- Lambda Legal
- Promo
- Bill tracking
- Federal Rights for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Name change
- Online resources
Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Promo is Missouri’s statewide organization advocating for LGBTQ equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing, and community education. PROMO Fund promotes equality and protects the human and civil rights of LGBTQ people in Missouri. SAGE of PROMO Fund strives to enhance the quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults through service, advocacy, and community awareness. Learn more about PROMO Fund’s merger with SAGE Metro St. Louis here.
This website tracks current bills in Congress and all 50 states. It has a nice search function that makes it easier to find bills related to the LGBTQ+ community. Here is a website that tracks bills that will effect LGBTQ+ individuals, with an interactive state map. One such bill is the “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida, passed in 2022. In 2022, the National Education Association put together a informative list of anti-trans legislation.
In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled on employment protection for gender identity, including it in the statement on protections for sexual orientation. Here is a pamphlet with more information, specifically geared toward educators.
Name change: Legal disclaimer: This section is written based on the author’s personal research and experience. It is not intended to be substituted for legal council.
See this page for the steps one needs to take to change their name. This page has all the forms one needs to fill out for a name change. For Phelps County, the cost in 2021 of a name change is $135.50. This cost may be waived. To be considered for the cost to be waived, file a In Forma Pauperis Application (GN10). Usually it is required to publish a name change, if you have reason to believe that would put you in danger, you can check a box in the form to not publish. If that is not the case, both Phelps County Focus and Rolla Daily News will publish the required notice of name change. Phelps County Focus charges in 2021 in the range of $77.10-$100.80 depending on the size of the notification. Rolla Daily News charges in 2021, in the range $110-$130, again depending on the size. Update Driver’s License, social security, voter registration, birth certificate, and financial institution with new name as soon as possible.
There are lots of websites that offer more general information and resources for dealing with legal issues and concerns. One such website is Formspal, a website with the intent of making legal forms more accessible. Learn more here!