Allen Roskoff
 | This article may contain improper use of non-free material. (May 2025) |
Allen Roskoff | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation | Political activist |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Organization | Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club |
| Known for | LGBTQ+ activism |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Partner | Jim Owles |
Allen Roskoff is a gay rights activist based in New York City. He began his activism in the early 1970s after joining the Gay Activists Alliance.[1] While there, he was the chief lobbyist for the nation's first gay rights bill, for which he is alternately credited as the author and co-author.[2][3][4][5][6][7] 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.[8] A frequent commentator and columnist, Roskoff has contributed to publications such as The New York Native, Outweek, QW and the New York Blade.[4]
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."[9] His archives and manuscripts are held at the New York Public Library.[10][11]
Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club
[edit]In 1973, Roskoff and his partner Jim Owles formed the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, marking one of the first efforts to formally integrate LGBTQ+ advocacy within the Democratic Party. In 2004,[12] along with other liberal gay Democratic activists Roskoff formed the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club in Owles' memory. City and State New York called this club "The most powerful LGBTQ+ political club in the New York City."[13] 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, he serves as the club's president.[14][15]
Political appointments
[edit]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,[16] including the executive staff of the New York City Comptroller, and appointments in the offices of Governor Mario Cuomo, Mayor David Dinkins, Public Advocate Mark Green, and State Senate Democratic Minority Leaders Martin Connor and David Paterson. He also served in the administrations of Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin, and Tom Duane.[17]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Martinez, Isadora. "New York City history archive of La Guardia & Wagner | LaGuardia & Wagner Archives". www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Allen Roskoff papers, 1972-2004". researchworks.oclc.org. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ a b "2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players". politicsny.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Activism | Center Archive | ArchivesSpace". archives.gaycenter.org. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "New LaGuardia And Wagner Archives Online Exhibit Explores 15-Year Fight For New York City Gay Rights Bill - LaGuardia Community College". 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "The Battle for Intro. 2: The New York City Gay Rights Bill, 1971 - 1986". Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Allen Roskoff papers, 1972-2004". researchworks.oclc.org. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players". politicsny.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ Kornbluh, Jacob (2024-02-15). "Why is an LGBTQ+ group asking candidates about Israel?". The Forward. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "New York's Top 50 Political Clubs". City & State NY. 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Democratic Clubs – Manhattan Democratic Party". Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Allen Roskoff". Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Allen Roskoff - QueerBio.com". queerbio.com. Retrieved 2025-04-17.