Homosexuality has been legal since the New York v. Onofre case in 1980.

Marriage Equality Act was signed into law by Former Governor Cuomo on June 24, 2011, allowing same-sex couples to marry legally in New York for the first time.

The New York City Clerk started issuing Marriage Licenses and performing civil marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples on July 24, 2011.

The USA also followed later in 2015 with the Marriage Equality Act (2015)

Strong anti-discrimination policies and no active censorship measures.

The Gender Recognition Act allows for LGBTQ people to change their gender on their drivers licenses or permits. Anyone over 17 is able to do so without a parent, Under 17 requires a parent. Gender Recognition Act was introduced in 2017 but was made law in 2021, and is still currently active. Gender Recognition Act repelled subdivision 1 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, which requires an applicant for a driver license to submit proof of fitness. Driver's Licenses and Permits and Birth Certificates all have the X gender marker, this allows people of all genders to select the marker without repercussions.

Currently there are no known laws specifically on gender affirming care. New York City has an ordinance for those who are getting gender affirming care the provider cannot be detained for giving gender affirming care. Minors are able to get treatment as well. Under the Family Care Act, Families in retaliation of the minor's gender affirming care will have to subject to court where the child maybe removed from the home due to retaliation. New York City also passed an safe haven executive order stating anyone doing gender affirming care, or receiving gender affirming care in a state where it is illegal and punishable will not face punishment in New York City. New York follows ICD-10 under the WHO organization, minors and adults have to get a gender diagnoses before being treated and or have been treated by a medical professional.

Across the State as of June 2021 gender marker X was signed by Governor Hochul, The bill was first introduced in 2004, It was sitting in congress until 2021 then they made a motion to pass it. Assembly Bill A5465D, Gender Recognition Act.

SONDA was passed in early 2003, making illegal for employers to discriminate against employees. This also includes Transgender people.

The NY State Senate passed a bill called The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, it was signed in Jan 2019 but did not take effect until February 2019. This law prohibits any and ALL work-place discrimination.

The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, effective as of January 16, 2003, makes it unlawful for anyone in New York State to be discriminated against in employment, housing, credit, education and public accommodations because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. SONDA, in combination with laws prohibiting discrimination based on marital status, together prohibit discrimination against same-sex couples in employment, housing, credit, education, and public accommodations.

With respect to transgender individuals, SONDA does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression. However, SONDA does apply when a transgender person is discriminated against based upon his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation. Furthermore, courts have also held that transgender people are protected under provisions of the New York State Human Rights Law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and/or disability. And in 2009, then-Governor David Paterson issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination in state employment on the basis of gender identity.

Individuals and couples may adopt, and second-parent adoptions are legal.

Gov. Hochul signed Senate Bill S5399, giving parents information about intersex infants. This will ensure parents are given the right information about the surgeries. Gov. Hochul said “Every individual in New York deserves to be treated with dignity and respect by our medical system, especially our kids. This new law is a significant step forward to raise awareness of the intersex community and ensure they get informed and compassionate medical care." Infants are not required to have the surgery unless it is medically necessary for the child, ie having complications relating to intersex.

President Biden removed former President Trumps ban on transgender people serving in the military, transgender people are still allowed to serve as of 2024.


A year after the ban was lifted, Admiral Levine was sworn into being an Admiral, becoming the first transgender woman to hold a high rank in the Navy and in Cabinet.

The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.

New York has passed a law regarding conversion therapy for minors under the age of 18. Over the age of 18, people can be subjected to conversion therapy.

The age of consent in New York is 17 for heterosexual and homosexual sex.