Kevin Parker, He/Him
New York City Comptroller
Link to website: https://www.kevinparkernyc.com/
QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. Why do you want LID’s endorsement?
I am seeking LID’s endorsement because as the largest LGBTQIA+ political organization in
Brooklyn, I know that LID fights for the same values I stand for which are civil rights,
equality and the education of our voters. I am ready to fight for our shared goals and I
know that with your endorsement, I will be one step closer to doing so.
2. If you have previously held office, describe a time while elected that you advocated and
acted for the LGBTQIA+ community. If you have not held office, describe a time you have
advocated for the LGBTQIA+ community.
I am proud to say that as a New York State Senator, I was a staunch supporter of the New
York Marriage Equality Act and fought for its passage in 2011. This made New York the
first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage, and established our state as a
leader in LGBTQIA+ rights. I also advocated for the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination
Act which passed in 2019 and it protects people from discrimination based on their
gender identity or expression. Although these achievements are great, I know there is still
more work to be done in standing with our LGBTQIA+ community.
3. Are you accepting campaign contributions from law enforcement or for profit real
estate?
No.
4. Has Mayor Eric Adams met the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community? Please include
“yes” or “no” in your answer.
No.
5. Are you committed to continuing and expanding city support for the Summer Youth
Employment Program Pride initiative (SYEP Pride)?
Yes.
6. How will you support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly at this time
when LGBTQIA+ rights, and transgender rights in particular, are under attack
nationwide?
When elected NYC Comptroller, I will support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community
by ensuring that our city invests in initiatives that support equality and inclusion.
7. How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites?
I will support and empower marginalized Brooklynites, by using the Office of New York
City Comptroller, to speak out and bring awareness to the issues that are facing these
communities. In addition to this, I will advocate for investments in programs that assist in
supporting these marginalized communities.
8. Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in safeguarding the social safety net for
millions of New Yorkers. Nonprofit organizations, including LGBTQIA+ community
centers, are more than contractors; they are essential partners in addressing
homelessness, hunger, healthcare, education, and more. However, chronic delays in
city payments have left these organizations on the brink of collapse, threatening
the services our most vulnerable residents rely on every day.
Will you commit to prioritizing timely payments to nonprofits, working to break down
bureaucratic barriers that prevent timely payments, supporting financial stability for
nonprofits, and working to uphold our critical NYC safety net?
Yes I do.
9. The city is currently behind the legally mandated timeline to close the jails on Rikers
Island by 2027? Are you committed to this deadline and if so, what will you do to
ensure the City meets it? If not, what steps do you propose taking to reduce
incarceration and uphold the civil rights and human dignity of individuals confined in
our City jails, particularly transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people?
As New York City Comptroller, I will be committed to that deadline and I will use the
office to put pressure on the Mayor as well as city leaders to take steps towards
meeting that deadline.
10. Do you support the proposed Haven Green development in the Lower East Side,
which would create much-needed housing for LGBTQ+ seniors, among others? What
other steps will you take to address the affordability crisis and increase housing
available to New Yorkers, particularly individuals moving here to escape harmful red-
state policies?
As NYC Comptroller, I would support the proposed Haven Green development in the
Lower East Side. Additionally, I would advocate for city spending towards
development plans that would produce affordable housing and ensure that NYCHA
receives a substantial investment to fix many of the problems with their buildings.
11. What steps are you prepared to take to combat Trump Administration policies
that harm New Yorkers?
I am prepared to fight back against the Trump Administration and as NYC
Comptroller I will fight to make sure that not one cent of New York City’s budget is
devoted towards any of his harmful policies.
Please answer YES or NO to indicate support for, or opposition to, the following city council
initiatives:
1. Int. 3093-A: Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to access to gender-affirming care facilities and a cause of action related to
interference with gender-affirming care.
Yes.
2. Int. 3184-A: Local Law in relation to requiring the chair of the commission on gender
equity to develop a plan to support newly arrived migrants 24-years-old and
younger and transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex newly
arrived migrants.
Yes.
3. Int. 3183-A: Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to requiring the commissioner of health and mental hygiene to develop a
health agenda to promote the health and wellbeing of transgender, gender
nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex New Yorkers.
Yes.
4. Int. 3179-A: Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to a public information and outreach campaign regarding legal rights and
resources available to Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, and Nonbinary
(TGNCNB) individuals.
Yes.
5. Int. 3105-Oversight: Ensuring Access to Supports for TGNCNB People in New York City.
Yes.
6. Int. 0149-2024: The Sex Worker Protection Act, championed by LGBTQIA+ Caucus
Co-Chair Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Council Member Crystal Hudson.
Yes.
COMMITMENTS:
● If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo and full name on all materials and other
places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of specific organizations (unions,
etc) or elected officials)?
Yes I do.
● Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and other
announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of the...”
Yes I do.