Lambda Legal today announced that Whit Washington, Esq. (they/them) has joined the organization as the Eileen A. Ryan Senior Attorney for the Nonbinary & Transgender Rights Project, a new position funded by a $1.5 million gift from Dr. Eileen Amy Ryan. The donation established the position to support the continued expansion of Lambda Legal’s critical work to defend against the ongoing wave of attacks against the transgender community. This is the latest step toward expanding Lambda Legal’s litigation capacity – a key goal of the $180 million comprehensive “Unstoppable Future” strategy to fight against the wave of anti-equality legislation and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV.
“We are overjoyed to welcome Whit as the Eileen A. Ryan Senior Attorney for the Nonbinary & Transgender Rights Project,” said Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings. “We want to continue to send a clear message to our nonbinary and transgender friends and family—we see you, we hear you, and we are bringing the best of the best to continue fighting for you.”
This announcement comes on the heels of two historic developments in the fight for equality for transgender youth. On December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti. The case was originated by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Tennessee, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP on behalf of Samantha and Brian Williams of Nashville and their 16-year-old transgender daughter, as well as two other plaintiff families filing anonymously and Memphis-based physician Dr. Susan Lacy, challenging a ban on gender-affirming hormonal therapies for transgender youth. Then, on December 11, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that SB 99, a 2023 Montana law that categorically bans life-saving gender-affirming care for transgender youth, is likely unconstitutional under the Montana state constitution’s privacy clause, which prohibits government intrusion on private medical decisions. This ruling will allow Montana communities and families to continue accessing medical treatments for transgender minors with gender dysphoria.
“Supporting Lambda Legal’s vital work for the LGBTQ+ community is not just a commitment—it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Eileen Amy Ryan. “I am so thrilled that Whit will be bringing us their expertise and passion. Helping to make this happen is my way of ensuring the fight for equality continues. As a transgender woman myself, I know we need to create a defense against the unrelenting attacks targeting our community and we need it now. I stand with love, not hate.”
Washington brings over eight years of distinguished experience in advancing equity and inclusion through innovative legal strategies and community collaboration. As an Equal Justice Works Fellow, Washington launched the “Project for Transgender Incarcerated Survivors,” which aimed to expand access to justice for trans people in custody. Through this initiative, they developed legal resources, corresponded with hundreds of trans people in custody, and mobilized pro bono legal networks to meet the legal needs of incarcerated transgender people. Following their fellowship, Washington served as staff attorney at the Miss Major Alexander L. Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center, where they developed legal resources for transgender individuals in custody, coordinated a coalition of advocates, and established a pro bono program that engaged both law students and attorneys.
Washington’s achievements have earned recognition from numerous organizations, including the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs, which honored them with the “40 Under 40: Queer Women of Washington” award. Their work has been featured by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Washington Lawyer magazine. Washington is a former board member of Trans Lifeline and currently serves on the board of the National Trans Bar Association.
“This work is deeply personal to me, and I look forward to continuing my passion for advocating for nonbinary and transgender rights,” said Washington. “I’m grateful for Dr. Ryan’s donation that not only made this position possible but is a clear, powerful demonstration of the thriving support within our community.”
Washington holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands, a Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law, and a Master of Arts in international affairs from the American University School of International Service.
Lambda Legal has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights for 50 years as a national legal nonprofit organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV. Lambda Legal’s lawyers have won precedent-setting civil rights cases on everything from marriage equality to expressions of gender identity to health care discrimination. Through education, advocacy, and legal action, Lambda Legal strives to protect and advance the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity.