LGBTQ leaders, candidates join Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC’s 40th anniversary party

Elected officials, political leaders, and candidates vying for political office joined Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City’s 40th anniversary party on Jan. 29 at Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo.

The citywide LGBTQ political club honored the work of Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who recently took office as the first out Manhattan borough president; Mateo Guerrero, who is the trans justice and leadership director at Make the Road New York; and Nadia Swanson, the director of advocacy and global programs at the Ali Forney Center.

“We are living through dark times,” Stonewall’s president, Gabriel Lewenstein, said in a written statement. “But in the 40 years of the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, we have won victory after victory — and in dark times, we do not give up. In the years ahead, we are going to fight to win back the House and the Senate, we’re going to work with our new mayor to ensure LGBTQ people are defended from federal attacks, and we are going to lift up trans leaders and ensure they have the resources they need to be safe.”

The event was well attended among political leaders seeking congressional bids. Contestants in the 12th District included Assemblymember Micah Lasher, Alex Bores, Alan Pardee, Laura Dunn, Nina Schwalbe, and Matthew Shurka. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, running for Congress in the Seventh District, was also on hand, along with Michael Blake, who is running in the 15th District.

Congressmembers Jerrold Nadler and Grace Meng were also in attendance, along with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and out Councilmember Justin Sanchez, who previously served as Stonewall’s president. Out Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Jessica González-Rojas were in attendance, as well.

See some photos from the event below:

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal with Stonewall’s former president, Rose Christ.Donna Aceto

Melissa Sklarz and Nadia Swanson of the Ali Forney Center.Donna Aceto

Mateo Guerrero of Make the Road New York with Elisa Crespo of the Stonewall Community Foundation.Donna Aceto

Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Jessica González-Rojas.Donna Aceto

Comptroller Mark Levine (left) with Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.Donna Aceto

Stonewall’s former president, Rod Townsend, with Assemblymember Catalina Cruz of Queens.Donna Aceto

Congressmember Jerrold Nadler (left) with State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.Donna Aceto

Entertainer Tym Moss with Nadia Swanson.Donna Aceto

City Council Speaker Julie Menin.Donna Aceto