Catherine Hanssens has specialized in HIV and sexual health legal and policy issues since 1984, and is a seasoned litigator, legislative lawyer, community organizer, and policy advocate.

A long-time activist for personal autonomy in sexual, reproductive, and healthcare decision-making, she is Founder and Executive Director Emerita of The Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP) which, under her leadership, was the first organization in the U.S. to challenge and organize against state and federal laws that rely on HIV status as a basis for criminal liability.

She continues to consult with state and national organizations and researchers on projects related to the criminalization of sex and identity; the application of federal disability law in criminal justice settings; reproductive health and rights; non-profit leadership; organization creation and working with fiscal sponsors, succession planning, and fundraising for new/grassroots organizations.

She also has decades of experience as a drafter of state and federal bills and legislative analysis; and is expert on the needs of LGBTQ people and those living with HIV in the criminal legal system, having written and advocated widely on those issues.

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