After watching the most conservative Supreme Court in over 90 years set women’s rights back 50 years, and then experiencing a presidential race where Republicans spent 215 million demonizing the LGBTQ community, this month’s shocking Trump victory has led to Nazi marches through the streets, men yelling “Your body, my choice” at women and girls, and an overwhelming sense that dark days lie ahead for marginalized people.
The foundational underpinning of LGBTQ rights is on conservatives’ list of targets, with Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito openly signaling a desire to overturn Windsor and Obergefell and Lawrence, the three rulings that unlocked a national right to same-sex marriage.
In reaction to the threats of a hostile administration, congress, and court, LGBTQ Americans are seeking ways to protect their families. A legal forum will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ (3510 Giles Avenue, St. Louis) this Thursday at 6:00 pm, where attorneys from Marler Law Partners will discuss the risks we face, and the legal maneuvers we can take to safeguard our rights. Topics will include name changes, living wills, power of attorney, adoption issues and more.
Attorney Sara Marler
“At this moment and with the changing Presidential administration in 2025, same-sex couples and LGBTQIA+ families are facing growing obstacles. I have always advised the non-biological parent in a same-sex couple to pursue a confirmatory adoption as a measure of safety and security for their family. The current risk is that the Supreme Court, which has been overturning precedent at an extraordinary rate, could overturn the Obergefell decision, which recognized gay marriage on a federal level. If Obergefell is overturned, there would be no federal protection for gay marriage, and states could outlaw it as was done in the past. This could result in a
loss of parental rights for the non-biological parent in a same-sex/LGBTQIA+ couple. Because of this risk, I strongly encourage same-sex/LGBTQIA+ parents to act now to ensure complete legal rights for both partners. People should protect their families, regardless of whether they come to our firm or another reputable law firm. We are offering a reduced rate to make this option accessible to as many people as possible.”
Across the nation, marginalized communities—reeling from an overwhelming sense of betrayal from supposed allies and even “quislings” in our own ranks—are organizing, regrouping, and shoring up survival networks. In addition to the helpful information that will be shared at Thursday’s event, this will be an opportunity to figure out how we move forward together.
The event will be live streamed on St. Paul UCC’s website.
