LGBTQ+ AGENDA

Vision:

Michael Blake’s vision for LGBTQ+ equity in New York City is grounded in a simple but essential belief: justice for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers must be part of our city’s broader push for fairness and opportunity. A just New York means transgender New Yorkers can walk home without fear, queer youth can dream big without shame, and LGBTQ+ elders can age with dignity, housing, and care. It means ensuring that every queer, trans, intersex, and non-binary person has access to housing, health care, education, and opportunity. LGBTQ+ New Yorkers—especially those who are Black, Brown, immigrant, trans, or disabled—face higher rates of poverty, homelessness, violence, and institutional neglect. This plan centers equity in city governance, investing in housing, education, health care, justice, and public safety through inclusive and community-driven leadership.

GROUNDING THE CRISIS IN DATA

LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, particularly transgender individuals, people of color, youth, and those experiencing homelessness, face disproportionately high rates of violence, poverty, housing insecurity, and mental health crises. According to the NYC Anti-Violence Project, 2023 saw a continued increase in reported hate violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, with trans women of color accounting for the majority of fatal incidents nationwide. The National Center for Transgender Equality reports that nearly 30% of transgender people in the U.S. have experienced homelessness in their lifetime, and nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth report being kicked out of their homes or facing housing instability. Health disparities are similarly severe, LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to have access to culturally competent care and more likely to face mental health struggles, with The Trevor Project finding that over 50% of trans and non-binary youth who were housing instable seriously considered suicide in the past year. These intersecting inequities demand urgent, data-informed solutions across housing, healthcare, education, and public safety, ensuring no LGBTQ+ New Yorker is left behind or made invisible by city systems.

PROTECTING LGBTQ+ NEW YORKERS FROM DISCRIMINATION AND HATE

We must meet the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence and legislation with bold, visible leadership. Our city must be the national model for protection and pride.

Key Policy Actions:

Codify ICE-Free Zones and shield providers from anti-trans and anti-abortion subpoenas.
Launch an LGBTQ+ Legal and Crisis Response Unit in City Hall.
Fund anti-hate crime units, cultural competency trainings, and community safety teams.

How-To:

Draft and pass local legislation refusing cooperation with out-of-state subpoenas or investigations targeting gender-affirming and reproductive health care.
Staff the new City Hall LGBTQ+ unit with legal experts, policy analysts, and rapid-response coordinators, accountable to community partners.
Fully staff the Office to Prevent Hate Crimes as well as allocate funding for NYPD anti-bias training developed by LGBTQ+ organizations, with required refresher courses and civilian evaluation.

HEALTH EQUITY AND GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR ALL

Trans and queer health care is essential health care. No one should be denied life-saving services because of who they are.

Key Policy Actions:

Fully fund gender-affirming care, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Expand and sustain the Trans Equity Initiative.
Require all providers to complete LGBTQ+ cultural competency training.

How-To:

Guarantee funding for clinics providing hormone therapy, PrEP, PEP, mental health, and reproductive services through DOHMH.
Issue multi-year contracts to Trans Equity Initiative partners, removing bureaucratic delays.
Create a citywide certification program for LGBTQ+-inclusive care, with incentives for providers who meet standards and penalties for noncompliance.

SAFE, AFFORDABLE AND INCLUSIVE HOUSING

Housing is a basic need and a critical foundation for stability. For LGBTQ+ youth, seniors, and people of color, our current housing system must be improved to address past disparities and provide safe, supportive options.

Key Policy Actions:

Eliminate credit score requirements for housing applications.
Fund and site LGBTQ+ senior housing in all boroughs.
Expand emergency and transitional housing for LGBTQ+ youth.

How-To:

Amend the NYC Human Rights Law to prohibit credit checks for rentals and home purchases, replacing them with verified income and rental history.
Work with HPD, HDC, and community organizations to identify LGBTQ+ senior housing sites and expedite approval and funding.
Increase funding for LGBTQ+ youth shelters, prioritize 24/7 operations, and add wraparound services such as job training, mental health, and education access.

JUSTICE REFORM AND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY

LGBTQ+ people—especially trans women of color—often face disproportionate contact with the criminal legal system. Justice should prioritize safety, dignity, and fair treatment for all.

Key Policy Actions:

End solitary confinement and restore trans-affirming jail units.
Decriminalize sex work and eliminate the Vice Squad.
Empower the CCRB with LGBTQ+ oversight authority.

How-To:

Issue executive guidance to DOC restoring and protecting trans housing units at Rikers and ensure compliance with PREA and local anti-discrimination law.
Support state passage of the Sex Worker Protection Act and direct NYPD to halt all vice-based raids targeting LGBTQ+ venues.
Legislate for shared CCRB and LGBTQ+ legal coalition oversight of all LGBTQ+ complaint cases involving law enforcement or city agencies.

MENTAL HEALTH, HEALING, AND WELLNESS

Wellness is survival. The LGBTQ+ community must have access to affirming care embedded where they live, learn, and work.

Key Policy Actions:

Deploy thousands of LGBTQ+-trained mental health professionals in public spaces.
Build “healing zones” across LGBTQ+ communities.
Fund peer-led, trauma-informed mental health hubs in housing and schools.

How-To:

Contract 1,000+ culturally competent clinicians, social workers, and peer specialists to be placed in shelters, NYCHA buildings, schools, and transit hubs.
Convert vacant or underused spaces into healing zones co-located with community mental health services, LGBTQ+ support groups, art, and culture programming.
Require all school-based therapists to receive ongoing LGBTQ+ competency training and partner with LGBTQ+ nonprofits for service referrals and family support.

EDUCATION, YOUTH, AND CULTURAL INCLUSION

LGBTQ+ youth must feel seen, valued, and protected in every classroom and neighborhood.

Key Policy Actions:

Expand mental health services and protections for LGBTQ+ students.
Support Drag Story Hour and LGBTQ+ cultural programs in schools and libraries.
Ensure trans students can participate in school sports per DOE policy and NYS law.

How-To:

Guarantee full-time culturally inclusive mental health professionals in every school, and fund peer mentorship programs.
Provide annual public grants to support inclusive storytelling, literature, and culture events led by LGBTQ+ artists and educators.
Fund DOE training for coaches, teachers, and staff on gender identity, inclusion, and compliance with city and state human rights laws.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND EQUITY

LGBTQ+ people deserve financial justice. We must close the gaps created by discrimination in employment, wages, and representation.

Key Policy Actions:

Create a Civic Creators Fund for LGBTQ+ content creators and small media.
Enforce 3-day payment standards for all nonprofits and freelancers.
Pilot a Guaranteed Income program for residents facing poverty.

How-To:

Launch a microgrant program under the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to fund queer and trans creators showcasing NYC’s vibrancy.
Update all city contracts to mandate payment within three business days, with penalties for delays and transparency dashboards.
Use criteria like public assistance, housing insecurity, or health vulnerability to identify eligible participants in a guaranteed income pilot, with third-party evaluation to scale citywide.

IMMIGRANT AND ASYLUM SEEKER PROTECTIONS

New York must be a sanctuary in more than name, for LGBTQ+ immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

Key Policy Actions:

Expand free legal services for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Codify ICE-Free zones and invest in multilingual “Know Your Rights” education.
Guarantee shelter access and transitional housing for LGBTQ+ migrants.

How-To:

Fund the Immigrant Family Unity Project and expand ActionNYC to include trauma counseling and legal navigation for LGBTQ+ immigrants.
Design citywide ICE alert and complaint systems with anonymous reporting and enforcement oversight.
Prioritize LGBTQ+ status in emergency housing intake, and work with DHS and HRA to ensure safe placements with wraparound care.

CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Leadership must reflect and be accountable to the communities it serves.

Key Policy Actions:

Appoint a Senior LGBTQ+ Advisor who would report directly to the Mayor and would work across multiple agencies to implement the aforementioned initiatives.

Require every agency to appoint an LGBTQ+ liaison.

Fund citywide participatory budgeting for LGBTQ+ initiatives.

How-To:

Establish an Office of LGBTQ+ Equity with dedicated staff, reporting mechanisms, and budget authority.
Mandate annual equity reviews across city agencies, evaluating service gaps, hiring practices, and constituent experience.
Launch a participatory budgeting process allowing LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to vote on how specific city funds are allocated for services, arts, safety, and health.

FOUR IMMEDIATE CITYWIDE STRATEGIES

Citywide LGBTQ+ Equity Audit: Commission a public-facing, department-by-department audit to uncover disparities and outline reform.

Rapid Response to Hate and Harassment: Establish an LGBTQ+ crisis hotline, rapid deployment team, and a legal liaison to the Attorney General’s office to address legal and physical threats.

LGBTQ+ Wellness and Housing Recovery Package: Introduce a sweeping package of housing vouchers, healthcare coverage, and guaranteed income for the most at-risk populations.

Interagency LGBTQ+ Justice Council: Convene quarterly meetings of city leaders, LGBTQ+ advocates, legal experts, and policy strategists to ensure continued visibility, innovation, and oversight.

Sources

NYC Anti-Violence Project, 2023 Annual Report: https://www.antiviolenceproject.org/2023/05/avp-2022-2023-annual-report/

National Center for Transgender Equality, 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2022%20USTS%20Early%20Insights%20Report_FINAL.pdf

The Trevor Project, 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/

New York ACLU, Eliminate Vice and Reinvest in Communities: https://www.nyclu.org/uploads/2022/01/2022-nyclu-onepager-defundvice.pdf

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, LGBTQ+ Homelessness Trends Report, 2023: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dycd/downloads/pdf/2023_Youth_Count_Report.pdf