Impact Litigation

About the Program

TLDEF’s Impact Litigation Program brings cases and files amicus briefs (friend-of-the-court briefs) in state and federal courts across the country to protect the rights of transgender and non-binary people. We take on a very small number of cases that offer courts opportunities to establish new precedents. TLDEF’s Impact Litigation work focuses on defending and lifting up transgender and non-binary individuals who have limited access to legal services and who face intersecting forms of discrimination, including due to race and ethnicity, socioeconomic class, geography, and lack of access to benefits and services. We also bring cases on behalf of clients who come to us through our Name Change Project and our Trans Health Project.

We take cases against government agencies (including criminal justice agencies such as police and jails); healthcare facilities; educational institutions; businesses open to the public (such as stores and restaurants); and employers.

If you are seeking assistance with an amicus brief, please contact David Brown, Legal Director.

Legal Assistance Inquiries (as of June 2022)

TLDEF does not currently accept inquiries for legal help that fall outside of the Trans Health Project and the Name Change Project. TLDEF only pursues a few impact litigation cases per year, and usually cannot assist with individual legal issues. We have provided a few legal resources that you may find helpful.

If you have been the victim of violence or are currently in crisis, please consult the following resources:

Updated on Jun 22, 2022