What you should know
- Reported gender discrimination complaints reached a five-year high, accounting for nearly 20% of claims filed with the New York City Commission on Human Rights
- New citywide campaign will raise awareness of New Yorkers rights through print ads, public transit and LinkNYC kiosks
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, launched “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” a citywide public awareness campaign highlighting protections for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) New Yorkers under the New York City Human Rights Law.
The campaign comes as gender discrimination complaints remain at persistently high levels across New York City. From fiscal years 2020 through fiscal year 2025, complaints based on gender identity increased from 5% of all complaints to nearly 20%—the highest level in five years.
“At a time when the federal government is fueling attacks on trans people across this country, New York City is making something clear: We will protect your rights, defend your humanity and stand beside you without hesitation,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every trans and gender nonconforming New Yorker needs to know that the law is on their side—whether in their workplace, their housing, or in public spaces.”
“Attacks on transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers coming from the federal government do not stop at the federal level—they can shape how people are treated in housing, work, and public spaces across our city,” said Christine Clarke, Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “When New Yorkers are directly targeted, we have a responsibility to step in, and the Commission is responding by making protections clear and visible across all five boroughs.”
Throughout Pride Month, New Yorkers will see the “Trans Rights are Human Rights” campaign placements across print advertisements, public transit, and LinkNYC kiosks citywide, reaching millions of residents as reports of gender discrimination continue to rise.
“LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are and have always been apart of the very fabric of our City—and on the first day of Pride Month we are reminding New Yorkers that our city will protect transgender and gender non-conforming people without hesitation,” said the Director of Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs Taylor Brown. “This campaign is a reminder that our City stands with you, that your rights under law are undeniable and nonnegotiable, and that every New Yorker inherently deserves a life free from discrimination.”
Under the New York City Human Rights Law, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression is illegal in housing, employment, and public spaces.
The law also prohibits retaliation, discriminatory harassment, and bias-based profiling by law enforcement.
“All New Yorkers have a right to fair and unbiased treatment, no matter their gender identity.” said Dr. Alister Martin, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “The NYC Health Department is proud to support access to inclusive healthcare for our transgender and gender nonconforming neighbors and ensure patients know their rights in healthcare settings.”
The NYC Commission on Human Rights partnered with transgender artist, Dez Stavracos, ensuring the materials reflect the experiences of TGNC New Yorkers.
Campaign graphics available for download here.
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