POLITICS
LGBTQ Groups Unite to Advance Initiatives in NYS
Equality New York, New Pride Agenda, and LGBT Community Center band together
BY MATT TRACY
Equality New York, New
Pride Agenda, and the
LGBT Community Center
are collaborating on
an effort to advance four LGBTQ
initiatives in the state. Leaders of
the groups gathered at Industry
Bar in Manhattan on January 27
to roll out the policy plan.
“New York is often viewed as one
of the most progressive states in
our country,” Equality New York
executive director Amanda Babine
said in a written statement. “However,
there is still a signifi cant absence
of policies in New York that
protect and programs that support
LGBTQI individuals. In 2022, we
have an opportunity to build new
leadership, strengthen communities,
and advance the rights of all
LGBTQI New Yorkers.”
Equality New York and New
Advocates huddle at Industry Bar, where Equality New York the New Pride Agenda, and the LGBT Community
Center outlined a joint effort to advance LGBTQ initiatives in New York State.
Pride Agenda are statewide LGBTQ
advocacy groups, while the LGBT
Community Center is focused on
New York City — but all the groups
have strong ties to New York City.
One of the groups’ top priorities
DONNA ACETO
is passing the Stop Violence in the
Sex Trades Act, a comprehensive
sex work decriminalization bill fi rst
proposed in 2019 — the same year
as the formation of the DecrimNY coalition.
That measure, led in the Assembly
by Richard Gottfried of Manhattan
and in the State Senate by
Julia Salazar of Brooklyn, represents
a key goal for sex work decriminalization
advocates following last year’s
successful bid to repeal the so-called
ban on “walking while trans.”
The groups also hope to generate
support for the Gender Identity
Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act,
which would ensure proper treatment
and placement of transgender,
gender non-conforming, and
non-binary individuals in state
and local correctional facilities.
The fi nal two items on the to-do
list pertain to funding. Advocates
hope to establish a wellness and equity
fund aimed at bolstering transled
organizations and allocate money
for the LGBT Health and Human
Services Network, which is led by
the LGBT Community Center and
supports 70 non-profi t organizations
serving LGBTQ New Yorkers.
Protect yourself, New York.
Get vaccinated.
Stay up to date with a booster.
Wear your mask.
NYC VACCINE FOR ALL:
SAFE, FREE, EASY
To learn more, visit
or call 877-VAX-4NYC.
Eric Adams
Mayor
Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
Commissioner
FEBRUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 23, 2 6 022 | GayCityNews.com
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