2023 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Jason Rosenberg is currently the communications manager at AVAC, an organization working to accelerate and advocate HIV prevention globally. Jason has over eight years of community organizing under his belt, is a lifelong ACT UP NY member, and a co-founding member of PrEP4ALL. He also has writings focused on public health and the Queer identity in The Advocate, Out Magazine, TheBody, and other publications.

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
There are too many to name, but I’ll focus on three. David Wojnarowicz radicalized me, I always know I’m in the right room (in this case Zoom room) when Miss Major Griffin-Gracy is in it, and rest in power to the late Shatzi Weisberger—our first Pride without her, though her spirit and fierceness lives on.

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
I want to see executive leadership take more meaningful action against the over 400 anti-trans bills that have popped up across US state legislatures. I also want to see better efforts for universal health care and an implementation of the National PrEP Plan. 

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
I wish people outside the LGBTQ+ community understood that we are not a passive community. We have always been around, we have always fought for our existence, and we will never stop fighting.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
Five films that have done the HIV/AIDS movement and experience justice are Buddies (1985), Tongues Untied (1989), United in Anger: A History of ACT UP (2012), BPM (Beats per Minute) (2017), and All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022).

Justin Sanchez is a born and raised Bronxite of Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Honduran descent. In addition to running the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ political organization in NYC, the Stonewall Democrats, he serves as chief of staff to Senator Nathalia Fernandez. Previously, he served as director of external affairs for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Justin graduated as valedictorian from the CUNY SLU and obtained his MPA from the NYU Wagner.

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
Paul Del Duca, Dirk McCall, and Melissa Sklarz

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
I hope that the government begins to truly understand that, at this moment, the LGBTQ+ community is truly under attack across the country. We need bold, unapologetic leadership that will prioritize doing the right thing over political expediency.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
I wish that people outside of the LGBTQ+ community understood that we, as a people, are not a monolith. True understanding starts by embracing intersectionality and applying it to each of the different communities that exist within the larger umbrella of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
For that, you can ask me in person!

Dr. Brad is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon with a state-of-the-art practice on the UWS. He was recognized as one of the three Men’s Health Magazine “Ultimate Men” for his hard work, humility, integrity, and the belief that each of us can always do a little better. He stars on the popular TLC show, My Feet Are Killing Me, where he is known to bring compassion and expertise of podiatric medicine to patient’s lives.

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
Billy Beane –As a former athlete, I really relate to him. An athlete, coach and now an exec for Major League Baseball he came out publicly after his playing career. It is still tabu in sports, but progress is happening. Beane is changing perceptions within and for our community. Larry Kramer – The Normal Heart has been an extraordinarily important voice and form of advocacy for/about HIV/AIDS. He was a true and brave trailblazer.

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
We must stop the progress of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida!  So much progress has been made and we can’t let the door open again to move us backward to less tolerant and accepting times. This goes for all human rights, including a woman’s right to choose, abortion & reproductive healthcare rights, and health care and protections for the trans community, for example.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
Guess what? “We” are everyday people, not what is portrayed by old-fashioned stereotypes in the news and media. I’ve spent my entire life battling the proverbial boxes that gay men are placed in. If you give a child a crayon box they’ll draw a policeman or firefighter by the uniforms they wear; ask to draw a gay man and it’ll be based on unrealistic stereotypes and there is no one “uniform” to be assigned. 

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
TV: HBO’s The Last of Us – Episode 3, extremely powerful and moving, Movies: Bros – last year’s movie with Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane, it is very accurate and very funny; The Boys in the Band – (any adaptation!) I love the different layers of each character and the multiple versions included that represent our community. Book: A Boy’s Own Story by Edmund White

Lynn Schulman is a long-time community and LGBTQ+ activist. With decades of leadership in health care advocacy and progressive causes, Lynn was elected to the City Council with a vision for how to bring about the change we need to bring equity to city government.  As chair of the Health Committee, Lynn has been in the forefront of health issues like hospital capacity, Diabetes,  MPox, PrEP and health care services for LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
I look up to many LGBTQ+ icons. The one that resonates for me is tennis idol Billie Jean King.   In 1981, she was outed as a lesbian during a political climate much less supportive than now.  She responded by holding a press conference to embrace her sexual identity instead of lying about it as many celebrities did during that era. That took great courage and inspired me as I was contemplating my own identity. 

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
We are living in a world that is moving to the right, threatening the LGBTQ+ rights that we have fought for over many decades. Government must support the community and its needs in such areas as health care, education, housing, mental health, substance use and so many others.  We also need to develop strategies to combat hate which is on the rise in our community. Support needs to be year round, not just during Pride month. 

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
I wish people outside of the community realized that the LGBTQ+ community wants equal rights, not special rights. That is a misconception that leads to hatred and discrimination. 

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
Philadelphia (1993), a mainstream movie that highlighted the issue of AIDS; The L Word (television series 2004-2009), the first television show about lesbians and bisexual women that broke down stereotypes; Brokeback Mountain (2005), a mainstream LGBTQ+ movie that helped carve out the queer cinema landscape, it explores the lives of two cowboys who meet and fall in love in 1963; Milk (2008), the biographical film of America’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk

Lisa Sherman is an innovative leader and accomplished operating executive with over 35 years of experience building, transforming and growing organizations. As president and CEO of the Ad Council, she leads all aspects of this national institution. Working at the intersection of media, marketing, technology, entertainment and advertising, the Ad Council convenes the best storytellers to create social impact campaigns that educate, unite and uplift, by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change at scale. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
Billie Jean King is a courageous and outspoken advocate who has used her voice and platform to advance the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people for decades.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
We aren’t any different than anyone else–we care deeply about the people in our lives and we want the best for each other. Love is love.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
I thought “La Locker Room Aux Folles” was a very poignant and powerful Ted Lasso episode about friendship and coming out. I also have to recommend Heartstopper on Netflix. It’s such a warm and uplifting portrayal of LGBTQ+ teens at a time when our young people–and all of us–could really use it.

Throughout his career, Jeff Simmons has sought to ensure that LGBTQIA+ voices are consistently visible. In his work supporting nonprofits, Jeff often highlights the stories of marginalized communities and is particularly proud of his work with Alliance for Positive Change. He co-hosts two shows on WBAI 99.5 FM Radio and leads the station’s annual Pride Month special and regularly features LGBTQ voices on the It’s in Queens Podcast.

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
I can’t easily single out any one person because throughout my life I have been moved by the unwavering advocacy of so many leaders who chartered a better path for me and future generations. I think of groundbreakers like Urvashi Vaid and Harvey Milk and Edith “Edie” Windsor, to name a few, and the lasting impressions they have had on our society.

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
I’m incredibly angered by the surge of anti-trans bills introduced across our country. We need legislation that yields full equality and ensures – and not prevents – access to healthcare, workplace protections, education, and legal recognition. We need legislators to focus on unifying our country, and not sowing further division by discriminating against anyone because of their identity.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
That likely everyone has someone in their life who they love but who may be struggling to come out. Nothing should change when that person opens up about who they are, who they love, and who they want to be. It’s important to show support, to offer both a hand and a heart.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
One of the most insightful books I have read multiple times and that stays with me is Making History: The Struggle for Gay and Lesbian Equal Rights by Eric Marcus.

Tony Simone represents the 75th Assembly District, covering Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown and part of Lincoln Center. He was elected to the Assembly in 2022. He sought elected office to address: public safety, the mental health crisis, the affordable housing shortage, healthcare, climate change, tenant, immigrant and disability rights, and  LGBTQ+ rights. Tony lives in Hell’s Kitchen with his husband, Jason, and their rescue dog, Radar.

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
Harvey Milk who was a trailblazer for all openly gay elected officials who followed him, Zooey Zephyr who is making one of most courageous stands in government today as a transgender state legislator battling hate from colleagues, and Madonna!

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
New York must do everything in its power to be a strong sanctuary state for transgender kids, adults and their families fleeing persecution in other states. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will guarantee in law respects for all students gender identity and expression.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
I wish everyone who has been brainwashed by right wing media would learn that we are not the object of fear mongering they want you to believe we are. We’re your family, friends and neighbors. We are everywhere and we are here to stay. Most importantly, we will never stop advocating until every LGBTQ individual and child achieves equality, equity & feels safe to be who they are & love who they choose.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts, Faggots by Larry Kramer, Heartstopper on Netflix, The Best Little Boy In The World by Andrew Tobias, Stranger Among Friends by David Mixner

Maria Sjödin currently serves as executive director of Outright International, the world’s largest LGBTQ and intersex rights organization. Maria previously served as Outright’s deputy executive director, leading the work of the development and communications teams. Prior to OutRight, Maria served as executive director of RFSL, Sweden’s largest LGBTQI organization. Maria has led leadership trainings for hundreds of LGBTQI activists on topics including strength-based coaching and appreciative inquiry.

Dr. Carla Smith, deputy chief executive officer at Urban Resource Institute, is responsible for leading day-to-day operations of URI, the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the U.S., and a leading service provider for homeless families. She shares responsibility for developing trauma-informed, client-centered programming, impacting over 40,000 individuals annually, with a commitment to LGBTQ+, POC, and vulnerable communities. Dr. Smith’s doctorate dissertation focused on “Examining Shelter Access Barriers for Transgender IdentifiedSurvivors.”

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to? 
There are several, but in particular, Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson. Both were instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, playing a role in pivotal moments in our history. Marsha as a transgender woman of color who played a vital role in the Stonewall Riots and Harvey was the first openly gay elected official in California. Their heroic efforts increased visibility of the issues facing our community.

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community? 
The government can and should take various steps to support the LGBTQ+ community, including passing laws to protect our rights, ensuring access to quality healthcare and services, promoting education and awareness, supporting LGBTQ+ serving organizations, and ensuring there are seats at the tables where and when decisions are being made. These actions can help ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identify, are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities and resources.

What do you wish people outside of the community knew about the LGBTQ+ community?
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and not monolithic, composed of individuals with a wide range of identifies and experiences. Being a part of the community can come with unique challenges and experiences. Discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals are still prevalent in many places. Being an ally means more than just accepting people for who they are. It means advocating for rights, challenging discrimination, and creating safe and inclusive spaces. I am proud that URI is committed to this.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience? 

While I don’t believe that there is a single book, film or TV show that can speak for or represent the entire community, there are several that I have enjoyed. I think my favorite TV shows have been The L Word and POSE. For films, I would say Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, based on a book called The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. It was published in 1952 and was a book ahead of its time.

Richard Socarides is the founder and CEO of Kozani Capital, LLC, an early-stage venture capital and corporate advisory firm. He is recognized as a consummate corporate strategist and communicator, and is an advisor to both boards and senior management at public and private companies.  He has a track record leading communication, government affairs, and social impact. From 2013-2022, Richard was executive vice president and chief communications officer at investment research leader Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG),

Which LGBTQ+ icons do you look up to?
Elton John, Robbie Kaplan, Geena Rocero, Dustin Lance Black, Luke Prokop

What actions do you hope to see the government taking to support the LGBTQ+ community?
Taking the renewed threats to our equality seriously.

Can you recommend any top book, film, or TV shows that represent the LGBTQ+ experience?
I loved Maestro in Blue on Netflix. Make sure you watch it till the end.