Fried Frank Hosts 25th Annual Michael R. Diehl Civil Rights Forum

Fried Frank proudly hosted the milestone 25th annual Michael R. Diehl Civil Rights Forum, "A Major Problem in Minor Healthcare: Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Youth." This event addressed the discriminatory legislation and policies targeting medical care for transgender youth, discussing the profound impacts on families and caregivers across the country. This annual event is held in memory of Michael R. Diehl, a Fried Frank associate renowned for his commitment to civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Our esteemed panel of guest speakers provided valuable insights:

• Ali Harris, Clinical Research Manager at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
• Arli Christian, Senior Policy Counsel in the National Political Advocacy Department at the American Civil Liberties Union
• Cathy Zhang, Fellow at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund's Trans Health Project
• Taylor Brown, Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the New York State Attorney General's Civil Rights Bureau

Samuel Light, associate and Co-Chair of Pride Alliance, the firm's LGBTQ+ employee resource group, skillfully moderated the panel, delivering rousing opening remarks on the forum's critical role in addressing issues critical to the LGBTQ+ community and the need for continued awareness and advocacy. Andrew C. Heymann, associate and fellow co-chair, providing thoughtful concluding remarks.

Chairman Kenneth I. Rosh set an inspiring tone with his welcome address: "Although times may seem challenging or overwhelming, we cannot lose our optimism. We must gain momentum and work towards achieving real and sustainable equality, dignity, and true freedom for all."

Fried Frank established the Michael R. Diehl Civil Rights Forum in 2000 to commemorate the memory of Michael R. Diehl, a Fried Frank corporate associate who was passionate about advocating for civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community, who tragically died in a swimming accident in 1999. The forum, organized by the firm's Pride Alliance, invites notable civic leaders to engage in discussions with the Fried Frank community about pressing civil rights and social justice issues and concerns.

Fried Frank's Pride Alliance seeks to build upon the firm's longstanding commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse community and to increase understanding of and involvement in the unique issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. The group participates in several pro bono representation efforts, from groundbreaking family law litigation involving same-sex couples to name-change petitions for transgender clients. It maintains strong relationships with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, National LGBT Bar Association, Lambda Legal and Immigration Equality. Click here to learn more about the firm's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program.

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