Resource Guides
Our Advocacy Committee has worked through some of the most frequently asked questions our organization receives, and we’ve compiled a few into handy “how-to” guides. We are continually striving to add to these, as well as maintain them as information, guidelines, laws, and best practices change in our city, county, state, and country.
If you have an idea for a new resource guide, please don’t hesitate to contact the advocacy committee directly!
-
It’s important to know your rights, and how to exercise them.
The ACLU has a page dedicated to this topic that covers a number of different situations, and what your rights are in each situation.
-
The Supreme Court has been formally asked to reconsider the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that granted federal Marriage Equality rights. Sadly, this move was expected, and with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a serious threat to Marriage Equality.
It’s crucial that same sex couples prepare now to ensure the rights guaranteed by marriage continue if the worst comes to pass. There are nine essential documents to prepare now that will protect your family.
-
The Florida State House website - flhouse.gov - is a great resource for Florida citizens. The website provides various ways for you to stay informed about the state legislature, your representative and other tools to stay on top of new legislation and bills moving through the government.
-
Members in the legislature represent you, and lobbying serves as an important tool to ensure your voice and opinions are heard.
-
Your school board members are your representatives — they represent you. And recently, school board decisions are having a big impact on the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and their ability to exist freely in their schools.
-
Whether you are new to the LGBTQ+ journey, or a long-time supporter, the tips below can help you be a strong ally, in all circumstances.
-
As if life isn’t challenging enough for LGBTQ+ citizens in America, in 2023 the Supreme Court handed down a decision (303 Creative v. Elenis) that made it even harder.
In that case, the majority decided for the plaintiff, saying a Colorado business owner could not be compelled to provide “creative” services to same-sex couples. The plaintiff argued that if she were required to provide such services, it would be creating speech against which she disagreed. The Supreme Court agreed, and determined the existing state law was a violation of the plaintiff’s free speech rights, which had a higher precedent in the constitution than denying service to a gay patron.
So what options do you have now if a business refuses to serve you because you are part of the LGBTQ+ community?
View our What to do when a business discriminates against you Resource Guide.
-
For LGBTQ+ youth, having access to a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance or Gender & Sexualities Alliance) at their school provides a wide range of benefits.
So how can you get on started at your school or your child’s school?
-
As all parents know, raising kids is never easy. There’s no one-size-fits-all manual to ensure happiness and success for your child (no matter how many get published), because every family has their own unique experiences and challenges.
So how do you respond and support your child, if they come out?
-
Changing your gender marker and/or name doesn’t have to be scary. It just takes time, patience, and about $500.