Celebration of Life for longtime Chicagoan LGBTQ activist and business ownwer Lauren Verdich will be Saturday May 20, 2023, 12:30-4 p.m., University Club Chicago, 76 E. Monroe.

Donations can be sent to Lambda Legal in Lauren's memory: Website Link Here .

Lauren was a fierce justice warrior and long-time champion and supporter of Lambda Legal. Lambda has been fighting anti-LGBTQ and anti-HIV discrimination for 50 years, winning numerous landmark victories along the way. Your donation in Lauren's memory, of any amount, will keep Lambda Legal in the fight.

Just since January 1, 2023, almost 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed across the country, more than half of which attack transgender youth. Hostile state legislators and government officials are attacking transgender youth by banning medically necessary gender-affirming health care for adolescents and young adults, and by labeling such health care as child abuse.

Lambda Legal is currently in court fighting such measures in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas (as amicus), and is about to file suit in Missouri. These bans can mean the difference between life and death for transgender youth who are threatened with family separation, or whose health care is suddenly eliminated.

Also see Website Link Here .