LGBTQ+ individuals and families have unique legal needs and considerations. Patrons are navigating identification changes/corrections, second parent adoptions, workplace discrimination, and more. Yet many encounter barriers, like cost, complicated processes, and increasingly anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies, when attempting to access these legal services and information.
Given the changing legal landscape across the country and in North Carolina, and expressed community needs, we formed a partnership between the Durham County Library, the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association, and the LGBTQ Center of Durham to assist our LGBTQ+ community in navigating various legal processes. These legal clinics give patrons the opportunity to meet one-on-one with volunteer law students and attorneys to discuss topics and complete paperwork relating to name and gender marker changes, family planning, estate planning, advance directives, and healthcare navigation. Since September 2022, almost 400 people have attended clinics at the public library. Through thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and adaptive mindsets, we formed a symbiotic relationship between each partner, taking into account specific needs and limitations.
This presentation will focus on the development of our collaboration, program logistics and considerations, and lessons learned; those who attend will leave with the tools and action steps needed to identify and assess community needs around legal topics and program planning, build community partnerships, and establish an LGBTQ+ legal clinic in their library or community.
About the Presenters
Raivynn (they/them) is an Adult Services Librarian at Durham County Library - Southwest Regional. Born in Ohio, they have moved around quite a bit in pursuit of education and the perfect scoop of ice cream. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information, they are passionate about digital literacy, diversity, and accessibility in libraries. They are a big fan of almost every genre of music, graphic novels, and (not too thrilling) thrillers. When not roaming the stacks, they enjoy going for hikes, baking, doting on their many niblings, and hanging out with their partner and friendly/naughty cat Mocha.
Caroline has loved libraries since before she could read, and she loves incorporating science and arts into accessible and creative programs. She loves reading most genres, especially middle grade and young adult, fiction with magic, novels in verse, humanities nonfiction, and graphic novels. She graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Master of Library and Information Science from UNCG. When not at the library, Caroline loves spending time with her kids (who love to read, too!) and her favorite people, reading, hiking, exploring, music, and our NC mountains.
Larkin is an adult services librarian at the Main Library location of Durham County Library.
