Steps to protect your rights
To Our Friends and Supporters,
In light of the recent wave of Executive Orders issued by the White House, we want to reassure
all of you that the Dutchess County Pride Center remains steadfast in its mission and will
continue to be a safe, welcoming space for every member of the LGBTQ+ community. While
these actions may create fear and uncertainty, always remember: a piece of paper will never
determine your worth or your validity. Your existence is valid, your identity is valid, and nothing
can ever change that truth.
We are closely monitoring these Executive Orders as they unfold, as well as the legal
challenges being raised in courts across the country. The intention behind these Orders is clear.
They aim to provoke panic and sow fear within our community. But we will not let that happen.
We are working closely with other LGBTQ+ organizations across the Hudson Valley and
throughout New York State to stay proactive, stay informed, and remain united in the face of
these challenges.
While we continue this important work, there are steps you can take right now to help protect
your legal rights:
1. Ensure your legal documents are up-to-date: Make sure that your name and gender
marker match on all your important legal documents. While New York law is unlikely to
change, this is an essential step for your peace of mind and to ensure your identity is
recognized in all settings.
2. Prepare a health care proxy or living will: Designate someone to make medical decisions
for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This ensures your voice is heard
even when you cannot speak for yourself.
3. Draft a will and other estate planning documents: Having a will is crucial for safeguarding
your partner’s rights—whether or not you are legally married. This simple step can help
provide peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be taken care of.
4. Consider second-parent adoption or a judgment of parentage: If you are a non-biological
parent, consider taking the legal steps to ensure your parental rights are protected. In
New York, a birth certificate listing you as a non-biological parent, along with a marriage
license, can provide recognition of your parental status. However, please note this may
not be recognized in all states or nationally, so securing a second-parent adoption may
be important for your legal protection.
We knew this would be an uphill battle. But we are strong, and we are resilient. We have come
too far to let anyone take away our hard-earned rights. We will never back down. We will
continue to celebrate joy as a radical act of resistance, and we will keep fighting- for ourselves,
for our community, and for every person who needs our support.
Together, we are unbreakable. We are a force for change, and we will never stop.
With unwavering solidarity,
Shannon Johns, Board President
Karen Marder, LCSW, Executive Director