This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Rep. Marty Walsh releases LGBTQ platform

Today, in honor of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month, State Representative and mayoral candidate Marty Walsh released his Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Platform.

“As a legislator, I’ve held a longstanding commitment to protecting the rights of Boston’s LGBTQ population and my record strongly reflects that,” said Rep. Walsh. “When equality is comprehensively supported and promoted, all of Boston is enriched. As Mayor of Boston, I will work to confront the issues that remain in our communities, including caring for our LGBTQ elders and supporting our LGBTQ youth.” 

Rep. Walsh’s plan focuses on LGBTQ youth and schools through:

  • Establishing designated “Safe Spaces” at schools
  • Creating LGBTQ student leadership programs
  • Developing transitional housing and social services for LGBTQ homeless youth
  • Conducting annual surveys of students to inform LGBTQ youth wellness programs
  • Creating a “Pathways to Inclusion” initiative to provide mandatory anti-bullying workshops for all students
  • Implementing a city-wide comprehensive, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sexual education program in middle and high schools
  • Dedicating one Boston Public Schools (BPS) staff in-service day per year for teacher training on LGBTQ issues
  • Creating an official LGBTQ liaison within BPS
  • Developing a comprehensive Transgender Student Policy

The plan also identifies services for seniors, by developing a system for senior care centers to voluntarily apply for LGBTQ-friendly designation, by encouraging and supporting volunteer LGBTQ senior speakers to share their stories through a public service campaign, and by mandating that city-funded organizations serving seniors be trained and certified in providing LGBTQ-appropriate care.

Rep. Walsh has also pledged to create Boston’s LGBTQ Commission to serve as advisors to the City, and to create a LGBTQ City Hall Liaison position to provide resources and access to services through the City. As Mayor, Rep. Walsh will also appoint school committee members who support a commitment to LGBTQ rights, and enhance LGBTQ trainings for the Boston Police Department. The Walsh Administration will conduct an annual survey on sexual orientation, gender identity, and experiences of LGBTQ individuals in various public institutions. The collected data will be examined in partnership with local universities to examine how services and support could be better provided.

Rep. Walsh has been a leader on LGBTQ equality for many years. He is credited by state and national LGBTQ rights organizations as one of the key influencers in making marriage equality a reality in Massachusetts. His leadership emerged early in his career as State Representative when he helped guide the effort with MassEquality and the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus to stop the anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment.

Download a copy of the plan at:

 

Find out what's happening in Beacon Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Beacon Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?