Holning Lau

Holning Lau is the Willie Person Mangum Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law. He chairs the UNC SOGIESC Human Rights Initiative, mentoring students on pro bono projects related to LGBTQI rights. Lau has consulted for organizations including the Asian Development Bank, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the International Commission of Jurists.

• Education: J.D. from the University of Chicago, B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

His research bridges international human rights and comparative constitutional law, focusing on equality and non-discrimination frameworks for gender, sexuality, family life, and marginalized communities. His work addresses systemic challenges faced by transgender people, same-sex couples, and youth, particularly in contexts of criminalization and discrimination.

Lau’s expertise has been recognized through fellowships and awards, including the Stonewall Scholar designation and the Ignacio Martín-Baró Human Rights Paper Prize. He previously held the Harvey S. Shipley Miller Teaching Fellowship at the Williams Institute (2006–2007).