We at Metropolitan Community Church of New York believe strongly in transgender rights and equality. Sylvia Rivera (pictured here), was a transgendered activist, Stonewall Veteran, compassionate soul concerned with the needs of others and a member of MCCNY. The shelter for homeless queer youth and the Food Pantry at MCCNY are both named in her honor. In keeping with the legacy of Sylvia Rivera, the fight for transgender rights, equality and justice continues to this day.

If you are transgendered, you are always welcome at MCCNY. On Sundays, Deacon Moshay Moses hosts Gender People, a ministry for transgendered people, open to all. If you'd like to take action for transgendered equality, contact your New York State Assembly person and urge them to Take Action Now...

This video, created by Heidi Knoblauch, addresses the issue of "Birth Certificate Regulations in New York City," includes an interview with MCCNY member and deacon, Noah Seaton:

For more information about the fight for transgender rights in New York, visit the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.

Urge the Assembly to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)!

Even though the legislative session is over, it is important to continue the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and justice. It's wrong for an employee to be fired because he doesn't act masculine enough for the boss, or for a tenant to be evicted from an apartment when the landlord finds out she lives her life in a gender different from the sex she was assigned at birth.

That's why New York needs the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) (A.6584 / S.3752). The Assembly has yet to vote on this important bill. It also has over 70 Assembly co-sponsors, and mirrors similar laws passed in 13 other states.

Call your Assemblymember and urge him or her to go to Assembly Speaker Silver and ask that GENDA be brought to a vote before the entire Assembly. If you want to make two calls, call the Speaker's office directly (518-455-3791) and say that you want to see GENDA brought to a vote.

To find your assemblymember's contact information visit or if you're not sure who your assemblymember is, visit: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/.