Impact Magazine

In several weeks, the holidays will be upon us, and with it, the prospect of reuniting with loved ones and family. At its best, the word “family” conjures feelings of acceptance and belonging. But for many in our community, “family” continues to be a loaded word.

Every year at this time, communities across the United States celebrate Pride. It’s a happy time—a time to relax and be ourselves, reconnect with friends and marvel at the astonishing diversity within our communities—sometimes mixed with bittersweet thoughts as we remember the loved ones we lost.

It Is hard to know what to do with the knowledge that we are about to reach the 30th anniversary of the Center for Disease Control’s first report of what would come to be called AIDS.

Every year for two decades, the National LGBT Bar Association has bestowed its highest honor, the Dan Bradley Award, on a member of the LGBT legal community who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of LGBT rights and those of people living with HIV.

At Lambda Legal, we spend most of our time making the case for equality in the courts—but we also fight for freedom in the community and in the chambers where laws are made. During Pride season, Lambda Legal staff, members and volunteers can be found in cities and towns around the country marching, handing out fact sheets, answering questions and having fun.

We believe in social change. We keep fighting for equality because we have seen so much achieved for LGBT people and people with HIV. Some days, the change around us seems so remarkable, it takes my breath away. Some days it comes far too slowly and we dig in and push harder.

In the 36 years that Lambda Legal has been fighting for equality, I don’t think there has ever been a moment when so many victories and opportunities are before us at the very same time that we face such enormous challenges.

John Paul Stevens is one of the nine justices who currently sit on the Supreme Court. He clearly understands the role of judges in America and has been on the majorities issuing important victories for our communities, from Romer v. Evans to Lawrence v. Texas. He is nearing retirement.