Statement from Senator Brad Hoylman in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 21, 2019
NEW YORK- Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan), released the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Senator Hoylman said: “Albany made enormous strides in the name of justice and equality last week. With the passage of GENDA and a ban on so-called gay conversion therapy, the legislature affirmed that all New Yorkers are entitled to respect, dignity, and equal protection under the law.
As we honor Dr. King's legacy today, we must remember that the LGBTQ struggle for dignity and recognition has never been a solitary pursuit. The freedoms we enjoy today are built off the vigorous and sustained efforts of Dr. King, and so many other civil rights pioneers from the African-American community. We remember Sylvia Rivera, and Marsha P. Johnson, and Bayard Rustin, who lived in my district, and whose fight for equality opened our nation’s eyes to injustice.
From Selma to Stonewall, our struggles are interrelated. Today, LGBTQ communities of color continue to be disproportionately targeted by bigots who hate the color of their skin and the content of their character. Racism and homophobia and transphobia are openly embraced by some in our federal government and across the country. But we will prevail.
Fighting for true equality means fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity. In 2019 it also means fighting for a fair wage, access to good jobs, and equal opportunities for all.
We’ve made so much progress. But we can always aspire to more. So today, let’s vow to fight and stand together until we achieve a perfect union for all.”