Where Are LGBTQ People Most Legally Vulnerable—And What Can Be Done About It?
The South and Midwest are home to the majority of LGBTQ adults in the U.S., yet these regions also lead the country in passing anti-LGBTQ legislation. That disconnect creates unique and often dangerous legal vulnerabilities for people who deserve safety, dignity, and equal treatment under the law. As a Nebraska-based law firm serving LGBTQ clients, we believe it’s essential to understand what’s happening—and to act. This post walks through the data, what’s at stake, and how Zachary W. Anderson Law shows up for queer and trans clients in our state and beyond.
The Data: Most LGBTQ Adults Live in Regions with the Least Protection
Recent research from the UCLA Williams Institute puts hard numbers behind a truth many of us already feel: the people most in need of legal protection are often living where it’s hardest to get. The study found:
Over 5 million LGBTQ adults live in the South—more than any other region in the country.
The Midwest is home to another 2.9 million LGBTQ adults, including thousands right here in Nebraska.
Combined, these two regions account for more than half of the entire U.S. LGBTQ population.
By contrast, fewer than 1 in 5 LGBTQ adults live in the Northeast, where legal protections tend to be stronger.
That means millions of queer and trans people are trying to build stable lives in states where laws may actively threaten their rights, families, safety, or healthcare access. These aren’t theoretical issues. This is: Can I get gender-affirming care for my child? Will my marriage be respected if we travel? Can my partner make medical decisions for me? Will I lose my job if someone finds out I’m gay or trans?
Nebraska Isn’t Exempt
We don’t need to look far to see these tensions play out. In Nebraska, recent legislative efforts have included a ban on transgender students participating in girls’ sports (LB 89, signed into law in 2025), alongside attempts to limit access to gender-affirming care. While the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) has interpreted federal law to extend certain employment and housing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, our state still does not have a comprehensive nondiscrimination law that explicitly covers all public accommodations, housing, and employment protections for LGBTQ people.
That leaves a lot of people asking, “Do I really need legal documents just to be treated fairly?” And unfortunately, in many cases, the answer is still yes.
If you're facing these uncertainties, understanding your legal options is the first step. Contact Zachary W. Anderson Law for a confidential consultation.
What We Do at Zachary W. Anderson Law
As a queer-owned, Nebraska-based firm, we don’t just serve LGBTQ clients—we are the community. That means we bring lived understanding to the legal issues our clients face. Our work is grounded in both legal clarity and real-world empathy.
We Protect LGBTQ Families
We assist clients with estate plans, co-parenting agreements, healthcare directives, and name and gender marker changes—offering legal structures that protect relationships, preserve autonomy, and provide security in a system that doesn’t always do so by default.
We Fight Discrimination
From employment and housing discrimination to healthcare denial or public accommodation issues, we represent LGBTQ Nebraskans who deserve better—and help them assert their rights when they’ve been violated.
We Educate and Empower
We regularly publish resources (like this one) and host conversations to help LGBTQ clients understand what protections exist, what gaps still remain, and what proactive steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.
We Advocate Locally
We’re proud to support policy work and community organizations focused on LGBTQ rights in Nebraska. Our advocacy includes speaking out, donating time, and showing up for the broader community.
If You’re LGBTQ and Living in Nebraska, You Deserve a Lawyer Who Gets It
This isn’t just about knowing the statutes. It’s about understanding the fear of being outed in court, the stress of filing paperwork that doesn’t match your name or gender, or the exhaustion of navigating systems that were never built with you in mind. That’s where we come in.
At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we’re here to help you protect what matters—whether that’s your relationship, your identity, your child, or your peace of mind. If you’re wondering whether you need legal documents or just want to understand your rights more clearly, we’ll meet you with clarity and care.
You shouldn’t have to live in fear just because of where you live. Let’s talk about what you need to feel safer, stronger, and legally covered.
FAQ: LGBTQ Legal Rights in Nebraska
Why are LGBTQ people in Nebraska more vulnerable legally?
Nebraska lacks a comprehensive statewide law explicitly protecting people based on sexual orientation and gender identity in all areas—like public accommodations, housing, and employment. While some protections exist through federal law and NEOC interpretation, gaps remain, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas without local ordinances.
What legal steps can LGBTQ Nebraskans take to protect themselves?
Estate plans, healthcare directives, co-parenting agreements, and updated identification documents can provide critical protection. Working with an attorney familiar with Nebraska’s legal system ensures these documents are done correctly and hold up when it matters most.
Does Nebraska protect LGBTQ employees?
Yes, under the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited under Title VII. Nebraska’s Equal Opportunity Commission has adopted this interpretation. But again, these protections are not written into Nebraska statutes, making enforcement less uniform.
Can your firm help with gender marker and name changes?
Yes. We assist clients in navigating name change petitions, gender marker updates on driver’s licenses and birth certificates, and obtaining supporting documentation. This process can vary based on your needs, so it’s best to consult with us directly.
How do I start working with your firm?
Reach out through our contact page or give us a call. We’ll schedule a confidential consultation and talk through your needs—no pressure, no judgment, just honest guidance.