PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Juan Chaudhong, Hotel Worker, on Proposed Hotel Licensing Bill
3:11:49
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138 sec
Juan Chaudhong, an LGBT immigrant from Colombia, testifies against the proposed hotel licensing bill. He shares his personal story of finding opportunities and acceptance working for a hotel company in New York City, and argues that the bill threatens his livelihood and that of others like him.
- Chaudhong describes his journey from facing discrimination in Colombia to finding a career and second home in NYC
- He emphasizes how working for a hotel company (HHI) has provided him with economic security and personal growth
- Chaudhong urges the council to reject the bill, stating it poses a significant threat to the stability of hotel workers like himself
Juan Chaudhong
3:11:49
Good morning, members of the city council.
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My name is Juan Chaudhong, and I stand before you today as a proud member of the LGBT community, and as an immigrant from Columbia.
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I have been fortunate enough to find a second home and a career here in New York City.
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Back in Columbia, I faced numerous challenges and adversity simply for being who I am.
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Discrimination and prejudice were a part of my everyday life.
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And it's almost impossible to envision a future where I
UNKNOWN
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could
Juan Chaudhong
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live free and secure.
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Despite all of these, I came and I left my home country just to find and fight for a dream.
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The termination to have a better life was my motive to come to this country.
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I initially came here to study and pursue a path to becoming a priest.
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Soon, I realized that it was not my calling.
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I switched my focus and started applying to numerous job but it was finally a HHI company who saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to work and to start building those dreams.
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I was promoted I started as a food and beverage supervisor and through hard work and dedication, I was promoted to manager.
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I have been I found HHI as a place of employment for me that has bring me all the opportunities that I need.
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And has represented an open and inclusive community where I along with all other employees can feel value and respected.
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This company has been an instrumental in my economic and security and personal growth.
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The proposed bill we are discussing today, it poses a significant threat to death security.
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It jeopardizes not only my livelihood, but also the stability and well-being of many individuals like me.
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In conclusion, I'd respectfully ask you to reject this proposed bill, let us continue to support and protect the diverse and vibrant community that makes New York City the strong Nitty gritty place it is.
3:14:04
Thank you so much.
3:14:06
Thank you.
