On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that makes it illegal to discriminate against workers for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer. The court found that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does, in fact, protect the LGBTQ+ community from workplace discrimination — a huge moment for queer and trans rights.
Three separate Supreme Court cases led to Monday’s ruling, but only one plaintiff, Gerald Bostock, is alive to celebrate. Aimee Stephens, whose case was the first trans civil rights case in Supreme Court history, passed away in May. The third plaintiff, Donald Zarda, passed away in 2014.
“Today, we can go to work without the fear of being fired for who we are and who we love,” Bostock said in a statement, per NBC News. “Yet, there is more work to be done. Discrimination has no place in this world, and I will not rest until we have equal rights for all.”
Stephens’ widow, Donna Stephens, also released a statement: “There are no words to describe what I’m feeling at this present moment. I know that the last seven years of Aimee’s life, she rose as a leader who fought against discrimination against transgender people. I am so grateful for this victory, to honor the legacy of Aimee.”
The ruling is a much-needed bright spot this week, as thousands gathered to support Black trans lives after a major stripping of trans healthcare rights by the Trump administration.
Millions of people are rejoicing right now, including notable queer and trans celebrities across music, acting, and politics. Here are 10 of their reactions to the SCOTUS ruling so far, including Kate Moennig, Janet Mock, Hayley Kiyoko, and more.
1. Kate Moennig
The fight is nowhere near done, but today is a huge victory.
Thank you to all the courageous people who led this fight to the Supreme Court. 🏳️🌈
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us." Marsha… https://t.co/IWbohGaQlg— kate moennig (@katemoennig) June 15, 2020
2. Hayley Kiyoko
YESSSS!!! 🌈🌈🌈🌈👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/nBqybnwHpq
— Hayley Kiyoko (@HayleyKiyoko) June 15, 2020
3. Cynthia Nixon
HUGE VICTORY FOR LGBTQ RIGHTS!!!
Happy Pride Everybody — the Supreme Court has decided LGBTQ people can sue for workplace bias.🏳️🌈⚖️
Thank you to @LambdaLegal, @ACLU, @chaifeldblum, trans leaders and litigants. https://t.co/CFMuikumxy
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) June 15, 2020
4. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
The #SCOTUS 6-3 decision is a huge step forward for #LGBTQ equality in America.
We must keep marching for full equality for every #LGBTQ American across our country and work to pass the #EqualityAct in the Senate. 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/O7vgvckqeZ
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) June 15, 2020
5. Janet Mock
A victory hard won in the courts & on the streets. Grateful to the lawyers, organizers & activists but most grateful to those who had to live stealth or closeted, who lost jobs for living their truth, who left parts of themselves at their employers door. https://t.co/4aaSZBOlbz
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) June 15, 2020
6. Sarah Kate Ellis
The decision gives us hope that as a country we can unite for the common good and continue the fight for LGBTQ acceptance.
— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) June 15, 2020
7. Lilly Wachowski
so used to being on the losing end of this shit, had re-read that the word "transgender" was actually included. this is nice and good. but back to the fight. stop killing of black trans women! https://t.co/PhgcuODR4g
— Lilly Wachowski (@lilly_wachowski) June 15, 2020
8. Tegan and Sara
Cheering from Canada! https://t.co/riOPeHC8za
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) June 15, 2020
9. Raquel Willis
We will have to figure out how we hold the hard and the hopeful at the same time.
— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) June 15, 2020
10. Mayor Lori Lightfoot
Historic day for LGBTQ+ people. No one should be fired for who they are or whom they love. While we celebrate, our work is not done. We remain committed to the fight for equality so that every person can be who they are and live without fear. https://t.co/jSsohz5vj9
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) June 15, 2020
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