LGBTQ+ Policy Needs More Than Thoughts and Prayers
New York leads the nation in positive LGBTQ+ legislation. Can they iron out the kinks in implementation and oversight?
In the past few years, I have gotten heavily involved in the policy realm of social work.
Recently, in my home state of New York, I worked on a project that included building a coalition of 14 different LGBTQ+ centers, agencies, and affirming spaces to sign on to a letter of support regarding New York’s Trans Safe Haven Bill. This bill, like similar legislation in Colorado and New Jersey, makes New York a safe space for those seeking gender-affirming care from states where it has been banned or restricted.
Sunday, June 26th, I was able to stand behind New York Governor Kathy Hochul as she signed that bill into law. That feeling is priceless. Then we marched in front of thousands of New Yorkers, all groups pausing for moments of silence in front of The Stonewall Inn.
I live a few hours north of New York City, in Albany, the state capital. The “rest of state,” as we are referred to by the state government, looks a lot different for LGBTQ+ people than in New York City.
What we have much more of, it appears, is discrimination and hatred towards our LGBTQ+ community…
