Stance: The queer community stands to lose or gain significantly depending on the outcome of the current election

In the upcoming race for the mayoral seat of New York City, the focus is squarely on defending communities that are at risk, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ population. The next mayor will face a multitude of challenges, from ensuring access to essential services to fighting for rule of law and democratic values.

One of the key areas of concern is the City's Law Department. While it plays a crucial role in bringing cases to the state Supreme Court, its effectiveness in achieving real results is limited due to the constitutionally restricted power of administrative law judges. This means that the next mayor may need to address the understaffing of the Law Department and potentially commit to building an army of litigators.

The effectiveness of anti-discrimination laws in New York hinges on the political, financial, and legal capital invested to enforce them. The City Commission on Human Rights, responsible for enforcing these laws, is understaffed and underfunded, often taking months or years to bring a case. This leaves many vulnerable communities unprotected and without recourse.

Private hospitals, such as NYU Langone, have recently canceled appointments for gender-affirming care despite a federal court injunction. This action underscores the need for a mayor who will stand firmly against such practices and ensure access to essential services for all New Yorkers.

If the Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Care Act's no-cost coverage mandate for preventative care services, the next mayor will need a plan to continue guaranteeing PreP coverage for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. This will require not only political will but also significant financial resources.

The next mayor will also need to address potential cuts to NYC Health + Hospitals budgets, ensuring they are not balanced on the backs of immigrants and trans New Yorkers. The mayor has significant influence over both public and private institutions, and the direction they take is crucial.

During the 2022 MPox outbreak, local electeds and LGBTQ+ leaders played a crucial role in ensuring vaccines reached the community, with the state being more organized than the city. The next mayor will need to learn from this experience and ensure that the city is better prepared for future such events.

The fight for the next mayor includes a focus on implementing policies that support workers' rights and protect immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. The leading candidate, Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, aims to do just that, despite the challenges of underfunding and understaffing. However, specific measures have not been explicitly documented in the available sources.

Defending these communities requires litigation, direction, and action, all of which require money. The next mayor will need to prioritise funding for these vital services to ensure that New York remains a city that values and protects all of its residents.

In conclusion, the next mayor of New York City will have a challenging role, managing a city of 8.5 million and fighting for rule of law, democratic values, and democracy itself. It will require a commitment to justice, a willingness to stand up against discrimination, and a dedication to ensuring access to essential services for all New Yorkers.