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Association News
Association Board Member
Judge James Hyer Speaks at Second Department Program on LGBTQ+ Human Rights & Gender Persecution
May 28, 2025
Judge James Hyer, a NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association Board Member, delivered remarks at the Appellate Division, Second Department in Brooklyn, at a program on LGBTQ+ Human Rights & Gender Persecution. Judge Hyer discussed a Unified Court System bench card that is a resource for all court system personnel on, among other things, the proper use of pronouns when addressing litigants, members of the bar, court personnel, and the community, among others. Following Judge Hyer's presentation,
Professor Lisa Davis of CUNY School of Law provided a lecture on gender persecution. Our Association was an event co-sponsor.
Association Heads to Western New York with Visit to University at Buffalo Law School
April 25, 2025
President Judge David Fried was on the campus of the University at Buffalo Law School for a roundtable discussion with OUTlaw students from both the law school and undergraduate programs. The roundtable focused on a variety of topics including access to justice issues, pathways to the judiciary, careers in the court system, and a few pointers for beginning a career in the law.
Association Participates in Ninth Judicial District's Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
April 24, 2025
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association participated in the 9th JD's annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony by lighting a candle for hope and humanity. A major theme of the program was the important role that Judges play in protecting the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. Here pictured are President Judge David Fried and Association Member Judge Andrea Composto, along with Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina Richardson. The Association extends it's gratitude to Planning Committee Chair Paul Adler, Esq. for including us
in this year's impactful program.
Board Leadership Attends LGBT Bar NY's Annual Judicial Reception in New York City
November 3, 2024
Board Members Judge David Fried, Judge Javier Vargas, Judge Michael Sonberg, and Judge Josh Hanshaft attended the LGBT Bar Association of New York's annual Judicial Reception, along with several judicial and attorney allies. The evening was a wonderful opportunity for members of the bench and bar to meet and greet. Our Association is grateful to the LGBT Bar Association of New York for its impactful service to our state.
Manhattan Supreme Court Equal Justice Committee Event Features Association President as Virtual Panelist
November 2, 2024
President Judge David Fried joined Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Adam Silvera and Representatives of the Manhattan Supreme Court's Equal Justice Committee, virtually as a panelist. The well-attended event was a fireside chat which focused on the presence and visibility of LGBTQ+ employees in New York State's
Unified Court System.
New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association Applauds Chief Judge Rowan Wilson
October 4, 2024
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association wishes to applaud and acknowledge New York State Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and the Office of Court Administration Leadership Team for their constant support of New York's LGBTQ+ Judges and community. Here pictured with Chief Judge Wilson are Association Board Member Judge Chris Ann Kelley, Association Member Judge Seth Marnin, Treasurer Judge Brian Haak, and President Judge David Fried while at the Court of Claims' Annual Conference.
LGBTQ+ Judges Participate in Recognition of State Senator Sepulveda
September 25, 2024
Association Member Judge Seth Marnin, and Board Members Judge Chris Ann Kelley, Judge David Fried, and Judge Brian Haak attended the Court of Claims' annual dinner in Saratoga Springs, at which, Court of Claims Presiding Judge Richard Sise recognized New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda for his strong efforts relevant to eliminating the Death Gamble. Several judicial associations, including our own, joined forces to support the Death Gamble bill that
Senator Sepulveda sponsored.
LGBTQ+ Judges Attend Annual Summer Seminar at New York State Judicial Institute
June 29, 2024
Vice President Judge Javier Vargas, Recording Secretary Judge Dale Fong-Frederick, and Board Members Judge James Hyer and Judge Matthew Parker-Raso meet and greet with Association Members at the New York State Judicial Institute's Annual Summer Seminar in Westchester County. The Summer Seminar program is attended by all state-paid Judges in New York, and is a multi-day training on a wide range of educational topics with applications to criminal,
civil, family, and surrogate law. The program is part
of every Judge's annual Continuing Judicial
Education requirements.
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association Congratulates New
Court of Claims Judicial Appointees
June 13, 2024
Our Association congratulates the 2024 incoming class of newly confirmed Court of Claims Judges. We send a special acknowledgment to our very own Vice President Javier Vargas and Treasurer Judge Brian Haak on their reappointments to the Court. We also applaud and celebrate Judge Richard Sise on his appointment as Presiding Judge of the Court of Claims. We congratulate New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on another round of exceptional nominees, and thank the New York State Senate and Judiciary Chair Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal for their diligent work during the confirmation process.
Association President Delivers Keynote at Suffolk County Courts' Pride Celebration
June 12, 2024
New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association President Judge David Fried delivered keynote remarks to a packed room at the Tenth Judicial District's Annual Pride Celebration in Suffolk County, Long Island. Sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca for hosting this memorable celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The event was coordinated by Association Board Member
Judge Chris Ann Kelley and Attorney Harry Tillis.
Association Co-Sponsors 9th JD Pride Justice Awards Honoring State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
June 13, 2024
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association joined the 9th Judicial District Access to Justice LGBTQ+ Sub-Committee and the Unified Court System's Failla Commission in co-sponsoring the Second Annual Pride Justice Awards held in Rockland County. This year's honorees were New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, our very own Board Director Judge Michael Sonberg, and the LGBTQ+ Unit of
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.
Brooklyn Pride Parade Includes New York LGBTQ+ Judges Association Representatives
June 8, 2024
Association Recording Secretary and Brooklyn's own Judge Dale Fong-Frederick was joined by President Judge David Fried, marching in the Brooklyn Pride Parade, along side the Carribean American Lawyers Association, Brooklyn Bar Association, NYC Law Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the Kings County Criminal Court Pride Committee. Our Association wishes to acknowledge the parade's organizers for all their hard work in making
this year's parade a huge success, and, in particular
Judge Fong-Frederick for his many efforts in
serving the people of Brooklyn.
Governor Kathy Hochul's Annual Pride Brunch Features Remarks by Judge Seth Marnin
June 7, 2024
Association Member Judge Seth Marnin delivered remarks today at Governor Kathy Hochul's Annual Pride Brunch at the Executive Mansion in Albany. President Judge David Fried and Treasurer Judge Brian Haak were in attendance as guests of the Governor. Governor Hochul's Pride Brunch is an annual tradition that
brings together leaders from the LGBTQ+ community
from every corner of New York State.
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