Carmen Vasquez
As deputy executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, Vasquez works tirelessly to win equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers. Prior to taking on this post in 2003, she served as The Center’s public policy and government relations director. Her triumphs include developing the Pride in Action campaigns to reach out to communities of faith, workplaces and unions, and educating them about marriage equality and gay civil rights. “I am proud of what my staff have accomplished in reaching more than 20,000 New Yorkers, but there is far, far to go,” said Vasquez. She advises activists: “Be as visible and out as you can stand to be because no one follows invisible people and never, ever, apologize for insisting on justice and equality now.”
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