In a time when LGBTQ+ communities are under attack across the country, New York must be a leader in protecting and strengthening the rights of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. To support a resilient LGBTQIA+ community in New York, we must work to ensure economic equity and stability for LGBTQIA+ workers.
New York has taken concrete actions to close the pay gap with stronger laws and worker protections. However, LGBTQIA+ communities in NY and the U.S. continue to face disparities when it comes to poverty, housing, workplace discrimination, underemployment, and access to higher paying opportunities.
On June 17th, 2025, we, in community with the NYS leaders below, recognized LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day to bring attention to the continuing disadvantages LGBTQIA+ workers face due to discrimination. While NY Equal Pay Days usually address wage gap statistics on the state and national level, there is a lack of data on the wage gap for LGBTQIA+ communities.
New York State Senator Jessica Ramos
“Trans and gender non-conforming members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face grave employment discrimination and entrenched wage disparities. The principle of equal pay for equal work must be more than aspirational. It must be realized. There is no place for wage discrimination in a just society, let alone in our state or nation.”
New York State Senator Lea Webb
“Today, on LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we shine a light on the persistent and unacceptable pay disparities faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Equal work deserves equal pay, with no exceptions. Yet LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender community members and LGBTQIA+ people of color, continue to earn significantly less than their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. This is not just a wage gap; it is a justice gap. Pay equity is essential for ensuring that every person can thrive with dignity, security, and opportunity, no matter who they are or who they love. We must continue to fight for policies that close these gaps and challenge the systems that perpetuate them. That means strengthening worker protections, ensuring pay transparency, and holding employers accountable.”
New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez
“This Equal Pay Awareness Day we are affirming that every worker deserves dignity, equal opportunity, and a fair shot no matter who they are or who they love. As LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face discrimination and economic inequality, we are reminded that progress never happens by chance—it happens because people stand up and speak out against injustice. We stand firm against all attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community, workers’ rights, and anti-discrimination efforts in the workplace.”
New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud
“The economic disparities facing LGBTQI+ communities are a serious and urgent issue. Many individuals are working in comparable positions but earning less than their peers while experiencing high rates of workplace discrimination. No one should have to choose where to work based on fear of bias, yet for many, that remains a reality. We must advance policies rooted in equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, have equal access to opportunity, safety, and dignity.”
New York State Senator Robert Jackson
“Economic justice is not a luxury—it is a right. In a nation where LGBTQIA+ rights are under relentless attack, New York must be a firewall—a place where dignity isn’t debated and equity isn’t optional. The wage gap facing LGBTQIA+ workers is not a reflection of talent or effort—it is the residue of discrimination, exclusion, and systemic neglect,” said Senator Robert Jackson. “That’s why I stand with PowHer New York in demanding bold legislative action: enforce transparency, end pay secrecy, protect gender-affirming care, and pass the bills that move us toward a truly inclusive economy. Equal pay is not just a policy goal—it is a promise we must keep. And the cost of delay is too great. The arc of justice doesn’t bend on its own—we bend it with our voices, our votes, and the laws we choose to pass.”
New York State Senator Samra Brouk
“In a time when the rights and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ individuals are under attack, I remain committed to defending anti-discriminatory systems in the workplace. Every single worker deserves economic equity in our state–it is unacceptable that 23 percent of all LGBTQIA+ adults experience workplace discrimination. We must support efforts to protect vulnerable community members in the workplace and ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”
New York State Senator Pete Harckham
“Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we stand with LGBTQ+ members of our community and fight discrimination in all its forms. We must advance measures like salary transparency to ensure equal pay, protect access to gender-affirming care, and strengthen support systems for working families—so everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Thank you to the advocates at PowHer for raising awareness and driving this important conversation forward.”
New York State Senator Sean Ryan
“We have made great strides in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in recent years, but we have a long way to go to ensure true equality for the community. LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination, which leads to significant disparities in employment opportunities and wages. Closing the pay gap is a critical step toward economic justice and dignity for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney
“Every person deserves equal pay, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. On this LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, I proudly support the call for full transparency in job postings and stronger efforts to close the wage gap. I will always support the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to advocate for fairness, equity, and worker protections in the workplace.”
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez
“In a state as diverse and forward-thinking as New York, no one should be forced to navigate a system that undervalues their labor because of who they are or how they identify. The wage gap isn’t just a number, it’s a reflection of systemic bias that leaves queer, trans, and non-binary New Yorkers, especially Black and brown workers, at a severe economic disadvantage. In the fight for justice, economic equity is not optional— it’s essential. We must pass stronger wage transparency laws and continue defending LGBTQIA+ rights, including protecting access to gender-affirming care. When we uplift those most impacted, we build a fairer, more inclusive future for all.”
New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes
“People should be paid equally for doing the same job, period. Closing the wage gap benefits all of us and all of our communities and I applaud PowHer NY for continuing to raise awareness for this issue.”
New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick
“In New York, now more than ever, we must do all we can to protect and uplift our LGBTQIA+ community. Although we are making strides toward that in our state, LGBTQIA+ individuals are still struggling with equal pay. Members of this community are more likely to need to care for a close friend or chosen family member without access to paid leave. They experience higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. Transgender people of color are especially vulnerable. Stability and financial security shouldn’t be dependent upon your gender identity or sexual orientation.”
New York State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
“As we mark LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we must confront the persistent economic inequities that LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers face. Discrimination in pay, hiring, and workplace opportunities continues to deny far too many LGBTQIA+ individuals the stability and dignity they deserve. I stand proudly with PowHerNY in calling for stronger protections and action to achieve true pay equity for all.”
New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick
“The current federal administration does not try to hide its blatant attack on the LGBTQAI+ community, as they continue to erode basic freedoms, it is up to us to continue to fight for equity for LGBTQIA+ workers and to push back against the disparities the LGBTQIA+ community faces every day. By bridging the pay gap, we can guarantee a better quality of life for LGBTQIA+ community in New York”
New York State Assemblymember Judy Griffin
“Equal pay is not a privilege — it’s a right. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, I stand in solidarity with all New Yorkers who continue to face discrimination in the workplace simply because of who they are. While New York has made progress, we must go further to close wage gaps, provide equity and inclusive paid family leave policies, and pass the legislation needed to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ worker can thrive with dignity and economic security. Justice means equity — and that includes equal pay for all.”
New York State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas
“Today I stand with colleagues, community members, and queer siblings to demand equal pay for every New Yorker. We have done a lot to close the wage gap, but the issue remains. LGBTQ communities face incredible economic disparities, earning at least $12,000 less on average than other communities. LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day shines a light on the persistent barriers to economic equity generated by workplace discrimination and a broken system. We call on state and local leaders to take action by standing firm against federal attacks on LGBTQ rights, fighting to expand pay transparency laws, protecting gender-affirming health care, and ensuring inclusive paid family leave policies for every New Yorker. Let’s get it done!”
New York State Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright
“LGBTQ+ New Yorkers face disparities in poverty, housing, and workplace discrimination. If we believe in equal pay for equal work, then we must target such inequities at their core. I proudly introduced the NYS Equal Rights Amendment as its Assembly Lead Sponsor, ratified in our state constitution, to enshrine equality for all. I am proud to be the lead sponsor of legislation that requires an LGBTQ+ awareness curriculum so students understand the history of this struggle. We will keep advocating until all LGBTQ+ workers have economic equity and stability.”
New York State Assemblymember George Alavarez
“I will always stand up for and protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers, and work tirelessly to improve their access to the upward mobility and the American Dream that is a fundamental right of all Americans.”
New York State Assemblymember Phil Steck
“LGBTQIA+ people have existed for as long as humanity itself, and they deserve to be treated with the same dignity, respect, and fairness as anyone else. Equal pay is not a privilege; it is a basic human right. As an employment lawyer, I have represented members of the LGBTQIA+ community in workplace discrimination cases and have seen firsthand the challenges they face. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we must continue to push for justice in the workplace and ensure that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is compensated fairly for their work.”
New York State Assemblymember Catalina Cruz
LGBTQIA+ workers are vital to the strength and diversity of New York. Yet too many still face pay gaps and discrimination. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we stand with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and recommit to building a future where fairness, opportunity, and dignity are guaranteed for all.
New York State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg
“Here in New York, we can be extra proud this Pride month, after adding the Equality Amendment to our state constitution last year. But LGBTQI+ New Yorkers—especially those who are transgender, people of color, and/or living with disabilities—still face wage gaps, workplace discrimination, and higher rates of poverty and housing instability. As the federal government works to undermine equality, New York must strengthen its commitment in this regard – and economic justice is an essential component of equality. I will continue fighting for legislation to achieve pay equity for all communities in our state.”
New York State Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero
On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we must confront the economic disparities that continue to impact marginalized communities in New York and beyond. Passing the Equal Rights Amendment, expanding inclusive paid leave, and improving data collection are essential steps forward to ensuring no one ever faces barriers to housing, fair employment, or economic opportunity. I will always fight for strong families, healthy communities, and a future where equity is the standard, not the exception.
New York State Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal
“On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we are once again reminded of the urgent need to fight back against the appalling attacks on this community,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF – Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. “The Trump administration has once again made this community a target for discrimination, and diminishing protections have put them at greater risk of poverty, housing insecurity, workplace discrimination and underemployment. We must continue to demand workplaces that are free of discrimination and pay all workers what they are owed, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías
“On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Day, we affirm that every person – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation – deserves equal pay for equal work. Anti-discrimination protections and salary transparency are essential to uncover inequities and ensure fair treatment, economic justice, and dignity for all workers.”
New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman
“As the Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, I know that economic inequality is a public health issue. When LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers are paid less, face discrimination at work, or are denied opportunities to succeed, their ability to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives is undermined. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, I stand with advocates across New York in demanding real solutions: stronger pay transparency, protections for gender-affirming care, and inclusive family leave. New York must lead the nation in advancing dignity, equity, and justice for every LGBTQIA+ worker.”
New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés
“Right now, as so many of the rights of our LGBTQIA+ siblings are under attack from the federal administration, it’s all the more important that we fight for economic justice and equity at home. Increasing pay transparency can cut through the discrimination so often faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This way, we can fight against the bad bosses furthering systemic inequalities. I’m proud to join POWHER in advocating for better pay equity across marginalized communities.”
New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán
“This Pride Month, protest, parties, and defiant joy must be matched by power and policy. Last year, I launched Pride in Policy, a policy blueprint for New York City, created with queer and trans leaders from all five boroughs. Pride in Policy commits to tackling pay equity for queer and trans New Yorkers. This month and every month, I commit to work alongside PowHerNY to fight for pay equity for queer and trans communities — because pride without power, without resources, without rights, is hollow.”
New York City Council Member Farah Louis
“LGBTQIA+ workers deserve more than visibility — they deserve equity. That means closing pay gaps, confronting discrimination, and building systems that value all workers, especially members of the community who are too often pushed to the margins: Black, brown, immigrant, trans. Economic justice starts with fair pay, and New York has a responsibility to lead by example.”
New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers
“LGBTQIA+ workers continue to face unacceptable wage disparities and workplace discrimination that threaten their economic stability and safety,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “As the sponsor of Introduction 808, I am proud to fight for stronger pay transparency laws that help uncover hidden biases and empower workers to demand fair compensation. Equal pay is not just a gender or racial justice issue—it’s also an LGBTQIA+ rights issue. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we recommit to building a city where every New Yorker, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to thrive.”
New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley
“Economic justice is a fundamental part of the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. On LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, we recommit to building a New York City where all workers, regardless of who they are or who they love, are paid fairly and treated with dignity,” said New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “We must continue to confront pay disparities, strengthen protections, and invest in policies that uplift our LGBTQIA+ communities. When we advance equity for LGBTQIA+ workers, we move closer to a city that truly values inclusion, fairness, and opportunity for all. Thank you to PowHer New York for your continued leadership in the fight for gender and economic justice.”
Sam Merkt, They/She, Westchester Women’s Agenda
“I support LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day because everyone deserves fair pay for their work—no exceptions. As the rights and lives of queer and especially trans folks are under attack, disparities in economic outcomes are at risk of increasing. Already, non-binary individuals earn only 70 cents on the dollar compared to straight workers, with that number dropping to just 60 cents for transgender folks. What’s worse, we know these disparities only increase for folks who hold multiple marginalized identities. This is completely unacceptable. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people facing real barriers to financial stability and opportunity. New York must lead by strengthening pay transparency laws, expanding paid leave, and making childcare more affordable and accessible for all families.”