Repealing an obscure law in Massachusetts increases opportunities for same-sex couples to obtain a legal marriage, and Governor Paterson issued a directive recognizing those marriages. Meanwhile, a report outlining the more than 1,300 rights and responsibilites that come with a civil marriage has been published. See more about all these exciting developments in our News and Events page.

The Westchester County LGBT Child Welfare Network is hosting a forum to inform and educate potential foster and adoptive parents. See the News and Events page for more information on the event and the Network.

Spirit of Community Awards honor long-time Westchester County LGBT advocates. See the News and Events page for more information.   The Westchester County Office of LGBT Affairs announces new resources available to the LGBT community.

"Resources: A Resource Directory for the LGBT Community" has been updated and is now available online. It will soon be available in Spanish.

At the 2008 LGBT Town Hall Meeting on June 11, the LGBT Advisory Board made a presentation, followed by an open mic session inviting feedback and suggestions from the community. This presentation, including the community's feedback, is now available online.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Westchester is as diverse as the general population. We live in all parts of the county, have varied family structures, work at different types of jobs and come from myriad racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Some of us live as totally open lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people — others remain in the closet for fear of reprisal. What we all have in common is the desire to be treated as equal citizens in our daily lives.

If you need help, have questions, or for more information about anything you see on these pages, please contact Yvette Christofilis, Director, Office of LGBT Affairs.