Happy Pride Month, John!

New York City shines as a global beacon of love and acceptance because the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality is a vital part of our City’s history.

On June 28, 1969 (just about a week before I was born) New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. As patrons stood up against discrimination, this night of resistance sparked the LGBTQIA+ rights movement forward and paved the way for the vibrant diversity of NYC today.

As NYC Comptroller, I’m always looking for new and better ways to use the tools at our disposal to advance our goals for a more just, equal, and compassionate NYC — with full and equal access to housing, health care, economic opportunity, and services for all New Yorkers, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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. I support calls for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Staten Island Saint Patrick’s Parade and condemn the Community Education Council District 2’s bigoted ploy to strip trans girls of the right to play sports with their classmates.

While there is still so much work to do to ensure that every New Yorker can live with joy and dignity, I am continually inspired by LGBTQIA+ advocates and friends who are leading major fights for justice and by the robust network of LGBTQIA+ civic and cultural resources in our city.

Thank you, and Happy Pride!

In solidarity,

Brad