NEW YORK, June 8 \u2014 On Tuesday June 9th, at 5:30p.m., members of the LGBT Caucus of the New York City Council will visit The Center\u2019s IDNYC Pop Up site to bring attention to the benefits of the municipal identification card, especially those awarded to the LGBT community.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the efforts of the New York City Council, New York created its first Municipal ID accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of who they are. Of specific interest to the LGBT community, the card allows for individuals to self identify their gender marker or to remain gender neutral.<\/p>\n
Along with the IDNYC pop up site, where you can obtain the card, there will be a name change clinic for those individuals interested in changing their name before obtaining an ID that matches their gender identity and preferred name. The clinic is being sponsored by New York Legal Assistance Group and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe created this card so that every New Yorker could feel like they belong,\u201d said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. \u201cLGBT New Yorkers struggle with being recognized as who they are, and this card allows them to express that fully. We are proud of all the great benefits it brings to the community and as we begin Pride month, it\u2019s important to recognize this great achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am thrilled that The LGBT Center is hosting this IDNYC pop-up enrollment site throughout Pride month,\u201d said Council Member Corey Johnson. \u201cWe are sending a message to LGBT New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs: Come to The Center and get your IDNYC! Since its inception, this program has been unlocking doors for the people of my district and beyond. For those who have no need for a driver\u2019s license, but need government identification, IDNYC provides a much needed free alternative. IDNYC does not discriminate, offering important identification to New Yorkers regardless of their gender identity. I\u2019m proud to be part of this effort that will improve the lives of so many New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIDNYC is a benefit to everyone,\u201d said Council Member Daniel Dromm, co-lead sponsor of the IDNYC legislation. \u201cAmong many benefits on this card, transgender New Yorkers will be able to self identify. I am pleased to see a pop up center opening in The Center, giving the LGBT community greater access to this card.”<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the process of creating IDNYC, we paid special attention to how the LGBTQ community of our City would interact with the card and the resources it offers,\u201d said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, co-lead sponsor of municipal ID bill. \u201cI am excited to have The Center as a partner in bringing this important tool to more New Yorkers. Without a doubt, The Center represents a central location for many LGBTQ people in our City, where I’m sure there will be robust participation in the program. I’m looking forward to longer term partnership on this and other Council initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIDNYC is opening a world of opportunity to New Yorkers,\u201d said Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. \u201cTogether with The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center we are connecting New Yorkers with access to a wide range of benefits and services that will empower our City\u2019s LGBTQ community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Municipal ID is a way for all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, gender identity, or housing status to have an opportunity to get an ID that reflects their identification,\u201d said Council Member Rosie Mendez. \u201cI am proud that LGBT New Yorkers will have an opportunity to sign up for one. Thank you to The LGBT Community Center for being a host location.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIDNYC is truly an inclusive tool that can open doors to countless resources and cultural benefits throughout the city for young LGBT people,\u201d said Council Member Ritchie Torres. \u201cI hope the community takes the opportunity to make an appointment at The LGBT Center to apply for the new IDNYC.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re thrilled to welcome the IDNYC Pop Up to The Center,\u201d said Glennda Testone, executive director of the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. \u201cWe’re so grateful to the City for recognizing that many of our community members – especially transgender folks, LGBT homeless youth and immigrants – face barriers to active participation in society, such as the lack of accurate, legal identification. Not only is the City providing resources to help solve this, they’re also bringing those resources to the places where people who need them most can easily access them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe great thing about the IDNYC is that you can choose whether or not you want to put your gender marker on the card. Being trans, that was a huge benefit for me,\u201d
\nsaid a 17-year-old Center Youth member.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now I only have my school ID, so I\u2019m getting the IDNYC today because it\u2019s ID that I need. Plus I finally have the time this summer to venture out and explore cultural programs around the city; with free entry to so many amazing places, it\u2019s a great way to receive a free year of \u2018education\u2019 in NYC!\u201d said Julian Watson, 21-year-old Center Youth member.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NEW YORK, June 8 \u2014 On Tuesday June 9th, at 5:30p.m., members of the LGBT Caucus of the New York City Council will visit The Center\u2019s IDNYC Pop Up site to bring attention to the benefits of the municipal identification card, especially those awarded to the LGBT community.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the efforts of the New York City Council, New York created its first Municipal ID accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of who they are.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n