Allen Roskoff

Last updated
Allen Roskoff
CitizenshipUnited States
OccupationPolitical activist
Years active1970–present
OrganizationJim Owles Liberal Democratic Club
Known forLGBTQ+ activism
Political partyDemocrat
PartnerJim Owles

Allen Roskoff was the chief lobbyist for the nation's first gay rights bill, for which he is alternately credited as the author and co-author. [1] The bill, which sought to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, was introduced in 1971 and passed into law in New York City in 1986. [2] A frequent commentator and columnist, Roskoff has contributed to publications such as The New York Native, Outweek , QW and the New York Blade . [3]

Contents

In 2023, The New York Times reported that he has been "a gay rights activist who has worked with the city for over 50 years." [4] His archives and manuscripts are held at the New York Public Library. [5] [6]

Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club

City and State New York called this club "The most powerful LGBTQ+ political club in the New York City." [7] The club lists the Rev. Al Sharpton, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and other city and state elected officials among its members. As of 2024, Roskoff serves as the club's president. [8] [9]

Political appointments

Roskoff was the first openly gay individual appointed to a New York City community board and the first to hold a position within the office of an elected official. [10] He also served in the administrations of Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin, and Tom Duane. [11]

See also

References

  1. Rosenthal, Brian M.; Mays, Jeffery C. (2023-06-18). "The 'Fiercely Loyal' Adams Adviser Agitating From Inside City Hall". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  2. "The Battle for Intro. 2: The New York City Gay Rights Bill, 1971 – 1986". The Gay & Lesbian Review. 2025-01-02. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  3. "2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players". politicsny.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  4. Rosenthal, Brian M.; Mays, Jeffery C. (2023-06-18). "The 'Fiercely Loyal' Adams Adviser Agitating From Inside City Hall". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  5. "Allen Roskoff papers, 1972-2004". researchworks.oclc.org. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  6. "2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players". politicsny.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  7. "Allen Roskoff said his club will 'see to it' that Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo don't get elected". City & State NY. 2025-03-03. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  8. "New York's Top 50 Political Clubs". City & State NY. 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  9. "Democratic Clubs – Manhattan Democratic Party" . Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  10. "Allen Roskoff". Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  11. "Allen Roskoff - QueerBio.com". queerbio.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.