Hatred and power-mongering in the political realm harms people in real, cruel and tangible ways. We are experiencing it daily with this president, his administration, his enablers and his followers, including elected officials in North Carolina and other states. For LGBTQ+ people in North Carolina, where do things stand and what can we do?
What Hasn’t Changed
Marriage
Marriage equality is intact. The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a challenge to our marriages last November. If you are married, you are married. If you are considering marriage, you can get married. And if you don’t want to marry, you don’t have to. That said, pay attention because the people who don’t want us to marry are continuing to challenge our rights.
Adoption
Married couples can adopt children in North Carolina. Single people can adopt in North Carolina. For unmarried partners (couples, triads, quads, etc.), one partner can adopt but North Carolina law does not allow the other unmarried partner(s) to join the adoption (other states may allow it, though. Talk to a knowledgeable attorney).
Family Building
LGBTQ+ people are still building their families through birth, adoption and surrogacy in North Carolina.
Name Changes
Name changes under North Carolina law are still happening for adults and children, including trans children and adults. Nothing has changed except the requirement to post the notice at the courthouse has been removed, which is good.
Birth Certificate Gender Marker Corrections
People born in North Carolina can correct the gender marker on their birth certificate. Unfortunately, a new law requires the old birth certificate to be attached to the new, corrected birth certificate when it is re-issued.
North Carolina Driver’s License or ID
People with a North Carolina driver’s license or state ID can still correct the gender marker on it.
Last Will & Testament and Estate Planning
People can still do their legal planning with a Last Will & Testament and other legal documents that meet their needs.
What now?
Let’s cheer for anti-LGBTQ+ Republican state Senator Phil Berger being voted out of office. Berger is responsible for years of anti-gay and anti-trans legislation. If you ever wonder if your vote counts, it was only 23 votes that ended his reign of hate. Yes, every single vote counts.
Also, state legislators Nelson Majeed and Carla Cunningham, both Democrats who voted with Republicans to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation (Majeed) and anti-immigrant legislation (Cunningham), were voted out of office. Also, two other Democrats who supported anti-trans legislation lost: Shelly Willingham lost in the District 23 primary and Michael Wray lost a primary race to try to re-take his seat in District 27. Your vote counts!
The Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly no longer have a veto proof super majority. If they pass a law and Governor Josh Stein, an ally, vetoes it, they can only override the veto with the help of Democrats. This is one of the places we can assert our power – calling the governor and our elected representatives and telling them what we want. Don’t want to talk to a person? Fine, call after hours and leave a message. It takes less than a minute.
What else can each of us do? If we have privilege, use it. Call out hate when we see it. We can live our lives and tell our stories. If you aren’t registered to vote, register. And vote in every single election. Join the organizations doing the work. Donate to them. Volunteer with them. Share their resources.