I (Nathaniel) was honored to be invited by the Department of Civil Service for the State of New York to speak at their June Pride Celebration for 2024. As a special guest speaker, I had the unique opportunity to address many policymakers who work at the highest levels of New York State government. This event was particularly significant as it gathered those deeply involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, allowing for a meaningful dialogue about the ongoing challenges and successes within the LGBTQ+ community.

The importance of speaking to such a distinguished group cannot be overstated. These individuals have the power to shape policies that affect the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the state. By talking to them directly, I wanted to highlight the crucial role they play in celebrating our community’s progress and recognizing the work that still needs to be done.

KEY POINTS FROM THE SPEECH

LGBTQ+ Movement and Legislative Successes

The LGBTQ+ movement has achieved significant legislative victories that have transformed lives and provided crucial protections. Laws such as the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) have been vital in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from being fired or discriminated against in New York State. However, these laws are just part of our journey. As I said in my speech, “We build up empathy for the LGBTQ+ experience so that we can operationalize, implement, regulate, and make rules for inclusive policies.” It’s not enough to celebrate the passage of these laws; we must also focus on their effective implementation across the state to ensure they fulfill their promise of protection.

Unfulfilled Promises and Preventative Measures

Despite these legislative achievements, the true promise of these laws remains unfulfilled if we do not take proactive steps to prevent discrimination. I asked agency leaders, “If queer people are born everywhere, and SONDA and GENDA apply to everywhere in New York State, how did your agency operationalize those policies?” We cannot rely solely on legal recourse after harm has occurred. Instead, we must create preventative measures that protect individuals from discrimination and violence before they happen. This requires a concerted effort from state agencies to integrate these laws into everyday practices and ensure that they are applied uniformly across all regions, from bustling urban centers to remote rural communities.

Challenges in Rural New York

One of the most pressing issues we face is the persistent challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in rural New York. While we are the home of New York City, “unsafe towns are riddled across upstate New York. And it’s been clear to me that a lot of adults in the room think that everything is better.” Growing up in a small, conservative town, I witnessed firsthand the hostile environments that can exist in these areas. The abuse and discrimination that many LGBTQ+ individuals endure in rural communities often go unnoticed and unaddressed. It is crucial to acknowledge these hardships and work towards creating supportive environments statewide, ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of where they live.

Migration to Safety and Creating Inclusive Environments

A significant consequence of the hostile environments in rural areas is the migration of LGBTQ+ individuals to urban centers in search of safety. I’ve often said, “Walk down the streets of New York City and ask any gay man there, ‘Where are you from?’ They’re probably not from New York City.” And why is that? Because, “we migrate to safety, we are born everywhere, but we migrate to safety.” This pattern of migration underscores the need to create inclusive and welcoming environments across the entire state. It is not enough to have pockets of safety in major cities; we must strive to make every corner of New York a place where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive without fear.

While it is important to have dedicated safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, we must also focus on making every community inclusive and supportive. I challenged the audience with this question: “If we keep creating centers and spaces that are specifically safe for LGBTQ people, it begs the question, what’s happening everywhere else and why are we safe there?” We must have a broader approach to inclusivity that extends beyond specific safe havens. By ensuring that policies and protections are effectively implemented in all areas, we can create a state where everyone feels safe and accepted, no matter where they’re born.

Call to Action for State Agencies

State agencies play a crucial role in ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected and supported throughout New York. “Ask yourself if that [rural queer] kid is being served by your policy in the way your agency is working, or if you’re asking them to leave their home behind to come to my center in Albany.” This call to action emphasizes the importance of creating policies that serve all individuals, regardless of their location. It is imperative that state agencies proactively implement and operationalize laws like SONDA and GENDA, ensuring that protections are in place and effective across the entire state. By doing so, we can prevent discrimination and harm before they occur, rather than relying on individuals to seek damages after being wronged.

Power and Responsibility

“You all have such immense power in your hands to do such good.” The passage of protective laws is only the beginning; their true impact is realized through diligent implementation and ongoing efforts to foster inclusive environments. As New Yorkers, we have a duty to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they are born or live, can enjoy the full protections and benefits of these laws. By working together, we can create a state that truly embodies the principles of equality and justice for all.

Our mission is to create a world where everyone can live authentically and safely, and with the support of dedicated individuals and state agencies, we can make this vision a reality.