I hope you find this edition of the LGBTQIA+ guide to be a useful resource and that you share it with colleagues, friends, and neighbors who may be interested. If you have any questions about the 2024 edition or would like to request a print copy, please send an email to [email protected].
Looking back at the past year, New York City remains one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in the world, but the forces opposed to dignity and safety for queer and especially trans communities are also gaining ground. My office supports calls for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Staten Island Saint Patrick’s Parade, and condemns the Community Education Council District 2’s bigoted ploy to strip trans girls of the right to play sports with their classmates.
Additionally, NYC has welcomed LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers who continue to face unique challenges that require urgent attention from the City. Many newly arrived asylum seekers come from countries where they face repression and persecution on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Access to immigration legal services, housing, and health services is critical for their safety and well-being. We must ensure that initiatives are put in place to address these issues in a culturally responsive way.
Even though there’s still significant work ahead to build a world centered on joy and committed to the dignity of all New Yorkers, the extensive list of LGBTQIA+ civic and cultural resources in the city inspire confidence that we will eventually achieve this vision. I pledge to push back against regressive measures whenever they come to our city and will continue advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights across our city, state, and country.
Hope to see many of you at the pride marches across the city. And I hope we’ll see you at our office’s pride celebration on Tuesday, June 18 in Queens, where we will honor some great LGBTQIA+ leaders, including the legacy of renowned transgender activist Cecilia Gentili. RSVP here to join us.
In solidarity,
Brad
