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For Immediate Release
 
Contact: 
D'Arcy Kemnitz
Executive Director
darcy@lgbtbar.org

The National LGBT Bar Association to Become The LGBTQ+ Bar Association 
 

April 30, 2021, Washington DC  - The National LGBT Bar Association and the National LGBT Bar Foundation are pleased to announce a rebrand effort to better align the organizations’ names with their core values of inclusivity and equality to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity. 
 
The rebrand effort expands the association’s name to become The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and expands the foundation’s name to become The National LGBTQ+ Bar Foundation. The effort will include a redesigned logo and revitalized assets. 
 
“In the almost 35 years since our founding, language has evolved, and we want our name to clearly reflect not only the LGBTQ+ Bar’s deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion but also the fact that these values infuse every aspect of what we do -- from our programming and our work with law students to our advocacy efforts and our DEI consulting practice,” said Wesley D. Bizzell, Senior Assistant General Counsel, Managing Director of Political Law & Ethics Programs, Altria & President of the LGBTQ+ Bar Association. “As we have throughout the years, we will continue to fiercely represent every aspect of our community and proudly celebrate diversity in all of its forms.” 
 
“We want to acknowledge and honor those in the community that don't get an explicit letter with a L-G-B-T-Q like folx who are pansexual, asexual, nonbinary, and many others. The inclusion of the "+" sign in the rebrand is that it stands as a symbol of belonging, and like many symbols, they may not do justice. We have to work every day to ensure they meet action, in this case, of inclusion. The beauty of this community and this association is that we can foster belonging and community together, so that all are seen and present. Along the same line, we are grateful to all those who understand that “ally” is a verb. It is a call to action. Having colleagues who actively listen and advocate makes a huge difference to our community.” said Lousene M. Hoppe, President-Elect of the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, and of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
 
“If the last year has taught us anything, it is that we are all in this together. That is why it is so important to redouble our focus on supporting every member of our large and diverse LGBTQ+ community, as well as all of those who have shared in our struggle and similar struggles. We need to walk hand-in-hand with every person facing – and fighting -- bigotry, injustice, and inequity. The change to our name not only reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, but is the next step in our work, along with each of our sibling minority bars, at building a better future,” said Jesse Loffler, President, LGBTQ+ Bar Foundation, and of Cozen O'Connor. 
 
The new brand will roll out at the association’s annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair, which will run July 28 - 30th. Featuring quality programming, you'll benefit from insightful content, impactful networking, and opportunities to connect and build collaborative relationships. Virtual programming will include the Career Fair, plenary sessions, networking, practice area institutes, award ceremonies, career planning sessions, and more. Join us at the largest virtual gathering of LGBTQ+ legal professionals and law students -- register today to secure early bird rates
 
About the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations. The LGBTQ+ Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity. To learn more, visit www.lgbtbar.org

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