Welcome to our new series, Taking control: legal answers for everyday problems. LawHelpNY is here to help New Yorkers stay informed about their rights in different areas of life. Each post will focus on a different community or topic, giving you the information you need to take charge of situations that matter to you. This first post focuses on LGBTQ+ rights and resources.
You have legal protections for many common life situations. Some are general, and others are because of your identity. Your boss treating you unfairly at work? That might be discrimination you can address. Having trouble with your landlord? Tenant rights laws can help. Feeling unsafe because of who you are? There are hate crime laws that protect you.
You might be surprised by how many "regular problems" are actually situations where you can use the law. You have more power than you might think. Let's explore how you can put that power to work for you.
Your relationships and family
Whether you're thinking about making your relationship official, planning a family, or dealing with relationship changes, there are legal steps that can protect you and your loved ones.
New York offers options for couples, from domestic partnerships to marriage:
- If you're in New York City, you might want to learn How to register your domestic partnership (for NYC).
- Planning to get married? Our guide, Making it official: Same-sex relationships in New York, walks you through your options.
- Thinking about starting a family? Check out Who can adopt a child in New York? and An overview of the adoption process to understand your rights as an LGBTQ+ person wanting to adopt.
Your safety and security
Have you ever felt unsafe because of who you are? Been called names, threatened, or physically hurt because you're LGBTQ+? That's not something you just have to accept – it might be a hate crime, and there are laws that protect you.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. Our article on LGBTQ+ and hate crimes explains what qualifies as a hate crime and how to report it. We also have information about encounters with police that can help you understand your rights. Know your rights and know where to get help.
Your healthcare and identity documents
Having the right documents that match who you are can make healthcare, work, and daily life much easier.
If you're thinking about updating your name or gender markers on official documents, Identity Documents for Trans, Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People is a great place to start.
Need to change your legal name? We've got you covered with: How do I change my name?
If you're a student or have kids in school
Is school a safe place for you or your child? If students are being bullied, called names, or treated differently because they're LGBTQ+, that's not just "kids being mean" – it's discrimination that schools are required to address.
School should be a safe place for all students. New York has laws protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and bullying. Students and parents should know about LGBTQIA+ student rights in New York Schools. If problems come up, you can use the School Discrimination Helpline or learn How to report bullying in NYC public schools.
Your next steps
Pick one area from this list that feels most important to you right now. Click on the link, read the article, and see if there's anything you want to do or any questions you want to ask.
A lot of everyday life problems can have legal solutions – and a little knowledge can go a long way in protecting yourself and the people you care about.
What else can you find on LawHelpNY?
✅ More legal topics beyond the one we covered above. Browse all our topics.
✅ A Hotlines page with phone numbers by topic.
✅ A Directory to find free legal services in New York State.
✅ LiveHelp to chat with someone who can help. (Click the LiveHelp button at the top right of the page.)