DSW Attends Equality New York Advocacy Day

DSW Legal Director Melissa Broudo traveled to Albany to participate in Equality New York’s (EQNY's) Advocacy Day. EQNY is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and has long been a partner to DSW in the fight for policies that promote health, safety, and dignity.

The fight for sex worker’s rights has always been closely connected to the LGBTQIA+ movement. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, legendary trans activists who helped lead the Stonewall Uprising, were also sex workers. Their experience as sex workers shaped their activism for LGBTQIA+ rights, though this part of their identities is far less reported on. Both movements are rooted in the broader struggle for bodily autonomy, privacy, freedom from discrimination, housing security, and the right to live safely.

This year, Equality New York is advocating for several policies that align with DSW’s legislative efforts. Among them is Cecilia’s Act (A3251/S2513), legislation that would decriminalize consensual adult prostitution in New York State. The bill is championed by the DecrimNY coalition, of which DSW is a member.

EQNY’s 2026 policy platform also includes a bill called Condoms Not as Evidence (A6382), which would prohibit the use of reproductive or sexual health devices as evidence in prostitution-related offenses. This bill is supported by A.S.H. (Advocates for Safety and Health), a coalition that DSW helped launch earlier this year.

DSW is proud to join Equality New York’s coalition and fellow advocates in calling on lawmakers to advance policies that protect LGBTQIA+ communities, promote public health, and uphold the rights and safety of sex workers.