About Us
The New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health & Human Services Network (The Network) is a coalition founded in 1994 and administered by The Center, consisting of over 60 LGBT-specific and LGBT-supportive nonprofit organizations that provide care to LGBT New Yorkers and our families.
Our Mission
Together and United, we increase our shared capacity as LGBTQ+ specific organizations and programs to serve our communities through funding and legislative advocacy, capacity enhancement, and coalition building. As members of the New York State LGBT HHS Network, we aspire to increase the safety, freedom, quality of life, and wellbeing of every LGBTQ+ person in New York State.
Goals & Victories
The NYS LGBT Network is a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations spanning over 60 Organizations, and 30 years of service. In that time, we have accomplished feats from legislative advocacy to historic state funding increases and so much more! Check them out below!
The Network acheived its highest historic funding increase in its history. Securing an investment of 475,000 in legislative funds and 12 Million in Executive funds from the State in 2021. Marking an increase of funding by 250,000 in the legislature, and 7 million in the Executive chamber.
In 2021 The Network conducted New York State’s largest and most comprehensive LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Needs assessment, which surveyed over 2000 LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. The results and data found in the assessment have now helped to inform statewide health, employment and equity policies across the state.
In 2020 The Network created a new Racial Justice Requirement piloted in 2021. According to this new guideline, members are required to attend three hours of racial justice, diversity, and equity, in order to ensure the Network remains culturally competant and responsive to emerging trends and and community/culturally specific needs across the state.
In 2024, The Network celebrated 30 year’s of LGBTQ+ statewide coalition building! Founded in 1994, the Network is one of the longest running and funded LGBTQ+ coalitions in New York State. In April 2024, Network members convened to commemorate, celebrate and envision what the next 30 years might bring for our storied coalition!
Our History
Founded in 1994, The Network has provided over 30 years of service to LGBTQ communities across New York State. Shortly after our founding, we received New York State’s first grants for non-HIV/AIDS related LGBTQ Health and Human Services funding in New York State. Since then, our funding and reach have grown and our membership has become more representative, with members from every region of New York State. In 2022, we received our greatest historic funding increase yet, with 12 million dollars in the Executive Budget and 475,000 dollars in legislative funding, all of which goes to funding the essential, life-saving work of our membership organizations across New York State and our service to our communities and organizations.
The Network provides in person and virtual opportunities and events for members to connect around the services, resources and communities they serve across New York State
In 30 years of statewide coalition building, the network has expandeded to encompass regions and counties across New York, sustaining LGBTQ+ services, community and resources from the most rural to the most urban corners of the state.
Meet Our Community
Our community is made up of representatives from over 60 Network organizations, as well as the Network admin team and our community of supporters.
“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.”
Barbara Gittings