2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Renee Campion was appointed in 2019 as the first woman labor commissioner in New York City. Campion has worked for the city for over 22 years and has worked for 33 years as a professional in labor relations. She represents the mayor in labor negotiations between the city of NY and over 150 labor unions, associations, or other organizations representing civilians, teachers and uniformed employees. Campion is responsible for administering all city employee contracts, prevailing wage agreements, health insurance for over 1.2M individuals including active employees, and various pre-tax programs. She has successfully reached agreements with nearly 96% of the unionized workforce for the 2021-2026 round of bargaining – the quickest any mayoral administration has reached that milestone in modern city history.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Dorothy Louise Taliaferro “Del” Martin (May 5, 1921 – August 27, 2008) and Phyllis Ann Lyon (November 10, 1924 – April 9, 2020) were a lesbian couple based in San Francisco who were feminist and gay rights activists. They co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in San Francisco in 1955. This became the first social and political organization for lesbians in the United States and had a national reach. They were involved in the DOB until they joined the National Organization for Women (NOW), the first known lesbian couple to do so.  The couple used their influence to decriminalize homosexuality in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They became politically active in San Francisco’s first gay political organization. This group influenced the sponsoring of a citywide bill to outlaw employment discrimination for gays and lesbians. They were married on February 12, 2004, in the first same-sex wedding to take place in San Francisco. That marriage was voided by the California Supreme Court on August 12, 2004. They again married on June 16, 2008 after same-sex marriage was legalized in California.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about? 

• OLR also manages the NYC Employee Assistance Program which is dedicated to helping all NYC employees, and their family members. We provide a range of services to support mental health and well-being in the form of short-term counseling, information on mental health resources, workshops and presentations, supervisory and managerial consultations, coordination of substance abuse services and weekly virtual support groups. Our services are free and confidential. In 2023, our EAP saw 27,611 clients, and our 2024 goal is to connect with more than 30,000 city employees and their families.

• Our WorkWell NYC program offers direct services at worksites such as flu vaccination clinics, fitness classes, health education, awareness campaigns and fun and competitive competitions. Our mission is to create workplaces that engage and empower employees to live healthy, active lifestyles, and to provide health and well-being services, programs, and resources.  In 2023, Workwell NYC programming reached over 45,000 participants.  Our goal in 2024 is to connect with over 50,000 city workers at their worksites and to move closer to our vision of having the healthiest workforce in the nation.

TS Candii, a resilient and empowering force, founded Black Trans Nation to uplift Black and Brown trans individuals, combat discrimination, and promote justice. Her pivotal role in repealing the discriminatory “Walking While Trans” ban exemplifies her unwavering dedication to effecting change. Drawing from personal experiences, she fearlessly champions civil rights, emphasizing the intersectionality of transphobia and systemic racism. As president of Slaying Vintage Urban, she redefines norms and inspires through her book and speaking engagements.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self advice, I would say, “Embrace every moment of your childhood and don’t rush into adulthood. Cherish the innocence and freedom that comes with being young.”

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
I look up to Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the Stonewall uprising, and Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the U.S., who have inspired many within the LGBTQ+ community with their activism and courage. These individuals, along with countless others, have paved the way for future generations to fight for equality and justice

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?

• Strengthen anti-discrimination laws, like the Equality Act, ensuring protection in employment, housing, and public spaces.
• Enhance access to LGBTQ+ health care, including gender-affirming care and mental health support.
• Expand LGBTQ+ youth centers and combat homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
• Simplify legal processes for transgender individuals and advocate against discrimination.
• Promote LGBTQ+ representation in media and government.
• Support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship and address economic disparities.
• Allocate resources to LGBTQ+ mental health services and combat stigma.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
As leader of Black Trans Nation, I work to reshape social justice. Beyond fashion, I fight for sex work decriminalization, crucial for TGNC individuals with limited job options. My vision includes safer career paths and transitioning from street work to dignified employment. Through Slaying Vintage Urban, I empower TGNC communities, mentor, and contribute to climate justice. Since 2020, BTN has uplifted Black and POC transgender individuals through advocacy and policy reforms, promoting trans representation.

Council Member David Carr represents the 50th Council District. Council Member Carr is a member of the New York City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Caucus and chair of the Italian Caucus.  Elected to office in 2021, Council Member Carr previously served as chief of staff to former City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo, before which he held the same role for then-Assembly Member Joseph Borelli. Throughout his time in office, Carr has focused on quality of life projects and financial relief for working New Yorkers, an effort that has led to the successful passage of legislation and completion of projects.

For over a decade, Rose has advocated for the LGBTQ+ community through her involvement with the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC where she currently serves as vice president. In addition, Rose is a leader in the government relations sector, co-chairing Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies NY Practice, one of NYC’s top 10 lobbying firms. She also serves on the ABNY Women’s Steering Committee and is a trustee of the Citizen’s Budget Commission of NY.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Policymakers need to keep the needs of the LGTBQ+ community at the forefront of their decision-making, particularly as it relates to appointee selection and engaging in elections even at the most local level. We saw this come into focus with Manhattan Community Education Council District 2 (CEC2)’s recently adopted resolution that seeks to shame and marginalize transgender kids participating in sports aligned with their gender identity.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I am particularly proud of my pro-bono representation of Drag Story Hour NYC and wish more people understood the importance of providing supportive, inclusive and celebratory programming that reflects the diversity that makes NYC so special.

Daryl Cochrane is the LGBTQ+ communities lead advisor with the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Previously, he worked in public policy, advocacy, and communications at GMHC, the NY AIDS Coalition, and the ALS Association, working on LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS issues, and for those living with ALS. Prior, Daryl worked for Congressman Jerry Nadler, serving Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of September 11th. He holds an MPA from NYU. He has worked at the Commission since 2015.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Issues and causes will always be around. Don’t rush to judgment. Listen to all sides and try to understand the true motives and issues guiding people’s actions. Seek compromise when possible. And take the work seriously, but not so much yourself. Have fun. Develop friendships in all generations.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Many!  Billie Jean King, Bayard Rustin, Armistead Maupin, Vic Basile, Gore Vidal, James Baldwin, Tom Duane, Sarah Paulson, Bette Midler

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Listen and look beyond. There needs to be more of a balance in supporting longstanding LGBTQ institutions and nurturing smaller mission-driven, community-based organizations often led by TGNC people of color. Giving people their rights is one thing, but following it up with adequate services is essential to creating equity in our community.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Eight years ago I, through my work at the Commission, began working with a number of amazing LGBTQ and Muslim advocates to produce the annual LGBTQ Community Iftar each Ramadan, hosted by The Center. Bringing together these intersectionalities, with traditions spanning across all parts of the world, has been an incredible pleasure and honor. Stay tuned next Spring for our 9th annual event.

Chris is the CEO of Tusk Strategies, a leading national public affairs firm. Before joining Tusk 12 years ago, Chris worked for Mike Bloomberg at City Hall, on his three mayoral campaigns and at Bloomberg. Chris chairs the boards of Women in Need, the largest homeless provider in the City, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. He also served on the Trevor Project board. Chris and his husband live in Cobble Hill with their two kids.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Know what you don’t know and be ok saying I don’t know. Don’t always look for the next thing. Enjoy the thing you are doing. 

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Chris Quinn, Ritchie Torres & Henry Muñoz

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
There is still too much bullying in schools, though we’ve gotten much better. And the scary state-by-state work against women on women’s health may be the gateway to attacking IVF, or gay families.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I am proud of our work helping the President secure another term. Nothing could be more important for LGBT families and families in general than getting Joe Biden another four years.

Carlyn Cowen (they/she/siya) is an advocate, activist, and Filipinx-American dedicated to building social, racial, and economic justice through radical systemic change. As the chief policy and public affairs officer of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), the nation’s largest Asian-American social services organization, they oversee public policy, advocacy, government affairs, and community engagement. Previously, Carlyn worked at FPWA, an economic equity nonprofit, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, and consulted.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
First, that the fight for queer liberation is never-ending, I need to take a rest when I can so I can stay in the movement longer. Second, that the things I used to spend time agonizing over don’t even matter to me anymore, being myself is the North Star.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
So so many. My queer ancestors paved the way for me, and I look to my queer siblings for accountability and inspiration, from Audre Lorde and Cecilia Gentili to Qween Jean and Kala Mendoza. I also am lucky enough to get to work with LGBTQ+ youth in my job, and I look up to them in their freeness of identity expression and analysis around systems of oppression I barely had words for at that age.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Understand that every issue is a queer issue, and center the most marginalized LGBTQ+ community members in addressing them. Housing and health care are queer issues just as language justice and climate change are too. And by passing policies and budgets that are built by and center sex workers, disabled, undocumented, indigenous and other LGBTQ+ members that are on the margins of the already marginalized, we can all thrive.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
AAPI are the fastest-growing population. However, the needs of our community are made invisible by the model minority myth – the idea that all AAPIs are well off despite having the highest poverty rate of all racial and ethnic groups in NYC. LGBTQ+ AAPI are even more invisible, often marginalized and stigmatized within our own community, which is why it is important to lift up these intersecting identities in my advocacy and activism.

Elisa Crespo is a trans Latina advocate who has fought to promote civic engagement and elevate the LGBTQ community’s voice in the halls of power. Prior to becoming the executive director of the NEW Pride Agenda, Elisa served as education liaison to the Bronx Borough President’s Office. She made history by becoming the first transgender woman of color to run for public office in the Bronx.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
You will overcome all of life’s obstacles. Continue to be true to yourself and enjoy your youth. The world is for you too!

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
I look up to any member of our community who has turned their pain into purpose and made lemonade out of lemons!

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Pass the Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act (A709A/S2860)

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
NPA has opened the City’s newest drop-in center for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and we are open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm – 6pm, for a host of in-person services. We are located at 210 West 29th Street on the 4th floor.

Anthony Crowell is New York Law School’s dean and president. Under him, LGBTQ+ community members occupy the highest ranks of the administration, and NYLS has among the highest percentages of LGBTQ+ faculty and students nationally, with over 15% of students identifying in the 2023 entering class. Crowell reintroduced NYLS as New York’s law school with new programs for public interest law, women in the law and diversity, raising over $25 million to support these efforts.

Émilia is a transgender rights activist and community leader in Western Queens. She has spearheaded gender inclusive legislation, fights for left and progressive causes, and works to elect champions for working class and queer New Yorkers.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Take it slow! You’ll wish you took the time to smell the flowers when you are older.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Cecilia Gentili, always. May her memory be a blessing.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
The price of housing is the number one reason why queer Americans facing persecution in their home states can’t consider finding refuge in New York. We need to build more housing and protect tenants from rent increases and unjust evictions.