Andrew M. Cuomo for Governor

Today the Pride Agenda PAC is announcing our support of Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo for New York State Governor for his commitment to fighting for civil rights, ending discrimination and achieving true equality for all New Yorkers.

As attorney general, Andrew Cuomo has been a great champion for the LGBT community, working closely with the Pride Agenda to fight transgender discrimination in employment and to defend our state's policy of fully respecting the legal marriages of same-sex couples performed out of state. This proven record is bolstered by Andrew Cuomo's commitment to working as governor to secure marriage equality, a statewide transgender non-discrimination law and policies, programs and resources to address the health and human service needs of New York's LGBT communities.

In accepting our endorsement, Andrew Cuomo said:

"I want to be the governor who makes marriage equality a reality in New York
State," said Andrew Cuomo. "New Yorkers believe that their neighbors should be
afforded the same rights and privileges under the law that they receive. I will
work with our leaders in the legislature to achieve passage of the Gender
Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), and with our state agencies to eliminate health
disparities for LGBT New Yorkers. I thank the Pride Agenda for its endorsement
of my candidacy, and I look forward to continuing our terrific partnership into
the future."

All New Yorkers who care about LGBT equality and justice should support Andrew Cuomo. The election is less than two weeks away, and we're working hard to elect him and the rest of our pro-LGBT endorsed candidates. Join the fight at our Online Election Center where you can:

• Review our endorsements in your district and statewide


• Find opportunities to volunteer on a key campaign


• Support great champions for equality and justice

If Andrew Cuomo is going to achieve our LGBT priorities, he's going to need strong allies in the legislature and in statewide offices at his side. There's so much you can do to help us get out the vote over the next two weeks!

(Photo: Gay Socialites)

You can help elect 5 more champions for equality and justice

We're only 23 days from the New York Primary Election -- just over three weeks away -- when voters could be deciding the fate of our rights for years to come. We're keeping the ball rolling here at the Pride Agenda and are thrilled to release our latest round of endorsements passed by the Pride Agenda's Political Action Committee (PAC). Will you help us tip the balance of the Senate and hold onto a supportive, pro-LGBT Assembly?

Make a contribution of $60 to Pride Agenda PAC -- one dollar for each pro-equality candidate we've endorse so far. Or make a contribution of $23 for each day left until polls open.

Volunteer your time on key races that will really make a difference. If you've never volunteered on a campaign before, now's your chance to take the fight for equality into your own hands and meet others who want to make a difference in New York.

If elected, the following candidates will help us continue fighting for our legislative priorities, such as the freedom to marry and the most basic of civil rights protections for transgender New Yorkers:

New York State Senate
Primary Election --
SD 31 (Upper Manhattan and Bronx) -- Adriano Espaillat (D), Open
SD 18 (Brooklyn) -- Velmanette Montgomery (D), Incumbent

General Election --
SD 22 (Brooklyn) -- Michael DiSanto (D), Challenger
SD 38 (Orange and Rockland Counties) -- David Carlucci (D), Open

New York State Assembly
General Election --
AD 1 (Suffolk County) -- Fred Thiele (I), Incumbent

Check out our online Election Center for a full list of endorsements, and stay tuned for our upcoming 2010 Election Guide, that we urge you to share with everyone in your life who supports full equality and justice.

In a time with some frustrating delays in our movement, from the federal courts to the halls of Congress, we know that we can make change happen in New York right NOW. We know we can count on you to be a part of that change. Contribute to our PAC or volunteer in a key race today. Let's build LGBT power in Albany together.

Pride Agenda announces second round of endorsements in 2010 Elections

A couple weeks ago, we let you know how excited we were to move into election season so we could work to re-elect legislators who have stood by our side and elect new ones who we can be certain will bring about real change in Albany.

Now, our work continues to make change happen.

Today, the Pride Agenda announced another round of endorsements for the 2010 Primary and General Elections, including a number of candidates who are challenging Senators who have voted against the interests of New York’s LGBT community. That brings our total number of endorsed candidates so far to 54 - all of them strong advocates in the New York State Legislature for issues at the top of the Pride Agenda’s public policy agenda, or candidates who have pledged their support on such issues including marriage equality for same-sex couples, ending legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and increasing funding for LGBT health and human services providers.

This election is a crucial step toward accomplishing our community’s governmental priorities. We have only endorsed candidates who already are or will be unabashed legislative allies and have demonstrated and/or expressed their support for LGBT equality and justice with complete clarity. Click here to see our latest round of endorsements.

But we know we can’t win unless we keep supporters of LGBT equality and justice updated and involved. Throughout this election season, we’ll be in contact about some of the most important races we’re focusing on this year and presenting our plans about how we can succeed in increasing the ranks of pro-LGBT state legislators. We’ll also be in touch shortly with further endorsements, including statewide races.

We hope you’re as ready as we are to get to work, and that these endorsements inspire you to visit our online Election Center and make a donation to our PAC so we can make sure these crucial races have the resources they need, or sign up to volunteer on one of these campaigns. We look forward to keeping you updated and involved!

Our allies in the Legislature need your help

Last week, we told you about several candidates who would replace New York Senators who stand in the way of winning LGBT equality and justice. Today, we want to tell you about two of our allies in the Legislature who have stood by our side and who now need our help.

Both Senator Brian Foley, a Democrat, and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, a Republican, have voted “yes” on the marriage bill. These votes in support of protections for LGBT New Yorkers and our families are now being used against these candidates. Our community must not allow attacks based on pro-LGBT votes to hurt fair-minded candidates in the 2010 elections.

In Brookhaven’s Senate District 3 we have endorsed Brian Foley, who voted “yes” on marriage despite some negative feedback from more conservative constituents in his district. Foley was willing to stand up and do the right thing for our community, and now our community needs to stand behind him against any anti-LGBT attacks.

In Plattsburgh and the North Country’s Assembly District 114 we have endorsed Janet Duprey, a Republican who changed her vote on marriage from “no” in 2007 to “yes” in 2009. Very soon after her original “no” vote, Duprey announced publicly that she regretted her decision and that she would change her vote the next time the bill came to the floor. She kept her word in 2009. Duprey also supports the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and has voted for it each time it has come before the Assembly. Now we must stand behind her and against those who don’t support our community.

It is crucial that we defend our friends in the Legislature. Please donate now to the Pride Agenda PAC to keep Brian Foley and Janet Duprey in these crucial seats, and to allow us to support other candidates across the state who are also doing the right thing.

Calcaterra, Avella and Barrett would oust Senators opposed to LGBT equality and justice

Yesterday, we told you about our endorsement of Charlie Ramos in the 32nd Senate District, who would unseat one of New York’s most anti-LGBT state Senators. Today, we want to highlight three more of our endorsements that will help us remove Senators who voted “no” on our issues and replace them with new legislators who are strong supporters of LGBT equality and justice.

One of the reasons that having the marriage vote in December 2009 was so important was that it gave us a clear, indisputable record of who stood with us and who stood against us. Similarly, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote on GENDA in June outed several Senators as being against transgender civil rights. Because of these votes, we now have a clear roadmap as to which Senators need to be replaced by new ones who will be outspoken advocates for marriage equality and transgender non-discrimination.

In Long Island’s Senate District 1 we have endorsed Regina Calcaterra, who has pledged to support and co-sponsor GENDA and the marriage bill. Calcaterra would unseat Ken LaValle, a 34-year incumbent who voted no on marriage equality and GENDA.

In Queens’ Senate District 11 we have endorsed Tony Avella, who has also pledged to support and co-sponsor GENDA and the marriage bill. Avella would unseat Frank Padavan, a 38-year incumbent who voted no not just on marriage equality, but also on the hate crimes bill and SONDA. Padavan is consistently a staunch opponent of LGBT equality and justice.

In Hudson Valley’s Senate District 41 we have endorsed DiDi Barrett, another candidate who has pledged her support and plans to co-sponsor GENDA and marriage. Barrett would unseat Stephen Saland, a 20-year incumbent who voted no on marriage equality and GENDA.

These candidates will help bring real change to Albany and to remove Senators who have a proven record against LGBT equality and justice. Please donate now to the Pride Agenda PAC to help Regina Calcaterra, Tony Avella and DiDi Barrett in their bids to win these crucial Senate seats, and to allow us to support other candidates across the state who are also doing the right thing.

Stay tuned to our Election Center for updates on ways to volunteer or get involved with these and other important races.

Carlos “Charlie” Ramos Provides a Clear Choice vs. Anti-LGBT Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.

Yesterday, we announced the first round of Pride Agenda endorsements for the 2010 election season. Today, we wanted to spotlight the Democratic primary challenge in the Bronx’s 32nd District by Carlos “Charlie” Ramos to take on New York’s arguably most openly homophobic, transphobic, anti-LGBT state legislator: Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

As you probably know, Senator Diaz is our most vocal foe on marriage equality and transgender non-discrimination in the State Senate. He led rallies against marriage equality, spoke and voted against it on the Senate floor and is reported to have struck back room deals trying to prevent it from ever even coming to a vote. He led the debate against the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act in the Senate Judiciary Committee with unfounded and disproven myths. And he asserted a “one-man veto” to remove budgetary language that would have allowed legally married same-sex couples to file jointly on their New York State income tax returns.

In stark contrast, Charlie Ramos has committed to co-sponsoring marriage equality legislation, and has stated his full support for a statewide transgender non-discrimination law. He is also pro-choice and supports full access to reproductive health.

Senator Diaz and all state legislators need to know that their attacks against the LGBT community will not go unanswered. New Yorkers understand fairness and equality, and want legislators who work to better the lives of their constituents and their families, not to find opportunities to discriminate against them. We want to send a loud and clear message that it is unacceptable that Senator Diaz chooses to thwart equality and justice for all New Yorkers.

Please donate now to the Pride Agenda PAC to help Charlie Ramos in his bid to unseat one of New York’s most outspoken opponents of LGBT rights, and to allow us to support other candidates across the state who are doing the right thing.

Pride Agenda announces first round of endorsements in 2010 Elections

Last week, we let you know how excited we were to move into election season so we could work to re-elect legislators who have stood by our side and elect new ones who we can be certain will bring about real change in Albany.

Now, the time has come to make change happen.

The Pride Agenda has made its first round of endorsements for the 2010 Primary and General Elections. The 20 candidates endorsed so far have either been strong allies of the LGBT community in the New York State Legislature on issues at the top of the Pride Agenda’s public policy agenda, or have pledged their support on such issues including marriage equality for same-sex couples ending legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and increasing funding for LGBT health and human services providers.

This election is a crucial step toward accomplishing our governmental priorities. We have only endorsed candidates who already are or will be unabashed legislative allies who demonstrate their support for LGBT equality and justice with complete clarity. Click here to see our first round of endorsements.

But we know we can’t win unless we keep supporters of LGBT equality and justice updated and get them involved. So over the next few days, we’ll be sending you messages about some of the most important races we’re focusing on this year. You’ll read about our plans to challenge candidates who voted “no” on marriage, defend our allies who are under attack for their stand on LGBT equality and increase the ranks of LGBT state legislators.

We hope you’re as ready as we are to get to work, and that these election profiles inspire you to visit our online Election Center, sign up to volunteer on one of these campaigns or make a donation to our PAC so we can make sure these crucial races have the resources they need. We look forward to keeping you updated!

Joel Miller for the 102nd Assembly District

The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Republican incumbent Dr. Joel Miller for re-election to the 102nd Assembly District (representing Poughkeepsie and the western part of Dutchess County).

Joel Miller is a strong supporter of LGBT rights, never hesitating to speak about our issues and our community and always emphasizing his belief that all Americans should be equal and none should be the target of legalized discrimination. When the marriage equality bill was debated and passed by the Assembly last year, Miller was the first Republican to stand up and state his support for the bill, and the same was true again this year when the Assembly debated and passed a bill prohibiting discrimination against transgender New Yorkers.

In a letter he sent to supporters earlier this year, Miller said, “I voted for the gay marriage bill for one single reason – it was the right thing to do. Furthermore my vote sends a message to other Republicans that there is no need to be stuck in archaic ways, because we can and we must be a progressive party, one that embraces a changing world and one that grants every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person full equality and justice under our laws.”

Miller has long had a reputation among his colleagues for being honest and forthright --even outspoken -- about where he stands on an issue. At a recent Log Cabin event where Republican legislators in support of marriage equality were present (Assemblymembers Sayward, Scozzafava and Duprey) and one in particular who is on the other side of the issues and said so again at the event (Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos), Miller spoke forcefully in support of marriage for our families.

In true Joel Miller style, he also didn’t hesitate to say what he thought about the legal mechanisms some Republicans like to propose as a substitute for providing our families with marriage and the 1,324 state-based rights and obligations that only marriage provides. Gay City News reported Miller as saying, “None of this partner contract baloney that they talk about. You can’t go halfway.”

As a bipartisan organization, we are proud that every major piece of LGBT legislation in Albany has passed with support from both Democrats and Republicans. Going forward, this will continue to be important for all our community’s key pieces of legislation. Nothing gets done in Albany without support from both Democrats and Republicans.

Joel Miller is a Republican who votes for equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers and doesn’t hesitate to go the extra mile and speak up about why our equality is an important part of the promise America makes to all its citizens. He is the only Republican who voted for marriage equality in the Assembly who has a race this November. He is being challenged by a Democrat, Jonathan Smith, who also filled out our questionnaire and has stated his support for our issues.

The choice in this race, however, is clear. Miller deserves the Pride Agenda’s endorsement and our community’s support because he has earned it. Joel Miller has stood with us over and over again, through his votes and through his words, so we stand with him in his re-election on November 4.

To read profiles of other important races we are highlighting for the NYS Legislature, go to our 2008 Election Center.

David Nachbar for the 55th Senate District

The Pride Agenda is proud to announce our endorsement of David R. Nachbar, who is challenging Republican Senator Jim Alesi in the 55^th State Senate District (representing part of Monroe County).

David Nachbar is a strong supporter of LGBT rights who has made it clear that he will not stand for any kind of discrimination. In his previous position as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Bausch & Lomb, Nachbar helped the company achieve a perfect score from HRC’s Corporate Equality Index by extending equal benefits to the domestic partners of employees.

Nachbar told The Albany Project that he is running because “right now we’re at a very important point of time, an important moment of choice, and that is that we can choose between staying down the path that we’re on right now – a path which has failed – or we can choose to take a new direction.” Nachbar would lead the charge in the Senate in the direction of equality for all New Yorkers. In his Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, he could not have been any clearer in his support of the LGBT community when he said: “I believe that the civil rights issue of our time is equality for the LGBT community, and I will unequivocally support any measure that will contribute to full equality for LGBT people under the law.”

In addition to his commitment to vote for issues like marriage equality, banning discrimination against transgender people and making schools safe for LGBT youth, Nachbar would take the extra step to co-sponsor these bills. In his candidate questionnaire, he also expressed a strong desire to do whatever it takes to advance equality for the LGBT community, including holding press conferences, hosting and attending forums, meeting with constituents, and working together with the Pride Agenda.

Nachbar’s opponent is six-term incumbent Jim Alesi. Alesi does not support the LGBT community – according to the Pride Agenda’s Legislative Scorecard, he is strongly opposed to marriage equality, and has gone so far as to be a public supporter and co-sponsor of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Alesi has indicated that he is also opposed to banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, and although he has told constituents that he would consider supporting legislation that would make schools safe for LGBT youth, he has not taken any steps to move the bill forward. Alesi also voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act when it passed in 2002.

As Nachbar has said, this election is about moving in a new direction in New York State. For 12 years, Jim Alessi has perpetuated discrimination and inequality for LGBT people and if re-elected, will do more of the same. For voters who are concerned with civil rights and real progress for all New Yorkers, David Nachbar is the only choice for Senator in the 55th Senate District.

For more information on how you can volunteer to help get Nachbar elected, visit our online Election Center, and if you live in the 55^th Senate District, vote for David Nachbar on Tuesday, November 4.

Rick Dollinger for the 56th Senate District

The Pride Agenda is announcing today our endorsement of Rick Dollinger, who is challenging Republican Senator Joe Robach in the 56th State Senate District (representing part of Monroe County). Dollinger once held this seat (from 1992-2002) but decided to return to the private sector after a decade of service.

In addition to his experience as a State Senator, Dollinger has also served as a Monroe County Legislator and as Brighton Town Justice. A friend of the LGBT community then, Dollinger long supported the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act and voted for both SONDA and the Hate Crimes Bill when they finally passed and became law in 2002 and 2000, respectively. Because of his consistent support for LGBT issues throughout his career in public office, the Pride Agenda honored Dollinger with the Community Service Award at our annual Spring Dinner in 2003, shortly after he left the Senate.

In an interview with The Albany Project, when asked why he has chosen to return to the State Senate, Dollinger replied: “New York wasn't getting any better. The Senate GOP did nothing while I was there and haven't done anything since I left. I decided that this was my chance to bring about real change." And in his Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire Dollinger said “Quite simply, I’ve always been a champion for the LGBT community and I look forward to being a champion again as we gain the opportunity to make historic changes in the New York State Senate. It goes without saying that my opponent and the leadership that he supports has simply not taken the right stands on critical issues.”

Dollinger would not only be a “yes” vote for LGBT New Yorkers, he would be a vocal advocate for issues that are essential to our community—issues like marriage equality, banning discrimination against transgender people and making schools safe for LGBT youth. In his candidate questionnaire, Dollinger stated that he would not only support these bills but sign onto them as a co-sponsor, as well. Dollinger has stated frequently that he intends to help our community find more “yes” votes on these issues in the State Senate once he is elected.

Dollinger’s opponent and incumbent Joe Robach has not been an ally of the LGBT community. According the Pride Agenda’s Legislative Scorecard, Robach has indicated several times his opposition to marriage equality and banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers. While he has indicated that he would support legislation that would make schools safer for LGBT youth, he has not been a strong advocate for such legislation and has not taken any steps to move the bill forward. Additionally, Joe Robach was one of only 27 Assemblymembers to vote against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act when it passed in 2002.

Despite all the nice words Robach says about us when he is talking to our community, he does nearly nothing to support LGBT people when it comes to legislation. Robach will also vote for a Senate Majority Leader who has said unequivocally that he will not support marriage equality or the GENDA bill. Actions speak louder than words—and we do not need someone who consistently votes against our interests in Albany.

Voters in the 56th Senate District, the LGBT community and New Yorkers in general will be better served by Rick Dollinger’s experience and commitment to bringing change and progress to Albany. We look forward to helping in making that happen on Tuesday, November 4.

For information on how you can get involved with helping Rick Dollinger win, visit our online Election Center.