On August 6, Williams Institute scholars with assistance from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Transgender American Veterans Association v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In this case, the Court will decide whether the VA’s policy denying coverage for gender-affirming surgery violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.

The VA covers almost all transition-related health care for veterans except gender-affirming surgeries, which are covered for active-duty service members. Using legal and social science research, the brief provides the Court with information about the long history of discrimination experienced by transgender people. 

Project Policy Analyst

The Williams Institute is looking for a Project Policy Analyst to assist scholars in conducting public policy, social science, and public health research related to the mission of the Institute. Primary responsibilities include research and analysis of regulations and legislation, preparing written products (e.g., literature reviews, reports, manuscripts, grant proposals, fact sheets, graphics, and presentations), and coordinating project timelines, research materials, and data collection. The analyst will assist in the development of research protocols and study materials and prepare and administer human subjects protection protocols. 

Deadline to apply: August 25, 2024

Communications Associate

The Williams Institute is looking for a Communications Associate who will help to develop, plan, execute, maintain, and measure the results of the Institute’s comprehensive communications strategy. The role includes increasing visibility, awareness, and engagement in the Institute's research, events, and staff through various platforms such as print and digital media, social media, newsletters, and the website. The Associate will translate research into easily accessible content for lay audiences and create high-quality materials that showcase the Institute's scientific rigor.

Deadline to apply: September 4, 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: September 30, 2024

We've been growing our team over the past year and will be introducing you to our new colleagues over the next few weeks.  

Kris Bicknell — Graphic Designer

Kris previously worked as a Communications Coordinator for Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre, and as a graphic designer for small businesses, non-profits, and arts organizations throughout Los Angeles. Kris holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from University of La Verne and a certificate in Design Communication Arts from UCLA Extension.

Maria Tsiao — Fundraising Coordinator

Maria is passionate about fundraising as a vehicle to advance equity in marginalized communities. She completed fundraising internships at the Rhode Island School of Design, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her B.A. in Narrative Studies from the USC. 

Kayla Wong — Associate Director of Events and Development

Kayla was previously Associate Director of Events and Development for Engineering and the Sciences at UC Santa Barbara. She is committed to the promotion of impactful initiatives in the academic and events management domains. She received a B.A. in Biological Anthropology from UCSB.

Join us for a webinar on the results from our recent survey. Panelists will discuss the meaning and implications of these findings on China's LGBTQ population today. The webinar will be in English with Chinese subtitles.

Please join us for cocktails and conversation about the current state of LGBTQ+ law and policy and what's at stake in the upcoming November election and beyond. Sponsored by Meta and Paul, Weiss.

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.