Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 Neighbor!

Pride is both a celebration and a protest. It’s a month dedicated to community, joy, and progress and a reminder of all the important work that still remains in New York and across the country. I am heartened by the progress New York has made towards a brighter future for the queer community these past few years, like the passage of my bill that requires gender-neutral markers on all applications for public benefits, because identity exists everywhere.

We must, however, address the incredible rise in threats and attacks faced by the LGBTQ+ community over the past year. Despite the strides we've taken, the queer community continues to endure disproportionately high levels of violence, discrimination, and reduced access to vital medical resources.

It’s essential to speak out against this rise in hate and make it even clearer that here in New York, we are committed to creating a safer and more inclusive world for everyone.

Protecting the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors to live whole and authentic lives has been and will continue to be a central focus of my work. I’m proud to cosponsor bills currently in the Senate like S2475A, which would ensure that trans kids can still receive the medical care they need but are so cruelly denied in other states, and I’ll keep doing all I can to get it through. Together, we can make a difference by advocating for stronger protections, fostering education and awareness, and supporting initiatives that uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us remember that our commitment to equality and acceptance extends far beyond June. It is a lifelong journey that requires continuous effort, empathy, and solidarity. I encourage you all to join me in creating a world where every individual is celebrated and embraced for who they are.

Wishing you all a beautiful Pride month filled with love, community, and joy.

Best,