Sarah Toce
After nearly 50 years as a leading LGBTQ civil rights organization, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) announced Monday that it is changing its name to the National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR) to better reflect its longtime commitment to advocacy on behalf of the full LGBTQ community.
NCLR was founded in 1977 by Donna Hitchens, who went on to become the first openly lesbian judge elected to the bench in the United States, and Roberta Achtenberg, the first openly LGBTQ person appointed to a position requiring U.S. Senate confirmation. NCLR’s original name reflected the fact that it was the first national LGBTQ organization to be founded by women.
The organization was revolutionary because it recognized that lesbian women faced unique legal challenges that were not being addressed by existing gay rights organizations, which tended to focus on issues more relevant to gay men.
By creating specialized legal advocacy for lesbians, particularly around family law issues, NCLR helped establish new areas of civil rights law that would benefit the entire LGBTQ community.
Hitchens’ and Achtenberg’s initial goal was to provide legal support to lesbian mothers fearful of losing custody of their children after coming out, which very quickly expanded to advocating on behalf of gay parents living with HIV, transgender parents, asylum seekers, and young people seeking justice in schools and on the playing fields.
Since its founding, NCLR has become a leading national impact litigation organization, taking on Prop 8, winning marriage equality in California and nationally, defending transgender servicemembers, fighting for health care for LGBTQ people, and defending laws protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy.
“NCLR’s feminist roots have always called on us to support and amplify the most underrepresented communities and those often left out of the mainstream movements,” says Imani Rupert-Gordon, President of NCLR.
“At a time when the LGBTQ community is facing increasing attacks, it is critical that we are crystal clear that we represent the entire community,” Rupert-Gordon said. “Without losing touch with our roots, NCLR will continue its nearly 50-year commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, forging new partnerships, and working toward a day when every LGBTQ person can live with full dignity, equality, and freedom under the law.”
“This change reflects what has always been true: NCLR works tirelessly to defend, protect and advance the entire LGBTQ community. Since this administration took office, NCLR has filed four lawsuits challenging discriminatory and unconstitutional executive orders, and we are preparing for additional litigation,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter.
Minter added, “I have devoted my more than 30-year legal career to working at NCLR, an organization committed to putting the community first, supporting LGBTQ people and their families, and using the power of the courts to fight for a better and more just world. I am excited that our new name captures and expands that spirit and vision.”
