On June 1, 2022, which was the start of Pride Month, the NYS Senate Passed S6501B to establish the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board to "[a]dvise the governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, and educational links between New York state and the LGBTQ+ community in New York state and advise state agencies in developing policies designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in New York state."
While this is a great move because having the community represented in Government is important, it's questionable why the law provides that all members of the new board must "identify as LGBTQ+".
What ever happened to allies being important in removing discrimination? Shouldn't we want experts on the topic to advise government irrespective of their personal orientation. Stated otherwise, shouldn't we want leaders in the study of health behavior, law, economics, etc. who have dedicated their careers to studying their field as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community rather than making lay anecdotal thought run the show?
Maybe the Assembly will be smart enough to change this clearly illogical restriction.
