NYC Council Announces Historic Investment in LGBTQIA+ Caucus, Names First-Ever Executive Director

Yanery Cruz will lead the Caucus' policy, budget, and advocacy agenda

NEW YORK, NY - Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, along with Council Members Chi Ossé and Justin Sanchez, the Co-Chairs of the Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus, announced the historic appointment of Yanery Cruz to serve as the Caucus' first-ever Executive Director. Her appointment marks a significant investment in strengthening the Council's efforts to support LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers at a time when communities nationwide face escalating attacks from the Trump Administration.

Yanery's appointment was also announced with an introductory video, which can be seen here.

"The work to ensure local government remains a bulwark for queer and trans people will only grow stronger with Yanery Cruz as Executive Director," said Council Member Chi Ossé. "As Co-Chair of the New York City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus, I look forward to working alongside Yanery to ensure our communities are supported and protected in every corner of this city. At a moment like this, that work carries even greater urgency. While the federal government wages a war on the right for queer and trans people to live freely, the responsibility falls on cities like ours to lead. Yanery's appointment is an investment in the future LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers deserve."

"Yanery Cruz's extensive experience in health, housing, and advocacy paired with her own lived experience will bring the expertise and authenticity needed to truly represent and meet the needs of New York's LGBTQIA+ community," said Council Member Justin Sanchez. "She has lived across this city, served every corner of it, and advocated for people representing every letter of the acronym. I'm looking forward to working with her to maximize the strength of this caucus at a time when our community needs strong, visible leaders who can stand firm, hold the line, and carry us forward through mounting pressure."

Yanery, who identifies as a transgender woman of color, brings extensive experience serving vulnerable New Yorkers through her work with the New York Transgender Advocacy Group, Housing Works, and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. In her new role, Yanery will lead the Caucus' policy, budget, and advocacy efforts, helping advance a more coordinated and equitable agenda for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.

"I'm truly honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time," said Yanery Cruz, Executive Director of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus. "This role is about protecting our community and building a future where every LGBTQIA+ New Yorker can thrive. Our city has always been a beacon, but we cannot take that for granted. We must continue to expand rights, resources, and representation for all of us, and as Executive Director that will be a central focus of this caucus."

About Yanery Cruz

Yanery Cruz is an Afro-Latina transgender woman whose advocacy is rooted in community and lived experience. A native New Yorker, she has led efforts to uplift trans and gender-expansive voices across New York, including her work with the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG), where she co-developed key programs such as the Youth Advocacy Fellowship and Community Advisory Board, helping cultivate advocates who contributed to the passage of a New York City law improving foster-care outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth of color. Her movement-building was recognized by City & State New York on its 2025 Pride Trailblazers list. Yanery is also the Vice President of the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, where she previously received the Defiant Award in recognition of her leadership and impact.

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