GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS INC

In the past year, the public affairs and education department (pa&e) achieved the following:departmental update:- renamed the department to communications & public education (cpe) to align with industry standards.publications & events- published glad law briefs newsletter: print edition in may 2024. Online edition in october 2024.- co-hosted a 20th anniversary celebration of marriage equality on may 17, 2024, at arlington street church with over three hundred attendees.- coordinated glad law's participation in boston pride for the people, joined by attorney general andrea campbell and her team.glad law answers:- handled a record 2,561 distinct legal intakes through calls and emailsa 43% increase over the previous year.- provided legal information, resources, and referrals to lgbtq+ individuals, often in crisis.hosted community education events on key topics:- supreme court and gender affirming care july 15, 2024- massachusetts parentage act celebration & update sept 10, 2024- legal threats & opportunities for lgbtq+ people (with mizell center) sept 30, 2024- national transgender rights landscape oct 24, 2024- massachusetts parentage act protections nov 13, 2024- post-election legal questions nov 14, 2024- virtual screening & panel: national transgender rights landscape dec 17, 2024- know your rights on immigration jan 14, 2025- post-inauguration briefing jan 28, 2025strategic messaging & research:- continued work on shifting public understanding of transgender adolescent healthcare.- planned a message research project on lgbtq family building and parentage with an expert attorney on staff.policy convenings:- held quarterly rhode island public policy advocates meetings.- hosted the annual new england policy convening in december 2024 with advocates from six states.digital outreach & information access:- created a dedicated executive order challenges page on gladlaw.org. Provides updates on federal actions and legal challenges. Includes frequently asked questions on evolving legal rights.- launched a weekly blog by executive director ricardo martinez titled the resistance brief, offering insights and encouragement for the lgbtq+ rights movement.

In the past year, the aids law project (alp):expanded access to hiv prevention:- passed a law in massachusetts to allow pharmacists to dispense a limited supply of prep for hiv prevention,- passed a law in rhode island to: expand access to prep (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Eliminate insurance barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. Filed similar legislation in ma this year.public health advocacy in maine:- responded to rising hiv cases in bangor by advocating for expanded syringe exchange programs.- opposed maine bill ld219, which proposed a harmful one-for-one syringe exchange limit, by submitting formal testimony.national legal advocacy:- co-authored a friend-of-the-court brief in kennedy v. Braidwood management, inc. Submitted to the u.s. Supreme court on february 25, 2025. Urged the court to uphold no-cost access to prep and other preventive healthcare services. Collaborated with leading hiv, lgbtq+, and healthcare organizations.ongoing mission:- continuing to work toward the eradication of hiv by ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment without unnecessary barriers.

Organizational growth and brand sharpeningnew leadership:- following the departure of glad law's long-time executive director in the fall of 2023, glad law had an interim ed until september 2024. The board led a nationwide search and hired ricardo martinez as glad law's executive director. Ricardo began the position in september 2024.legal team and staff expansion:- hired four new attorneys with civil rights and trial experience. - conducted a national search and hired a new legal director, starting april 2025.- initiated hiring additional staff across the organization in q4 of fy25 to support expanded operations.brand sharpening campaign:- launched a comprehensive campaign to enhance visibility and reinforce our identity and mission as a legal advocacy organization. - filed a new business certificate with the city of boston adopting the shorthand "glad law."brand awareness achievements:- updated logo resonated strongly with donors and supporters.- increased public recognition of glad law's mission and unique contributions.- high levels of trust reported in glad law's use of resources among supporters.media engagement success:- majority of media outlets now correctly refer to the organization as glad law.- legal work featured prominently in media messaging, reinforcing glad law's leadership.- jennifer levi and ricardo martinez served as key spokespeople, with jennifer leading most national coverage.paid media performance:- digital ads outperformed industry benchmarks in fundraising, lead generation, and awareness.- peak performance during media coverage of the president's executive orders, such as the transgender military ban.- top-performing creative content included emotion-driven, direct-to-camera videos by alexandra chandler and ricardo martinez.