aimed at expanding protections for the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of sex trafficking. NYLPI applauds the Governor for taking this crucial step, acknowledging that the criminalization of survivors of sex trafficking has detrimental effects on the TGNCI community. The START Act, S.674/A.459, strengthens protections for survivors of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, compelling prostitution, and trafficking in persons. In coalition with Equality New York, NYLPI is advocating for the passage of the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (SVSTA), S.3075/A.849, a bill which would further decriminalize the TGNCI community by providing criminal record relief for people convicted of crimes related to sex work.

NYLPI’s TGNCI+ project has recently deepened outreach and advocacy for TGNCI survivors of trafficking through our T-visa practice, a form of immigration relief that helps connect survivors to healthcare and other public benefits. NYLPI’s legal services are free for this community.

The START Act reduces barriers that prevent immigrant survivors from achieving safety and stability. Learn more about the START Act from Gov. Hochul’s office and learn more about NYLPI’s latest TGNCI+ resources on our website.