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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eric Ramirez Naranjo, LGBTQ+ Fellow in Public Policy at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
3:13:33
·
150 sec
Eric Ramirez Naranjo, representing GMHC, strongly supports Resolution 94-A, which urges New York State to pass comprehensive sexuality education legislation. He emphasizes the importance of this bill in enhancing sexual health education and ending the HIV epidemic in New York City.
- Advocates for removing the opt-out provision for HIV education to ensure all students receive inclusive, accurate information
- Highlights the potential of comprehensive sex education to reduce STI transmission rates and prevent sexual violence
- Stresses the urgency of inclusive education, especially for LGBTQ+ youth facing increased risks and discrimination
Eric Ramirez Naranjo
3:13:33
Good afternoon.
3:13:34
My name is Eric Ramirez Naranjo, and I am 19 year old NYU college student and a Richie Jackson LGBTQ plus fellow in public policy at gay men's health crisis GMHC.
3:13:44
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
3:13:46
I stand in strong support of resolution 94 a sponsored by council member Hanif, urging the New York state legislator to pass and for the governor to sign a 4604 alongside a companion bill in the state senate to amend the education law regarding comprehensive sexuality education in schools.
3:14:02
The bill is crucial for enhancing sexual health education at the city level and plays a vital role in ending the HIV epidemic.
3:14:09
Today, I will outline reasons why this act is vital to GMHC and the communities we serve.
3:14:14
But first, the opt out provision for HIV education needs to be removed.
3:14:19
Section 7 of a 6404 allows parents to exempt students from HIV prevention education, an outdated policy that risks denying New York City students life saving information.
3:14:29
Singling out HIV education feels stigma, demeans, and ignores its urgency, especially for LGBTQ plus students already facing heightened risks of harassment, violence, and homelessness, further marginalizing LGBTQ plus youth.
3:14:43
GMHC strongly supports the removal of this exemption to ensure all students receive inclusive, accurate education around HIV while respecting parental choice.
3:14:51
This change is vital to dismantling stigma and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all.
3:14:56
This bill will increase the good health outcomes and decrease STI transmission.
3:15:00
CDC studies consistently show that states with comprehensive sexual education have lower rates of STIs, including HIV.
3:15:07
Medically accurate, age appropriate programs empower youth to make informed decisions reducing risk of infections and unintended pregnancies.
3:15:14
Adopting these programs in New York aligns with the public health best practices.
3:15:18
This bill will help prevent sexual violence and increase student safety.
3:15:22
Resolution 94 a empowers you to recognize and report sexual abuse by teaching consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships, allowing students to thrive.
3:15:30
Research from Columbia University's SHIFT project shows that comprehensive sex education can lower the risk of sexual assault, youth dating violence, and lower STI rates in school.
3:15:39
Resolution 94 a is a commitment to safety and equity.
3:15:43
Access to life saving information, especially for at risk youth, is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic.
3:15:48
With rising attacks on LGBTQ youth nationally, legislatively, and physically, inclusive education is more urgent than ever.
3:15:56
GMHC urges the council to pass resolution 94 a and advocate for policies that protect all youth.
3:16:02
Thank you again.
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Testimony by Sam Skaller, Senior Campus Coordinator at New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, on Comprehensive Sex Education
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Testimony by Molly Senack, Representative of Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, on Comprehensive Sex Education for People with Disabilities