Senator Serrano Sponsors "Bridging the Gap: Expanding the Dialogue," an LGBT Stigma Awareness event in East Harlem

(East Harlem, NY)- Senator Serrano, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, and the East Harlem Immigrant Service Network sponsored “Bridging the Gap: Expanding the Dialogue,” an LGBT stigma awareness event. This important roundtable discussion was centered on the issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity in El Barrio/East Harlem and the South Bronx.

“Disturbing violence aimed at the LGBT community in NYC is on the rise,” said Senator Serrano.  “The need to combat homophobia in our city is greater than ever.  It is important to broaden the dialect about sexuality in East Harlem and the South Bronx so that we are educated about sexuality and gender identity. We must all work to together to ensure we are educated and that all the LGBT members in our community are respected and treated fairly.”

Attendees had the opportunity to have a discussion with elected officials and other members of the community to discuss ways to combat stigma, homophobia, and transphobia. Anti-Violence Project, Bailey House, Harlem United, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also co-sponsored this event.