LGBTQIA+ Rights, Advocacy & Visibility
Beyond June: Our Commitment to
Queer Advocacy & Visibility is Year-Round.
Our Queer & Transgender community
are under constant attack.
"Inclusion" isn't a buzzword;
it's a baseline expectation.
The Queer and Transgender community are not just part of Boston; they are integral to the very fabric of our city.
Let's be crystal clear:
while we celebrate hard-won victories here in Boston, complacency is a luxury we cannot afford.
Our approach to LGBTQIA+ policy is rooted in an understanding of the intersectional nature of these issues. We recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization. Therefore, our advocacy is a force of nature, working across all policy areas to ensure that the well-being and rights of all LGBTQIA+ individuals are protected and upheld in Boston.
Pride isn't just a party; it's a protest.
It's a declaration.
And I'm committed to the long haul,
to the relentless work of queer liberation in Boston.
Not just for a single month, but for every single day of the year.
This isn't a trend; it's a movement, and I am committed to working alongside our community to drive it forward.
-Councilor At-Large Henry Santana
Gender-Affirming Care:
Gender-affirming care is essential, not optional.
We are committed to eliminating the health disparities that disproportionately impact our LGBTQIA+ community.
To that end, we have filed hearing orders to generate robust data on LGBTQIA+ mental health. This data will provide the evidence needed to advocate for effective programs and vital health support for our community.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Support & Protection
Our office has, and always will, prioritize the well-being of our youth, especially our Queer,Transgender and gender expansive youth. They deserve more than tolerance; they deserve fierce protection and unwavering support.
In 2024, we took concrete action:
Held hearings to address the urgent issue of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adult homelessness.
Explored viable locations and sustainable funding options for dedicated Queer youth community spaces.
Worked to codify the crucial work of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Advancement.
Combating LGBTQIA+ Homelessness
& Housing Insecurity
The disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing insecurity plaguing our LGBTQIA+ community, especially our youth and elders, demand more than just words.
We're not just "supporting initiatives"; we're building coalitions and filing legislation that invests in supportive housing models designed to meet the specific needs of our community.
We won't rest until every member of our community has a safe and stable place to call home.
