Mayor Adams launches ads inviting LGBTQ Floridians to NYC, but local advocates demand more City Hall action
Originally published at: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-ads-lgbtq-florida-20220404-c6jn65fufnggdpofr56y3neoh4-story.html
Mayor Adams launched an ad campaign Monday denouncing Florida’s new anti-gay law — but local LGBTQ activists questioned whether he’s doing enough to counter homophobia at home.
The ad blitz, which is set to air in five local TV markets in the Sunshine State through the end of May, will feature digital billboards inviting Floridians to move to New York “where you can say whatever you want” — a shot at the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week.
“We are going to loudly show our support and say to those who are living in Florida: Listen, we want you here in New York,” Adams said in a press conference at City Hall unveiling the effort.
“We want you right here in New York City, and this is not just saying that. It’s also standing up and aligning ourselves with the men and women of the LGBTQ community.”
New York CIty Mayor Eric Adams announces the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities at City Hall in lower Manhattan, New York on Monday, April 4, 2022. (Ed Reed/NYC Mayor's Office)
The “Don’t Say Gay” law prohibits school districts in Florida from encouraging classroom discussion “about sexual orientation or gender identity” through third grade. The legislation has prompted court challenges and intense condemnation from Democrats and LGBTQ rights activists across the U.S.
Allen Roskoff, a veteran LGBTQ community leader in the city who joined Adams for the announcement, commended the mayor’s DeSantis-bashing ad rollout.
But Roskoff also put Adams on notice that he expects him to take additional actions to boost LGBTQ rights in the city — especially considering his decision to hire three Christian pastors with histories of anti-gay views for high-profile posts in his administration.
“No matter what you do, Mr. Mayor, I’m going to suggest more,” Roskoff said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities at City Hall in lower Manhattan, New York on Monday, April 4, 2022. (Ed Reed/NYC Mayor's Office)
For June’s Pride Month, Roskoff suggested displaying similar digital billboards and posters in city schools to celebrate gay rights. He also proposed integrating LGBTQ studies into the city’s public school curriculum.
Asked whether he could commit to implementing Roskoff’s proposals, Adams demurred.
“No, next question,” he said. The mayor did, however, call Roskoff’s suggestions “good ideas” that he will look into.
That’s not the only LGBTQ issue Adams was evasive on.
“No, I don’t,” Adams replied when asked whether he had any update on a long list of demands made by a group of LGBTQ lawmakers and advocates last month.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities at City Hall in lower Manhattan, New York on Monday, April 4, 2022. (Ed Reed/NYC Mayor's Office)
The demands — which included a proposal to create an office within City Hall dedicated to LGBTQ issues — were presented to Adams during a meeting on March 3 in the aftermath of the mayor fielding intense criticism for hiring Fernando Cabrera, Erick Salgado and Gilford Monrose for jobs in his administration despite the three men’s histories of anti-gay rhetoric.
Brooklyn Councilman Chi Osse, a member of the Council’s LGBTQ caucus, said he hasn’t heard anything from Adams’ team since attending the sit-down with the mayor over a month ago.
“I’m really hoping that he does follow through on our proposals,” Osse told the Daily News after Monday’s press conference, which he was also present for. “But it’s also our duty to continue pushing him.”
Roskoff, who has known Adams for decades and is known to regularly converse with him, made clear during Monday’s press conference that he remains upset over the mayor’s decision to keep Cabrera, Salgado and Monrose onboard.
“We are very disappointed and outraged,” he said, standing alongside Adams. “We decided to move on and work with the mayor who we believe made a big mistake in making those appointments.”
Chris Sommerfeldt is a reporter covering City Hall and all things NYC politics for the Daily News. Prior, Chris covered the Trump and Biden administrations, Congress and national politics. He began working for the Daily News in 2015 as a general assignment reporter. His superpower is biking everywhere, no matter the distance or the weather.