August 28, 2014 - SDNYC joined Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblymember Daniel J. O'Donnell, Council Member Corey Johnson, Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Council Member Hon. Ritchie Torres, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, Empire State Pride Agenda, and the Bronx Rainbow Independent Democratic Association in a letter letting Congressman Rangel know why Council Member Fernando Cabrera is the wrong choice for the NYS Senate District 33 seat.

Join us in supporting SDNYC's endorsed candidate for NYS Senate District 33, Gustavo Rivera by volunteering with us on Sept. 6th. Click Here for more information and to RSVP.

August 28, 2014

Dear Congressman Rangel,

After hearing of your recent endorsement of Council Member Fernando Cabrera in the upcoming Primary election for NYS Senate District 33, we are reaching out to explain why we are supporting NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera in his re-election campaign.

We are proudly standing with NYS Senator Rivera because he stands with all of us in demanding civil rights and full equality for all New Yorkers and he has proven his commitment throughout his tenure in the State Senate.

During the fight for marriage equality in NYS, Senator Rivera stood by the LGBT community, serving as a key ally in Albany and his commitment to our community continues today.

Senator Rivera is an unequivocal supporter of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), pledging to continue to fight to see GENDA approved. He also supports legislation banning so-called "conversion therapy" for minors, eliminating the use of condoms as evidence in prostitution cases and ending the prohibition on using Medicaid funds for gender transition-related health care services - all vitally important issues to our community.

Senator Rivera not only stands up for the LGBT community but serves as an important voice for progressive values including women's equality and reproductive rights.

Council Member Cabrera does not stand with the LGBT community.

In fact, he actively works against all of us and many of his policy positions are in opposition to the long march toward equality seen throughout your career.

Council Member Cabrera advocated against the NYS marriage equality bill as it was pending in Albany and has continued to express discriminatory and regressive views on marriage, protections for the transgender community and women's rights.

By working with the Family Research Council and the American Family Association to undermine the ongoing fight for equality for all New Yorkers, Council Member Cabrera has made it clear that he does not stand with us.

Congressman, your endorsement in this race tarnishes your long history of supporting LGBT rights and illustrious record of supporting progressive candidates for office.

The choice is clear, Congressman. Please join us in supporting the candidate that stands with all of us, NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Sincerely,

Senator Brad Hoylman

Assemblywoman Deborah Glick

Assemblyman Danny O’Donnell

Council Member Corey Johnson

Council Member Carlos Menchaca

Council Member Ritchie Torres

Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer

Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC

Empire State Pride Agenda

Lambda Independent Democrats

Bronx Rainbow Independent Democratic Association

Letter to Congressman Rangel From LGBT Community 8.28.14