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6 ¦ JANUARY 4, 2021 NEWS

¦ From LGBTQ+ ADVOCATE on PAGE 5 Law firms, however, need to continue to address
Connecticut Associate Supreme Court Justice issues of implicit bias. Inclusive attitudes and ac-
Andrew McDonald. What still needs to be done tions need to continue as our laws and regulations
in the Nutmeg State with regard to fairness and face attack based on religious exemptions or other
equity to that community? similar claims.
Stafstrom: Connecticut governments and Our Connecticut law firms and lawyers could
businesses need to fully implement and follow participate much more in providing pro bono ser-
the progressive laws that are in force in this vices, particularly to the less advantaged who are
state. subject to discrimination because of their sexual
Given that the Trump administration has orientation.
made three seemingly conservative appoint- CLT: Who is your mentor or hero in the
ments to the U.S. Supreme Court and filled LGBTQ+ community and why?
almost one-third of the seats on the federal Stafstrom: On a national level, one of the great-
appellate judiciary, Connecti- est heroes was Harvey Milk of
cut needs to be prepared to act San Francisco, a true pioneer at
to enshrine other protections both organizing a community
in our laws and regulations, to and making a political difference.
the extent those protections are I have three Connecticut he-
undermined by adverse rulings The Connecticut Law roes. The first is former State
of the Supreme Court or other Tribune sat down with Representative Joe Grabarz, Con-
federal courts. necticut’s first openly gay legisla-
longtime Pullman &

CLT: The Lambda Legal Comley attorney John tor who exhibited great courage

website says the organization Stafstrom Jr., also in coming out while representing
should “consult and coordinate chairperson of the board of a then-very conservative legisla-
with supportive government tive district in Bridgeport.
entities (e.g. state attorneys directors of Lambda Legal, Second is Connecticut Su-
general) on impact litigation to to discuss the state of
advance the rights of LGBTQ+ preme Court Justice Andrew
people and everyone living LGBTQ+ issues as we enter McDonald, one of the first open-
2021. ly gay lawyers in a big Connecti-

with HIV.” How has this state’s cut law firm and who, as a state
Attorney General’s Office been senator, was instrumental in
doing in working to make the advocating for rights of all LG-
lives better for that community? BTQ+ persons and for the rights
Stafstrom: The attorney general and his of trans persons.
office have been most attentive in enforcing our The third is attorney Rachel Goldberg, who
LGBTQ+ progressive laws and regulations, and has been the most courageous and inspirational
in opposing attempts to undermine those laws person I know in living her true authentic life
and regulations. while always advocating for those less fortunate
CLT: Is there still discrimination facing those than herself. Rachel has truly been a national
in the legal community who are also members of leader and authentic voice for the transgender
the LGBTQ+ community, and what are the most community.
glaring discrimination issues they still face? ¦

Stafstrom: Many in the legal community in Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
Connecticut have been at the forefront of advanc- analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
ing and working to enforce LGBTQ+ protections him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
in Connecticut. 203-437-5950.

CONNECTICUT
Law Tribune