LGBTQ Rights
The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.
What you need to know
30,000
estimated LGBTQ youth ages 13-17 live in SC
68%
of South Carolinians support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people
71%
reduction in severe depression symptoms for transgender teens allowed to use preferred pronouns at home and school
The ACLU of South Carolina works in the legislature, in the courtroom, and in the community to protect and expand the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.
In the Courts
When the state tramples on the rights of its LGBTQ citizens, we are prepared to fight back for equal protection under the law.
In the Legislature
Year after year, South Carolina lawmakers introduce anti-LGBTQ bills focused on censoring discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools, banning access to medically necessary care for transgender youth, and circumventing laws that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. We show up to fight these bills before they can become law.
In The Community
We are proud members of SC United for Justice and Equality. The coalition advocates for the passage of legislation to protect LGBTQ community members and opposes anti-LGBTQ legislation. The coalition also works on intersecting issues of social justice, including racial justice, reproductive justice, voting rights, and health care access.
In recent years, anti-LGBTQ lawmakers have devoted much of their focus on taking away the rights of transgender youth and their families. Click here or watch the video below to hear how a cruel legislative session is already affecting one South Carolina family.
The Latest
Listen to our new podcast on the fight over 'conversion therapy'
Episode 14: The Opposite of Therapy
ACLU-SC reaffirms commitment to trans rights in wake of Supreme Court's 6-3 Skrmetti decision
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Misanin v. Wilson
Rogers v. Health and Human Services
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