The harm, hostility and condemnation of the Trump administration had no effect on the momentum that New York Mayor is picking up as his win points to his platform deliberately framed as a restoration of dignity, rights, and belonging for communities harmed by the previous federal administration. Mamdani holding mayoral position is a turning point. As New York is choosing to rewrite the narrative, we can look to the city as stepping stones amidst the chaotic Trump storm we see in the rest of the country.
Mamdani expresses specific needs of the local New York community by addressing the strength of nondiscrimination laws in housing, healthcare, and public services, by expanding the city’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs into a fully funded department, and launching legal defense programs for trans and queer residents facing discrimination. His belief that healing starts in the community shows by efforts of reopening and expanding LGBTQ+ youth shelters, advancing funding for mental health services, especially for trans teens traumatized by federal hostility, and creating city grants for queer-owned small businesses heavily impacted by the pandemic and previous political climate.
A large city with a large and diverse population taking this major step towards equality gives the LGBTQ+ community something to look forward to in their own cities, as we take baby steps towards diverse public and political figures the narrative being pushed is one of inclusion not deception. The LGBTQ+ community exists, like they saying goes, we’re here we’re queer and we’re not going anywhere. The general public is going to have to get used to seeing more and more diverse people or allies of diverse people even as Trump and his administration tries to sweep our existence under the metaphorical rug. The more we stand strong together with our arms linked the less likely it is for that red rover to break through. Feel empowered, soak in the equality from across the country in hopes that it could happen to us too in the near future.
photo curtosy of social media
