Career and work
Rodriguez-Roldan has worked in disability, LGBTQ, and civil-rights policy across government and nonprofit organizations. Her first job after law school was with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Rights Center, where she worked on disability discrimination enforcement. She later served as Senior Policy Counsel at the National LGBTQ Task Force, where she led its Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project and Disability Justice Project. [2][1]
She subsequently held policy roles at AIDS United and GLSEN before being appointed Maryland’s Coordinator of State Autism Strategy. In that role, she leads development and implementation of the state’s strategic plan for autism-related needs. [3][2]
What has been publicly discussed
- Rodriguez-Roldan has said that she experienced significant disability-related difficulties during law school and received accommodations as she approached graduation. [4]
- Rodriguez-Roldan has described receiving ongoing psychiatric treatment and medication for bipolar disorder. After moving to the Washington, D.C. area, she sought a new psychiatrist so that she could continue the treatment she had been receiving from previous psychiatrists. [5]
- She has also said that she has needed flexible work schedules to accommodate frequent doctor’s appointments and has received workplace accommodations related to her disability. [1]
- Rodriguez-Roldan has advocated for mental health to be understood as part of disability rights and disability justice. She has argued that advocacy should include people with more stigmatized psychiatric experiences, including psychosis and bipolar disorder, rather than focusing only on conditions that are easier for the public to accept. [6]
- She has also emphasized an intersectional approach to advocacy, arguing that disability, LGBTQ rights, and other social-justice issues cannot be treated as separate from one another. [6]
“Bipolar, very proudly so at this point; closeted at one point.”
— Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan [6]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
American Bar Association“Lawyer Spotlight: Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan” A first-person interview in which Rodriguez-Roldan identifies herself as having bipolar disorder and discusses disclosure, workplace accommodations, doctor’s appointments, her policy career, and disability advocacy.
American Bar Association“Lawyer Spotlight: Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán” A later interview covering her work at the National LGBTQ Task Force, AIDS United and GLSEN, and her appointment in Maryland.
Maryland Department of Disabilities“Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs” Current state biography confirming Rodriguez-Roldan’s role as State Coordinator for Autism Strategy.
View all 6 sources
ABILITY Magazine“Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan” A first-person interview in which Rodriguez-Roldan discusses disability-related difficulties during law school, accommodations, and her subsequent career.
The Advocate“More Assaults on Mental Health Services for Trans People” An article written by Rodriguez-Roldan describing ongoing treatment and medication for bipolar disorder and her search for a new psychiatrist.
Disability Visibility Project“Advocacy, Intersectionality & Mental Health” An extended interview in which Rodriguez-Roldan describes herself as “bipolar, very proudly so,” discusses previously keeping the diagnosis private, and explains her intersectional approach to advocacy.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan and their experiences.
- “Disability and LGBTQ+ History, Law, and Solidarity”Disability Rights Florida
A webinar featuring Rodriguez-Roldan discussing psychiatric disability, disability rights, legal education, and the intersection of disability and LGBTQ rights.
- “2019 tenBroek Disability Law Symposium: Interview with Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán”Disability Visibility Project
An interview focused on disability law, representation within the legal profession, and inclusion within the disability-rights movement.