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The time to repeal the #WalkingWhileTrans ban is now. My district is home to NYC's largest trans community, the majority of whom are immigrants of color. I've heard the many harrowing stories of my constituents being stopped, frisked & arrested for simply walking down the street.
These injustices must end immediately. I was arrested & charged w/ prostitution when I was 16. It was a terrifying experience, & I was haunted by the spectre of my arrest record for years. In fact, my record was used against me decades later when I ran for public office.
My experience is not unique. Many people, but especially trans & gender nonconforming folks, have been victimized and are constantly being revictimized by the "loitering for the purposes of prostitution" statute.
New Yorkers have a right to live freely & openly without being subjected to violence or incarceration. I stand w/ my colleagues today in support of Resolutions 1239 & 1444.
Albany must take action to end the transphobic & homophobic ban, & to seal the records of those who were convicted bc of the statute. Thanks to @bradhoylman @AmyPaulin @CMCarlinaRivera for your dedication to this effort & to the many TGNC advocates who've leading this movement.
