The Morrill Memorial Library is offering a Zoom presentation by Massachusetts legal counselor Mark Martinez on Thursday, June 17 at 6:30pm, in honor of Pride Month. All over the country we are seeing the battle lines of the next culture war being drawn: trans kids in sports. State after state is introducing laws that would criminalize trans students, in particular trans girls, from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identity. More than that, we are seeing attacks on trans people’s ability to access quality healthcare. While it is easy to look at these bills as things that are happening “over there,” it is important to note that despite what many believe, Massachusetts has lots of work to do when it comes to protecting trans people and other members of the LGBTQ community. This session will cover the bills being introduced around the country, the damage they are causing, and how Massachusetts can continue to take steps to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ community.

Mark Martinez is the Legal Counsel and Budget in the Office of Senator Patricia D. Jehlen. Mark grew up in Western Mass. and has worked on policy on the national and state level. Mark received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Western New England University and his Law Degree from Northeastern University. In his current role his policy area focuses are economic development, housing, criminal justice and the environment. He is an alum of the Boston Chapter of the New Leader’s Council and a current member of the Boston SPARK Council, which advises the Mayor’s Office on City policies and programs affecting 20- to 34-year-olds and engages this demographic in opportunities for civic engagement. He also serves on the board of MassEquality and is an active member of his community as a co-chair of the Highland Park Neighborhood Coalition in Roxbury.

Registration for this program is required. Please sign up using the form below, or call the Reference Desk at 781-769-0200 x2. Zoom access details will be sent out the day before and the day of the program.