Friend,

Happy Pride Month!

Pride is a celebration and a protest — a month dedicated to love, equality, the LGBTQ+ activists who forged the path before us, and a reminder of all the important work we have left to do.

I am heartened by the progress we made this year, like the passage of my bill that requires gender neutral markers on all applications for public benefits.

However, there is still so much work left to be done.

LGBTQ+ New Yorkers still face disproportionately high levels of violence, reduced medical resources, and discrimination. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ youth still struggle with severe housing crises, lack of mental health support, and insufficient medical care.

Protecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors’ right to live full and authentic lives has long been a key priority of mine, and will continue to be in 2022 and beyond.

I hope you all have a beautiful Pride month! May it be full of community, celebration, and joy.

Best,