Oh, how we love New York.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Commission on Human Rights launched early Tuesday #BeYouNYC, the first-ever citywide campaign affirming the rights of transgender New Yorkers and tourists to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, regardless of their sex assigned at birth.
“Safe and equal bathrooms access is essential for everyone,” said Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Carmelyn P. Malalis. “And in New York City, it's the law. Far too often, transgender people suffer bullying, harassment and violence for being who they are. These ads show that transgender people, like everyone else, have the right to use the restroom in peace.”
At a time when many cities across the U.S. see the rights of trans people taken away, New York City wants to remind its residents that equal bathroom access is not only a question of human rights; it's also the law. With the campaign, the city is proud to reaffirm and honor the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
The #BeYouNYC campaign will include videos and ads featuring four transgender New Yorkers. They will instruct readers to “look past pink and blue” and to “use the restrooms consistent with who you are.”
The ads will appear in buses, subway cars, phone booths and print media in English and Spanish. Ethnic newspaper ads will also appear in Korean, Chinese, Russian and Bengali.
New Yorkers approved:
Thanks @NYCMayorsOffice @NYCCHR for new campaign on right to use bathroom consistent with gender identity #BeYouNYC pic.twitter.com/63yVChJdJ7
— GMHC (@GMHC) June 6, 2016
#MotivationMonday: Cmr @CarmelynMalalis checks out our #BeYouNYC ad in @metronewyork. More: https://t.co/SbuFyzSjCh pic.twitter.com/reGszJ0Qmb
— NYC Human Rights (@NYCCHR) June 6, 2016
Councilmember Corey Johnson of Manhattan says that the “campaign reaffirms our commitment to equality as New Yorkers. When civil rights are under attack around the country, we in New York emphasize the importance of inclusion and diversity. That's exactly what this campaign is all about. By bringing exposure to this important citywide policy, we are building a culture of acceptance and proclaiming our values as New Yorkers.”
Check out the videos below:
