NYC Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus Hires Executive Director

Yanery Cruz, an Afro-Latina trans woman, will lead efforts to elevate queer community concerns.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:41pm

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A dimly lit office space with a desk, chair, and potted plant, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic responsibility.The new executive director of the City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus will work to ensure the unique needs of New York's queer community are heard and addressed.NYC Today

The New York City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus, composed of six openly LGBTQ lawmakers, has hired Yanery Cruz as its new executive director. Cruz, an Afro-Latina transgender woman, previously worked with the New York Transgender Advocacy Group and will now focus on better serving the city's queer community.

Why it matters

The creation of an executive director role for the Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus signals a renewed commitment to addressing the unique concerns of LGBTQ New Yorkers. Cruz's background and identity as a trans woman of color brings important lived experience to the position.

The details

Yanery Cruz will be responsible for elevating constituent issues, coordinating with the mayor's office, and ensuring the LGBTQIA+ Caucus is effectively advocating for the community's needs. Her appointment comes as the city works to be more inclusive and responsive to its diverse queer population.

  • The LGBTQIA+ Caucus was formed in 2024 with six openly LGBTQ Council members.
  • Yanery Cruz was hired as the Caucus' executive director on April 1, 2026.

The players

New York City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus

A group of six openly LGBTQ members of the New York City Council, formed in 2024 to elevate LGBTQ issues.

Yanery Cruz

An Afro-Latina transgender woman who was previously with the New York Transgender Advocacy Group and is now the executive director of the City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus.

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What they’re saying

“The City Council and mayor's office will be working very closely with one another when addressing the concerns of LGBTQIA+ constituents.”

— Yanery Cruz, Executive Director, NYC Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus

What’s next

The LGBTQIA+ Caucus plans to hold a public forum on May 15th to gather feedback from the community on their priorities.

The takeaway

The creation of an executive director role for the City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus demonstrates a commitment to elevating the voices and concerns of New York's diverse queer community through direct advocacy and collaboration with City Hall.