EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIGHLIGHTS

Greetings NEW Pride Family,

As I reflect on this past Summer, I'm feeling an immense sense of gratitude and hope for our community. Despite all of the challenges we are facing, we still find the courage to be visible, to take up space, and to make our voices heard. Each time that I am fortunate enough to be in community with you all, I am reminded of just how resilient we are. Rooted in our culture of chosen families, we make sure to keep each other safe and tap into our creativity and resourcefulness to ensure that none of us are left behind I'm always left in awe at the community that I get to be a part of

Some highlights for me this Summer were, of course, our 3rd Annual BBQ at Marsha P Johnson State Park This year, we organized a Kiki Ball as a part of our annual BBQ Watching so many of our young leaders participate in the ball and experience joy while the sun set over one of the world's most recognizable skylines - was truly a fulfilling experience for me Another highlight for me this Summer was traveling the State for all of the Pride festivities From Harlem, to Albany, to Buffalo - Team NPA were on the ground celebrating with you We had a time at the 17th Annual BIPOC Pride in Albany organized by In Our Own Voices Watching Angie Stone perform was definitely a bonding moment for the team We also paid a visit to our siblings in Buffalo for Upstate Black and Latino Pride!

Finally, we celebrated another policy victory this Pride season I was thrilled to watch the Safe Haven for Trans Youth and Families Act be signed into law by our Governor, right before kicking off the Annual NYC Pride March Together, with team members, organizational partners and stakeholders, we made history again by ensuring New York state will be a sanctuary for life saving Gender Affirming Care I am so proud of the many individuals, community members, and partners who traveled up to the Capitol with us to demand this law be passed There's nothing we can't do when we join forces and unite I'm so proud of us and the message we sent around the country - New York welcomes you with open arms

As we near the end of Summer, our work isn't over. We are gearing up for next year's legislative session where we intend to take on some big issues from protecting Transgender people in custody to advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in our schools. Last but certainly not least, I am excited to share that we have officially moved into our new Empowerment Center, located at 210 W 29th Street, Floor 4, in New York City Team NPA now has our own private space for just you to feel safe and affirmed in Over the next few months, we will share more exciting news about brand new in-person programming and drop-in hours, so stay tuned

Yours in Community, Elisa Crespo Executive Director NEW Pride Agenda

Institutions & centers such has In Our Own Voices and the New Pride if I may say so myself are instrumental. Because if we as a community and as a movement, are going to move beyond a post marriage equality movement.. One that does not center assimilation and acceptance. One that centers the social and economic rights of the most vulnerable people in our community.

It is institutions like In Our Own Voices, the NEW Pride Agenda, Black and Brown led organizations that have unparalleled lived experience It is going to be us that takes us another 54 years in this movement. We are our ancestors wildest dreams -E.Crespo