenges to bans on athletic participation by transgender students"

Graphic with quote from Lambda Legal's Sasha Buchert that reads: Our client just wants to play sports with her friends and peers. Everyone understands the value of participating in team athletics, for fitness, leadership, socialization, and myriad other benefits. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit last April issued a thoughtful and thorough ruling allowing B.P.J. to continue participating in track events. That well-reasoned decision should stand the test of time, and we stand ready to defend it.

Graphic with quote from ACLU's Joshua Block that reads: Like any other educational program, school athletic programs should be accessible for everyone regardless of their sex or transgender status. Trans kids play sports for the same reasons their peers do–to learn perseverance, dedication, teamwork, and to simply have fun with their friends. Categorically excluding kids from school sports just because they are transgender will only make our schools less safe and more hurtful places for all youth.

In a series of decisions today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it has granted certiorari in two federal court cases involving transgender youth challenging bans on their participation in local school and college sports.

LGBTQ community faces multiple legal challenges There is rising concern among the LGBTQ community that the legality of same-sex marriage could be threatened. Kevin Jennings of Lambda Legal joins with more.

ICYMI: Watch Kevin Jennings (@@lambdalegalceo.bsky.social) on @cbsnews.com discuss the rising concerns about the legality of marriage equality being threatened.

Breaking news: National Coalition of HIV, LGBTQ+ and Health Advocates Applauds Court Decision Upholding Law that Ensures Access to PrEP and other Healthcare Preventive Services

Joint quote that reads: Today the Court has made the right decision to reject this assault, upholding essential protections for preventive services and affirming that prevention and early detection of diseases save lives, improve health outcomes, and reduce long-term health outcomes. We applaud this outcome and express our gratitude to all stakeholders and advocates who raised the visibility of a case that evolved from an attack on LGBTQ+ healthcare into a threat to the well- being of Americans from all walks of life.

Joint quote that reads: History reminds us that silence is deadly. We hear echoes of the AIDS crisis in the Braidwood case—of those who looked away while our community died, and those who weaponized faith to justify inaction. Though we have successfully blocked this attack, more must be done to ensure that history does not repeat itself. ... This Pride Month, we celebrate this victory as we honor the legacy of those who fought back at Stonewall, who took to the streets with ACT UP, and who demanded dignity at the height of crisis. We carry that legacy forward now. Join us. Raise your voice. Defend preventive care. Fight back.

Today, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Braidwood v. Kennedy, upholding essential protections for preventive services for HIV and other medical conditions and affirming that prevention and early detection of diseases save lives, improve health outcomes, and reduce long-term health outcomes.

Breaking news: civil rights organizations react to Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor

Quote from Karen Loewy, Lambda Legal Senior Counsel + Director of Constitutional Law Practice that reads: To be clear, the decision centers on the lack of opt-outs rather than the existence of the curriculum itself. School districts should not be deterred from adopting inclusive curricula like Montgomery County schools’, which create safe and affirming learning environments and prepare kids to navigate our diverse society. This is particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth and kids of LGBTQ+ parents who face disproportionate discrimination and harassment. While parents with religious objections may be able to remove their children from classroom use of these storybooks, they do not get to demand that schools stop these important efforts to reflect our entire society.

The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that not allowing parents to opt their children out of reading storybooks that are part of an LGBTQ+ inclusive literacy curriculum in the Montgomery County Public School system burdened their religious freedom.

Today, SCOTUS issued its ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, allowing a law to stand that blocks health care for trans youth in Tennessee.

This decision is heartbreaking, but we won't stop fighting for trans people's freedom to shape their own futures.

Read our full statement: tinyurl.com/2u3ncu9e

Rainbow flag and wedding rings in background. White text on top reads, "RSVP now for Lambda Legal's free live virtual panel celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges. The event is June 18 at 5:30 pm ET. You can RSVP at lambdalegal.org/obergefell10."

Only two days away! 🏳️‍🌈

Join us 6/18 at 5:30 p.m. ET for a free live virtual panel celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark SCOTUS decision that made marriage equality the law of the land.

📅 RSVP now: tinyurl.com/yrkn4vzd

Purple background with white text that reads, "Federal Court Blocks Trump Anti-Equity and Anti-Transgender Executive Orders Targeting LGBTQ and HIV-Serving Nonprofits."

Purple background with quote from Jose Abrigo that reads, "This is a critical win—not only for the nine organizations we represent, but for LGBTQ communities and people living with HIV across the country. Today’s ruling acknowledges the immense harm these policies inflict on these organizations and the people they serve and stops Trump’s orders in their tracks."

Purple background with quote from Dr. Tyler TerMeer that reads, "We are relieved—but make no mistake, we are also resolute. Today’s decision to block these dangerous, anti-LGBTQ+ orders is a critical step in protecting not just our organization, but the communities we exist to serve. These policies threatened to erase access to lifesaving HIV and health services for transgender, nonbinary, and queer people across the country. The Court’s action gives us the fuel to keep fighting. And we will—because our communities deserve nothing less than dignity, equity, and the right to thrive."

CASE UPDATE: Today, in our case SFAF v. Trump, a U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction blocking implementation of 3 Trump admin executive orders that threatened to defund vital services for LGBTQ+ people.

Learn more about this critical win: tinyurl.com/4d2w582z

Lambda Legal's biggest event of the year, the Liberty Awards, is only a few hours away. Follow along with @lambdalegal.org for an insider look at this incredible evening.

Blue and black background with text that reads, "Liberty Awards National Dinner on Thursday June 5, 2025. 2025 Host is writer and comedian Dana Goldberg."

Dana Goldberg laughing on stage.

Our friend Dana Goldberg is hosting our 2025 Liberty Awards National Dinner tomorrow!

@dgcomedy.bsky.social is a veteran host, writer & comedian. She’s raised more than $50M for nonprofits in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. 👏

We can’t wait for attendees to experience this triple threat!

A special Pride Month message from @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social Kevin Jennings, and a reminder that our community is United, Fearless, and Unstoppable all year long. 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈

Meet Commander Blake Dremann: an ultra runner, St. Louis Cardinals fan, & plaintiff in our case against the Trump admin’s trans military ban.

This #MemorialDay Weekend, we're going beyond the uniform & celebrating the trans service members at the heart of Shilling v. Trump. 🇺🇸

GLMA v. National Institutes of Health Lambda Legal, alongside law firms Crowell & Moring LLP and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, filed a federal lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the termination of hundreds of ...

Stay tuned to our website for updates in this case: lambdalegal.org/case/glma-v-...

Today we filed a lawsuit against the NIH over the termination of 100s of research grants funding critical LGBTQI+ health research.

We won't allow this administration to return us to the dark days when our federal government ignored the health of LGBTQI+ people during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Black background with white text that reads, "Lambda Legal Sues NIH over Terminating Critical LGBTQI+ Health Research Grants".

Purple background with a quote from Alex Sheldon, GLMA's executive director. The quote can be read in full in our press release.

Purple background with a quote from Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Lambda Legal senior counsel. The quote can be read in full in our press release.

Purple background with a quote from plaintiff Dr. Carl Streed. The quote can be read in full in our press release.

🔬 NEW LAWSUIT: Today, Lambda Legal, GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, and 16 researchers filed a lawsuit against the NIH over the termination of 100s of research grants that funded critical LGBTQI+ health research.

Learn more: tinyurl.com/rzuxje9x

🚨 URGENT: Tell the House Ways and Means Committee to oppose dangerous “Nonprofit Killer Bills”! tinyurl.com/3rbez2vd

Today, Lambda Legal dedicated a commemorative bench honoring Tom Stoddard, our executive director from 1986–1992, at the NYC AIDS Memorial.

“Tom’s visionary leadership helped shape Lambda Legal into the organization it is today.” – @lambdalegalceo.bsky.social

Learn more: tinyurl.com/ytb84u2n

Purple graphic with photo of people running in a race. White text reads, "“Running For Our Community”: Lambda Legal & Front Runners New York Join Forces for 2025 LGBT Pride Run®."

Purple graphic with photo of people running in a race and smiling in groups. White text reads, "Lambda Legal has been selected as the official beneficiary of the 2025 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run®! 'We’re running for our rights. For our youth. For our joy and for justice. We are super excited to team up to bring visibility to our community and our work.' said Andreas Schwarz, Lambda Legal Director of Institutional Giving."

Purple graphic with photo of people smiling in groups. White text reads, "'This event shows that advocacy doesn’t just happen in courtrooms. We will be running for our rights and in the name of trans and nonbinary community members whose rights to run and participate in sports and access to many services are being banned across the country.' said Kevin Jennings, Lambda Legal CEO"

Purple graphic with photo of people running in a race and smiling in groups. White text reads, "'The Pride Run has always been about more than just miles; it’s about visibility and resilience and the power of our community showing up for each other. Together, we’re running not just for ourselves, but for everyone still fighting to be seen, heard, and protected.' said J Solle, 2025 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run Director."

Lambda Legal is the official beneficiary of the 2025 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run®! 🎉 Front Runners New York, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ running club, has hosted the race for four decades, raising more than $250,000 for LGBTQ+ nonprofits. lambdalegal.org/newsroom/us_...

White text on blue background that reads "Statement from Commander Emily Shilling, Lead Plaintiff, Shilling v. United States" and a photo of Commander Shilling

White text on blue background that reads "the decision by the Supreme Court to stay the injunction in Shilling v. United States is a heavy blow—not just to me, but to every transgender service member who has worn the uniform with honor and integrity. We asked for clarity. We asked for stability. Instead, we received uncertainty. The protections granted by the District Court, which affirmed our right to serve openly and authentically, are now paused while this case continues its journey through the courts."

white text on blue background that reads "But let me be perfectly clear: this is not defeat. This is delay. Transgender service members have served this nation with courage, skill, and selflessness for years. We’ve flown combat missions, led sailors, commanded troops, and stood watch. We are not a theory. We are not a policy debate. We are real people, doing real jobs, in defense of a nation we still believe in, even when it struggles to believe in us."

white text on blue background that reads "I know this decision will cause fear and doubt in the ranks. To those feeling shaken, I say this: stand tall. You are not alone. You are part of a community that will fight for you, stand beside you, and never stop pushing forward. This case isn’t over. The truth is still on our side. And history, like it always has, will find in favor of those who choose courage over cowardice, service over exclusion, and unity over fear. We carry on and fight forward."

Statement from Commander Emily Shilling, lead plaintiff in Shilling v. United States, on the news from the Supreme Court. We are proud to fight alongside Commander Shilling for the rights of all trans people who wish to serve.

Learn more about our case with @hrc.org: lambdalegal.org/case/shillin...

Today, the Supreme Court denied justice to thousands of trans servicemembers in @lambdalegal.org's case Shilling v. Trump. We may have lost the battle, but the war is not over.

💼 CASE UPDATE: Today, in our case with @hrc.org Foundation challenging the Trump admin’s trans military ban, we urged SCOTUS to reject the admin’s attempt to stop a court order that allows trans people to continue serving or enlist in the military.

Learn more: tinyurl.com/29kc855n

In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Lambda Legal has been doing our part to fight back.

We have gone to court & sued the Trump administration 5 times challenging its harmful anti-LGBTQ+ policies and we’ve received some early victories.

Join the fight: LambdaLegal.org/TrumpTracker

✈️ NEW LAWSUIT: Today, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven transgender U.S. citizens challenging the Trump admin’s policy denying them passports with accurate gender markers.

Read our statement: lambdalegal.org/newsroom/sch...

Shilling v. Trump Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender people.

We will be filing our response with the Supreme Court shortly.

Stay tuned to @lambdalegal.org for the latest updates in this case: lambdalegal.org/case/shillin...