Across the nation, the LGBTQ+ community confronts a surge of legislative and policy challenges, ranging from "bathroom bills'' and "don't-say-gay" laws to the troubling trend of book bans. These actions have not only sparked concern but have shown a tangible impact on the mental well-being of our community—most notably, our youth. Such measures, while often framed as protective, have in practice served to marginalize and silence vital voices, contributing to a climate of exclusion and harm.

In New York, the LGBTQ+ community navigates a complex landscape of mental health challenges. Issues of racial justice, the repercussions of criminalization, pervasive social isolation, and censorship attempts intersect, deeply affecting the mental health of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. These challenges, while unique in their context, reflect broader national conversations on rights, identity, and well-being.

City & State's summit, in collaboration with Equality New York, invites you to a critical dialogue on these pressing issues. This event will serve as a platform to explore the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in this digital age, examine the approaches of state and city officials in these transformative times, and discuss prospective legislative responses.