Yesterday I got this note from City Councilmember Brad Lander:

“Like everyone I’ve talked to, I was sickened to learn of the gut−wrenching hate attack in the Bronx last week, in which nine young men tortured and brutalized a gay man. This comes right after the painful suicide of Tyler Clementi at Rutgers, and the recent suicides of at least a half−dozen gay teenagers around the country after anti−gay bullying.

“And then this weekend, I was appalled at Carl Paladino’s shockingly insensitive, bigoted comments in Borough Park, claiming that he does not want kids “brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option.” As someone who (proudly) represents part of Borough Park and (proudly) believes in LGBT equality, I can assure you that even plenty of Orthodox Jews who don’t support marriage equality on religious grounds were furious at what he said – and where and when he said it – recognizing that neither politics nor religion can be an excuse for giving cover to violence and hate.

“And all of this less than a year after I had hoped we were on the cusp of passing marriage equality in New York.

“It sure doesn’t seem like so much to ask that our friends and colleagues could have the simple dignity of knowing that their government doesn’t think less of their love than of mine. Or that the many kids of gay and lesbian couples who are growing up in our neighborhood would know that their families are entirely welcome and equal. Or that teenagers discovering their own sexuality would feel safe in who they are, not bullied by their classmates, or brutalized by hateful thugs, or demeaned by politicians pandering for votes.

“But it is pretty clear here that we are called not to despair, but to stand up proudly and resolutely, to support friends and loved ones – including LGBTQ young people – and to keep working together toward a brighter and more equal day.

“I’m proud to live in a neighborhood (and attend a synagogue) known for welcoming LGBTQ families and individuals. And proud to be part of a City Council that has worked with the NYC Department of Education on the “Respect for All” initiative to combat bullying and harassment, to foster inclusive schools, and to promote respect for our diversity.

“But it is obvious that this is no moment for feeling self−satisfied. There’s clearly a lot more that we – as neighbors, as parents, and as citizens – need to do.

“A few small steps for right now:

• Support the Brooklyn Community Pride Center
  The Brooklyn Community Pride Center is just gearing up in its mission of support, empowerment, and community−building for Brooklyn’s LGBTQ community. One of the Center’s first programs, starting this month, is youth programming with the outstanding Hetrick Martin Institute, to provide supportive space for LGBTQ young people.I was pleased to be able to provide some discretionary funding to the Center in this year’s City budget, and am planning on co−hosting a fundraiser for them later this year (together with my City Council colleagues, Letitia James and Jumaane Williams) that I look forward to inviting you to.

  In the meantime, please consider a contribution to them.

• Check out “It Gets Better” … and let young people know how you feel
  If you haven’t seen it already, check out the “It Gets Better” video project that Dan Savage set up on You Tube. There are some powerful stories from gay and lesbian adults – including my City Council colleagues Danny Dromm, Rosie Mendez, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Speaker Chris Quinn – reaching out to let young people know about their experiences, and that they can be proud of who they are.
  Straight allies – especially parents – have a critical role here too, making sure that all our kids get the message. No school−based initiative or YouTube videos can possibly take the place of parents who teach their kids to respect others, to interrupt teasing and stand up to bullying, to be comfortable in their own skin and make sure their peers can be as well.
• Vote for equality (and support candidates who do)
  Finally, since it is election season, it is an important time to act politically as well. Andrew Cuomo, Tom DiNapoli, and Eric Schneiderman all support marriage equality. Their opponents do not.

  As for the State Senate, where we eventually have to win this fight: please consider supporting the work of Fight Back NY, dedicated to helping defeat candidates who oppose LGBTQ equality, and electing those who do.

This is a long struggle, and it’s been a really bad month. Let’s make sure it gets better.”