For decades, NCLR has been a leader in the fight to end conversion therapy, a dangerous practice that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Our work with Born Perfect has protected LGTBQ youth from this harmful practice in 23 states, plus the District of Columbia. Colorado is one of the 23 states where state laws, passed with bipartisan support, protect minors from conversion therapy by state-licensed therapists. Born Perfect has cultivated a network of survivors who boldly share their experiences in hopes that other young people will be spared from the severe, long-term harm that conversion therapy causes for individuals, families, and communities. NCLR is proud to support these survivors in seeking to end conversion therapy nationwide.

In Chiles v. Salazar, a licensed professional mental health counselor in Colorado is seeking to overturn Colorado’s conversion therapy law, which prohibits therapists from attempting to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The counselor, Kaley Chiles, claims that this professional regulation infringes her right to free speech. But conversion therapy is not speech, it is a false promise linked to increased rates of suicide attempts, anxiety, and depression. Every major medical and mental health professional organization has condemned the practice and made clear that it should never be part of mental health treatment.

Chiles v. Salazar will be argued at the Supreme Court on October 7, and we anticipate a decision in June of 2026. Along with our partners at PFLAG, One Colorado, and other organizations, NCLR filed an amicus brief supporting Colorado’s law and will be watching the proceedings closely as the outcome will have a tremendous impact on the future of Born Perfect’s work and on conversion therapy laws around the country.

Listen to the Chiles v. Salazar Proceeding October 7.

NCLR files on behalf of minor clients barred by executive order from receiving medical treatment for gender dysphoria via TRICARE

For years, President Trump has expressed hostile views toward transgender people. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged a “day one” executive order to “cease all programs that promote the concept of sex and gender transition at any age.” As part of this targeted reversal of legal equality for transgender people, the President ordered the Department of Defense to terminate federal insurance coverage for gender transition medications.

For nearly a decade, servicemembers of our Armed Forces have relied on the military health system and TRICARE — the Department of Defense’s healthcare program that provides insurance coverage to millions of current and former military servicemembers and their families — to obtain medically necessary medications for their transgender adolescent and adult children. Following the President’s executive order, the Department suddenly reversed course, adopting a categorical exclusion of this essential medical care from TRICARE coverage and banning military hospitals and clinics from providing this care. As a result, transgender adolescents and young adults under 19 were abruptly cut off from their treating providers, putting them at risk of losing access to healthcare they desperately need. The new TRICARE policies require them to pay for care out-of-pocket, a potentially insurmountable financial burden for some families.

This is not an abstract policy shift—it is an immediate and devastating disruption of essential healthcare that affects the physical and psychological wellbeing of young people throughout the country. With our partners at GLAD Law and Keker, Van Nest & Peters, NCLR filed a lawsuit in Maryland on September 8 challenging the exclusion on behalf of three young people who have been cut off from care as a result of TRICARE’s unlawful policy change.

“The principles and values that drew me to the military are being abandoned.” NCLR Plaintiff Nicolas Talbot Shares His Experience with Military Separation

Nicolas Talbot – our plaintiff at the forefront of the fight against Trump’s trans military ban – wrote an op-ed for Cleveland.com about his experience as a transgender service member facing separation and how advocating for transgender troops aligns with the values that attracted him to the military in the first place.

“For the past six months, I’ve been on the front lines defending the right of highly skilled military personnel like myself to remain in the positions we’ve earned through our demonstrated service and dedication.”

Read Nic’s Op-Ed

NCLR Welcomes new Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs

Lauren Gray is no stranger to the LGBTQ civil rights movement – or our organization. As NCLR’s Director of Communications from 2016-2018, Lauren brought her incredible media skills, deep knowledge of marketing and communications strategy and a law degree to build NCLR’s communications strategy. After leaving NCLR, Lauren went on to become a Senior Vice President at Edelman, an international leader in public relations and communications. After Edelman, Lauren came back to the movement as the Senior Vice President of Communications & Brand Strategy for the Human Rights Campaign.

Telling our story well and accurately is critical at this very difficult time. Lauren’s ability to synthesize complex legal processes, deep knowledge of the LGBTQ legal landscape, experience in crisis communications and exceptional creativity bring the professional and crucial leadership NCLR needs in our public education and media relations.

Recognized as a Woman We Admire Top 50 Women Leaders in Communications for 2024, Lauren is an exciting addition to the NCLR team. Residing in New York with her wife, Lauren will be joining NCLR’s senior leadership team in November. Welcome home, Lauren!

NCLR’s own TyrONE Hanley Joins QT: Queer Teen Podcast with Anthony Giorgio

NCLR’s Director of Racial and Economic Justice Initiatives, TyrONE Hanley, was a guest on Queer Teen Podcast with Anthony Giorgio. Although the podcast is a space to encourage the next generation of queer people, the episode is a good listen for all ages. TyrONE and Anthony talk about how the identity, intersectionality, the importance of humanizing LGBTQ people, and the politics of queer culture. Give it a listen.

With the fall giving season around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to support your favorite nonprofit organizations and we hope NCLR is on your list! Does your company match donations to nonprofits? Many companies host end of year “giving days” to offer incentives for employee giving. This is a great way to maximize your impact on NCLR’s mission.

Are you interested in bringing NCLR to your hometown by hosting a House Party for Justice? This could be a brunch, dinner party or a backyard BBQ to introduce NCLR to your friends and family. NCLR has created a toolkit to make the party planning simple and we will work with you to make the party a success. For more information about hosting a House Party for Justice please visit our website: Host NCLR in your hometown!

If you would like more information about company matching, hosting a House Party or if you’d like to connect with our team please reach out to: development@ncl​rights.org.

Military families challenge Trump ban on trans healthcare, via Washington Blade

Parents can now opt kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons, via KTVU

Trump Administration Bans Gender-Affirming Care Coverage for Federal Employees, Drawing Widespread Condemnation, via The Edge Media Network

Trump Niega Pago a Militares Transgénero Tras Expulsarlos de las Fuerzas Armadas, via Prensa Arizona

Save and share these hotlines and resources!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

The Trevor Project: Offers crisis services for LGBTQ young people.

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people. More information.

Every year between September 15 and October 15, Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized. It is a time to celebrate the history, the culture, the achievements and the people of the Latinx community. Here in the United States, our society is richer because of Latinx people!

NewFest – New York City

Founded in 1988 in direct response to the AIDS crisis, NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of LGBTQ+ audiences in the city. You can see films in person in Brooklyn and Manhattan or stream from anywhere. Purchase tickets and see the lineup.

Dead Man Walking | SFO – San Francisco

Sister Helen Prejean, whose best-selling memoir Dead Man Walking inspired adaptations in film, theater, and opera, and composer Jake Heggie spearhead a series of public events that bring together local and national faith leaders and activists, artists, community members, and the public to explore the work’s theme of redemption, as well as the use of the death penalty in the United States. In addition to conversations with Prejean and Heggie, free programs will include book groups, community discussions, and workshops, examining intersections of faith, justice and the death penalty, as well as the state of our legal and carceral systems.

Throughout the run of Dead Man Walking, an art installation featuring the work of incarcerated artists will be on display in the War Memorial Opera House (North Grand Tier level lobby), available to performance ticket holders. More information and register.

Greensboro Pride Festival – Greensboro, North Carolina

The Greensboro Pride Festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, visibility, and community. Held in LeBauer Park in the heart of downtown Greensboro, the festival brings together people from all walks of life to honor diversity, promote inclusion, and celebrate love in all its forms. It’s a day of joy, connection, and unapologetic authenticity—for everyone. In the area? Join the festivities!

Pride at the Getty Center – Los Angeles

The exhibitions Queer Lens: A History of Photography and $3 Bill: Evidence of Queer Lives at the Getty Center celebrate two centuries of LGBTQ+ history, people, and culture. Until September 28th, explore vivid accounts of queer representation through art and ephemera, as well as free performances, talks, and films. Immerse yourself in the stories of LGBTQ+ artists, and join in celebrating Pride with festivities across Los Angeles—or wherever you may be. Plan a visit.

The National Center for LGBTQ Rights condemns the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to lift restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, warning that the ruling will place LGBTQ asylum seekers at unprecedented risk of discrimination, violence, and deportation to countries where they face persecution or death. The Court’s ruling allows federal agents to resume “roving patrols” and conduct immigration stops based on factors including appearance, language, occupation, and location – tactics that a federal judge had previously found violated the Constitution based on “a mountain of evidence” of discriminatory enforcement.

We are calling on the broader LGBTQ community and allies to take immediate action to stop this egregious abuse, including demanding immigration reform that protects LGBTQ asylum seekers and supporting organizations providing legal aid and services to LGBTQ immigrants.

Some ways to plug in: Organize with your community to set up ICE watches, pass out know your rights fliers, and learn how to best protect your neighbors. and share stories on social media.

Know your rights – printables from Immigrant Legal Resource.

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