Transgender Rights

Transgender and nonbinary people in Puerto Rico deserve to live freely, safely, and with full recognition of their identities. The ACLU of Puerto Rico fights discrimination in healthcare, education, employment, and government institutions to ensure equality for all gender-diverse people.

LGBTQ Rights

What you need to know

2018

A landmark federal court ruling ordered Puerto Rico to allow transgender people to update their gender markers on birth certificates, a major victory for equality. - Arroyo González v. Rosselló Nevares (U.S. District Court, 2018)

2025

Puerto Rico enacted Law 63-2025, banning gender-affirming medical care for people under 21 and imposing severe penalties on providers.

Since 2020

Puerto Rico legislators have introduced multiple measures targeting transgender people’s access to education, athletics, and gender-affirming care.

Stand with Trans Communities in Puerto Rico

The ACLU of Puerto Rico is challenging discriminatory laws and defending the right of every transgender and nonbinary person to live with dignity and safety. You can help by supporting our legal cases, amplifying trans voices, and promoting inclusive spaces in your community.

Key Issues

Trans rights are human rights. The ACLU of Puerto Rico works to ensure that laws, policies, and institutions respect the dignity and identity of all people, regardless of gender.

Healthcare Access: Transgender people face barriers to gender-affirming care and insurance coverage.

Legal Recognition: While gender markers can now be updated, government systems still contain bureaucratic obstacles.

Education & Youth Protections: Trans youth need access to affirming environments free from harassment or exclusion.

Employment Discrimination: Trans workers continue to face bias and limited protections in hiring and workplace treatment.

ACLU of Puerto Rico

The Latest

Press Release
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Authorized Statements from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its Puerto Rico Chapter Regarding the Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti:

Issue Areas: Transgender Rights, LGBTQ + Community Rights, Free Speech
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Legal

Since its founding, the ACLU of Puerto Rico has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles defending civil rights and liberties across the archipelago. Our legal team challenges systemic injustice through strategic litigation that protects free expression, due process, equality, and government accountability. From fighting police brutality and defending the rights of incarcerated people to advancing reproductive freedom and immigrants’ rights, we work to ensure that justice in Puerto Rico is accessible, equitable, and enduring.
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Free or low-cost legal resources in Puerto Rico

Do you need legal help in Puerto Rico? Explore these free or low-cost legal resources that can assist you.
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Recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo en Puerto Rico

¿Necesita ayuda legal en Puerto Rico? Explore estos recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo que pueden ayudarlo.