Erin Harrist

Erin Beth Harrist (she/they) is the Director of the LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Unit at The Legal Aid Society.145 In this role, she leads strategic litigation and policy efforts to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.4

Professional Background

Harrist has a strong background in legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Prior to her current position, she worked with the New York Civil Liberties Union.2 Her expertise spans various aspects of LGBTQ+ legal issues, including:

• Fighting for trans+ rights in prisons and jails1
• Participating in high-level policy discussions, such as a roundtable at the White House with other LGBTQ+ advocates3

Education and Qualifications

Erin Harrist received her B.A. in cultural anthropology from Columbia College.5 Her legal education and additional qualifications have equipped her to take on complex cases and policy work in the field of LGBTQ+ rights.

Leadership and Advocacy

As the Director of the LGBTQ+ Unit, Harrist plays a crucial role in shaping legal strategies and policies to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Her work involves:

• Supervising and leading a team dedicated to LGBTQ+ law and policy2
• Engaging in strategic litigation to create positive change for the LGBTQ+ community4
• Representing The Legal Aid Society in important discussions on LGBTQ+ issues at the national level3

Erin Harrist's dedication to LGBTQ+ rights and her leadership in this field have established her as a prominent figure in legal advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.