Advocating in Albany for LGBTQ+ Youth

In partnership with multiple organizations, The Center led a group of LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults to Albany to present on the unique conditions LGBTQ+ youth in New York State face, examine the related findings of the 2021 NYS LGBT HHS Needs Assessment, and to explore ideas for supportive government actions.

a dark blue sign that reads Workshop LGBTQ+ Youth And Young Adults with an outline of New York State filled in with progress flag colors

On September 18, our Advocacy & Government Affairs team traveled to Albany to participate in Governor Hochul’s 2nd Annual LGBTQI+ Convening, exploring what issues are pressing in our community. We hosted a dynamic panel that addressed the critical issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth in New York.

three Black people sitting at a table. two are female presenting, one is masculine presenting.

The event featured diverse voices, including dedicated Center staff members and representatives from the Coalition for Homeless Youth, Ali Forney Center, and Skidmore College, who shared their experiences and stories about working with LGBTQ+ youth. They illuminated the challenges faced by this vulnerable population and advocated for much-needed solutions. The panelists prioritized three vital asks to legislators: increasing funding for wrap-around service provision, supporting the TGNCNB Anti-Discrimination Requirements in Schools bill, and tackling the LGBTQ+ youth homelessness crisis in New York State. The panel underscored our commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth throughout the state, contributing significantly to the Convening’s goal of convincing the Governor and government agencies to follow suit.

Get Involved

As we reflect on the impactful discussions that transpired during the Governor’s convening, we invite all folx who share our commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ issues to join us in taking concrete steps towards positive change. Your involvement is vital in shaping a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community in New York State. To continue the momentum, we encourage you to collaborate with The Center and participate in our upcoming informational session on October 3rd at 6 p.m