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In the land hailed for its pursuit of freedom and equality, the stark reality of discrimination still casts a long shadow. For countless members of the LGBTQ+ community in America, this discrimination is an everyday experience, often manifesting in subtle dismissals, outright aggressions, or institutional biases. While the nation has undoubtedly made significant strides in recognizing and granting rights to its LGBTQ+ citizens, the numbers paint a concerning picture. Currently over half the states(twenty-nine) in the United States lack comprehensive laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations. Amidst this backdrop, the tireless advocacy of champions like Angela Giampolo, who are confronting these systemic challenges head-on, stands as a beacon of hope. Giampolo’s journey is one of resilience, second chances, and an unquenchable desire to stand up for others. Here’s her story.
Standing Up For Others
Following a move from America to a small town north of Montreal, Canada, Giampolo found her world turned upside down. In addition to the geographical upheaval, she found her family broken apart as well. With her parents separated at four years old and watching a world filled with parental addiction and depression. Despite her own hardships, Giampolo found herself fighting to help others fix their problems. “I was always in detention because I always stood up for people in school and wanted to fight for their rights.” She was so determined to advocate for others that her school counselor encouraged her to be a lawyer. Despite the encouragement, she had no interest in studying law. “I ignored it at the time, but I kept standing up for the other kids.”
A Sudden Change In Identity
Part of the reason for Giampolo’s hesitancy to study law was her passion for playing basketball. Despite being just 4’ 11”, Angela worked hard and found herself playing overseas following her graduation from high school. “I had no business playing basketball at only 4’11”, but I worked hard…Basketball was always my safe space and I excelled there.” Her success, however, was cut short by a career-ending injury to both her knees. While the injury abruptly ended her basketball career, it was the beginning of her new identity. “I had to reinvent myself. I went to back to college at La Salle and realized I had a brain.” During this time, she found herself gaining a strong interest in human rights and other special interest. Graduating with a degree in Psychology and Political Science, Giampolo was unsure of where to go next. “I still wasn’t sure that law school was the place for me to go, so I took a job as a paralegal.” This was the first step towards her life’s calling.
Doing The Right Thing
Following several years as a paralegal, Giampolo was faced with a decision. Following a difficult case where she found herself stuck between doing the right thing or turning a blind eye, Giampolo chose to do right. “I could either turn a blind eye and help a person or I could do my job and make my firm a lot of money.” After much thought, she chose to do right, but that was the last day she worked for the company. She refused to work in a job where her job hurt people “My boss initially refused my resignation telling me I would get used to it. I didn’t want to get used to hurting people.” Following that incident, she determined to go to law school with one intent. To make a change. After earning her degree from Temple University, she spent the next few years interning with
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwandan Genocide, holding a similar position in Tanzania and in China.
Finding Her True Passion
Despite the noble cause of her work, Giampolo knew it was time to move on. “There is only so much of that kind of work you can take. Before it gets to you.” And just like that, she found herself looking for her next big move. After several years abroad, Giampolo had to come back and search for a job. That’s when fate intervened. “I was having lunch with a gay couple and he was facing possible deportation because current laws didn’t recognize his spouse as a legal partner.” That’s when the light bulb went off. Listening to their horrible experiences finding a legal partner who understood them and wasn’t going to force them into a box, she knew she had found her next career. “Seeking legal assistance is already difficult. You should be able to work with someone who makes you comfortable and isn’t ignoring or discriminating against you as a person.”
Building a Brand; Serving A Community
For the last fifteen years, Giampolo has served as a lawyer and a growing voice for the LGBTQ+ community. From syndicated radio shows, to her podcast SpeakOUT, and a myriad of contributions to law journals, blogs and other outlets, she is determined to continue being a voice for the underserved LGBT community. For her, the goal is clear. “Discrimination is so normalized, universal, widespread, and deep-seated, that it has become invisible to the naked eye. We must make the injustices done to one, visible to the masses, and continue to fight for a harmonious society that operates on a higher order of consciousness because we are all intertwined and interconnected – whatever affects one, affects all.”
Looking To The Future
As she continues to build her platform and the reach of her law firm, Giampolo has her eyes set on several ambitious goals. The first is her recently launched Caravan of Hope. The Caravan of Hope is dedicated to aiding the vulnerable LGBTQ population, especially in rural communities of the US, ensuring they have essential resources.” LGBTQ Americans are everywhere, but the majority of the LGBTQ community resides in the Mid-West or South, often facing economic hardships and isolation. I’ve served those that came to me, now I am looking to go to others.” The Caravan ensures strategic and sometimes covert outreach to reach the following groups: LGBTQ Adults, LGBTQ Youth, LGBTQ People of Color, Transgenders, and LGBTQ Elders.
Learn More About Angela Giampolo
Angela Giampolo, prominently known as Philly Gay Lawyer, is an award winning attorney who is committed to serving the LGBTQ community in America and around the world. She is a highly sought after contributor and has been featured on Wall Street Journal, Top 40 Under 40 Business People in Philadelphia, iHeartMedia’s Philly Pride Radio, NPR News, and more. Backed by her incredible legal team and her senior chihuahua sidekick, Nico – Angela is also passionate about empowering others through speaking and engagements and is working on completing her first book to further share her message and methods for overcoming adversity and living a congruent life.
To learn more about Angela and the various ways she is involved in advocating for the LGBTQ community, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
