Statement: New York Must Lead With Courage, Calls For Action
May 7, 2025
Contact:
Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-9983
Max Schulman, max@anatgerstein.com, 347-861-4167
NEW Pride Agenda: New York Must Lead With Courage, Calls For Action
(May 7, 2025) –– We are outraged by the Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily uphold a ban on transgender service members—a decision that sends a dangerous and false message: that transgender people are unfit to serve their country, not because of their ability or dedication, but because of who they are. This ruling is not a temporary setback for justice—it is a direct assault on the dignity and humanity of transgender and gender-expansive people across the nation.
Adding to this injustice, right here in New York—a state that is often positioned as a global leader of LGBTQ+ rights—the New York State Senate Education Committee advanced S460 this week, a bill that explicitly targets transgender youth in sports. This discriminatory legislation opens the floodgates for anti-trans sports bans throughout the state, and represents a craven retreat from both our values and existing protections.
This is not about sports. It’s about survival. In New York, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year. Denying young people the opportunity to engage in affirming activities like team sports is an attack not just on their right to participate, but on their wellbeing, mental health, and sense of belonging. Moreover, stoking fear for political gain is a dangerous and cynical strategy. The legislature must reverse course and kill this bill.
These laws are not about fairness; they are about erasing transgender people from public life, from opportunity, from community. We will not be silent. We will not stand by. Transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people have always been here—serving, striving, surviving—and we are not going anywhere.
This is a defining moment. As the Trump administration escalates coordinated assault on marginal communities—and undermines democracy not just at home, but around the globe—New York must raise the torch of freedom with bold resolve. Our state leaders cannot falter. We must continue to be a place of affirmation and unwavering support for our communities. Now is the time to resist. Now is the time to organize, to speak out, and to show our solidarity.
NEW Pride Agenda remains rooted in our purpose. We will continue to advance the economic, health, racial, and gender identity justice needs of marginalized LGBTQIA+ individuals in New York State. We remain proud and unwavering in our commitment to uplift and empower every member of our community. Your safety, dignity, and right to live authentically are at the heart of everything we do. We call on every ally, every advocate, and every elected leader: take action for trans lives now.
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