Approximately 665,000 LGBTQ adults live in Los Angeles County. Our new report looks at their experiences with discrimination and harassment, family formation, social acceptance, health, and economic well-being. Many believe LA County is a good place for LGBTQ people, but affordability is a common worry. Discrimination and harassment also persist despite LA County's positive laws and policies.

Experiences of verbal harassment in LA County because of LGBTQ status

A companion study surveyed 322 trans and nonbinary individuals in LA County. Results showed that the cost of living was the most significant concern for trans and nonbinary respondents. More than one-quarter (28%) of the participants were unemployed, compared to 5% of LA County overall.

A third report focuses on LGBTQ people’s assessment of LA County programs and services and recommendations for local elected officials.

On Tuesday, the Williams Institute's Founding Executive Director Brad Sears and Senior Scholar of Public Policy Jody Herman, and Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition presented findings from our new LA County reports to the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.

"We know that the many challenges that our LGBTQ communities face from access gender-affirming care to living free of hate and discrimination deserve out attention and investment."

- Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, Los Angeles County District 3

Senior Scholar of Public Policy

The Williams Institute is looking for an experienced scholar who specializes in LGBTQIA+ people and issues to join our team as a Scholar of Public Policy. The Scholar will be responsible for conducting original research, supervising and supporting early career staff, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Applicants who use intersectional and community-based approaches in their research are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to apply: July 9, 2024

Judicial and Legal Education Director & Scholar

The Williams Institute is seeking an experienced director to lead the Institute’s educational programming for judges, lawyers, law students, and the public. The Director will also be responsible for running three of the Institute’s premier annual programs: the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition, the Dukeminier Awards Journal, and the Institute’s Annual Update Conference. After the second year in the position, the Director will teach a course at UCLA Law focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law.

Deadline to apply: July 31, 2024

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.