ALBANY, NY— Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a significant $5.4 million investment aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community in New York. This includes a $4.4 million allocation to the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center for developing safe and culturally affirming programs, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color. An additional $1 million will be directed towards workforce development programs for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals, expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund. Furthermore, new policy guidance has been issued to help state agencies better serve LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and foster a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ state employees.
“Pride Month is a time of celebration and a reminder to continue in our efforts to uplift the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in New York State,” Governor Hochul stated. “New Yorkers of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions deserve to be safe, heard, and valued. The State of New York stands with and supports the LGBTQ+ community.”
The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center will use the $4.4 million investment to offer a variety of resources, programs, and services in a culturally affirming environment. The center will provide medical treatment, mental health and social support services, legal referrals, career training, cultural programming, and internet access, all within a stigma-free setting.
Carmen Neely, President & CEO of the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center project has been in the works since 2016 and we are happy and grateful that we will finally have a home. We can’t thank Governor Hochul, her team, and our NYC elected officials enough for their support. This is the beginning of a new era and we are absolutely excited and ready to get to work!”
State Senator Cordell Cleare also commended the investment, highlighting the importance of the center for the local community. “I am excited that Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $4.4 million investment in the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center in the heart of the 30th District, during Pride Month. This will be a space where everyone from LGBTQ+ youth to seniors, will enjoy a one-stop hub for social, educational, and culturally sensitive programs, and services. The Governor also added a $1 million investment in resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community for workforce development programs. This funding will help achieve all those goals in our Harlem neighborhood, and at a culturally affirming Center for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”