It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as chair for one of the newest Sections of the New York State Bar Association. Providing a state-wide community for LGBTQ+ identified legal professionals and allies through CLE programming, live events and advocacy work strengthens our Section’s purpose to promote equality in the law for LGBTQ+ people. I am looking forward to our Section’s continued growth to be a leading voice for the LGBTQ+ legal community.

In this divisive political climate, our community is facing an onslaught of legal and legislative attacks on the local, state and federal levels. Protests against drag queen story hours, bans on books containing LGBTQ+ content and limits to accessible medical care for transgender people threatens our freedoms of expression and individual autonomy. Despite this tidal wave of challenges, our Section remains steadfast in our commitment to be a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in both New York and across the United States.