Leaders of the American Bar Association (ABA) have reiterated their commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts in the face of growing backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. The ABA’s mid-winter meeting, held in Phoenix on February 1, featured its annual Stonewall Awards ceremony, honoring three LGBTQ individuals for their contributions to the community.
“We are not retreating from our diversity initiatives,” said William “Bill” Bay, outgoing president of the ABA. “We celebrate diversity in all its forms and will be a strong voice in support of the LGBTQ community.”
The awards recognized Kristen Galles, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Victoria Kolakowski, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge D. Zeke Zeidler for their work promoting equality and justice.
Galles, who has represented students in Title IX cases since 1996, emphasized the importance of her work in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Kolakowski, a trans woman herself, spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to erase trans people from public life. Zeidler, a gay Jewish man, highlighted the importance of coming out and allies coming forward to support marginalized communities.
The ABA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion comes as the Trump administration has rolled back several LGBTQ+ rights initiatives, including Title IX protections for trans students. The organization’s president-elect, Michelle Behnke, vowed to continue fighting for all LGBTQ people in the face of anti-gay pushback.
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Source: https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=News&sc=Legal&id=337736&title=at_stonewall_awards_event,_aba_leaders_recommit_to_diversity_efforts