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Association News
Association's Very Own
Judge Javier Vargas, Named Co-Chair of
Richard C. Failla LGBTQ+ Commission of the New York State Courts
December 3, 2025
The NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association proudly congratulates our very own, Judge Javier Vargas, for his historic appointment to serve as downstate co-chair of the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ+ Commission of the New York State Courts. Judge Vargas has a national and international presence, ensuring access to justice for all people. He is a strong voice for the LGBTQ+ community with a highly respected record of judicial service. Our Association salutes and respects Judge Vargas for his many impactful achievments, and we applaud Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas for this outstanding appointment.
Association 2025 Membership Reception Draws 100+ Guests
October 21, 2025
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association hosted its 2025 annual Membership Reception at the historic Stonewall National Monument Visitor's Center in lower Manhattan. 100+ guests assembled to celebrate the launch of our newly reorganized statewide Association. New York State Court of Appeals Associate Judge Hon. Anthony Cannataro, NYS Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the NYC Courts Hon. Adam Silvera, President Hon. David Fried, and Board Director Hon. Caroline P. Cohen delivered remarks. The Rockland County Pride Chorus performed a beautiful medley of songs for our guests. At the reception, the Association announced that the recipient of the first-ever Hochul Excelsior Award for the Enrichment of Justice would be awarded to Governor Kathy Hochul.
International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges Hosts Annual Conference in New York City
July 27, 2025
The International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges kicked off its' annual conference in New York City, with the President's Reception hosted at the Stonewall Visitor's Center in Manhattan. Here pictured are International Association President Judge Amy Sakalauskas of Nova Scotia, Vice President Judge Kristin Rosi of California, and New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association President Judge David Fried and Corresponding Secretary Judge Sherri Eisenpress. Our statewide association applauds the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges for bringing their members to NYC for this year's annual conference.
Pride: Then, Now, Always is Association's Message in Manhattan Supreme Court as Pride Month 2025 Comes to a Close
June 30, 2025
The NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association, New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term Equal Justice Committee, and the LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Greater New York hosted an innovative panel discussion at 100 Centre Street, marking the close of Pride Month 2025. The panel was structured for an intergenerational perspective and included President Judge David Fried, Recording Secretary Judge Dale Fong-Frederick, and Past President Judge Curtis Farber, along with Amel Solene, Esq. and Glen Ahlers, Esq. The discussion included moments of reflection on our community's past, noting the many contributions of our esteemed elders, the importance and role of allyship, and the path forward. A major theme emphasized the important work that needs to be done all year long, and not just in June.
NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association Participates in New York City Pride Parade
June 29, 2025
The New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association participated in the New York City Pride Parade in Manhattan earlier today. President Judge David Fried, Recording Secretary Judge Dale Fong-Frederick, Board Member Judge Matthew Parker-Raso, and Member Judge Seth Marnin were on-hand for the festivities and massive celebration of Pride. The Association was invited to participate in the parade by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. The NYC Pride Parade is a New York tradition which celebrates not just Pride Month, but also LGBTQ+ history, inclusivity, and our community's wonderful diversity and contributions to our state and nation.
New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association Celebrates Pride Month With
Visit to Syracuse
June 21, 2025
Association President Judge David Fried traveled to Syracuse today to march in the Syracuse Pride Parade with colleagues and professionals from the Unified Court System. As a statewide judicial association, one of our top priorities is to be present and active in all communities of our state. This marked our first visit to Syracuse! On hand for the festivities was Judge Staci Dennis-Taylor of the Syracuse City Court. We extend our gratitude to the Pride Alliance of the New York State Courts for facilitating our participation.
Ninth Judicial District's Third Annual Pride Justice Awards held in Rockland County
June 17, 2025
The NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association was a proud co-sponsor of the 9th JD's 3rd Annual Pride Justice Awards which were held in Rockland County. This year's honorees included Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in White Plains. Association President Judge David Fried chaired the event planning committee. Pictured here are Judge Cannataro of the Court of Appeals, Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry, Association Corresponding Secretary Judge Sherri Eisenpress and Judge Fried.
Association Representatives Join
Governor Hochul at the Executive Mansion
in Albany for Pride Brunch
June 10, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off Pride Month 2025, hosting her annual Pride Brunch at the Executive Mansion in Albany. The Executive Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of the State of New York. Every year, including in 2025, Governor Hochul has welcomed representatives of the NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association to attend the celebration. Before a packed room, the Governor reiterated New York State's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Our Association extends its gratitude to the Governor for her strong allyship and for the work she has done to advance meaningful access to Justice in our state for all people.
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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