Details
Location: Albany, New York
Dates & Times:
Tuesday, April 16 2024 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 2024 NYS LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day is your chance to connect with 250+ LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from around the state to and collectively advocate for policies that will lead to a more equitable state for all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
This advocacy day, along with its pre-programming, will include panels, workshops, elected official visits, and coalition building.
Language Access in English and Spanish
This year, we will be providing simultaneous interpretation in English/Spanish for all Advocacy Day panels, both those prior and those on the day.
Acceso lingüístico en inglés y español
Este año, ofreceremos interpretación simultánea en inglés/español para todos los paneles del Día de la Abogacía, tanto los previos como los del día.
What We Are Fighting For:
The 2024 NYS LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day will build on the historic wins that occurred over the last few months and we will strategically move our equality platform ahead by discussing strategies to continue to improve the lives of LGBTQI New Yorkers. This year, we will prioritize the following legislation:
Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act (Salazar S2860 & Rozic A709A)
This bill relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated people based upon gender identity.
Immunity from Prosecution for Sex Workers and Survivors of Trafficking (Sepúlveda S1966 & Kelles A7471)
This bill encourages victims of human trafficking and sex workers who experience or witness crime to report their experience without fear of being prosecuted for prostitution.
Decriminalizing Sex Work Bill (Salazar S4396 & Forrest A8605)
This bill relates to the decriminalization of sex work; repealer
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to have prior experience?
No, whether you are a seasoned professional or have never attended an advocacy day you are highly encouraged to join us. Please note - you may join the two workshops held the week prior Advocacy Day. These workshops are intended for you to learn how to utilize telling your story in order to advocate the best you can with your elected officials. Here you will have time to ask questions and there will even be a breakout session to role play interacting with policy makers.
Is there a cost to join Advocacy Day?
No one will be turned away. We do rely on people purchasing a $35 ticket to help cover some of the costs of the day, but regardless - everyone is encouraged to join, whether you purchase a ticket or not.
What type of accommodations do you have for participants?
We are committed to making Advocacy Day accessible to everyone. Please reach out to us with any specific accommodation requests to ensure you can fully participate. Our team is here to assist and make the necessary arrangements.
Is transportation and/or lodging available?
We have buses and other types of transportation (bus/carpool/trains) for those who need a way to get to and/or from Albany. When you register, it will ask you to indicate if you need assistance in that area. We unfortunately do not have the resources to offer hotels or places to lodge.
Will food be provided?
Yes, all participants will be offered both breakfast and lunch to ensure they are fueled and prepared for the long day.
All additional questions can be directed to to Natalia at natalia@equalityny.org
2024 Equality New York’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 16 2024 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Welcome & Happy Hour
Oh Bar, 304 Lark St. Albany, NY
Those local or coming into Albany early will come together for networking, drinks, and light snacks. This is a great opportunity to connect in-person prior to Advocacy Day. There will be non-cringy ice breaks and ways to build your network.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00AM-9:45AM
Registration & Breakfast
Legislative Office Building, Room 211A
In-person participants will network and enjoy coffee/tea and bagels.
10:00AM-10:45AM
Welcome & Activist Kickoff
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A
We will start the day off by reviewing what to expect, hearing from a few special speakers, and joining an activist kickoff full of energy and excitement.
11:00AM-11:50AM
Session 1 Workshops & Panels
Participants can join one of two programming options. One is an educational panel and the other is a hands-on workshop focused on wellness, self-care, & preventing burnout.
Panel: Housing at the Root: Immigrant LGBTQ+ New Yorkers Deserve Safety and Access to Thrive
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A
This panel will explore and discuss the consequences of unstable housing and the impact that has had on LGBTQ+ immigrant New Yorkers in particular. This conversation will highlight that “at the root of this intersectional struggle is the unwavering understanding that housing is healthcare; housing is a human right.” Please join this panel to learn more about what equitable housing access looks like without systematic discrimination.
Workshop: How to Continue to Pour From Your Own Cup
Legislative Office Building, Room 211A
This workshop is intended to support the wellbeing of activists and advocates in an ever-demanding political climate. In this safe and nurturing space to collect, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills and strategies for positive, self-behaviors. Information provided within the workshop will address burnout, intense emotions, habit cycles, coping strategies, the consequences of expectations, and more. There is a writing exercise throughout the workshop, as well as an opportunity to partner up and share experiences. Please join this workshop to fill back your own cup with these self-help tools!
12:00PM-12:50PM
Lunch Break
Legislative Office Building, Room 211A
In-person participants will network and enjoy lunch. Lunch will be provided!
1:00PM-1:45PM
Rally & Press Conference
Million Dollar Staircase, 3rd Floor
Join elected officials and activists on the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany to strategically move our equality platform ahead and continue to improve the lives of LGBTQIA2S+ New Yorkers.
2:00PM-3:00PM
Elected Official Visits
Legislative Office Building
Join a group of 6-8 other activists who will be assigned to an elected official. Each group will be tasked with sharing the policy priorities with elected officials and asking for their support.
3:00PM-3:45PM
Session 2 Workshops & Panels
Participants can join one of two programming options. One is an educational panel and the other is a hands-on workshop focused on wellness, self-care, & preventing burnout.
Panel: Decrim is Step One: What Does Harm Reduction Look Like
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A
The panel will discuss what a world could look like where sex work is decriminalized - including full funding for peers to do outreach, community space, a bad client registry that could function outside of the shadows, worker protections including unionization, and clinics such as the COIN clinic throughout the state. Please join this panel to visualize how decriminalization will make our communities safer!
Workshop: Grounding in the Grassroots
Legislative Office Building, Room 211A
This workshop is intended to support the wellbeing of activists and advocates by providing participants with the mindfulness skills of centering and grounding. This workshop includes the following guided exercises - a mindfulness centering activity, a physical grounding meditation activity, and a writing release activity. Information provided will touch on the practices of meditation and journaling and their benefits towards self-development. Please join this workshop to connect mind to body!
4:00PM-4:30PM
Activist Goodbye
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A
We will end the day off by debriefing and talking about next steps. Activism happens year around and we want to let you know about all the options we have to keep you engaged with us outside of Advocacy Day.
Community Guidelines:
In order to attend advocacy day everyone must agree to the following Community Guidelines:
Be respectful of others;
People have the right to identify and express themselves in their own way
Bring your entire self to the sessions, in whatever capacity that is. We just want to share space with you;
Be mindful of what may trigger others in this space;
Lead with consent;
Let a few people talk before you talk again aka pass the mic.