Both locally and nationally, laws and policies affecting sexual and gender minorities have changed greatly over time. The State of Hawai‘i has been at the forefront in protecting the rights of SGM people, with examples including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the banning of “conversion therapy.” 

Although many of these policy efforts have had positive impact on the health and well-being of our diverse SGM communities, health and social inequities still persist. In collaboration with our community partners and stakeholders, we will continue to work on policy-level changes to ensure health for ALL peoples in Hawai‘i. To learn more, contact SGM Workgroup Co-Chair, email Thaddeus Pham or see the resources below. 

Resources

• Hawaiʻi LGBTQ+ Commission – On July 31, 2024, the Commission held its first meeting to address the needs of sexual and gender minority people in Hawaiʻi. Public meetings are held regularly, so check the website and Youtube channel for meeting minutes and recordings.
• Gender Neutral State Credentials – As of July 1, 2020, the Hawaii Department of Transportation provides a new gender option for State Identification cards, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses. Those seeking to apply, renew, or obtain a duplicate credential can now choose “X” or “Not Specified” in the gender category instead of the binary “M” (Male) or “F” (Female).
• Lambda Legal Hawaii – legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – federal resources to educate employees, applicants and employers about the rights of all employees, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, to be free from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment.
• Harvard Trans Youth Handbook – comprehensive legal resource guide covering the rights of trans youth regarding identity documents, school, health care, non-affirming care environments, and work*
• Advocates for Youth Training Videos – Includes interviews, animated videos, profiles, and more, all focused on the collective power and strength of young people.

*Handbook does not include the following updates:

• As of July 1, 2020, gender-neutral markers (“x”) are an option on Hawaii driver’s licenses (Act 148)
• As of July 1, 2020, gender markers on Hawaii’s driver’s licenses and state IDs are by “self-attestation” (no documentation needed) (Act 148)