2025 LGBTQ+ Power Players

David Hatkoff has been executive director of NewFest, NY’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization, since 2019. Under his leadership, the organization’s annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival has become the largest queer film festival in the United States. Over the past several years NewFest has dramatically increased its programming, adding flagship festivals NewFest Pride and Queering the Canon, and launching the Black Filmmakers Initiative and the New Voices Filmmaker Grant in partnership with Netflix.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Find your people – the ones who see you, affirm you, and make you feel more like yourself. Community can remind you of your strength when the world makes you doubt it. It’s okay to be a work in progress. Stay connected – to yourself, to others, to what makes you feel alive. Try to remember that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The LGBT Community Center in NYC is more than a building – it’s a birthplace of movements, a refuge, and a heartbeat of our community. ACT UP was founded in its rooms, and generations have found strength within its walls. It continues to offer vital services and connection, and NewFest has been proud to hold screenings there for years – honoring the legacy, resilience, and future of LGBTQ+ life that the Center represents.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The NY premiere of Heightened Scrutiny at this year’s NewFest Pride was unforgettable. The film, following ACLU attorney Chase Strangio – the first out trans person to argue before the Supreme Court – was followed by a powerful conversation with Strangio, director Sam Feder, Laverne Cox, Miss Peppermint, and others. In a time of escalating attacks on our community, it was both an act of defiance and a vital celebration of trans resilience and collective hope.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, represents New York’s 47th State Senate District on Manhattan’s West Side (or as he likes to say, “from the gay bars to Zabar’s”). Brad has championed most of the major LGBTQ bills in NYS since the Democrats took control in 2019. This includes the transgender human rights law (GENDA), banning conversion therapy, legalizing gestational surrogacy, and establishing NYS as a safe haven for transgender youth.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Be out and proud! Come out to your friends and family. And if you’re queer, don’t ever change your career goals because you’re afraid of how you might be perceived at work. Being LGBTQ is a superpower. Finally, if you want children, have them sooner rather than later. As a 50-something dad of 14-and 7-year olds, my back is killing me!

Crystal Hudson is the council member for New York City’s District 35 in Brooklyn. A third-generation Brooklynite, she was first elected in 2021, made history as the first out gay Black woman elected in NYC, and continues to be a trailblazer in elected office. She is known for her critical legislation in support of the TGNCNBI community and for co-authoring the Marsha & Sylvia Plan, a first-of-its-kind policy agenda to support LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Be confident in your full, authentic self; and stand in all of your glory! You are loved, and you are enough.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
All of the LGBTQIA+ community centers across the five boroughs are worth spotlighting, especially in a time like this. They provide life-saving work for the LGBTQIA+ community, and we need to make sure people have access to resources and support they may need to thrive amid a federal administration that refuses to recognize their identities.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I was proud to co-author the first LGBTQIA+ municipal policy roadmap in NYC history, the Marsha & Sylvia Plan (now called Pride in Policy), and also pass legislation making NYC a safe haven for gender-affirming care.

Tim Johnson is a senior vice president at the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), a membership organization that represents hospitals, nursing homes, and health systems in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Mr. Johnson assists executives and clinicians on various delivery system issues and policy matters. Mr. Johnson holds a Master of Arts degree from the City University of New York and a Master of Science degree from Tulane University.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Be happy with who you are and your place in the world but also take a moment each day to thank all the community members who fought tremendous battles to get you the rights and the acceptance you experience today.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
For over 50 years, Callen-Lorde has been showing up every day to make sure the LGBTQ+ community has gotten the health care they need and the respect and support that all people deserve. They are a tremendous resource and we should all celebrate their commitment to the community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
At the height of the COVID pandemic, I had the privilege of supporting frontline health care workers as they fought to keep their communities safe and healthy. These heroes put themselves in harm’s way every day to make sure that everyone, including all the disenfranchised and marginalized community members, was taken care of. I was never more proud to be associated with New York’s healthcare community.

Kevin, an Austin native and University of Texas graduate, began his career as a messenger in the Texas House, eventually rising to become a chief of staff. In 2005, he moved to Washington, D.C. and ran state-level advocacy programs for trade associations. Kevin moved to NYC in 2012 to join a government relations firm, and in 2020, became AARP NY’s associate state director for advocacy, leading AARP’s work on behalf of older adults in NYC.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Never forget your worth and always try to give yourself the same love and grace you give others. 

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Housing Works is one of my favorite LGBTQIA+ organizations because it’s deeply committed to supporting marginalized communities, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. I admire how they combine advocacy, health care, and housing with a strong stance on social justice. Their thrift stores make it easy to support the cause while staying connected to a vibrant, inclusive community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
In 2018, I worked with the NYC Council and local organizations to secure $3.8 million in funding for citywide LGBTQ+ initiatives that focused on bringing services to all five boroughs. The funding supported the LGBT Community Services Initiative and the Trans Equity Program Initiative, providing vital resources for LGBTQ+ adults and transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. It covered health and human services, education, legal support, employment, and health care. 13 community-based organizations received funding.

Mitchell Katz, M.D., president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, has led major transformations during his tenure. He implemented a modern electronic health record system, created housing for over 1,200 patients, expanded outreach for homeless New Yorkers, and launched the system’s response to the asylum seeker crisis. He increased nursing staff, modernized ambulance transport, and guided the system through COVID-19. His leadership improved financial health by boosting insurance enrollment and streamlining billing.

Jacqui Kilmer has led Harlem United since 2015, expanding its health care, housing, and harm reduction services to advance health equity. Ms. Kilmer is a stalwart advocate for our communities, serving on the New York State AIDS Advisory Council. She is the chair of the board of AmidaCare and 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. 

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Now more than ever, make sure you have a support system. Whether it’s the family you’re born into or the family you create (or both), surround yourself with people who you love and trust. None of us can make it through this life, especially the hard times, on our own – it takes a village. Stay true to yourself and listen to your heart.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Taking over as CEO at Harlem United was the proudest moment, for sure. And every day since then, when I see our clients and patients not just survive but thrive because of the amazing work of our staff, I am even more proud.

As president of SDNYC, Gabriel works to ensure that the voices and priorities of LGBTQ New Yorkers are heard loud and clear by our elected leaders. Right now, that means defending our community from attacks. In his previous roles, as LGBTQ liaison for Public Advocate Tish James and chief of staff for Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell, Gabriel worked to pass policies and legislation advancing LGBTQ rights.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
There are no rules. Have fun!

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I’ve been so impressed and appreciative of TransFormative Schools – a progressive education nonprofit that operates a free afterschool program designed to center the needs of trans, queer, nonbinary, and gender expansive students. They are doing such impactful, important work, and I’m thrilled they’ve been selected as Grand Marshals of the Pride March this year! 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
As chief of staff to Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell, I worked with trans leaders to pass the Gender Recognition Act which allowed TGNC New Yorkers to update government documents to reflect their true selves, and to create an “X” marker on NYS drivers licenses. The bill was a landmark achievement for New York State, and I was honored to have played a role.

Ken Louie is deputy chief marketing and brand officer at MetroPlusHealth, developing the strategy-including social media, PR, corporate communications, and product marketing-to increase brand awareness and drive growth. He completed MPH’s first significant rebranding, repositioning it as NYC’s iconic low-to-no-cost health plan. Prior to MPH, Ken was the Head of Content Marketing at Optum Care where he transitioned 20M patients to virtual care during COVID-19. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from NYU.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
You don’t have to shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t built for you. Speak up, accept yourself and keep moving forward.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Meili, located at 160 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, is owned by a gay Asian man who hosts drag brunches featuring Asian drag queens. It’s hard to find representation in the Asian community and Meili is great. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I am proud to have led the transformation of MetroPlusHealth’s brand, evolving it into a bold, people-first identity that reflects the heart of New York City, the place I love. Through love and leadership, the rebrand became more than a visual change – it is a symbol of accessibility, trust and community.

Jon Mallow is a lifelong New Yorker, an accomplished media and non-profit executive, and a longtime advocate for equality. Before becoming the CEO of GMHC, he was the board chair and also served as a director of the Ali Forney Center, ACRIA, and the Maysles Documentary Center. He previously ran the TED Ideas Studio, a social impact content group focused on solutions to the climate crisis. He lives with his husband Brian Jones. 

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today? 
The world is an amazing place full of amazing people doing amazing things. You are part of a community based on love and caring – so find your people, treat yourself and others with kindness and be amazing too. 

Is there a LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
There are two LGBTQ+ owned businesses. 
Sweetbee Cafe in Brooklyn, New York is a cozy spot founded by Martina Castro and Ryan Schumack. Martina has deep ties to the food and hospitality scene in the Philippines, and Ryan, a model and influencer, has a long history and love for coffee (as do I). Proudly trans and gay lead, the café offers a space for community, specialty coffee and wine. 
The original purpose of Nightsweats & T-cells, the vision of Paul Monette (writer and poet), Victor Brown (designer), Honey (social worker) and Michael (artist) was to put strong messages about AIDS on garments that people would wear. Gil Kudrin, who runs the business now, has 32 years of experience working closely with customers from design concepts, digital art separations to production. He has been the face and voice of Nightsweats & T-Cells, which also employs people living with HIV and AIDS, from his first days in the shop. They currently produce T-Shirts for GMHC and have done so for years.  

What is the proudest moment of your career so far? 
I can’t pick just one, but the top three are: 

• Becoming CEO of a historically significant organization that continues to help so many today. 
• Interviewing Al Gore multiple times and Mary Robinson, the first woman president of Ireland and a true climate hero, as part of a series of films on climate solutions. 
• Creating a video series where drag queens read mean comments that has generated 27M views to date.