LGBTQIA+ & the Federal Government: Government Websites

This bulletin is designed to help child welfare and adoption professionals expand their cultural competence and skills when working with LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples. It also examines laws and policies and provides tips to engage this vital and distinct community effectively.

U.S. federal law does not prohibit LGBTI U.S. citizens or same-sex couples from being adoptive parents. However, some foreign countries do not permit LGBTI individuals or same-sex couples to adopt. When deciding to pursue intercountry adoption, do your research about whether the country you are interested in adopting from permits adoption by LGBTI persons or couples.

Bullying is a big problem for many children and teens, and especially for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students.

LGBT youth experience homelessness at higher rates than non-LGBT youth for a range of reasons, including family rejection and abuse, and a history of physical or sexual abuse.

Resources regarding youth LGBTQ homelessness.

A basic "LGBT" search on the Congress.gov site brings up hundreds of records regarding the community.

A basic "LGBTQ" search on the House of Representatives site brings up hundreds of records regarding the community.

A basic "LGBTQ" search on the Senate site brings up hundreds of records regarding the community.

President Obama’s Executive Order on LGBT Workplace Discrimination goes into effect. It prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) enforces regulations that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, under Executive Order 11246, as amended.

The 1978 Civil Service Reform Act states that Federal Agencies cannot "discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of conduct which does not adversely affect the performance of the employee or applicant or the performance of others" [5 USC 2302(b)].

The OSHA and NCTE Alliance focuses on providing information, guidance, and access to OSHA resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly by helping to ensure adequate access to workplace restrooms and understanding the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Resources on the LGBT population include national survey reports, agency and federal initiatives, and related behavioral health resources.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have special health concerns besides the usual ones that affect most men and women. On this page you'll find information about these specific health issues.

HHS works to ensure that LGBT Americans, families, and communities receive equal access to health services by providing enhanced resources for LGBT health issues; developing better information regarding LGBT health needs; and working to close the LGBT health disparities gap that currently exists.

The LGBT community is diverse, comes from all walks of life, and includes people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. The perspectives and needs of LGBT people should be routinely considered in public health efforts to improve the overall health of every person and eliminate health disparities.

Improve the health, safety, and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month commemorates the events of June 1969 and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBT Americans.

As America’s storytellers, the National Park Service (NPS) is committed to telling the history of all Americans in all of its diversity and complexity.

This post explores projects supported by the NEH Division of Preservation and Access of particular significance to LGBT history in the United States.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status (i.e., presence of children under the age of 18 in the household or pregnancy). The Fair Housing Act does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases. However, discrimination against a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person may be covered by the Fair Housing Act if it is based on non-conformity with gender stereotypes.

Part of HUD's mission is to give every person and family access to a safe, secure and affordable home including ensuring fair and equal access to housing for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. HUD is working to promote, strengthen and create opportunities for LGBTQ inclusion in its federal programs and regulations.

The Defense Department recognizes all military and civilian men and women who serve and are part of the LBGT community as equal, contributing members of the total force.

Veterans with LGBT and related identities face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The VA strives to be a national leader in the provision of health care to Veterans with LGBT and related identities and assure that care is provided in a sensitive, safe environment at VA health facilities nationwide.

There are many resources in the United States that international LGBT students should be aware of during their time on U.S. campuses.

Every school and every school leader has a responsibility to protect all students and ensure every child is respected and can learn in an accepting environment. Title IX protects all students, including LGBTQ students, from sex discrimination. Title IX encompasses discrimination based on a student’s failure to conform to stereotyped notions of masculinity and femininity.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. More than seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

Transgender victims, like all victims of sexual assault, want and deserve to be respected, heard, believed, served, and supported. This guide will help you do just that.

Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. It can affect all types of people throughout their lives. Those who survive violence are usually left with permanent physical and emotional scars. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are at overall increased risk of violence because of homophobia, harassment, and violent acts directed towards gay persons.

LGBT youth are typically well adjusted and mentally healthy.1 However, they experience higher rates of mental health challenges and increased health complications arising from these challenges compared to their heterosexual peers.