This seminar explores the role of the law in shaping the social meaning of heterosexuality and of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities in a number of contexts, including employment, education, sexual expression, family relationships, and the military. There is an emphasis on constitutional doctrines, including equal protection, due process/privacy, and freedom of speech and association.

Law harnesses medical authority to enhance its power. This seminar will study how this phenomenon occurs, its consequences, and the normative issues that arises from it. Such issues range from civil rights consequences to those involving criminal justice, housing, and education law.