Every day, The Center works towards a vision of justice and equity for all LGBTQ New Yorkers that recognizes, responds to and celebrates the many intersections of our identities. We are a hub for LGBTQ community organizing and innovation, a catalyst for progressive social change and a provider of critical services for the LGBTQ community.
There has been no major legislation advancing LGBTQ equality in New York State since 2011. Our community, more than 1 million of us in New York State, mostly plays defense. A coordinated agenda for the advancement of LGBTQ-affirming policies and protections is absent, and existing protections are inadequately enforced and inaccessible to many.
But just imagine the impact we would make if New York’s LGBTQ community came together, as diverse individuals, organizations and allies, to coordinate our efforts, amplify our voices and articulate our vision of a world defined by equity and justice. The Center is working to make that dream a reality through RiseOut, its statewide advocacy initiative.
As a founding member and current administrator of the New York State LGBT Health & Human Services Network (70+ nonprofits providing services to LGBTQ community members statewide), we know just how crucial it is to work in collaboration with those who share our values and goals. That’s why, with RiseOut, The Center hosts statewide conversations and town halls with activists, advocates, community members and stakeholders to identify priority issues and reflect diverse perspectives.
RiseOut’s work is grounded in creating a strategic policy agenda with benchmarks for achieving success including policy analysis, forums and enforcement efforts covering the issues that most impact New York’s LGBTQ community. We strive to ensure that current civil rights laws are enforced, that no regressive policies are enacted and that our responsive policy and legislative agenda is advanced.
To create lasting change, we must first create new opportunities for LGBTQ community members to exercise power through greater civic engagement. RiseOut works to mobilize individuals across New York State to work as change agents, ensuring that the diverse concerns of LGBTQ community members are heard. We are committed to providing meaningful resources so the next generation of leaders can incubate and refine innovative strategies designed to significantly shift political and cultural structures.
In addition to Center-led activities, we collaborate with colleague organizations to add our voices to conversations about legislation and current issues that our community members care about deeply. Find out below how you can support our partners and participate in RiseOut, so that we are all equipped to be strong advocates for LGBTQ New Yorkers.
For more information on The Center’s advocacy work, please email advocacy@gaycenter.org.
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Learn How to Register and Vote in New York
Learn More about New York’s current LGBT Laws and Policies
Track Progress on Proposed LGBT Legislation in New York