Newsletter
June 2025

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge [their] dignity as a human being, [their] very act of protest confers dignity on [them]."

-Bayard Rustin

Civil rights leader and openly gay Black American

IN THIS ISSUE

Resource Alert: Toolkit for LGBTQIA2S+ Survivors
Update: Our Fight For Fairness in California Courts
Get Your Tickets: Battle of the Bands -- 6 Days to Showtime

Resource Alert:
Toolkit for LGBTQIA2S+ Survivors

In honor of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting tools designed specifically for survivors of domestic violence who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, intersex, and/or something else (LGBTQIA2S+) navigating the family court system.

Our Custody and Visitation Toolkit for LGBTQIA2S+ DV Survivors includes:

A Primer on LGBTQIA2S+ DV Research, offering a helpful introduction to the unique dynamics LGBTQIA2S+ survivors face, based on research and lived experiences. It’s a great starting point for deeper learning and includes endnotes with additional resources. Read the primer »
Instructions for using the toolkit in court settings, including how to communicate key facts to judges, custody mediators, and evaluators. Access the instructions »

Visit our Legal Resource Library to explore more tools that support LGBTQIA2S+ survivors and promote equity in the courts.

Update:
Our Fight for Fairness in California Courts

In case you missed it: The California Supreme Court has accepted FVAP’s case addressing the ongoing court reporter shortage—a major step toward resolving this constitutional crisis. Our legal team is working tirelessly to defend the rights of low-income litigants across California.

In April, 13 organizations and legal experts filed powerful amicus briefs in support of our case, underscoring how much is at stake. The Court has also invited the California Attorney General to weigh in, with a brief due June 30.

We’re grateful for the growing media coverage and community support.

Visit fvaplaw.org/court-reporter-shortage to access:

Our writ petition and supporting legal documents
The Court’s Order to Show Cause and our reply brief
All 22 amicus filings submitted at different stages of the case
Press releases, media articles, FAQs, and more

You can also follow the case on the California Supreme Court’s online docket (Case No. S288176), where you can sign up for email alerts.

6 Days Away -- Get Your Tickets Now!

FVAP’s legendary summer fundraiser is back—and bigger than ever! Join us next week at The Chapel in San Francisco’s Mission District for an unforgettable night of live music, food and drink, and fierce musical competition.

Six bands made up of Bay Area attorneys will battle for the title of Best Lawyer Band in the Bay. Every dollar donated = one vote for your favorite band—and vital support for legal aid for domestic violence survivors.

Enjoy inspiring award presentations, lively sets, and a high-energy crowd—all for a great cause.

405 tickets already sold—grab yours before they sell out!

Tickets + Event Details