NEW YORK CITY — A New York City LGBTQIA+ coalition celebrated its fifth anniversary and hosted its Empowerment Awards Reception earlier this week.
The New Pride Agenda on Nov. 13 was able to raise $200,000 bringing together community leaders, activists, and allies to honor NPA’s impact and accomplishments over the last five years in advancing the rights of LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
“We are immensely proud of what NPA has achieved in just five years,” Elisa Crespo, Outgoing Executive Director of NPA told Patch. “From landmark legislation like the Safe Haven for Trans Youth and Families Act, to historic new funding streams for LGBTQ+ service providers and successful Constitutional amendments, we are steadfast in our mission to build statewide power for Queer and Trans New Yorkers.”
This year’s honorees included Richard Burns, Chair of the Founding Board of Directors at the American LGBTQ+ Museum, Mateo Guerrero, Trans Justice and Leadership Program Manager at Make the Road NY and Jonelle Johnson, Director of Government and Community Strategy at Charter Communications.
The trio were recognized for their work on advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers, officials said.
This year, NPA celebrated the successful passage of proposal 1, a state constitutional amendment that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other essential rights.
Burns told Patch that “he was deeply honored” to be recognized at the fifth anniversary event.
“Now, more than ever, we must work to shape a future that is more just, inclusive, and compassionate for all,” he said.
Guerrero and Johnson both said they were honored to be recognized for their efforts.
The Empowerment Awards Reception was held at the Salesforce Tower in Midtown.