Democrats in Senate Successfully Block Anti-Trans Legislation

Last night, Democrats in the United States Senate successfully blocked transphobic legislation S9, a bill that cruelly targeted trans youth by attempting to tamper with Title IX to restrict participation in sports. The Stonewall Democrats of NYC previously called on leaders in Congress to reject the bill, and rallied with trans leaders and LGBTQ organizations locally and nationally to encourage Democrats to hold the line and demonstrate that the our party stands with transgender Americans. 

In response to the vote, leaders from SDNYC’s executive board commented:

Gabriel Lewenstein, President of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, said, “Despite the dire political climate and attempts to divide us, tonight’s vote gives us hope. Democrats are united against hate and bigotry, and we have the power to stop loathsome bills and protect our communities. The Stonewall Democrats of NYC are proud that every single New York Democrat in the House and the Senate voted to stand with the trans community. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Chuck Schumer, the entire Senate Democratic Caucus united in defense of the LGBTQ community and sent a powerful message to trans youth: you belong, and we will keep fighting to protect you. 

Melissa Sklarz, Executive Vice President of Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, and, as District Leader in AD 30, Part B, Queens, the only out elected trans official in New York City, said, “As a transgender New Yorker, I am grateful to Senator Chuck Schumer, and the Democratic conference in the Senate for voting no on another vile, reactionary, mean-spirited culture war item that does nothing to help improve the lives of Americans. These are terrible times for transgender Americans and my concern is it will get worse - and that all of us will be at risk. This victory today in the Senate is a moment to build on and to empower our trans community to go forth and keep fighting.”

SDNYC February Meeting: Supporting LGBTQ Immigrants From National Attacks

The new federal administration has unleashed a torrent of attacks against immigrant and transgender communities. Join the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City on Wednesday February 26th from 6:30-8:00pm at the LGBT Center (208 West 13th St) to hear from experts to explain the legal status of the Trump administration’s executive orders, and share vital resources for impacted communities.

Guest Speakers:

  • Bianey Garcia, Trans rights organizer

  • Aaron Morris, Executive Director, Immigration Equality

 
 

Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn and Stonewall Democrats of NYC demand Jasmine Ray’s Resignation Over Anti-Trans Stance

The Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn and Stonewall Democrats of NYC are deeply troubled by the recent statements by Jasmine Ray, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation and call on her to resign.

As reported in Gothamist, Ms. Ray posted on her social media accounts that she is in support of Donald Trump’s illegal executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in sports, specifically transgender girls and women from participating in girls and women’s sports. This stance starkly contradicts New York City’s laws upholding the rights of students to engage in sports consistent with their gender identity. 

Ms. Ray’s bigotry and ignorance compromises the integrity of our city and our hard fought rights. Her continued presence in government sends a harmful message to transgender New Yorkers, particularly youth, who deserve unwavering support in the face of federal attacks. 

Therefore, we call upon Mayor Eric Adams to take decisive action by requesting Jasmine Ray’s resignation and making an unambiguous public statement in favor of transgender rights and specifically the rights of transgender athletes to participate in sports. Furthermore, we urge the administration to reaffirm its commitment to transgender rights and dignity through concrete measures, including supportive legislation; funding to support queer and trans people, organizations, and communities; and legal action challenging the illegal, cruel, and transphobic actions of the Trump Administration. 

Many LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are wondering if Mayor Adams stands with us given his embrace of Donald Trump. Today, weand we are calling on the Mayor to affirm his clear support of trans equality. 

We encourage all members of our community to call (212) 788-3006 and/or email mayoreric@cityhall.nyc.gov & tell him to replace Jasmine Ray and make a statement in support of the trans community.

SDNYC 2025: Defiant

The LGBTQ community has always been defiant. We defy convention. We defy injustice. We defy efforts to keep us quiet. In that spirit, SDNYC celebrated our 2025 Annual Event last week with friends, leaders, and luminaries of the LGBTQ community. Thank you to all who attended and offered support!

We were honored to recognizing pathbreaking and inspiring LGBTQ leaders who have demonstrated the power and impact of our community:

  • Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary and Special Advisor to the President 

  • Sean Coleman, CEO and Executive Director of Destination Tomorrow

  • Yanery Cruz, Director of Advocacy and Programs at New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG)

  • Queers for Kamala Co-Founders Kathleen Borschow, Jeffrey Omura, and Daniel Wein

See photos of the night below! All credits: Donna Aceto Photography.

SDNYC Statement on Anti-Trans Executive Orders

Stonewall Democrats of NYC strongly condemn the cruel, dangerous, and discriminatory executive orders from the Trump Administration restricting gender affirming healthcare for trans youth, banning transgender military service, denying trans people accurate federal documents, and more. Using the strength of the federal government to go to war with the least empowered and most marginalized communities is a violation of our values as a nation. SDNYC urges all leaders at the local, state, and national level to speak out against attacks on the LGBTQ community.