LGBTQ Rights

The ACLU’s work for LGBTQ rights is about one simple principle: Everyone should be treated fairly and equally.

Collage of three people wearing shirts in support of LGBTQ rights with signs and a rainbow fan

The ACLU of Massachusetts has a long history of defending the LGBTQ community. We played a key role in establishing marriage equality in Massachusetts, making it the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage.

We’ve also successfully lobbied for legislation preventing discrimination against trans people and worked at both the state and community level to fight book bans, defend the right to free expression, and train LGBTQ residents on their rights.

Know Your Rights

The Latest

News & Commentary
Pledge to support trans student-athletes

FAQ: Transgender Students in Massachusetts after B.P.J. and Hecox

A resource to provide guidance on the meaning and practical implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox decisions.
News & Commentary
Pride LGBT Flag

FAQ: Education in Massachusetts after Mahmoud v. Taylor

A resource to provide guidance on the meaning and practical implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Mahmoud v. Taylor decision and related cases.
Press Release
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Medical researchers win permanent restoration of research on federal website

Research about endometriosis, suicide risk had been removed from a government website due to an executive order prohibiting “gender ideology”
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression, LGBTQ Rights
Court Cases: Schiff v. Office of Personnel Management
Press Release
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Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration To Enforce Discriminatory Passport Policy

Stay takes effect while ACLU lawsuit proceeds in federal court
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Rights
Court Cases: Orr v. Trump

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Campaign
Jul 2026

Data Privacy Now!

Today, technology has far outpaced privacy law. Data brokers and Big Tech are free to do almost anything they want with our personal information, including selling our cellphone location data on the open market. These practices endanger all of us, but especially vulnerable communities like immigrants, protesters, and people seeking and providing reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare. It's time for our privacy law to catch up to the digital age!