Statement from State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald Recognizing Stonewall Remembrance Day

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 28, 2024) - "Today we recognize the 55^th Stonewall Remembrance Day and honor the brave individuals who stood their ground in the face of oppression and adversity, igniting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ+) equal rights movement here in New York State and across the country.

On this day, June 28, 1969, members of the LGBTQ+ communities rose up in solidarity during a police raid Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, at a time when simply existing in your truth warranted harassment, bigotry, and even arrest.

It's on the shoulders of those trailblazing individuals that we stand today. Their act of bravery is foundational to New York's legacy of compassion and incredible advancement of civil rights that this state can be proud of.

This fight is not over, as we continue to see hatred and bigotry against LGBTQ+ communities across the country. The State Department of Health, under the compassionate leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, will always lead with health equity, elimination of disparities, and advancing inclusive, affirmative health care."

To learn more about NYSDOH LGTBQ+ services and support please see https://www.health.ny.gov/community/lgbt/ and https://gaycenter.org/advocacy/lgbt-health-network/.