Statement of Jonathan Lang Director of Governmental Projects and Community Development

“As New York’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy organization, the Empire State Pride Agenda is committed to the eradication of homelessness for our young people.

“Our community recently saw a historic victory this year with the win of marriage equality. But this does not mean that the work of our community is over. Being able to be married today will not address the needs of the young people who are hungry and have no place to sleep tonight.

“In a city as great as New York City, and in a state as great as New York State, it should be unimaginable that thousands of young people are on the streets without shelter. Yet, recent studies indicate that at least 3,800 youth are homeless every night, with as many as 1,520 of those youth identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

“The Empire State Pride Agenda is resolute in working with our partners in city and state government to ensure that despite the austere financial backdrop, difficult decisions are not balanced on the backs of those most underserved. From sexual and physical assault, to substance abuse, to depressive disorders, the basic needs of our LGBT homeless youth and in fact of our entire community, are many. Failure to provide support for homeless youth would be both a failed health policy as well as a failed fiscal policy.

“As we work with our partners in the State Capitol and City Hall to secure the resources necessary to create more shelter beds, we must also remember our own role - as a community - in addressing this crisis. The LGBT community has a long history of supporting our own and assisting those in need. But, for too long, the voices of LGBT homeless youth have been heard by only a few organizations that have worked tirelessly to provide safe places for our young. But they can’t do this work alone and they need our help. Hopefully today’s rally will help us recommit ourselves to the work that must be done in the weeks and months ahead.

“No young person should be forced to sleep on the streets or go hungry simply because they had nowhere else to go.”