Minnesota Lavender Bar Association
About Minnesota Lavender Bar Association
The Minnesota Lavender Bar Association represents over two decades of commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion within Minnesota's legal profession. Established in Minneapolis, MN in 1996 as a special project of OutFront Minnesota's Legal Program, the MLBA was created to address the significant barriers facing LGBTQ+ lawyers and law students in networking, professional development, and combating homophobia within the legal field. Reorganized as an independent 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in 1999, the MLBA has grown into a dynamic force for social justice and professional advocacy. The organization has achieved landmark victories including successfully challenging Minnesota's sodomy law alongside the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, filing amicus curiae briefs in federal and state courts to challenge sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, and actively lobbying against constitutional amendments that would have restricted same-sex marriage recognition. Today, the MLBA continues its mission through strategic partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and bar associations, building a supportive community for all legal professionals while advocating for fairness and equality for all Minnesota citizens. The organization's work is sustained by the passionate volunteer efforts of its members and leadership.