Thanks to the action you've taken, we’ve collected more than 11,000 signatures calling on the New York State Legislature to protect LGBT youth from conversion efforts and to secure basic civil rights protections for transgender New Yorkers. We have received thousands of positive, loving, and passionate comments in support of these two bills, proving once again that New York State not only needs this legislation, it WANTS this legislation -- overwhelmingly! New Yorkers are proud that our state is a beacon of liberty not only to the rest of the nation, but to the world, and in order to live up to that ideal, we want a state that protects and nurtures all LGBT youth, and that gives transgender youth hope for a future where they cannot be discriminated against simply for being who they are. We are grateful and inspired to add you to the growing pool of advocates and allies who continue to take action on these issues. Check out just some of the comments we received from our petition and please help spread the word so that 2015 is the year we pass these two life-saving bills! “I was so surprised when reading to find out that NEW YORK of all places did not have these protections for transgender people. I thought NY was so progressive (in a lot of ways); it's one of the reasons I love to live here! Let's get it together people! Transgender folks deserve and NEED these protections!” -Larissa, Syracuse “Every child should be safe. Every child should be loved. Suicide is preventable with proper and early intervention. “ -Dale, Williamsville “This needs to pass. The government needs to wake up. #translivesmatter” -Nic, Brooklyn “I support all my transgender friends, their safety and livelihood.” -Christopher, Ronkonkoma “I'm signing because as a person of faith I believe in full equality for all people.” -Judith, Poestenkill “LGBT kids are not broken. They're not sick. They don't need fixing, and they don't need a cure.” -Allyson, Pleasantville “Transgender youth deserve the same health and wellness that any of us do. As a cis woman who loves a trans man I am passionate about trans rights. My partner struggled with judgment from his family for many years and continues to face oppression in accessing health care and other basic rights. Today's youth need our advocacy.” -Crystal, Camillus “This is crucial legislation. As somebody who grew up with deeply religious and intolerant parents, I experienced abuse masquerading as the "unconditional love" that Leelah's mother claims to have given Leelah. My parents drove me underground with my own transgender identity. I did not even have Leelah's courage to come out to my parents. I experienced such shame and denial about my gender identity that I did not begin my transition until I was 40 years old. I sincerely hope that New York will adopt this legislation to save transgender youth from experiences like mine and Leelah's” -Jocelyn, Bronx “I'm signing as a Social Worker, and advocate for the LGBTQ community in New York State. Conversion therapy has been proven ineffective and harmful, by the AMA and APA, but most importantly, by the youth traumatized by these inhumane practices. Don't be reckless. Pass this bill! As for GENDA, NYS needs to be on the right side of equality and basic human rights! No one in this state should be subject to discrimination because of their identity. Let's get this going-we've been asking you for over a decade!!! Pass GENDA now! Thank you.” -Rosy, Albany “I'm signing this because it the human thing to do, protect and care for each other.” -Reginald, Brooklyn “I care about the transgender children I know.” -John, Albany “I believe that everyone has the right to live free of oppression and abuse - regardless of gender, and gender-expression - including abuse by means of "therapy". I choose, as a lesbian and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, to stand with Leelah and say "Enough!” Pass GENDA now!” -Kristine, Canaan