2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Aurelio “PJ” Rivera is a principal at Deloitte Consulting. PJ serves as the government and public services futures leader and leads Deloitte’s New York State government and public services business portfolio. PJ also serves as a national DEI leader in Deloitte’s Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. For nearly 20 years, PJ has been making an impact as a trusted advisor to clients and a respected DEI champion who sponsors and leads efforts in New York.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be unapologetically you. There are going to be moments when you will doubt yourself or not feel like you fit in, but reframe those moments as (1) opportunities to be the first at that “table”; (2) times when others around you may also feel the same – so know you’re not alone; or, (3) give grace and share your own stories so that others can learn from your experiences.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Bad Bunny, who’s unapologetically Latino and considered by many a “queer icon.” He continues to challenge gender norms, stereotypes, and orthodoxies through his music and performances, while also advancing our incredible Latin culture globally. Best summarized in this quote from Bad Bunny: “I don’t want to be fake. I’m just being me. And I have the power to break stereotypes or whatever useless rules that society puts on us.”

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
I would love to see expanded support and protection for our most vulnerable LGBTQ+ populations that face hate, violence, and discrimination in any and all aspects of life. I will also continue to advocate for improved access to LGBTQ+ health and human services.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I love my job supporting New York government and public service organizations, helping them transform and evolve to enhance the services they provide New Yorkers and New York businesses. Seeing positive change realized in the community where I live deeply energizes me.

Kelley Robinson is the first Black, queer woman president of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. She brings over 15 years of experience, spearheading numerous campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial and gender equality. Under her leadership, HRC declared a national State of Emergency, responding to a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Mobilizing HRC’s network of over 3 million people, Robinson has fought discrimination and fostered safer, more inclusive communities.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
You are not alone. There are people out there who are like you, who are fighting for your freedoms and for a brighter future. So be a pillar of strength for others, and lean into your community when you need support – because although this fight can be difficult and exhausting – it is undeniably worth it.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
The history-maker herself: Karine Jean-Pierre. As the first Black, openly LGBTQ+ White House press secretary, Karine is a reminder that LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere and can achieve anything. Her intelligence and her commitment to living authentically and advocating for equality make her such a true champion for the LGBTQ+ community. We need her in this fight, and I’m in awe of her grace, fortitude and sheer talent to command any room she walks into.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face attacks in state legislatures across the country, New York policymakers should support non-discrimination initiatives. This includes the New York Equal Rights Amendment, which would enshrine protections in the state constitution. The Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act also supports the community by ensuring culturally competent treatment and gender-aligned housing placements for transgender people experiencing incarceration. These are just a few ways New York policymakers can demonstrate allyship.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The HRC Foundation does incredible work that directly serves the LGBTQ+ community – it houses a variety of programs, all designed to provide education and promote LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices. From the HBCU program and Welcoming Schools to the Trans Justice Initiative and Workplace Equality, these programs make a difference in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people. I highly recommend checking out what our Foundation has to offer!

For over a decade, Alexander Roque has dedicated himself to The Ali Forney Center, described as the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ homeless youth services community center. He began his work in 2011 as the center’s director of development, a role in which he launched the agency’s first department aimed at business infrastructure, building capacity and community relations. Now, he oversees all operations as president and executive director, a role he was promoted to in 2020.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Everything you believe you are, you will become!

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Yes, Cecilia Gentili who we lost earlier this year is an icon, a legend, and a leader who changed my life and has had a transformative and powerful impact on the LGBTQ movement.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Examine all policies to ensure they represent ALL members of our community – especially our unhoused LGBTQ youth!

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Our international work has been expanding rapidly helping communities provide services and care for unhoused LGBTQ youth around the globe.

Allen Roskoff is a legendary gay rights activist and a leader in the LGBT and social justice movements for over five decades. Roskoff co-authored the nation’s first gay rights bill. Roskoff has been featured in national and local publications including The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Newsweek, Time Magazine, New York Times, Daily News and the Advocate. He has written for gay publications such as The Native, QW, Outweek and The New York Blade.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be gay, loud and proud. Spread the word so young people accept and celebrate who they are. Form coalitions with other marginalized people. Work for social, economic and criminal justice. Stand up to bigotry in whatever form. Work to elect progressive people to public office. Help organize, march, lobby and disrupt. Speak truth to power. fight to liberate people from prison. Don’t look the other way when an injustice is taking place.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
There are too many to name. All those who devote their lives to fight discrimination, advance economic justice and stand up to the status quo. Those who put their bodies on the line fighting for the disadvantaged. Those standing up for abortion rights and those who work daily to defeat each and every Republican.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Fight to release people from prison. Fight so that the elderly don’t die in cages. Shut down those speaking out for war to advance their morally corrupt political careers while filling campaign coffers. Provide homes to the homeless and those inadequately housed. Free food to all and equity in health care. End police brutality, cruelty, racism and corruption. Elect a progressive mayor who supports progressive policy and is part of the struggle.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Working the system to release people who otherwise will die in prison for crimes committed decades ago. People deserve a second chance.

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 for equity in city government. As chair of the Health Committee, Lynn has been at the forefront of health issues like hospital capacity, Diabetes, Mpox, PrEP, and health care services for LGBTQ+ older adults.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
As someone who is an introvert and is now in an extrovert profession (politics), I would tell my younger self to take more chances and be more outspoken about the things and issues I care about. As my older self, I have followed that advice with very positive outcomes.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that 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 can New York policymakers do to support members of 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.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Along with the other members of the NYC Council LGBTQ+ Caucus, I am working on the Marsha and Sylvia Plan which is our vision for making the city more just for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. The plan presents an actionable pathway forward for elected officials and institutions in nine issue areas, including health care, which is an important focus for me as chair of the Health Committee.

Michael Serao, with over 25 years in banking, is the executive VP and chief administrative officer at First Central Savings Bank, revolutionizing personal and digital banking. An LGBTQ+ advocate, he champions inclusive financial services and supports various charities. Serao also runs Serao Enterprises and Guy Lombardo Properties and is renowned for his community leadership. He enjoys a fulfilling home life with his husband and their three dogs.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to worry less about trying to please everyone and focus more on your own passions and strengths. Embrace your unique qualities, because they will guide you towards fulfilling opportunities. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re valuable lessons, not failures. Build resilience, practice kindness, appreciate the journey, and consistently surround yourself with positivity and people who uplift you.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
I’ve long admired those advocating for love, equality, and justice, like Harvey Milk, who courageously fought for LGBTQ+ rights. His legacy highlights the power of visibility and the importance of being the change in our community. Inspired by Milk’s dedication to equality, I am motivated to advocate for our rights, ensuring our love is acknowledged and celebrated, and continuing his impactful work.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
New York policymakers should enforce comprehensive non-discrimination rules, boost access to inclusive health care services (e.g., mental health, HIV/AIDS care, gender-affirming treatments), and invest in anti-bullying measures with inclusive curriculums and athletic programs. Support for LGBTQ+ youth through services and shelters, upholding transgender and non-binary rights, and addressing hate crimes with education and stricter enforcement, including LGBTQ+ training for law enforcement are essential. Together, these actions embrace inclusivity and safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ Queer community.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Financial literacy is vital in our economy, yet our education lacks it, leaving our youth unprepared. We aim to embed financial education in schools, inspiring initiatives that empower students. Success stories underline the impact of financial knowledge. We call for collective action to make financial savvy a norm, empowering the next generation with independence. Help us ignite a financial literacy revolution, shaping a world where financial mastery is standard for all students.

Lisa Sherman is an innovative leader and accomplished operating executive with deep experience in the private corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has 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, convening the world’s best marketers to create public engagement campaigns and tackle the most pressing issues facing the country.

Tony Simone represents the 75th Assembly District, covering Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown and part of the Lincoln Center area. He was elected to the Assembly in 2022 after seeking office to address the community’s most important issues: public safety, the mental health crisis, the affordable housing shortage, climate change, tenant and immigrant rights, and equity for LGBT and disabled people. Tony lives in Hell’s Kitchen with his husband, Jason, and their rescue dog, Radar.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be your authentic self and don’t worry about what others think about you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Live in the present and harness your positive mindset. Remember every person comes with some joy and listen more than you speak. Life can be wonderful and you can make a huge positive social impact.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Harvey Milk is my hero for fighting for the Queer community’s civil rights and standing up against injustice. Most importantly, I look up to my dear friend, former boss and mentor, Christine Quinn for being a great NYC Speaker and with our team accomplishing many positive outcomes for our city.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of 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 strengthen protections in schools for transgender and gender non-conforming students to ensure an education with fairness, respect, and dignity.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I am the sponsor of several pieces of legislation, which include a bill to protect trans kids in school (A4576), to ensure access to PREP for the LGBTQ+ community (A6059), improve our democracy (A7243), ensure access to health care for New Yorkers (A7153), protect tenants (A8920) and even make sure our family pets are protected. 

Melissa Sklarz is one of two trans elected officials in New York, representing the 30th AD in Queens, as district leader. She was a leader in the fight for trans rights in New York City and New York State for the last 25 years and continues to do so as director at Equality NY. She was also a delegate for the past two Democratic National Conventions.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Surround yourself with people who love you and believe in you, to counter the negative voices that do neither.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Stonewall veteran Yvonne Ritter recently passed away and was a friend and role model for many on being trans, loving and selfless.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Policymakers can support legislation for trans equity in New York City and New York State and to support trans youth in school and ignore and resist the negative messaging about transgender people and their lives.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I am working on the Brad Hoylman-Sigal/Tony Simone sponsored legislation (S1532/A4576) in Albany to change New York State guidelines to support trans kids in school.

Dr. Smith’s career spans 25 years devoted to social services, during which her personal goal has been to serve New York’s most vulnerable populations. She has worked to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals and families, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and victims of hate violence and sexual assault at organizations such as URI, NYC Anti-Violence Project, and Housing Works. Dr. Smith is the first Black person to serve as CEO of The Center.  

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? 
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to trust in my own voice and to  not be afraid to take up space. I would also tell myself that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Audre Lorde for her fearlessness in speaking truth to power.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
New York policymakers can support members of the LGBTQ+ community by enacting and enforcing policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and allocating greater levels of funding for LGBTQ+ health services, youth programs, homeless LGBTQ+ individuals and victims of violence. Bills such as GIRDS and the TGNCNB Anti-Discrimination Requirements in Schools are of particular importance.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about? 
Our ongoing efforts to ensure that our programs and services meet the needs of all members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who have been historically marginalized. We’re working hard to be more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive.