Known as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, New York City holds a unique and sacred space within the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. On Monday, June 26, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC LGBTQ+ Coalition Director Sam Alleman engaged with New York community leaders and advocates during a tour of the Ali Forney Center, followed by a roundtable discussion and listening session with key stakeholders from the LGBTQ+ community and a visit to the historic Stonewall Inn, before attending the DNC’s LGBTQ+ Leadership Council Gala. See below for photos.

“From the Stonewall Inn to the Ali Forney Center, both of which we toured today, New York City is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equal protections and freedoms under the law,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “With LGBTQ+ rights under attack in states across the country, I am proud to be here in New York where Democrats are fighting to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community, and especially transgender youth, are safe, welcomed, and valued for who they are. New York serves as a reminder of what is possible when we come together to create a more tolerant and inclusive community for all.”

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC LGBTQ+ Coalition Director Sam Alleman heard and learned directly from key community leaders and activists about their thoughts on how to use the power and influence of the DNC to create a more tolerant and inclusive community, specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. 

This summer, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC LGBTQ+ coalition leaders launched a 57 state and territory tour to amplify critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Chair Harrison and DNC LGBTQ+ coalition leaders plan to use the DNC’s brand and network to increase visibility and education around vital critical services for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, and to uplift the stories and messages of community advocates and political stakeholders within LGBTQ+ communities.