June 15, 2020 -- We are very pleased the Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting all LGBTQ+ individuals from workplace discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act today. We offer our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Gerald Bostock; the family of the late Donald Zarda; Donna Stephens, the widow of the late Aimee Stephens; and everyone involved in successfully arguing these cases in defense of the wellbeing of our community. This is a victory well-worth celebrating.

Housing Works organized a national action near the Supreme Court on the day of the hearings, October 8th, 2019. Over 500 participants marched through the streets of Washington, D.C. and 133 people took part in civil disobedience resulting in arrest. We wish to thank our entire Housing Works/Bailey House community and our many co-sponsors who participated in this action, bringing national attention to this threat against LGBTQ+ rights

“This is an important step forward in the ongoing movement to create a world where all LGBTQ+ people can live freely and without fear,” said Charles King, CEO and co-founder, Housing Works. “It is especially moving to witness this decision from the Supreme Court during LGBTQ Pride Month. We will continue to use every avenue available to us, including direct action, to create a world where every LGBTQ+ person, especially our Black and Brown siblings, has housing, healthcare and a safe, secure existence.”

LGBTQ+ rights are still under attack. Last week, the Trump administration finalized a rule that removed healthcare and health insurance nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. Hundreds of anti-transgender bills are under consideration across the country. Puerto Rico signed a new civil code into law earlier this month that limits the ability of transgender people to change their names and gender markers from those assigned at birth.

About Housing Works

Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1990, our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.