International Association of LGBTQ Judges

Judges, are you looking for resources to help address LGBTQ+ youth in your courtrooms? The Judicial Council of California Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness recently updated its bench card and can be found here: https://mcusercontent.com/0d4bedbf3d0ee0b80639584c0/files/0412120c-5a0a-51cf-7ea9-45c23e1021f4/Bench_Reference_Guide_What_Do_I_Need_to_Know_About_LGBTQ_Youth_in_Juvenile_Court.pdf

mcusercontent.com

It's membership renewal season! If you are a current member needing to renew, or you want to join us, head over to https://lgbtqjudges.org/membership

As a thank you, we are sending you two customized lens cleaning cloths to keep your eyeglasses, camera lenses, and phone screens clean.

Plus, if you renew by March 1, 2026, you will be entered to win a drawstring cotton backpack.

Members in the News: First Asian & LGBTQ WA Supreme Court justice retires

Congratulations, Justice Yu, and happy retirement!

https://asamnews.com/2026/01/02/first-asian-lgbtq-wa-supreme-court-justice-retires/

First Asian & LGBTQ WA Supreme Court justice retires – AsAmNews Trailblazer Mary Yu retired from the Washington Supreme Court on Dec. 31, after more than three decades in public service.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Nova Scotia

Congratulations, Justice!

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Nova Scotia The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. Thi

Association Members! Join us for a members-only event on Zoom on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1:00pm Eastern: Jury Trials... and Tribulations, bringing experienced criminal trial judges from the United States, Canada, and England for a cross-jurisdictional discussion on the realities of jury trials. Speakers include His Honour Judge Ed Connell, Resident Judge of Croydon Crown Court in London; Madam Justice Gisele Miller, Superior Court of Justice for Ontario; and Judge Ana C. Reyes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. RSVP to [email protected]. See you there!

Members In The News: Judge Barbara McDermott of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Announces Retirement

Judge McDermott is pictured here with former Association President Judge Dan Anders.

Happy retirement, Your Honor!

https://t.co/jA8wY4HPEX

Member in the News: Judge Daniel J. Clifford

Six O’Clock Series: Judge shares journey from small-town politics to LGBTQ+ representation

Six O’Clock Series: Judge shares journey from small-town politics to LGBTQ+ representation This Monday, the Six O’Clock Series featured IUP alumnus and ’24 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Daniel J. Clifford ’81 to share his journey as the first openly gay judge elected

Member Judge Javier E. Vargas featured in the news...

Court of Claims Judge Is Appointed as Co-Chair of LGBTQ Commission

Court of Claims Judge Is Appointed as Co-Chair of LGBTQ Commission| Law.com Judge Javier E. Vargas has been named downstate co-chair of the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, a body that promotes equal participation and access throughout state courts regardless of one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Vargas is the first openly gay Latino jurist....

Member Jill Rose Quinn in the news...

Chicago advocates stress urgent need for both resources and resilience at Trans Day of Remembrance event

Chicago advocates stress urgent need for both resources and resilience at Trans Day of Remembrance event - Windy City Times To mark this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), Alliance of Illinois Judges hosted a panel discussion on policy changes impacting the transgender community Nov. 22 at Center on Halsted. Panelists included Inclusive Insight Founder/Owner Laura Grimes; Inclusive Insight psychotherapist an...

How do we redefine gender equality in today’s courts? 🌈⚖️

In this episode, we speak with Judge Amy Sakalauskas, President of the International Association of LGBTQ Judges and Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia. She shares what it truly means to lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion—and how inclusivity strengthens justice for all. ✨

🎧 Listen now:
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NXmuu5KoBV13lL4BAWGbq?si=59b802ef11e642a2
➡️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/5pIungp_Sj8?list=PLWVczMqXJe84yJyazRR-bAj8J_61ZnJ9Q

⚖️ Stand with women judges driving change around the world — explore how you can support IAWJ’s work at: https://www.iawj.org/give

On October 30, 2024, seven new LGBTQ+ attorneys were sworn-in as members of the Pennsylvania Bar during a swearing-in ceremony in Philadelphia’s City Hall. Judge Christopher Mallios presided and Judge Ashely Chan administered the oath of office. Judges Gregory Yorgey-Girdy and Tiffany Palmer offered welcoming remarks to the new attorneys. The swearing-in ceremony was planned by the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Bar Association. In the photos (from left to right on the bench) are Judges Yorgey-Girdy, Palmer, Mallios, and Chan.

A big CONGRATULATIONS to two of our past presidents, Judges Vicky Kolakowski and Zeke Zeidler, who were honored with the American Bar Association’s prestigious Stonewall Award for their outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community at the recent ABA Midyear Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. 🎉