Earlier this week, it was announced that the U.S. Supreme Court made a 6–3 ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti to uphold Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. This marks one of the most harmful federal decisions in recent history for LGBTQ+ rights. With this ruling, the Court has turned its back on a vulnerable population in urgent need of protection, setting a dangerous precedent that endangers access to care for so many across the country today. This decision is not only blatantly discriminatory but a failure by the Court at its central mission of safeguarding the civil rights of people in this country. Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, issued the following statement: “This ruling is more than a setback; it is a betrayal of the legal principles of equality and justice that FreeState Justice fights to defend daily. Making it during a month meant for LGBTQ+ communities to express their Pride showcases just how far this Court has fallen in protecting the rights of this country’s most vulnerable. To the many transgender children and their families harmed by this decision, I say on behalf of this organization that you are not alone, that we will work in coalition with countless others to fight for you even more now. When our courts fail us, our communities must rise together. In moments like this, we are reminded that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over and that unity is our most powerful tool against discriminatory attacks like these.” The decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, while heartbreaking, in no way marks the end of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Instead, it is further evidence that LGBTQ+ individuals, coalitions, and organizations must work even harder together to build a future where transgender and LGBTQ+ people can live with safety and autonomy. Here in Maryland, we have already made vital strides to protect trans lives, expand access to affirming care, and push back against hate-driven legislation—and we will not stop. FreeState Justice will continue to spearhead this work with Pride, and we will fight every day until every state in this country has the rights Marylanders do today.

FreeState Justice (FSJ) announces th third annual Sunset Soirée, on Friday, May 30th, 2025, from 7:00-11:00 PM at The Garage at R House in Baltimore, Maryland!  FreeState Justice is Maryland’s leading LGBTQ+ legal nonprofit which has spent more than a decade advocating for this state’s most marginalized groups. Through free legal services, an expansive resource program, and community education, they have made many meaningful strides in making this State inclusive for all. All of this work is only possible through working in collaboration with organizations and advocates across the state, which is why FSJ is thrilled to announce the third iteration of an event meant to celebrate them: The Sunset Soirée. The Sunset Soirée marks the start of Pride season in Baltimore, blending celebration with purpose. This year’s theme, ‘Busting Out of the 80s,’ honors the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community during the HIV/AIDS crisis and how they still fought for their rights against so much discrimination nationwide. The event will feature great food, an open bar, and performances from some of the best artists in MD. Attendees will have the chance to support FreeState Justice’s mission while engaging with the many local advocates fighting for an inclusive Maryland today. Tickets are one sale now, and anybody who uses discount code ‘SS2025’ at checkout will receive 15% off their order before April 25th. Get yours today!