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.”