LGBTQIA+ Issues
Equality, protections, and support for our LGBTQIA+ city residents is a priority for my administration.
My LGBTQIA+ policy is rooted in healthy individuals, families and communities. A healthy LGBTQIA+ community will lift all communities.
In addition to addressing LGBTQIA+ issues on their own, it is critically important that we think about the LGBTQIA+ community as it intersects with other communities and issues. First, we must think about the lifespan of LGBTQIA+ people, from youth to end of life. Second, we must think about inequity with a focus on low-income people and the struggles they face. Third, we must consider the challenges of immigration, language, ethnic and religious differences. Overlaying this is a need for protection, justice and hope.
My City Hall will:
Support LGBTQIA+ residents throughout their lives -- from youth, to relationships, to building families, to aging
Recognize and respect the broad spectrum of identities across LGBTQIA+ communities while also acknowledging intersectionality with race, national origin, gender, class, etc.
Communicate and engage with all communities on the importance of equality of rights and equity of resources for LGBTQIA+ residents, with a special emphasis on supporting parents and families, and on ensuring equal access to employment opportunities, childcare, and housing
Appoint LGBTQIA+ people to senior positions across City government to ensure all departments are considering the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals
Build anti-hate coalitions across the City and support organizations already doing this work
My specific priorities below are strongly influenced by the Legal Services NYC report, “Poverty Is An LGBT Issue.” Despite monumental gains over the past two decades, a huge amount of work remains to be done.
Poverty.
Work towards eliminating poverty within the LGBTQIA+ community by providing livable housing in safe, full-service communities, and increasing access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Policing.
Decriminalize minor crimes and vices (e.g. sex work) which disproportionately target LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals and emphasize protection, education, and alliances over punitive carceral approaches. This will call for a significant communications/education program and a complete overhaul of what we know as policing.
Legal protections and advocacy.
Our legal framework needs to be strengthened In every area, including immigration, legal identity, education, employment, parental rights, and inheritance. My City Hall will work to identify structural issues and advocate for reform at the Federal and State levels if they can’t be solved at the municipal level.
Advocacy for trans folx.
My administration will partner with advocacy organizations to identify the most important issues and determine how City Hall can ensure that New York City is safe for the trans community.
Family Support.
My administration will ensure that all parents are educated about the experiences and challenges that queer youth face with the goal of reducing domestic violence and abuse against LGBTQIA+ children. We will also provide safe, supportive residential communities like Trinity Place Shelter for LGBTQIA+ youth. My plan for Universal Childcare will welcome all parents and all children.
Aging.
Provide necessary support for elderly members of LGBTQIA+ communities and work with advocacy groups to identify solutions to issues like isolation, poverty, and health issues.
Healthcare and mental health.
We will ensure that the personnel in the DOH and H&H are trained to recognize the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities. Healthcare must focus on physical and mental wellness. COVID is not the only pandemic; the City must work harder to promote the prevention and care of HIV.
Housing.
My platform for low-income housing will guarantee equal access with extra consideration for safety and special needs of LGBTQIA+ community members.
Education.
We will address the existing biases within school settings—both administrative and interpersonal—and train teachers and administrators to provide the necessary support to LGBTQIA+ youth.
Immigration.
We need to ensure that undocumented LGBTQIA+ people feel safe and have access to legal services for asylum, documentation, and other protections.
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