Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in U.S. legislation, policies and laws that impact the GLBT community. The federal government has overseen the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, marriage equality, as well as the inclusion of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression under the guidance for Title IX and Title VII, explicitly naming gender and sexuality as protected under the definition of sex discrimination. However, while there has been an increased number of laws, policies and guidance that protect the rights of the GLBT community, we have also seen the rescinding of those protections as well as a myriad of laws and policies barring access to equitable and affirming spaces.

The GLBT Center will host “The Evolution of Legal Protections for the GLBT Community” on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Talley Student Union, Room 3222. Facilitated by Sarah Gillooly, policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, this program will explore the successes and losses in legal protections for the GLBT community in the U.S. within the last two decades.

This GLBT History Month program will provide insight into the impact of these successes and losses and provide participants with opportunities to discuss how they can advocate for the rights of the GLBT community. The program is free and open to all students, faculty, staff and community members.

• See the GLBT History Month calendar of events for additional programs.

Preston Keith is assistant director of the GLBT Center.