“New York City, home of the gay rights movement and one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in the world, deserves a Guide that can connect people to the services they need,” Comptroller Stringer said. “Our LGBTQ Guide helps residents and visitors alike better understand what resources are available, from hundreds of community organizations and health care facilities to counseling and support groups, recreational clubs, and much more. I am honored to provide this important information to all New Yorkers.”
The 2015 edition of the Guide reflects extensive outreach to LGBTQ organizations to update contact information and locations for over 250 entries. Among the 30 new additions, the Guide includes details for New York City hospitals with LGBTQ health service units. From the Elmhurst Hospital Chemical Dependency Treatment Clinic in Queens, which offers services focused on HIV positive individuals, to the Metropolitan Hospital Center in Manhattan, which offers transgender family services, hospitals throughout the City are providing a wide range of specialized services to LGBTQ New Yorkers.
Another purpose of the Guide is to raise awareness of the existing challenges for the LGBTQ community by including related statistics. A recent survey found that 74 percent of transgender persons have experienced harassment on the job, and studies show that over 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. These facts emphasize the importance of having an accurate listing of services geared towards the LGBTQ community.
“This Guide offers a broad range of services to reflect the diversity of our thriving LGBTQ community. Given the constantly changing nature of our City, my team is dedicated to keeping up with the latest information to offer our LGBTQ constituents,” Stringer said. “I invite all New Yorkers to visit the Guide online, to find the services you need in your neighborhood.”
To view the complete guide and website, click here.