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ALBANY, NY— Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a significant $5.4 million investment to support New York’s LGBTQ+ community. This includes a $4.4 million allocation to the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center to develop safe and culturally affirming programs, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color. An additional $1 million will be allocated for workforce development programs for transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people, expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund. Additionally, new policy guidance was issued to help state agencies better support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and create a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ state employees.

“Pride Month is a time of celebration and a reminder to continue our efforts to strengthen the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in New York State,” said Governor Hochul. “New Yorkers of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions deserve to be safe, heard and valued. New York State stands with and supports the LGBTQ+ community.”

The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center will use the $4.4 million investment to offer a variety of resources, programs and services in a culturally positive environment. The center will provide medical treatment, mental health and social support services, legal services, job training, cultural programs and internet access – all in a stigma-free environment.

Carmen Neely, President and CEO of the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center project has been in the works since 2016 and we are happy and grateful to finally have a home. We can’t thank Governor Hochul, her team, and our elected officials in NYC enough for their support. This is the beginning of a new era and we are absolutely excited and ready to get to work!”

State Senator Cordell Cleare also praised the investment and emphasized the importance of the center to the local community. “I am pleased that Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $4.4 million investment in the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center in the heart of the 30th Ward during Pride Month. This will be a place where everyone from LGBTQ+ youth to seniors can use a one-stop shop for social, educational and culturally sensitive programs and services. The Governor also announced a $1 million investment in resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community for workforce development programs. This funding will help achieve all of these goals in our Harlem neighborhood and in a culturally affirming center for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”