LGBTQI+ Rights

LGBTQI+ people are a vital part of our nation and have remained resilient in their fight for equal rights.

However, the LGBTQI+ community is currently facing unprecedented levels of discrimination: State attacks explicitly targeting the rights of LGBTQI+ people have surged in recent years, while attempts to ban gender-affirming health care and criminalize drag performances have spread through various state houses across the country. Not only does the passage of these measures directly harm LGBTQI+ people and communities, but data also show that the mere introduction of these kinds of bills—which are often fueled by hateful and misinformed rhetoric—adversely affects LGBTQI+ people, especially youth.

CAP is dedicated to providing research that highlights the need for legal and lived equality for LGBTQI+ people as well as advancing policy solutions that further comprehensive nondiscrimination protections in tandem with policies that support the economic security, health, and safety of LGBTQI+ people.

Photo shows a black wrought iron fence next to a brick sidewalk. Small, colorful pride and transgender flags line the fence.
Colorful pride flags line a wrought iron fence at Christopher Park, part of the Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village, New York. (Getty/John Senter/UCG/Universal Images Group)
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LGBTQI+ Policy

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Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022
Report Intersex Progress Pride flag

Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022

A comprehensive new CAP study finds that many LGBTQI+ people continue to face discrimination in their personal lives, employment, housing, and health care, as well as in the public sphere.

Caroline Medina, Lindsay Mahowald

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2023 Progressive Wins Video

2023 Progressive Wins

This year saw protections for transgender rights, women's rights, the environment, and U.S. democracy overall, as well as strides in building the economy and keeping communities safe.

Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo, Ming Gault, 1 More Jeremy Hill

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
CAP IDEAS Conference logo

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

Paid Leave Policies Must Include Chosen Family Article
Photo shows a couple sitting together on a park bench.

Paid Leave Policies Must Include Chosen Family

In order to better support all workers—especially LGBTQI+ workers—policymakers must design paid leave policies that are inclusive of chosen family and reflect the diverse caregiving needs of people across the country.

Caroline Medina, Molly Weston Williamson

Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022 Report
Intersex Progress Pride flag

Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022

A comprehensive new CAP study finds that many LGBTQI+ people continue to face discrimination in their personal lives, employment, housing, and health care, as well as in the public sphere.

Caroline Medina, Lindsay Mahowald

Advancing Health Care Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQI+ Communities Report
A woman wears a pride flag in her hair in Manassas, Virginia.

Advancing Health Care Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQI+ Communities

New data reveal that LGBTQI+ communities encounter discrimination and other challenges when interacting with health care providers and health insurers, underscoring the importance of strengthening nondiscrimination protections through Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

Caroline Medina, Lindsay Mahowald

How Congress can illuminate LGBTQI+ experiences — and craft equitable solutions In the News

How Congress can illuminate LGBTQI+ experiences — and craft equitable solutions

Caroline Medina and Rose Khattar discuss the historic House passage of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act and underscore how comprehensive data collection is critical to better understand LGBTQI+ communities, shed light on persistent disparities, and craft responsive policy solutions.

The Hill

Caroline Medina, Rose Khattar

LGBTQ+ Military Members and Veterans Face Economic, Housing, and Health Insecurities Article
Thousands of people take the streets to protest then-President Donald Trump’s proposal to ban transgender people from serving in the military. The person in the foreground holds a sign that says

LGBTQ+ Military Members and Veterans Face Economic, Housing, and Health Insecurities

New analysis shows that LGBTQ+ service members and veterans face a bevy of social, economic, and health concerns—while contending with the legacy of discriminatory policies as well as ongoing social stigma and limits to benefits.

Lindsay Mahowald

State Attacks Against LGBTQI+ Rights Article
A protestor in front of the Minnesota capitol holds a sign reading

State Attacks Against LGBTQI+ Rights

Learn more about the discriminatory anti-LGBTQI+ bills advancing in states across the country and what can be done to oppose these damaging legislative attacks.

Caroline Medina, Sharita Gruberg

States’ anti-LGBTQI+ attacks underscore need for the Equality Act In the News

States’ anti-LGBTQI+ attacks underscore need for the Equality Act

Sharita Gruberg argues that the Senate must enact comprehensive nondiscrimination protections at the federal level amid an onslaught of anti-LGBTQI+ legislative attacks across the United States.

The Hill

Sharita Gruberg

The 2022 Legislative Landscape for LGBTQI+ Rights Article
A participant is seen holding a sign reading

The 2022 Legislative Landscape for LGBTQI+ Rights

State-level attacks against LGBTQI+ rights are poised to continue in the year ahead, heightening the need for the Senate to pass the Equality Act.

Sharita Gruberg, Caroline Medina

‘Mayor Pete’ Past Event
Poster for the documentary film

‘Mayor Pete’

A Reel Progress Screening and Discussion

Key Issues Facing People With Intersex Traits Article
A young child carries a box of chalk outside their home, September 2018, in Milwaukee. They are one of a growing number of intersex children whose parents are raising them without early genital surgery. (Getty/John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)

Key Issues Facing People With Intersex Traits

New CAP data and analysis offer insights into the experiences of people with intersex traits.

Caroline Medina, Lindsay Mahowald

Protecting and Advancing Health Care for Transgender Adult Communities Report
A man guides his stepdaughter in a wheelchair through a parking lot outside a wound care clinic in Los Angeles, 2021. His stepdaughter is transgender. (Getty/Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)

Protecting and Advancing Health Care for Transgender Adult Communities

The federal government and policymakers must address health disparities and barriers to care for transgender communities by implementing holistic policy solutions.

Caroline Medina, Thee Santos, Lindsay Mahowald, 1 More Sharita Gruberg

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