This innovative project leveraged the expertise and training of Sorensen Center Fellows and students at CUNY School of Law to expand access to legal information and support for trans and gender non-conforming students across CUNY, in partnership with CUNY’s LGBTQIA+ Consortium.
Systemic and interpersonal discrimination often have cascading material and socio-economic effects on the lives of trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people. At a time when many legislators are attempting to make public life more difficult for TGNC people, the project provides accessible legal education and practical tools for advocacy, empowering TGNC CUNY students and their allies to navigate and challenge these institutional barriers.
Using the expansive protections under the NYC Human Rights Law, the precedent set in Bostock, and the passing of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in New York, the project began with legal training and community education initiatives such as pop-up Know Your Rights (“KYR”) workshops at CUNY campuses across the city. These workshops provided participants with information about New York State, New York City, and CUNY policies that protect them against discrimination on the basis of gender identity, expression, or sexuality, and recourse when their rights are violated. Following the KYR workshops, the project expanded to include trainings on self-represented legal name change, explaining the process and tips for navigating it.
Partner: CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium and the New York City Council