LGBTQIA+ Rights
Over nine years ago, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) launched the LGBTQIA+ Legal Project to address the distinct legal obstacles encountered by low-income Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals and their families. LSHV is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of LGBTQIA+ community members, ensuring they live with dignity and respect.
How We Can Help
LSHV’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community ensures that marginalized individuals receive the support and representation they deserve, promoting fairness and justice within the legal framework. We provide crucial support to the LGBTQIA+ community through our free legal services. LSHV addresses issues such as discrimination, housing, employment, family law, and healthcare access, which disproportionately and often negatively affect LGBTQIA+ individuals.
By offering tailored legal assistance, LSHV empowers our LGBTQIA+ clients to navigate complex legal systems and assert their rights. Our legal services not only provide swift solutions but also foster a more inclusive and equitable society by advocating for systemic change.
Areas We Can Advise In
- Benefits for Youth and the Unhoused
- Bullying Within Our Schools
- Establishing School Safety Plans
- Discrimination in Employment, Housing, and Credit
- Family Defense
- Orders of Protection
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Custody and Visitation Issues
- Name and Gender Marker Changes
- Health-Related Benefits or Discrimination
- Public Assistance Benefits
- Social Security, Disability, and Supplemental Income
- Hate Crimes
- Estate Planning and Wills
- Advanced Directives and Living Wills
What You Can Expect from LSHV
LSHV is committed to addressing and supporting the unique legal needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients can expect free comprehensive legal assistance from LSHV on issues like discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes that disproportionately affect LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Additionally, LSHV provides support in matters of family law, including adoption and custody, recognizing the diverse structures of modern families. We also offer guidance on healthcare rights, ensuring access to necessary medical treatments and protecting against medical discrimination. Also, the LSHV LGBTQIA+ team advocates for workplace rights, aiming to create an inclusive environment free from employment discrimination.
In addition to our tireless legal work, we provide dedicated outreach and education to foster a community that respects and upholds the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout our communities in New York State.
Looking for Forms Pertaining to LGBTQIA+ Rights?
We offer a full library of resources available for download.