Please join us on November 15 at noon PT to discuss the election results and their impact on democracy and LGBTQ rights.

Panelists include the Williams Institute's Faculty Director Cary Franklin and Distinguished Visiting Scholar Andrew Flores, along with Mauree Turner of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Alissandra Rodigues Murray of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and Andi Rich, former candidate for the Wisconsin State Senate. The conversation will be moderated by Elana Redfield, Federal Policy Director at the Williams Institute.

Throughout the 21st century, Colombia has been at the forefront of advancing LGBTI rights in the Americas. A new book chapter in the Oxford Handbook of International Law and the Americas, co-authored by Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs Ari Shaw, examines how the expansion of LGBTI rights in the Americas has developed concurrently in domestic and international law. 

In Colombia, LGBTI activists and organizations have mobilized international human rights law through litigation, amicus briefs, and network-building. Colombian courts have also relied on international law to validate their LGBTI-supportive interpretations of the Colombian Constitution. At the same time, international judges cite national case law to signal acceptance of their rulings and to demonstrate alignment with the laws and experiences of national courts.

On October 29, the Philadelphia City Council hosted its inaugural LGBTQ+ Equity Hearing to explore the challenges LGBTQ residents face. The hearing convened community members, service providers, academics, and advocacy leaders to share their insights and experiences. Legal Director Christy Mallory presented written testimony that summarized our research on employment discrimination against LGBTQ individuals both nationally and in Pennsylvania.

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Jazz Brunch will take place on January 26, 2025 in the Hollywood Hills. Join us for a look at how Williams Institute research informs and impacts current LGBTQ law and policy.

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.