Adam Odsess-Rubin testifies on queer arts funding and anti-DEI attacks

Thank you.

TDF is really amazing.

Dear Speaker Williams, my name is Adam Odses Rubin, and I'm the founder and artistic director of National Queer Theater in Brooklyn.

Thanks to DCLA's CDF support, NQT is surviving the anti-trans and anti-DEI attacks coming from the Trump administration.

We have seen increased CDF support as a small organization, but we have not seen DCLA take deliberate action to support vulnerable LGBTQ communities.

When we consider the next phase of the Create NYC plan, we must consider how this plan will protect and empower queer, trans, immigrant, and youth artists.

With DCLA's recent announcement of a cultural stability fund, we must recognize the instability of queer artists, of queer arts and culture organizations, currently on the front lines of the Trump administration's attacks.

Last year, the administration revoked our $20,000 NEA grant just two weeks before we started rehearsals for our annual Criminal Queerness Festival.

Now, we are in federal lawsuit against the NEA, represented by the ACLU, looking to overturn their ban on funding programs that promote gender ideology.

We need DCLA and the Council's help to fight back.

To support New York City's vibrant queer arts and culture, we recommend the following additions to the Create NYC plan.

Number one, baseline $5 million in funding.

for queer arts organizations, as outlined in the City Council's LGBTQIA plus caucus's Pride and Policy Plan.

Two, fund after school programming for LGBTQ youth outside of school settings as an amendment for CASA or outside of CASA.

Three, support the Trans Artist Microgrant Program.

Advocates have been fighting for an $800,000 initiative, which would support 1,400 New York City trans artists with $500 microgrants.

And lastly, continue prioritizing funding for small arts organizations.

We are closest to our communities and can provide the most direct support to artists with the least bureaucracy.

Thank you.