N.Y. stands up for LGBTQ equality: Having Pride 12 months a year – New York Daily News

The rights of LGBTQ Americans are under attack. Lawmakers in other states are doubling down on efforts to roll back advancements in LGBTQ equality, and they have set their sights specifically on the transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary communities.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, state legislatures nationwide weighed more than 525 anti-LGBTQ bills this year alone. More than 75 of these measures have become law more than double the number from last year. Barricades to health care, mental health support, and workplace discrimination that were once torn down, are being erected again.

Some states are even going so far as to ban educators from discussing LGBTQ issues in class, essentially seeking to erase these Americans from existence. Instead of moving our nation forward, lawmakers in these states continue to use dangerous rhetoric to advance an agenda that would usher the return of an era steeped in ignorance, intolerance, and malice.

Not in New York.

Governor Hochul signed nation-leading legislation to protect and affirm the LGBTQ+ community ahead of her participation in New York City's annual Pride March. (Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

From Stonewall to the legalization of same sex marriage, to the unprecedented protection from the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Gender Recognition Act, New York has been a pioneer in the evolution of LGBTQ equality. Gov. Hochul is determined to continue to trailblaze, advancing initiatives that will ensure our state remains inclusive for all New Yorkers, especially our LGBTQ community.

Just days ago, the governor signed legislation removing outdated and stigmatizing language from the definition of sexual orientation in the states Human Rights Law. She also signed a measure implementing the use of gender-neutral language in state laws, reinforced protections for those seeking and providing gender-affirming care, and established safeguards to protect transgender youth. The governor embodies what we as New Yorkers all share: the ability to be compassionate, respectful, and protective of our neighbors.

The state Department of Labor is part of this effort to advance inclusion in the workplace. We continue to take a data-driven approach to better cater to the needs of all New Yorkers, while also educating employers so they can better provide a safe, inclusive work environment.

To that end, the Department of Labor has extended its public comment period for our first transgender and gender non-conforming employment study. New Yorkers who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming now have until Sept. 15 to provide insight into their experiences applying for jobs and in the workforce.

We want the voices of New York States transgender and gender non-conforming community to shape both the report and the resulting recommendations aimed at breaking down all barriers to employment. The Department of Labor has been intentional to prioritize meeting with and listening to transgender and gender non-conforming stakeholders and community organizations, in an effort to be as thoughtful as possible in our coming policy recommendations.

Many nationwide studies have determined that transgender and gender non-conforming Americans experience high rates of unemployment, workplace discrimination, harassment, and violations and our goal is to find out why, and how we can put an end to it. We also want to ensure that the transgender and gender non-confirming community feels supported and comfortable in being their authentic selves in the workplace.

Data has always played a crucial role in how we as a state respond to injustices impacting the people of New York, and the data we are compiling for this report could impact generations of transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. Out Leadership recently ranked New York State No. 1 in the nation for LGBTQ equality in the workplace, a ranking we are very proud of at the Department of Labor and one we hope to maintain for years to come.

Pride month ending today is devoted to honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ community. It is a time to remember when these New Yorkers were silenced simply because of who they are. It is also a moment to celebrate victories in overcoming hate and prejudice to gain the respect, freedom, and rights we all deserve as Americans. The fight is far from over. Those rights are now in jeopardy beyond our borders, and we must continue to stand together in solidarity of what is right and just. Pride month lasts only 30 days, but in New York, we will continue to fight each and every day to protect the rights of our LGBTQ community.

By utilizing data, knowledge, and truth, we can continue to be a shining beacon of hope for the LGBTQ community across the state, nation and globe. We want them to know that they will always be seen, will always be welcome, will always have a voice, and will always find a safe haven here in New York State.

Reardon is commissioner of the state Department of Labor.

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N.Y. stands up for LGBTQ equality: Having Pride 12 months a year - New York Daily News