Culture wars in the U.S. – and worldwide – have surged in recent years. Often the targets of these fights have been trans individuals and those with differing gender expressions. Especially after the Dobbs decision, progressive activists fear a backsliding of LGBTQ+ rights.
To highlight ways to identify and combat such trends, Notre Dame Law School's LGBT Legal Forum will examine the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a case study of how the law can be weaponized to harm historically marginalized communities. Bill Hirsh, executive director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel, will discuss the unique legal challenges faced by those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, including the many barriers that were put in place at the beginning of the epidemic.
This event is co-sponsored by the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights.
Bill Hirsh
Executive Director, AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Before joining ALRP in March of 2000, Hirsh directed the Mental Health Association of San Francisco, where he coordinated a broad-based public policy advocacy effort to increase affordable and supportive housing for people with mental health disabilities. In 2006, Bill was appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to the city’s Long Term Care Coordinating Council where he works to ensure that seniors and adults with disabilities can access the services they need. He has also taken a leadership role in the HIV/AIDS Provider Network (HAPN), working to ensure that San Francisco’s model of care for HIV/AIDS services continues to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Bill recently was honored with the Ruth Brinker Visionary Leadership Award.
Photo: "LGBTQ employment rights" by vpickering is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Originally published at klau.nd.edu.