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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sorian R. on Support for Transgender Rights and Services
1:29:56
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Sorian R., a 24-year-old trans masculine non-binary resident of Astoria, Queens, testified in support of increased funding and services for transgender, non-conforming, and non-binary New Yorkers. They emphasized the importance of these services in light of current political challenges to transgender rights at the federal and state levels.
- Shared personal experiences with navigating legal paperwork for name and gender marker changes, as well as challenges in accessing gender-affirming care
- Urged the committee to support funding for public outreach on legal services, protect access to gender-affirming care, and develop plans to support young transgender migrants and the overall health of TGNCNBI New Yorkers
- Highlighted the life-changing and life-saving nature of these services, especially for those with less access to support and resources
Sorian R.
1:29:56
Thank you committee.
1:29:58
My name is Sorian Reck.
1:30:00
I'm a 24 year old resident of Astoria, Queens in District 22 and a trans masculine non binary person who relies on access to gender affirming care.
1:30:09
I'm here to speak in support of increased funding for transgender non conforming and non binary New Yorkers.
1:30:14
It's no secret obviously that the rights and liberties of trans people everywhere are under attack under the current federal administration with many other state legislatures like Texas and Iowa now feeling emboldened to follow suit and escalate.
1:30:26
In these terrifying times, it's more important now than ever to ensure that trans individuals can feel safe and supported in New York City.
1:30:32
I know firsthand how overwhelming and complicated it is to navigate the legal paperwork to change your name and gender marker on various documents.
1:30:39
And I myself have had access to my own gender affirming care be delayed and denied through different insurances and different pharmacies.
1:30:46
But I'm one of the lucky ones who's been able to overcome these barriers thanks to support from my family, friends, and the amazing trans and queer community of New York City.
1:30:54
These services are life changing and life saving.
1:30:56
For those with less access to support and resources, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to try to advocate for yourself as a transgender person in the current political climate.
1:31:05
So this is why I want to implore the committee to vote in support of funding public outreach regarding legal services for trans people, preventing interference with providing gender affirming care, and develop plans both to specifically support young transgender migrants and the health and well-being of all transgender non conforming, non binary and intersex New Yorkers.
1:31:22
Thank you.