SDNYC 2024 Endorsement Process

SDNYC's Endorsement Questionnaires are out!

For almost 40 years, SDNYC has played an important part in municipal, state, and federal elections, evaluating candidates on their records and issues important to the LGBTQ community.

Our endorsement process includes asking candidates to fill out the questionnaire linked below, followed by an in person meeting where candidates are invited to speak to our members. 

The timeline for our process is:

  • Monday, March 25th - Questionnaires published

  • Friday, April 12th - Questionnaires due

  • Wednesday, April 17th - Questionnaire responses posted online and sent to SDNYC members

  • In Person Endorsement Meetings - Candidates are invited to speak to our members, followed by a vote

    • Wednesday April 24th - NYS Assembly Candidates

    • Wednesday May 1st - NYS Senate, US Congress, US Senate Candidates

Please email stonewalldemocraticclubnyc@gmail.com for more information or questions. 

Stonewall Democrats of NYC Oppose Manhattan CEC 2 Resolution #248

Tonight, SDNYC sent the following memo to members of CEC 2 in Manhattan opposing Resolution #248, targeting transgender youth.

March 20, 2024

Dear Members of CEC 2, 

The Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC strongly opposes Resolution #248 proposed tonight and urge you to vote no. 

As members of an organization dedicated to the rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers, we are deeply concerned by attacks on young LGBTQ people across the country, and are dismayed to see the misleading and harmful rhetoric used in other geographies come to New York City.

Trans kids are kids. And deserve the right to grow and become themselves without hate and harassment. Stonewall Democrats of NYC join with national LGBTQ leaders in calling to Let Trans Kids Play. Discrimination and exclusion against trans youth directly contributes to negative health impacts, including the alarming high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among trans youth. 

Sports teams in schools are critical plays for young people to learn values like teamwork, work ethic, and how to build community. It should also be a place where young people learn the importance of inclusion, fairness, and respect. Targeting and excluding trans youth from sports not only directly hurts transgender kids, it also prevents all students from learning from those who are different from them, and learning to be welcoming and accepting of others. 

The Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City advocates for fairness and equality for the LGBT community in NYC. We represent the political ideas, ideals, concerns, and priorities of the LGBT community of New York City and New York State, and strive to ensure our community can live with the safety, rights, and dignity we deserve. We urge you to vote against Resolution #248 and protect trans kids from discrimination and hate. 

Sincerely,
Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC

SDNYC March Meeting: Housing LGBTQ New Yorkers

It’s no secret: there is a housing crisis in New York. Just last month, data showed that New York City’s Housing Crunch Is the Worst It Has Been in Over 50 Years. It’s also no secret that the LGBTQ community faces disproportionate challenges in housing. LGBTQ people face an array of stigma and discrimination that undermines their ability to have stable, safe, and affordable housing. Studies have shown that housing providers are less likely to respond to rental inquiries from same-sex couples. LGBT elders are at risk of being turned away from or charged higher rents at independent or assisted living centers, as well as harassed, treated poorly, or forced to go back in the closet once moved in. As many as 40% of the homeless youth population identify as LGBTQ. All of these existing challenges are magnified by the current housing shortage in our City.

Join SDNYC for our monthly meeting, Wednesday, March 27th at 8pm at the LGBTQ Center (208 West 13th Street), where we’ll hear from elected officials and LGBTQ housing leaders on the need, challenges, and solutions for creating affordable and accessible housing for the LGBTQ community, and New York at large.

Speakers Will Include:

  • Council Member Erik Bottcher (he/him)

  • Alex Roque (he/him) - President and Executive Director, Ali Forney Center

  • Sayief Leshaw (he/him) - Program Director, Stonewall Community Development Corporation

  • Derek Gaskill (he/him) - Development Manager, Ascendant Neighborhood Development

Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC Elects Leadership for 2024

The club also set priorities for 2024, including keeping the White House, building LGBTQ political power in New York, and advancing trans rights


Last night, the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC elected a new executive board for 2024. The club voted in Gabriel Lewenstein as President, KC Hankins as Executive Vice President, Rose Christ as Vice President, Kenny Agosto as Vice President, and Matt Lesieur as Treasurer. 

“As LGBTQ+ people, our very lives are political,” said Gabriel Lewenstein. “The Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC is here to fight for all LGBTQ people and ensure we get the rights, protections, and dignity we deserve. As the past week alone has shown us: despite the progress LGBTQ rights have made, we still have transphobic and homophobic leaders from Supreme Court Justices to County Executives trying to take away our rights. Stonewall is a place that gives LGBTQ people a voice in politics, and makes sure they hear our priorities and concerns in the halls of power.”

KC Hankins, Executive Vice President said, “As a high school teacher in New York City, I see the impacts policies like GENDA and DASA have on our LGBTQ+ youth every day. Those policies did not come out of thin air, but through the consistent and fierce advocacy of queer leaders, like the 100s that are members of this club.” 

Rose Christ, Vice President, said, “Being elected Vice President of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC is not just an honor, it's a profound responsibility to advance LGBTQ advocacy and ensure our voice is heard and represented in NYC. Having previously served as president and with a long tenure dedicated to this organization, I am deeply committed to continuing our mission and advocating for candidates, elected officials and policies that support LGBTQ New Yorkers."

Kenny Agosto, Vice President, said “It’s an honor to step into a leadership role for this club. I am beyond thrilled for the year ahead - there is so much energy and a lot of work to be done. Let’s get moving!”

Matt Lesieur said, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the board as Treasurer and ensure the organization’s finances remain strong and support our mission. “

The election took place during the club’s monthly meeting, which this month hosted state-level LGBTQ elected officials to discuss their priorities for legislation advancing the LGBTQ community this year. Speakers included State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assembly Member Deborah Glick, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Assembly Member Tony Simone, and a representative from Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell. Ron Zacchi, LGBTQ+ Director for Gov. Hochul presented as well, and Equality NY presented their priorities for LGBTQ legislation in Albany.

SDNYC February Meeting: LGBTQ State Policy Priorities

GENDA. Marriage Equality. The Repeal of "Walking While Trans". The Gender Recognition Act. The Trans Wellness & Equity Fund.

Many of our community’s biggest victories have come from State legislation. Join SDNYC this month to help set the agenda for our next biggest wins in Albany! Hear from representatives from advocacy organizations and elected leaders about what bills and topics are on their radar, what needs our club’s support, and how we can get involved. Have ideas for what SDNYC should focus on this year in State policy? Come and share your thoughts!

We are pleased to be joined by the following speakers to discuss their 2024 LGBT priorities:

  • 🏳️‍🌈 Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal

  • 🏳️‍🌈 The Office of Assembly Member Deborah Glick

  • 🏳️‍🌈 The Office of Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell

  • 🏳️‍🌈 The Office of Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas

  • 🏳️‍🌈 The Office of Assembly Member Tony Simone

  • 🏳️‍🌈 Ron Zacchi, Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Gov. Kathy Hochul

  • 🏳️‍🌈 Equality NY

Stay tuned for more updates!