Dear Friends,

In 2018 The Center launched RiseOut, a statewide advocacy initiative that represents a shared vision of justice and equity for the future of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities in New York State. Alongside a broad coalition of more than 50 statewide partners, RiseOut advocates for and amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Over the last few months, The Center collaborated with community leaders to create a plan to advance LGBTQ+ affirming legislation and policies in New York this year. We’re excited to share with you The 2023 People’s Platform, a legislative agenda that reflects our values as a diverse, intersectional community and our goal to create lasting change.
 

Being able to show public support for The 2023 People’s Platform will drive action from state lawmakers. Sign the petition today, and add your voice to ours in support of the following LGBTQ+ affirming laws and policies:

• The Gender Identity Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (S6677/A7001-B) requires state and local correctional facilities to house trans, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) people consistently with their gender identities and ensures that correctional officers and staff address people by their correct names and pronouns.

• TGNCNB Anti-Discrimination Requirements in Schools (S369/A840) protects TGNCNB kids in grades K-12 in New York by ensuring that New York's public school districts establish anti-discrimination policies and procedures for TGNCNB students.

• The LGBT Long-Term Care Facility Bill of Rights S2912C/A866) ensures that LGBTQ+ elders in long-term care facilities are protected from discrimination by requiring staff who interact with residents to be trained on the best practices for caring for LGBTQ+ older people.

• Repeal Pharmacy Carve-Out prevents harmful changes to the Medicaid drug discount program. Without 340B, the carve-out would stall our state’s progress on the fight against HIV/AIDS, threaten critical access to health care, force drastic cuts to community health providers, and cost New York State millions of dollars. 

Thanks for all you do,

​​Trevon Mayers
Senior Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement

Tuesday, January 31, 6-8 p.m.
Stop by The Center, 208 W 13 St, for a Free Winter Pop-Up Shop. We’re partnering with NEW Pride Agenda to host a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community of all ages and sizes to access free and affirming clothing, toiletries, make-up, and other items for the winter.​​​​

On Tuesday, January 17, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and members of the Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus Tiffany Cabán, Crystal Hudson (not pictured), Erik Bottcher, Chi Osse, and Lynn Schulman visited The Center to learn about the programs and services we provide to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. The group joined various Center staff members to discuss how the two groups can work together with community members to combat dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence in New York City.

Center Members ensure The Center remains a place of advocacy, safety, and community for all for decades to come. As The Center begins its 40th anniversary year of service, find out how you can be a part of our lasting impact as a Center Member, starting at $35 a year.

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