New York State recently passed critical laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ people after 8 years of inaction, including banning conversion therapy practices for minors and outlawing discrimination against transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary people.

Despite this growing momentum, our community still faces extreme disparities in basic services and quality of life. Threats from the White House and uncertainty from the Supreme Court regularly remind us that our rights are not guaranteed at the federal level.

Now is the time for New York State to reestablish its reputation as a progressive leader. Together, we can push to continue this much-needed progress and lead the way for the rest of the country. Here are a few ways you can prepare:
 

	Learn about effective forms of advocacy. Check out how you can get engaged and make an impact.
	Read up on the role of government. Make sure you know how the system works so that you can create change, all the way from the federal government to state and local governing bodies.
	Make sure you’re registered to vote. Your vote is your voice. Use it to speak up about the issues that matter to you.

Want to go all in? Check out our RiseOut Bootcamp curriculum for even more detail about how you can prepare for the fight ahead.

I look forward to accomplishing great things together.

Thanks for all you do,

Trevon Mayers
Director of Policy & Community Outreach