The landscape of the New York State Legislature is on the brink of a significant shift, with a record number of LGBTQ+ lawmakers poised to make history. As the political climate becomes increasingly challenging for queer communities, these legislators are uniting to create a formal LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus a first for the state.
Currently, there are seven openly LGBTQ+ lawmakers serving in the 213-member Legislature. This number is expected to rise to 11 after the November 3 general election, including the state’s first out nonbinary legislator, David Siffert. This unprecedented representation has sparked discussions about forming a caucus that could rival the influence of the Legislature’s established Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.
From Isolation to Collective Power
For many LGBTQ+ legislators, serving in Albany has often been an isolating experience. Tony Simone, a Democratic assemblymember representing a district that includes Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, described the environment as loneliness in Albany. However, the growing number of queer lawmakers is changing this dynamic.
The June Democratic primaries brought a wave of new LGBTQ+ candidates to the forefront. Jessica González-Rojas secured a state Senate seat, while Brian Romero, David Orkin, Christian Celeste Tate, Illapa Sairitupac, and David Siffert won Democratic Assembly primaries. Siffert’s victory, decided by a mere 15 votes after a manual recount, marks a significant milestone as they are set to become New York’s first out nonbinary state legislator.
The Urgency of the Moment
The proposed caucus is not just about representation; it’s about building power in the face of mounting challenges. Tony Simone emphasized the need to shift from a defensive stance to an offensive one, highlighting the importance of proactive advocacy. The caucus aims to move beyond symbolic gestures and Pride Month resolutions to tackle the less glamorous but crucial machinery of government.
One of the key areas of focus is gender-affirming care. While New York has enacted protective laws, securing dedicated funding for these services has proven challenging. David Siffert pointed out that LGBTQ+ priorities often compete with other demands in Albany’s budgeting process. The caucus could play a pivotal role in ensuring that queer issues receive adequate attention and resources.
Intersectional Advocacy
Brian Romero, a former psychotherapist and legislative staffer, brings a unique perspective to the table. He views health care, housing, employment, immigration, and addiction as interconnected issues that frequently converge in the lives of queer individuals. Romero envisions the caucus as a platform to educate fellow Democrats about these intersections and advocate for comprehensive policies that address the multifaceted needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
David Orkin, an immigrant workers’ rights attorney likely headed to the Assembly, underscores the importance of enforcing state laws that protect queer and transgender workers from harassment and discrimination. With the federal government retreating from some LGBTQ+ protections, New York must step up to ensure that institutions like the state Division of Human Rights have the necessary resources to uphold these laws.
Learning from Other States
Other states offer valuable blueprints for what a successful LGBTQ+ caucus can achieve. California’s LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, established in 2002, has a legislative agenda that spans education, hate crimes, veterans’ issues, and data privacy. This year, the caucus successfully advocated for a state-backed gender-affirming care fund, securing $26 million in the enacted budget.
Washington’s Legislative LGBTQ Caucus regularly collaborates with advocacy organizations to advance policies such as conversion therapy restrictions and gender-affirming care protections. Maryland’s LGBTQ+ caucus includes both LGBTQ+ legislators and dozens of associate members, providing a model for building a broader coalition. In Washington, D.C., the Congressional Equality Caucus demonstrates how LGBTQ+ lawmakers can wield power even without controlling the chamber.
The Difference Between a Seat and Power
The growth in LGBTQ+ representation in New York is part of a broader transformation in American politics. While LGBTQ+ people remain significantly underrepresented in elected government, the increasing numbers can provide political cover for non-LGBTQ+ Democrats to resist retreating from queer issues when they become politically inconvenient.
Tony Simone believes that a caucus could give colleagues more of a reason to have a bigger backbone. David Siffert, meanwhile, focuses on the practical impact of representation. They are less concerned about individual misunderstandings or biases and more about ensuring that lack of acceptance does not translate into tangible harm, such as denying access to health care for transgender youth.
As the November 3 election approaches, the anticipation builds for what this historic delegation of LGBTQ+ lawmakers can achieve. The establishment of a formal caucus could mark a turning point in the fight for queer rights and equality in New York.
