Resources for Gender Diverse People

PLEASE NOTE – This guidance constitutes general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice specific to a particular situation, nor does it mention every aspect of the law that may apply to a particular situation. For specific questions, contact an attorney.

Resource Sites


Mass.gov 

Massachusetts law about gender identity or expression. Provides detailed information on laws, regulations, cases, and web sources on gender identity or expression law:

Department of Mental Health (DMH) Young Adult Resource Guide LGBTQ. Resources

Know Your Rights Regarding the Shield Law. Download


State and Federal Agencies


Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

MA Attorney General Civil Rights Division

Federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission

Massachusetts State Laws

Under Massachusetts law “gender identity” “shall mean a person’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth. Gender-related identity may be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held as part of a person’s core identity; provided, however, that gender-related identity shall not be asserted for any improper purpose.”  M.G.L. c. 4, Section 7 clause 59th

The following state laws protect individuals from discrimination based on their gender identity in the areas of employment, education, public accommodation and hate crimes:


Other Laws Providing Protection

Chapter 12, Violations of constitutional rights; civil actions by attorney general; venue; compensatory damages; fees and costs; civil penalties

MA Equal Rights Act, ch. 93, section 102

Equal Pay Act ch. 149, section 105A

Report a Hate Crime to the Amesbury Police Department

  • To report a hate crime to APD, please call 978-388-1212. For emergencies, please call 911.
  • Visit the Police Station at 19 School Street, Amesbury, MA 01913