Dear Neighbor,

The nation saw the power of grassroots organizing change the course of elections at every level across our country. 

This past week, we saw that same power bring home a win for Black, Latinx, and Trans and Gender Non-Conforming New Yorkers statewide with the historic passage of S1351—repealing the Walking While Trans Ban.

For far too long, police have used this law to make discriminatory arrests throughout our state, further exacerbating New York’s rates of mass incarceration. This important step will ensure neighbors #SeenIn13 and beyond are safeguarded against excessive targeting and enforcement within neighborhoods of color. 

This historic vote was made possible through the tremendous work of the advocates, my colleague New York State Senator Holyman—and I am proud to have stood with them in the fight to remove the Walking While Trans ban from our law. 

This is only just the beginning of our fight to protect marginalized workers in Queens. We must mobilize this momentum to achieve justice for sex workers and affirm once and for all: #SexWorkIsWork. The path to decriminalization and recognition of sex workers as members of our New York labor force is critical to ensuring a safe and dignified workspace. Read more about it here!

When we organize, we win. As we look toward recovery, we must continue to come together to find ways to break down barriers for the most vulnerable in our communities—building back a New York that works for all that call it home.

In solidarity,

Jessica Ramos