New York State is holding the first of its two primary elections, and the early voting period starts tomorrow (June 18)! Now is the time when you can cast your vote for important local offices such as governor, lieutenant governor, state Assembly, and U.S. Senate.

Your vote this month will determine who appears on the ballot in November, for many different levels of government—all of which have a direct impact on your life and the lives of your communities. This is an especially important opportunity for queer and trans New Yorkers like us, who often face an uphill battle to getting our needs met by systems of power such as government. 

Want to learn more about this month’s election? Wondering why we have two primaries this summer, and want to know how to prepare? Visit gaycenter.org/vote. 
​​​​​
Thanks for all you do,

​​Trevon Mayers
Senior Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement

June 16-27
Want to boost New York’s chances of getting a high voter turnout? Join our week-long text bank, as we contact thousands of voters to remind them to show up to the polls. You can take part from anywhere and on your own schedule! 

Sign up

Sunday, June 19, 12-5 p.m. ET
The Center continues our month-long Pride celebration with a free festival that celebrates Juneteenth and centers Black LGBTQ+ artists, storytellers, businesses, and vendors. Join us for an interactive day of storytelling, art-making workshops, community discussions, games, music performances, and more.

RSVP

New York State’s legislative session ended on June 2nd, bringing with it some major victories for the RiseOut platform and laying the groundwork for future progress. Thank you to each and every one of you for your emails, texts, calls to lawmakers, donations, and everything you did to support LGBTQ+ power. Stay tuned for a full analysis in next month’s newsletter!

Invite your friends, loved ones, and followers to celebrate Pride with you through the generous act of giving back! Log into Facebook first, then click here to make a Facebook fundraiser for The Center, or add your own style through one of our customizable fundraiser options. The contributions you raise together directly support The Center’s programs and services for all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.