Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Debbie R., Artist and Activist
1:49:43
ยท
134 sec
Debbie R., a long-time New York City resident and LGBTQ activist, spoke out against recent attacks on transgender people and immigrants, viewing them as a resurgence of fascism in the United States. She expressed strong support for bills like the AFFIRM Act and criticized Trump's executive orders targeting transgender individuals, particularly youth.
- Emphasized New York City's role as a sanctuary city supporting vulnerable communities
- Drew parallels between her experiences in Berlin and the current situation in the US
- Condemned the violation of doctor-patient confidentiality and parental rights in caring for transgender children
- Called for continued resistance against discriminatory policies and practices
Debbie R.
1:49:43
You to the city council for this opportunity to speak and be heard.
1:49:48
My name is Debbie Raichaudhry.
1:49:50
I'm an artist, musician, mother, and a lifelong lesbian.
1:49:54
I'm also Joite's sister, so her daughter is my niece.
1:50:00
I've lived in New York City since 1990.
1:50:03
Before I moved to New York, I lived in another city with a long history of LGBTQ activism.
1:50:09
That city was Berlin, Westermany because the wall hadn't come down yet.
1:50:13
It's still Westermany.
1:50:14
Along with LGBTQ activism, Berlin has a history of fascism and counter fascism.
1:50:22
Writers and thinkers, artists and musicians are all drawn to that city as much as we are to New York.
1:50:28
I am compelled to speak out because I see the attacks on trans people and immigrants as the reemergence of fascism in The US.
1:50:38
Bills like the AFFIRM Act show the federal government and the world that we are a sanctuary city that supports all people who make up this vibrant community.
1:50:51
Particularly, we support the most vulnerable people in our community.
1:50:56
Trump's unconstitutional executive orders are characterized by a bare desire to harm.
1:51:03
A man who has never served in any military role seeks to erase the existence of transgender service people.
1:51:11
He singles out transgender youth for his vitriolic attacks, engendering youth who often suffer rejection at the hands of what should be sources of support: family, peer groups, health care providers, and teachers.
1:51:26
This cruel attack against transgender people opens the floodgates of hate.
1:51:32
The confidential nature of a doctor's relationship with her patients is summarily violated, as well as the ability of parents to take care of their children without undue government interference.
Farah Louis
1:51:47
If you could wrap
Nadia Swanson (they/them)
1:51:48
it up.
Debbie R.
1:51:48
This is nonsense.
1:51:51
To which we say, not today, not now, not ever.
1:51:57
Thank you.
Farah Louis
1:51:57
Thank you.