Issue Position: LGBTQ Equality

Issue Position

LGBTQ Equality -- I will work hard to make sure we have adequate policies and legislation to support the myriad of issues facing our LGBTQ community, including youth homelessness, elders aging, and nondiscrimination protections for transgender people.

I have been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality. I was proud to work with Senator (then-Representative) Flanagan when the Legislature blocked the constitutional amendment seeking to ban same-sex marriage. As State Representative, I will champion legislation that supports our LGBTQ community.

As State Representative, I will work with LGBTQ youth-serving groups to ensure they can best support our LGBTQ youth. The LGBTQ Youth Commission is a phenomenal asset to our community, not only acting a resource for recommendation and best practices when it comes to policies and legislation, but as well as a training ground for new leaders. I will advocate for adequate funding for the LGBTQ Youth Commission. I will support legislation to tackle youth homelessness, which unproportionately affects our LGBTQ youth. Additionally, I support legislation that ensures comprehensive health education includes information and resources for our LGBTQ youth.

It is unacceptable that under Massachusetts public accommodations law, there are no protections for transgender people. As State Representative, I will be an outspoken advocate for this legislation. No one should be subject to discrimination.

I have worked as a legal intern with the Elder Law Unit at Community Legal Aid and had the opportunity to learn about the many issues that affect our elderly community. As State Representative, I will support legislation to protect our aging elders. We must provide adequate support for our elders and their caregivers.

I will also continue to advocate for LGBTQ survivors of sexual and domestic violence and individuals with HIV/AIDS. Through my work as a rape crisis counselor, I have had the great opportunity to train and collaborate with The Network/La Red and Aids Project Worcester.

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