When the U.S. Supreme Court found in favor of marriage equality nationwide in 2015, LGBTQ citizens and their allies rejoiced. But it did not mean full equality in the eyes of the law. There are still questions surrounding LGBTQ civil rights, particularly around children. These questions most often arise when LGBTQ couples with children dissolve their relationship or marriage and the court must make custody determinations.
June 1 marked the beginning of Pride Month, but it ultimately passed without the usual fanfare. While it was known globally that COVID-19 would upend Pride celebrations everywhere, what we could not foresee was the tragic and unjust murder of George Floyd and most recently, Tony McDade, a black transgender man shot by police in Tallahassee, Florida.
The fight for LGBTQ rights has been tougher than ever in 2019 and support for our community is stronger than it has ever been. Just as with any significant, important movement, there are highs as well as lows.
By 2020, Pennsylvania will join a growing number of pioneering states including Washington, Arkansas, Nevada and Maine allowing driver’s license holders to choose from three gender options, male, female and the gender-neutral option of X.