Austin, Texas – May 12, 2020- Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ Texans, today released a statement from CEO Ricardo Martinez on the death of Aimee Stephens, a Plaintiff in the Title VII Employment Discrimination Cases Pending Before the U.S. Supreme Court.

We are saddened to hear that Aimee Stephens has passed away. Stephens, a plaintiff on a Title VII civil rights case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, endured the mental and physical strains of litigation while very ill to allow others the opportunity to live a fuller life free of discrimination in the workplace. Aimee proves that living an authentic life is still a courageous and revolutionary act. She did not intend to be a hero, but her bravery in combating injustice put her in a league of her own. We join the world in mourning her passing and will celebrate her legacy for years to come. We hope the upcoming Title VII sex discrimination decision protects transgender workers from job discrimination. This would memorialize her contributions to our movement forever.

It’s been seven months since the U.S Supreme Court heard oral arguments in three cases brought by LGBTQ Americans, including Aimee Stephens who faced employment discrimination.  The court will rule whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans sex discrimination, should extend to banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. A decision is expected by June.