As LGBTQ+ communities around the world, and right here in New York City, prepare to bring Pride month to a close with Pride marches, it’s a good time to remember that, while there is much to celebrate, there is still much to be done. 

While this city has been a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ people, the case is very different across the country and in many other countries. 

Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman is grateful that, 10 years ago, New York signed gay marriage into law, allowing him and his partner to marry and have two beautiful children via gestational surrogacy.

He has dedicated himself to making sure the LGBTQ community is protected in New York State, writing and/or sponsoring bills to create new levels of safety for transgender New Yorkers, including the newly passed bill that will allow transgender and all gender non-conforming New Yorkers to identify their gender with an “X” on some official documents. 

He joined In Focus to talk about the wins, and the work, like creating LGBTQ+ education programs in schools so that New Yorkers will learn about the contributions and challenges earlier rather than later.