“Dear Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association Members,
Saying “we hope this email finds you well” would fail to acknowledge that our LGBTQ+ community is struggling given all the legislative attacks we have been facing nationwide. With over 400 bills filed across the nation, with a majority attacking our trans community, it is imperative that we continue to rise and use our legal expertise to help those in need and challenge these laws that aim at infringing our constitutional rights. It is more important than ever to be visible so that our youth continue to see role models and feel a sense of hope and belonging.
It was with the purpose of providing opportunities for legal professionals in our community to meet and network; to promote legislative, administrative and judicial reform for the purpose of eliminating discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other intersectional issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community; and promoting and stimulating the practice and professional expertise of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, sexual/gender diverse legal professionals that we came together and established the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Even though the COVID pandemic slowed our growth, we continue to think of opportunities and individuals to help us grow.
This past year, we hosted two CLEs last year: one discussing mental wellness within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and the second one on consent and recent updates to the model penal code on sexual assault. Additionally, in conjunction with the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, we hosted a discussion on marriage equality and navigating a post Roe v. Wade world. Finally, we also raised enough funds to send a North Carolinian law student to the LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Conference and Career Fair (Lavender Law).
This year we plan to host at least three in-person networking events, two CLE’s and send at least another student to Lavender Law. We understand that visibility matters and we promise to be more visible!
During the pandemic, we paused the collection on membership dues and renewals. However, we hope you consider renewing your membership to help us continue growing. You can renew your membership by clicking here. Please consider asking friends and colleagues to join by visiting our website at https://lgbtqbarnc.com/.
We hope to see you at one of our events soon!”
