N.Y.C. Father of 2 Makes Queer Political History on 55th Anniversary of Pride. Behind His 'New Politics' of Compassion (Exclusive)


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Openly gay lawmaker Brad Hoylman-Sigal opens up to PEOPLE about winning a historic Manhattan election as New York City celebrated 55 years of Pride. With his recent victory, the father of two is now poised to become the first LGBTQ+ borough president in the city that birthed the gay liberation movement

Brad Hoylman-Sigal is married to David Sigal, and they have two daughters, Silvia and Lucy. The couple's journey to parenthood was not straightforward, as they faced challenges with surrogacy. They eventually welcomed their daughters through this process, which Hoylman-Sigal describes as a transformative experience. He speaks candidly about the emotional and logistical hurdles they encountered, emphasizing the importance of family and the joy his daughters bring to their lives.
In the interview, Hoylman-Sigal also discusses his political career, which began in 2012 when he was elected to the New York State Senate. He has since become a prominent figure in New York politics, known for his progressive stance on various issues. One of his key focuses has been advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. As an openly gay senator, he has been a vocal supporter of marriage equality and other related issues. He played a significant role in the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York in 2011, which legalized same-sex marriage in the state.
Hoylman-Sigal's legislative priorities extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights. He is a strong advocate for affordable housing, environmental protection, and education reform. He has introduced several bills aimed at addressing these issues, including measures to increase funding for public schools and to protect tenants from unjust evictions. He also speaks passionately about the need for comprehensive climate action, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on future generations.
The senator's commitment to social justice is evident in his work on criminal justice reform. He has been a vocal critic of mass incarceration and has pushed for legislation to reduce the prison population and improve conditions for inmates. He supports initiatives to end cash bail and to invest in rehabilitation programs rather than punitive measures. Hoylman-Sigal believes that a more equitable criminal justice system is essential for building a fairer society.
In addition to his legislative work, Hoylman-Sigal is involved in various community initiatives. He regularly participates in local events and works closely with community organizations to address the needs of his constituents. He emphasizes the importance of being accessible and responsive to the people he represents, often holding town hall meetings and engaging with residents on social media.
The interview also touches on Hoylman-Sigal's personal life outside of politics. He enjoys spending time with his family, often taking his daughters to parks and museums. He values the time they spend together and sees it as a way to instill important values in his children. He also speaks about the challenges of balancing his political career with his family life, acknowledging that it can be demanding but ultimately rewarding.
Hoylman-Sigal's journey to becoming a senator was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from more conservative elements within his party and had to work hard to build a coalition of support. He credits his success to his dedication to his constituents and his willingness to listen to their concerns. He believes that effective leadership requires empathy and a genuine commitment to improving people's lives.
The senator's advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal. He speaks about the discrimination he faced growing up and how it motivated him to fight for equality. He sees his role as a senator as an opportunity to make a difference and to ensure that future generations do not have to face the same challenges he did. He is particularly passionate about protecting the rights of transgender individuals and has introduced legislation to ban conversion therapy and to ensure access to gender-affirming care.
Hoylman-Sigal's work on affordable housing is another area where he has made significant contributions. He has been a vocal critic of gentrification and has pushed for policies to protect low-income residents from displacement. He supports initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing and to provide rent subsidies for those in need. He believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home and sees affordable housing as a fundamental human right.
The senator's commitment to environmental protection is also a key focus of his work. He has introduced legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote renewable energy. He believes that addressing climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time and that it requires bold action from policymakers. He supports initiatives to transition to a green economy and to invest in sustainable infrastructure.
In the interview, Hoylman-Sigal also discusses his views on education reform. He believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education and that the current system is failing too many students. He supports initiatives to increase funding for public schools and to address disparities in educational outcomes. He also advocates for policies to support teachers and to ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed.
The senator's work on criminal justice reform is another area where he has made significant contributions. He believes that the current system is too focused on punishment and not enough on rehabilitation. He supports initiatives to reduce the prison population and to invest in programs that help inmates reintegrate into society. He also advocates for policies to end cash bail and to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Overall, the interview with Brad Hoylman-Sigal provides a comprehensive look at his life and career. It highlights his dedication to his family, his commitment to social justice, and his passion for making a difference in the lives of his constituents. He is a multifaceted individual who brings a unique perspective to his role as a senator, and his work continues to have a significant impact on the people of New York.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/brad-hoylman-sigal-exclusive-interview-11765560 ]
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