(WNY News Now) At the groundbreaking ceremony for the American LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul gave a powerful statement emphasizing the state’s crucial role in the LGBTQ+ rights struggle.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the American LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul gave a speech honoring the state’s role as the cradle of the LGBTQ+ movement.
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Friends, good afternoon. It appears that a celebration has already begun. It is, of course. It is, of course. And I would like to thank the New York Historical Society for their outstanding leadership. And I adore your concept, Louise Mirrer. What you’re doing with the place is fantastic. And I hope you continue to lead for many more years to come.
I also want to thank Agnes Hsu Tang for assisting me in realizing how important this is. I recall attending a breakfast here when I was first appointed governor. And Agnes and other board members gave me the thought that we ought to take action and advance farther in order to commemorate and recognize the amazing heritage of both the country and New York State. I am aware that this is also a part of your vision, Agnes, given the history of the LGBTQ+ community.
And thanks for being a terrific leader, Ben Garcia, Richard Burns, our chair. I am aware that Tish James, our Attorney General, is present; let’s give her a hearty round of applause. There are so many leaders present, Tish James.
Our Comptroller was Brad Lander. It’s Mark Levine. In addition, I have friends and colleagues in the Legislature. Brad Hoylman and Linda Rosenthal just told me how wonderful they have been as advocates in our legislature. I’m aware that there are a lot out there, but I can’t see you since it’s dark. I’m merely speculating. I am aware that you are present.
When you consider the lengthy journey taken by those who defied their communities, friends, family, and the police and took to the streets to protest, “No, we have basic human rights, that we should go where we want to go, drink where we want to drink, and dance where we want to dance,” you can see why today is a day to celebrate courage. By the way, we will love the people we want to love. That was 1969’s message, which we have commemorated numerous times, including the 50th anniversary and how thrilling it was a few years ago.
However, it is also important to remember individuals who faced hardships, were marginalized, and stood up despite not being accepted by society. I respect each one of them. And those who had the wild notion that a New York City Gay Bill of Rights was necessary back in 1972. And some of those champions are present with us today.
Are you here, Allen Roskoff? I know you. One of your ideas was this. as well as Ethan Geto. Everyone who got up and said, “Let’s make this a law.” Instead of merely declaring that we would grant them rights, let’s see to it that this is actually accomplished. It’s not an accident, then. Although we have heard the lengthy list of pioneers, I would like to bring up the possibility that Deborah Glick, for example, was the first out gay state legislator in 1990.
Antonio Pagn and Tom Duane were also elected to the City Council in 1991. In 1998, Tom became the first out gay senator from New York State. So, as I try to inspire more people to run for government, we build on those stories. We have more capability, but there are a lot of elected LGBT community leaders.
My pals, do we not? Let’s raise the voices by opening additional doors. And this is a terrific opportunity to show this to everyone. All New Yorkers and tourists should attend this meeting spot to learn about a chapter in our history that demonstrates that New York State is not the only state to honor and celebrate women’s rights.
Fighting for environmental rights is not something that should be done here. It is more than just the starting point for labor rights activism. It’s not only the first location where the NAACP, the forerunner, was based. We also claim to have been the cradle of the LGBTQ+ movement, and it is celebrated here in this amazing museum, just as it will be when it opens in a few years.
Therefore, even without the physical structure, I am aware that more than 30 events are held annually that bring people here to view the artifacts, hear the stories of the past, and be motivated by their bravery to take on the same kinds of battles that we do now. It is indeed New York. We will not overlook the difficult situation in parts of the rest of our country or the events that will take place in Washington, D.C. in a few months. We will stand up for our brothers and sisters across America to ensure that their rights are upheld, not only in our own state, because these values are ingrained in our very being.
We will be that ray of hope forever. There, we will always be advancing and amending the law. Since we’re not done yet, we changed the number of laws even last year. Additionally, I wanted to back this endeavor. The State has given us more than $12.5 million. Even though it cost a lot of money, it was worthwhile. If I had a guess as well, I’m sure you’d be requesting more. I understand the process: Yes, Governor, we simply require a bit more in order to complete the finishing touches. Okay, I’ll listen, you know that.
To sum up, though, I’m prepared for the battles. You’re prepared for combat. You’ve been in the trenches before, and we need to do that for America. And for that, I’m grateful to everyone. Additionally, I consider the fact that a garden will be planted. The beauty of a fresh start is symbolized by a dormant garden. Planting a garden is said to be a sign of faith in the future. That day will come. Thanks to all of you and others that support this cause, we will have wonderful tomorrows in this state. The telling of the story of so many brave people.
However, it goes beyond only honoring the past. I want 50 years from now to be more in this collection of what we ve done in our time. How we continue to lift up the people who my Uncle Kevin was found out in the 60s and 70s as an openly gay man in the military. The world was unfriendly. And I don t want anyone ever to have to endure what my Uncle Kevin had to put up with.
Uncle Kevin is someone I adore. We lost him during COVID. But he had a fight that he had to fight alone in too many places. That will never happen again. Because we re here to celebrate. To say it s not just about tolerance. Tolerance means you re getting along. It s about acceptance. It s about embracing. It s about love. And those will always be the values that define us here in the great State of New York.
Thank you, everybody. Congratulations. Great celebration. Thank you. Thank you everyone.