Governor Cuomo stands with the LGBT community

Governor Cuomo stood with and continued to strengthen his relationship with the LGBT community Sunday.

Cuomo announced aggressive actions will be taken to counter the Trump Administration's expected efforts to rollback a provision in the Affordable Care Act that would legalize discrimination against transgender individuals seeking access to health care.

The potential rollbacks would expose 90,300 transgender New Yorkers.

"New York was founded upon the principles of fairness and equality and we won't stand idly by while Washington seeks to claw back hard-earned rights and protections," Cuomo said. "For every step the Trump Administration takes backwards, New York will take two steps forward, and these regulations will guarantee and expand protections for transgender New Yorkers to help ensure every resident has equal access to health care." 

The Governor has directed the New York State Department of Health to issue regulations prohibiting health care providers from discriminating against transgender patients.

The State Department of Financial Services has also been directed to issue new regulations to expand the scope of anti-discrimination protections for transgender individuals seeking health insurance beyond the ACA's prior protections.

Cuomo also announced the opening of New York's official monument honoring all the victims of of hate, intolerance, and violence in the LGBT community Sunday. 

The monument was designed by artist Anthony Goicolea, and is located in at the western edge of Greenwich Village, in Hudson River Park.

"This memorial serves to honor the lives cut tragically short in the Pulse nightclub shooting two years ago as well as the lifelong struggle and adversity faced by countless individuals in the LGBT community," Cuomo said. "As we recognize the sacrifice this community has had to endure throughout the course of history, we are reminded of our commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of the LGBT community until we live in a world free from hate once and for all." 

The monument promotes thought and reflection and encourages people to unite in a communal environment.