Issue Position: LGBTQ Rights

Issue Position

Supporting rights for LGBTQ citizens is critical to ensure a fair, diverse, and empowered environment for all New Yorkers. The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act ("GENDA") is poised to strengthen New York State's Human Rights Law and ban discrimination founded upon gender identity. David supports passing GENDA to ensure all New Yorkers have equal rights and are treated with equal dignity and respect.

New York has made great strides in reducing the spread of HIV but there is still much more work to be done. The LGBTQ community still suffers from the effects of this epidemic. New initiatives by New York State have the potential to provide greater protection for New Yorkers and reduce the number of HIV cases so that it falls below the level of an epidemic. David supports Governor Cuomo's plan end HIV's epidemic status by 2020 by providing resources for frequent testing and early treatment so all New Yorkers can look forward to a brighter and healthier tomorrow.

The issues affecting the LGBTQ community also reaches its younger members. LGBTQ teens who are rejected by their families are susceptible to becoming homeless, and tragically, homeless LGBTQ teens are subjected to more violence because of their gender identity. Supporting homeless LGBTQ teens through safe and protective environments is key for their physical safety and helping them rebuild their lives in a meaningful way. David believes in empowering community organizations offering this support to help ensure a safer and stronger New York now and in the future.

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