Words From Elisa Crespo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIGHLIGHTS

Greetings NEW Pride Family,

Serving as the first Executive Director of the NEW Pride Agenda (NPA), has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. When I began the role three years ago, I could not have imagined all that we have been able to accomplish thus far. Together, we not only created a statewide movement, centered on social, racial, and economic justice, we left our mark by making New York a Safe Haven for Trans Youth and Families, helped create historic investments for service providers through the Lorena Borjas Trans and Non Binary Wellness and Equity Fund, and opened the doors to our new Empowerment Center, where we are now able to provide expanded services to our community in need

Formed after the dissolution of the Empire State Pride Agenda, NPA is proud of the legacy that we are a part of From Marriage Equality to Anti-Discrimination protections, and now, unprecedented investments in Trans-led and serving organizations, statewide advocacy is just as important today, as it was decades ago

Many of us are aware of the anti-LGBTQ+ movement that has taken over the country Extremist politicians and organizations have grown bolder in their attempts to dismantle New York’s reputation as a beacon of acceptance and inclusivity We continue to fight the ban on trans girls from participating in sports in country-run facilities in Nassau County, and as of this moment, are witnessing our local school boards from Manhattan to Schenectady be infiltrated by anti-Trans groups. The fact is, nowhere is safe from the anti-LGBTQ+ hate machine, not even the home of Stonewall. It is imperative that we continue to prioritize organizations like the NEW Pride Agendabecause if New York’s position as a national leader on LGBTQ+ civil rights goes, so goes the nation.

Here at the NEW Pride Agenda we have a bold vision to continue expanding our reach across the state. This year we are embarking on a strategic process to build out volunteer-led chapters in key regions of New York. Our goal is to be able to mobilize our community and respond to emerging crises in a proactive way. This requires us to grow our infrastructure and build a bench that can last for generations to come.

Yours in Community,

Elisa Crespo Executive Director NEW Pride Agenda