On Tuesday, April 28, activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights from all across New York State converged on Albany for “Equality and Justice Day,” which was organized by the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA). Hundreds of New Yorkers engaged in face-to-face lobbying, focusing their efforts on two important bills: the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA, A. 4558A), legislation I’ve introduced along with Senator Dan Squadron (D-Brooklyn & Manhattan) to ban discrimination on the basis of gender expression or identity; and A. 4958, a bill introduced by Assembly Member Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan) and Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) that would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in so-called “conversion therapy” to change the sexual orientation of minors. In May, the Assembly will very likely pass GENDA for the eighth year in a row. This year, we hope the Senate finally takes action on this long-overdue legislation. Here is a video from ESPA in which several State legislators talk about grass roots activism and effectively engaging elected officials and their staff members.
