NYC LGBT Community Center

In January 2016, the Commission and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center launched a shared effort to educate New Yorkers about the history and rights of the transgender community. These trainings are designed together with youth leaders from the Center, and are led by both Commission staff and peer educators from The Center. Trainings focus on basic knowledge, including word choice, the impact of discrimination on transgender individuals, and an overview of the protections in the Human Rights Law.

This free public education initiative is helping New Yorkers become familiar with issues related to gender identity and expression. Our work also informs residents of what constitutes discrimination under the law in employment, housing, and public accommodations.  

Since initiating this joint agreement, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Executive Order 16 mandating that New Yorkers have their gender identity respected when utilizing sex-segregated facilities, such as a bathroom or locker room, in a City-operated building. Part of this order ensures that managers from all city agencies will be required to have a training on transgender issues. As part of this victory, the Commission and Center have expanded our efforts to include various New York City government agencies.