2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Kevin Jennings is CEO of Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization for LGBTQ rights and people living with HIV. In 1988, Kevin helped students create the first school-based Gay-Straight Alliance club, leading him to found and lead the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) for 18 years. He then served as an assistant secretary of education for President Obama. He later led the Arcus Foundation, the world’s largest foundation for LGBT rights.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be brave, and it is ok to be you. Be unapologetically yourself and know that things will get better. Know that there are a lot of people out there who are going through similar experiences or are allies who will love you, support you, and build community with you. If you have the passion in your heart go for it and stay true to your intuition, just know the path is long. Love yourself.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
As a former teacher and founder of GLSEN, I was inspired by the relentless activism of David Mixner, who was key in defeating Proposition 6 which would have banned gays and lesbians from being school teachers. But also I drew a lot of inspiration from activists such as Harvey Milk, Larry Kramer and Audre Lorde who were so unapologetic and fearless about their activism, fighting and challenging the status quo.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
They can do a lot. As the epicenter of the modern LGBTQ rights movement which started with Stonewall, New York should be at the forefront of enshrining LGBTQ rights legislation and protections.  New York policymakers can make NY a true sanctuary for trans people and LGBTQ+ youth, reform curriculums to include LGBTQ+ history and comprehensive sex ed; as well as decriminalizing HIV, STIs, and sex work, all issues that Lambda Legal is advocating for.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
At Lambda Legal, we have taken a historic turn and focus on fighting and advancing rights and protections for the transgender community, leading dozens of lawsuits currently across the country in over 30 states to defend access to health care, restrooms, participation in sports, and government identity documents. Thanks to a Lambda lawsuit, NY now issues accurate driver’s licenses and state ID cards with an “X” gender marker, benefiting trans and nonbinary New Yorkers.

Jeremiah Johnson has been PrEP4All’s executive director since November 2022. His career in HIV/AIDS advocacy has grown from his personal experiences with the virus; he was 25 when he was diagnosed with HIV while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine. Since joining PrEP4All in January 2022, he has led the organization’s fight for a National PrEP Program to improve equitable access to comprehensive prevention and end the HIV epidemic in America.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Advocacy at its most transformative rarely feels safe and rarely feels comfortable. Learn to relax in the chaos and approach your advocacy with hard work and fairness, even/especially when running into obstacles. Recognize what is difficult, find your solid footing, and then show up and do the work anyway. Follow your intuition, but make sure your advocacy is based on evidence; being uninformed and nonstrategic can do more harm than good.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Thanks to PrEP4All, for three years President Biden has included a proposal for a National PrEP Program in his budget requests to Congress. We have been successful in securing funding and report language from Congress toward a National PrEP Program and advanced new government initiatives to help build a foundation toward equitable PrEP access. Our movement has momentum, and over the next year, we hope to further raise awareness of our progress.

Mitchell Katz, M.D., has led the health system through the COVID-19 crisis, housed 350 persons into permanent housing, overseen the adoption of a modern electronic health record system, increased the number of nurse positions, developed a modern ambulance transport system, and expanded outreach to support homeless New Yorkers. He also led the financial turn-around of the health system by eliminating the deficit by enrolling more New Yorkers into health insurance and appropriately billing insurance plans.

Jacqui Kilmer has led Harlem United since 2015. Under her direction, Harlem United has dramatically expanded its health care, housing, and harm reduction work for health equality. Moreover, Ms. Kilmer is a stalwart advocate for our communities, serving on the New York State AIDS Advisory Council. In the past, she has served on the Governor’s Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force and the Mayor’s Supportive Housing Task Force and Crisis Prevention and Response Task Force. 

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to follow your heart and your instincts. Always stay open to whatever opportunities arise, even if they seem like a stretch. Never stop being curious or being willing to learn. And never stop fighting for what you believe in.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
All the activists during the early days of the HIV epidemic. Particularly the trans folks, people of color, lesbians, and unhoused folks, who are too often left out of histories and media about HIV/AIDS. They were fighting enormous odds – callous governments, indifferent medical institutions, and enormous social stigma. We have come so far in just a few decades, and we owe much of our progress to them. 

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
We need more funding for supportive housing, comprehensive health care, harm reduction, food services, community building, and education. We need to provide more culturally competent training for every type of health care provider. As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to spread across the country, it is critical that NY double down and do all it can to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community, including passing the Gender Identity Respect, Dignity and Safety Act and the NYS Equal Rights Amendment.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Loneliness is the silent mental health epidemic that no one is talking about. We’re fostering a beautiful community to break down isolation, particularly for older LGBTQ+ people who are so often made to feel invisible in our culture. Additionally, LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to use drugs than their straight cis counterparts. We’re blazing new trails in substance use treatment that provides care in the streets, reacting immediately to changing realities while policies are playing catch up.

For three decades, Dr. Kilmnick has championed LGBTQ equality, pioneering initiatives nationwide. His organization established the first-ever LGBT youth prom, first-ever LGBT-affordable senior housing and first-ever LGBT Chamber of Commerce in suburbia, first-ever LGBT first-ever chartered and recognized Pride PTA in the nation, first-ever Pride Night with the Mets and Islanders and has been a stable, respected, recognized, and visible leader and spokesperson for countless battles to win equality and justice for the community.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
New York policymakers can enhance support for the LGBTQ+ community by being bold and implementing new inclusive policies and strengthening existing ones around anti-discrimination, health care access, youth programs, housing, employment opportunities, education, and LGBTQ Community Centers. It is vital that support for LGBTQ-led organizations are present in every state agency representing the holistic needs of the community. By prioritizing these initiatives, New York lawmakers can foster a more equitable environment for all LGBTQ+ residents.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I’m integrating my practice as leader of the LGBT Network with my academic role as chair of the USF Online MSW program at the University of South Florida. I’m pioneering new programs and initiatives aimed at cultivating leaders and community organizers to continue the movement that is needed today and into the future. It’s a dynamic intersection where theory meets real-world application, and I believe more awareness about these efforts could greatly impact both realms positively.

Charles King is a founder and CEO of Housing Works, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a full range of services for homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. Charles is a member of the New York State AIDS Advisory Council, co-chair of the AIDS Advisory Council Ending the Epidemic Subcommittee and the ACT Now: End AIDS Coalition, and serves on the Board of the National AIDS Housing Coalition. 

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I was raised in a fundamentalist household in which being gay was an unpardonable sin. Even after I came to understand that God made me and accepts me as I am, I remained in the closet until I was 32 years old because, as a minister, I was afraid God’s people wouldn’t accept me. I would tell my younger self to live your truth and let God take care of the rest of it.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
I met Keith Clyahr in ACT UP New York, in 1989. We fell in love and we were together for 15 years before he died. He taught me what it is like to live in the United States as a Black gay man. He also struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. Notwithstanding that, he co-founded Housing Works, ran all of our programs, and found purpose and joy every day he lived.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Black gay/bisexual men make up the highest percentage of people being diagnosed with HIV in the United States. Black transgender women undoubtedly have the highest rate of HIV infection of any population in the nation. Yet, Black gay/bisexual men and Black transgender women have the lowest uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection.  Policymakers need to transform the way we provide PrEP so that these populations have meaningful access.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Housing Works was founded in 1990 with a mission to end homelessness among people living with HIV in New York State. In 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo changed a state regulation such that New York City provides every resident living with HIV with enhanced rental assistance. That regulation does not apply to homeless people living with HIV outside of New York City. Housing Works is fighting to change this so everyone has access to secure housing.

This year, Gabriel was elected president of the Stonewall Democrats of NYC and he has served on the Executive Board since 2018. He has previously worked as chief of staff to Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell and as LGBTQ liaison for Tish James. This year, SDNYC is focused on building LGBTQ power in NYC and pushing back on the national attack on trans youth, drag queens, and LGBTQ educational material in schools. 

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Stop bleaching your tips.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Melissa Sklarz, Cecilia Gentili, and Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell are the people who taught me how politics works, and what standing up for our community really looks like.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Recognize that the LGBTQ – and especially trans – community is under attack. Here in NYS, we have strong protections, but we are watching bigots chip away at our safety and security nationally, and even here in NY. And this is just the start of their plan: they are targeting trans youth, gay marriage, abortion, contraception, and more. Please stand with the LGBTQ community and help us fight to win a better world for all.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
SDNYC is working to educate elected officials on LGBTQ priorities, including legislation like the Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act (GIRDS), the Student Suicide Preventon Act, and bills to ensure age-appropriate LGBTQ curriculum in schools. We are also organizing with LGBTQ+ Democrats nationally to ensure we win national elections and keep our issues moving forward.

Jayson Littman serves as director of events and protocol for NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Previously, Jayson served in the same capacity for former Mayor Bill de Blasio as well as serving as a senior advisor on LGBTQ+ affairs. Jayson also sits on the board of directors at the LGBTQ+ synagogue, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah and is a former board member of Manhattan Community Board 6.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
The advice I would give to my younger self is to not stress over the little things that don’t really matter, stay focused on things I am passionate about and try to accept the things I cannot change. 

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
I look up to Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, the senior rabbi of NYC’s LGBTQ+ synagogue, Beit Simchat Torah. Rabbi Kleinbaum has truly exemplified the idea of Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world” by making it a better place than when we arrived and has shown me to see the world in ways I haven’t thought of before. 

Ken Louie helped two iconic health care brands during COVID: Optum Care, part of UnitedHealthcare and MetroPlusHealth, part of NYC Health + Hospitals. Ken joined MetroPlusHealth as the head of brand and communications, in August 2021. As NYC’s health care plan, he completed the first significant rebrand of a 35-year-old organization. Trained social worker turned marketer, he has helped many brands transform such as TIAA, Nuveen, BNY Mellon and MetLife.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Kiyoshi Kuromiya. Kiyoshi was in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. Later, he would become active in civil rights, gay liberation, and antiwar movements. Kuromiya marched with Martin Luther King Jr. on Selma. Kuromiya was an early AIDS activist. He found out that he was HIV-positive in the 1980s and created a newsletter called Critical Path, which disseminated critical information about HIV/AIDS treatment. We often do not see a lot of Asian-American icons.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I’m focused on fostering the next generation of leaders and New Yorkers. Gen Z is very different from previous generations. They are more active than ever, politically, socially and culturally. They are a social-first generation and engaging with this generation first starts with social media. So, how do we activate this generation with where they are? I am thinking and working deeply to communicate and inspire the next generation to care about their health. 

David Ludwigson is the president and CEO of God’s Love We Deliver. Through David’s leadership, the organization has grown exponentially. This year, God’s Love will deliver 4.2 million meals, serve more than 15,000 clients and have more than 23,000 volunteers – all-time records. David serves on the advisory board of the National Food is Medicine Coalition and serves as an advisor to the nonprofit Project Eats in New York City.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
In my office, I have a quote from Albert Einstein: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” I think it’s important to keep an open mind. In my twenties, it didn’t cross my mind that I would be CEO and president of a nonprofit. I encourage the younger generation to try new things. I have had three main jobs: sports, the automotive industry, and now a nonprofit.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Billie Jean King is one of my icons. She has done so much for women’s sports and for women in general. She worked for an equal playing field in tennis, something that other sports might take a lesson from today. I still keep a tennis ball that she signed in my office and am reminded of her bravery and sportsmanship. At age 11, she saved her own money, $8, to buy her first racket.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
As a policymaker in the health care space, we can champion programs and policies that improve the quality of life of the LGBTQ+ community. At God’s Love, when we advocate for equitable access to Medically Tailored Meals, we are taking active steps to close the gaps in health disparities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. When an individual receives a MTM, their adherence to medication improves, their health outcomes improve, and their quality of life improves.  

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I wish more people understood the power of Medically Tailored Meals. Food is medicine. The research is astounding. When clients have access to medically tailored meals, they go to the emergency room 70% less often and are 50% less likely to be admitted to the hospital. If they are admitted, when they’re discharged they’re 72% more likely to be discharged to their home rather than a care facility.