Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association
About Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association
Founded in 1986 as Philadelphia Attorneys for Human Rights (PAHR), the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association has spent nearly four decades championing legal equality and supporting LGBTQ legal professionals in Philadelphia, PA and beyond. What began as a small group of approximately 25 attorneys working in secrecy during the AIDS crisis has evolved into a thriving professional community that openly advocates for LGBTQ rights. The organization changed its name to the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP) in 1992 as the local climate became safer for advocacy, and in 2019, members voted to expand its inclusive name to the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association, reaffirming its commitment to serving all members of the LGBTQ community. Throughout its history, the organization has shaped landmark legal victories and hosted transformative professional events, including organizing the first-ever Lavender Law Career Fair in 2002. The Association maintains deep roots in Philadelphia's legal and political landscape, having welcomed numerous distinguished candidates and now-judges through its annual May Garden Party. Supported entirely by its dedicated membership, donors, and community partners, the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association continues to build on its rich legacy while creating opportunities for connection, professional growth, and meaningful service to the wider LGBTQ community.