Welcome to the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges’ website. Bienvenido. Yōkoso. Herzlich willkommen. Bienvenue. Ahlan wa sahlan. Huanying guanglin. Benvenuto. Baruch haba. Dobro pozhalovat’. Bem vinda.

Thanks for stopping by. This site offers helpful information and resources about our Association, including links to judicial officers around the world, information about our July 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference in Los Angeles, and judicial education materials. Our members-only Member Center provides access to our membership directory, all of our newsletters, photos from prior events, and other special content for our members. Take a look around and let us know if you have any comments or questions.

February 2021

Dear Learned LGBTQ+ Judge Colleagues,

Happy February!  

We are rolling through 2021. The world still faces a deadly Covid19 pandemic. Around the globe, shelter-in-place restrictions increase, they ease, borders expand, then again, they close. I was finding it hard to be inspired about February 2021. Then I looked up some fun facts and was reminded it’s actually got a lot going for it as a month:

February in the U.S. is Black History Month, and as we’ve explored at prior judicial institute trainings, we must work harder to raise our awareness, own our privilege, and understand and change the role of race in society. On February 6, New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day, recognizing the historical date over 500 Māori chiefs signed what is considered to be New Zealand’s “founding document” with the British. February 12 brings us the Chinese New Year – “Gung Hay Fat Choy!” and 2021 is the Year of the Ox. I learned that in Chinese culture the Ox is a valued animal due to its role in agriculture and assigned positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest. Sounds like judges. GO Oxen! February 14 is celebrated as Valentine’s Day, and if you’re lucky enough to have a wife / husband / partner / spouse / GF / BF / relationship / person who loves and puts up with you… make sure you thank them. [Only 10 shopping days left!] February 15 is National Flag Day in Canada. Did you know that Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag was only officially adopted in 1965? I can hardly wait for our Canadian LGBTQ+ Judge colleagues to share pics at an upcoming LGBTQ+ Judges social hour to show us how they celebrated!    

So, it’s February! Let’s honor history; Honor those who came before us; Honor the new year; Honor love, when for so long our love has been demeaned, diminished, and unlawful; and Honor flags. We’ve got a lot planned for the coming months… RENEW your Membership; Bring others along; Join us for the first time, if you never have. Stay with us!