In This Section:

On This Page:

    Fight for Equality

    June 13, 2025
    Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse, Lower Manhattan

    Participants at “The Fight for Marriage Equality” reenactment at Manhattan’s Thurgood U.S. Courthouse, hosted in June by the Court System’s Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and affinity bar associations
    Photo: Participants at “The Fight for Marriage Equality” reenactment at Manhattan’s Thurgood U.S. Courthouse, hosted in June by the Court System’s Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and affinity bar associations

    The Court System’s Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission hosted a powerful reenactment, “The Fight for Marriage Equality,” at the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan in mid-June. Organized in collaboration with the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and several bar associations, the session featured an ensemble of judges and legal professionals acting out landmark events, from early challenge cases to the June 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

    Each role was carefully crafted to illustrate the legal strategy, perseverance, and societal shifts essential to the movement. Attendees witnessed dramatized court proceedings integrating personal narratives and legal milestones with the human impact behind the fight for justice.

    Held during Pride Month, the reenactment not only provided an immersive educational experience but also reinforced the importance of equality under the law, serving both as a tribute to those who fought for equal rights and a reminder that the struggle for justice endures.

    The engaging program was among numerous events hosted this year by the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission in its ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights.

    Participants at “The Fight for Marriage Equality” reenactment at Manhattan’s Thurgood U.S. Courthouse, hosted in June by the Court System’s Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and affinity bar associations
    Photo: Participants at “The Fight for Marriage Equality” reenactment at Manhattan’s Thurgood U.S. Courthouse, hosted in June by the Court System’s Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and affinity bar associations

     

     

    Goodwill and Leadership

    June 12, 2025
    New York County Supreme Court-Civil Term, Manhattan

    The 2025 Judge Paul G. Feinman Award recipient and admirers at the June ceremony in Manhattan
    Photo: The 2025 Judge Paul G. Feinman Award recipient and admirers at the June ceremony in Manhattan (L-R) Failla Commission Senior Counsel Charlie Arrowood, New York County Supreme Court Justice and Failla Commission member Richard Tsai, New York County Surrogate and Failla Commission member Rita Mella, New York County Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan, retired Appellate Term, First Department Associate Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera, honoree Jeffrey S. Trachtman, New York County Family Court Supervising Judge and Failla Co-Chair Karen Lupuloff, Court of Claims Judge and Failla Commission member Seth Marnin, Failla Commission Executive Director Matthew Skinner, Esq., and attorney and Failla Commission founding member Susan Sommer

    Trailblazing attorney Jeffrey S. Trachtman was recognized for his lifelong commitment to equality, civil rights, and public service with the Judge Paul G. Feinman Award, named for the New York Court of Appeals’ first openly gay judge. The award is presented annually to individuals who best exemplify the late jurist’s values, kindness, and advocacy of members of the LGBTQ community in the courts and legal profession.

    New York County Supreme Court-Civil Term Administrative Judge Suzanne J. Adams, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera, and Matthew Skinner, Executive Director of The Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission—which sponsored the event—welcomed attendees at the ceremony, held in the New York County Supreme Court-Civil Term’s Paul Feinman Ceremonial Courtroom. New York County Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan, New York County Family Court Supervising Judge and Failla Commission Co-Chair Karen Lupuloff, retired Appellate Term, First Department Associate Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, and attorney and Failla Commission founding member Susan Sommer were among the other speakers.

    Honoree Trachtman, who played a pivotal role in landmark legal battles, including those involving marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections, received a heartfelt standing ovation for his tireless advocacy in advancing civil rights and access to justice.

    The awards ceremony, in its fourth year, not only carries on Judge Feinman’s enormous legacy but also serves as an annual tribute to the countless—and significant—contributions of members of the LGBTQ community in the courts and law.

    Honoree Jeffrey S. Trachtman receives a heartfelt standing ovation during the June ceremony.
    Photo: Honoree Jeffrey S. Trachtman receives a heartfelt standing ovation during the June ceremony. Standing (center, L-R) are Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera and New York County Supreme Court-Civil Administrative Judge Suzanne J. Adams.

     

     

    Fun and Flair

    June 11, 2025
    Queens County Supreme Court-Civil Term, Jamaica, New York

    Principal Court Attorney Beth From receives a Bingo prize from drag performer Porsche at the Jamaica, Queens court’s Pride celebration
    Photo: Principal Court Attorney Beth From receives a Bingo prize from drag performer Porsche at the Jamaica, Queens court’s Pride celebration

    Humor and flair permeated a recent PRIDE celebration at the Queens County Supreme-Civil Courthouse in Jamaica as drag performer Porsche engaged attendees in a lively version of Bingo and entertained them with a spirited dance routine.

    The lively event was coordinated by the Court’s Equal Justice Committee in partnership with the Pride Alliance of the New York State Courts, the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, and the Queens County Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Committee.

    Judges, non-judicial staff, and others filled the courtroom, adorned with PRIDE flags and bright balloons, listening intently as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera spoke of the court system’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Other members of the court system’s judicial leadership team, including Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, were among those at the spirited gathering, coming together in a show of solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

    Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera underscored the court system’s commitment to equity and inclusion during his remarks at the mid-June Pride event
    Photo: Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera underscored the court system’s commitment to equity and inclusion during his remarks at the mid-June Pride event
    Court employees join Porsche on the courthouse “dance floor,” adding to the vibrant program’s energy and flair
    Photo: Court employees join Porsche on the courthouse “dance floor,” adding to the vibrant program’s energy and flair

     

     

    Paying Homage

    June 6, 2025
    New York County Supreme Court-Criminal Term, Manhattan

    Principal Court Attorney Margot Gendreau addresses attendees at the early June PRIDE celebration at New York County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term in Lower Manhattan
    Photo: Principal Court Attorney Margot Gendreau addresses attendees at the early June PRIDE celebration at New York County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term in Lower Manhattan

    Judges and non-judicial personnel from New York County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term and beyond gathered at the Lower Manhattan court to pay tribute to LGBTQ+ activists, including James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Keith Haring, and Stormé DeLarverie, in addition to others.

    The program, hosted by New York County Supreme Court-Criminal Term’s Equal Justice Committee, featured readings and videos capturing the spirit of these LGBTQ+ icons. Among the day’s presenters were New York County Supreme Court Justice Erika Edwards, New York City Criminal Court Judge Dale Fong-Frederick, Case Management Coordinator Jeffrey Wilson, Sergeant Emmalyn Madigan, Access and Equal Justice Coordinator for New York City Courts Robert West, Associate Court Clerk Thelma Greenidge, Senior Court Reporter Loria Burgess, and Senior Court Analyst Margaret McCann.

    Attendees shared a pot luck lunch of home-cooked fare, adding to the PRIDE celebration’s camaraderie.

    At the Manhattan PRIDE program, Robert West, Access and Equal Justice Coordinator for the New York City Courts, paid tribute to Stormé DeLarverie, a biracial, androgynous gay civil rights icon and entertainer who was inducted on New York City’s Stonewall Inn’s Wall of Honor
    Photo: At the Manhattan PRIDE program, Robert West, Access and Equal Justice Coordinator for the New York City Courts, paid tribute to Stormé DeLarverie, a biracial, androgynous gay civil rights icon and entertainer who was inducted on New York City’s Stonewall Inn’s Wall of Honor
    Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson (seated, center) was among the many attendees at the uplifting tribute to LGBTQ+ icons at the New York County Supreme-Criminal Courthouse in Manhattan
    Photo: Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson (seated, center) was among the many attendees at the uplifting tribute to LGBTQ+ icons at the New York County Supreme-Criminal Courthouse in Manhattan

     

     

    Tapestry of Inclusion

    June 12, 2025
    Cohalan Court Complex, Central Islip

    Acting Supreme Court Justice Fields (left), Law Clerk Harry Tilis (right), and 11-year-old Lily Coysh, who spoke of what “allyship” means to her, display the Suffolk County Courts’ colorful, evolving Quilt of Equality during the courthouse PRIDE event
    Photo: Acting Supreme Court Justice Fields (left), Law Clerk Harry Tilis (right), and 11-year-old Lily Coysh, who spoke of what “allyship” means to her, display the Suffolk County Courts’ colorful, evolving Quilt of Equality during the courthouse PRIDE event

    Marking this year’s PRIDE theme, “Allyship: Fabric of Freedom,” the Suffolk County Courts invited attendees to the Central Islip courthouse to draw images and messages of PRIDE on squares of fabric—to add to the court’s evolving Quilt of Equality—as part of a mid-June celebration. Acting Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Aletha Fields then sewed the squares together, presenting a vibrant patchwork, symbolizing inclusion and harmony, at the close of Long Island ceremony.

    Other highlights of the Suffolk County event included Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca’s acknowledgement of Long Island’s Pride for Youth for their provision of education and support services to the LGBTQ+ community, with Pride for Youth Director Devon Zappasodi receiving a Special Recognition Award.

    Huntington High School student Lily Wasaki moved the audience with a stirring vocal performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” followed by a lively lunch reception in Acting Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Chris Ann Kelley’s colorfully adorned courtroom. Justice Kelley who, along with local attorney Christopher Chimera, spoke at the event, led the planning committee for this inspiring program and reaffirmation of the Suffolk County Courts’ commitment to inclusion—and dignity and justice for all.

    Administrative Judge Crecca, awardee Devon Zappasodi of Pride for Youth, Acting Supreme Court Justice Kelley, and attorney Christopher Chimera celebrate PRIDE month at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip, Long Island
    Photo (L-R): Administrative Judge Crecca, awardee Devon Zappasodi of Pride for Youth, Acting Supreme Court Justice Kelley, and attorney Christopher Chimera celebrate PRIDE month at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip, Long Island

     

     

    Fighter for Equality

    June 2, 2025
    Appellate Division, First Department, Manhattan

    Appellate Division, First Department court attorney Alan R. Gray, film director Betsy West, Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick, Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Bahaati E. Pitt-Burke, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson at the Manhattan court’s viewing of the documentary “My Name is Pauli Murray”
    Photo (L-R): Appellate Division, First Department court attorney Alan R. Gray, film director Betsy West, Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick, Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Bahaati E. Pitt-Burke, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson at the Manhattan court’s viewing of the documentary “My Name is Pauli Murray”

    Anna Pauline “Pauli” Murray was a trailblazing legal scholar, activist, poet, and priest whose advocacy work impacted the civil rights movement and expanded legal protections for gender equality, with Murray instrumental in arguing that the Fourteenth Amendment forbade both racial and gender discrimination.

    The Appellate Division, First Department commemorated PRIDE month with a showing in early June of the documentary “My Name is Pauli Murray.” The film chronicles Pauli Murray’s pioneering achievements and the challenges Murray faced as an African American who led an openly lesbian life and struggled with their gender orientation.

    The viewing of the film, which premiered in 2021 at the Sundance Festival, was followed by an insightful discussion between its director, Betsy West, and Appellate Division, First Department court attorney Alan R. Gray.

    Presenters and guests at the Manhattan event included Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson, and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Bahaati E. Pitt-Burke, among others.

    Film director Betsy West and Appellate Division, First Department court attorney Alan R. Gray engage in discussion following the showing of the film chronicling the lifetime achievements of and challenges faced by the late, trailblazing attorney-activist Pauli Murray
    Photo: Film director Betsy West and Appellate Division, First Department court attorney Alan R. Gray engage in discussion following the showing of the film chronicling the lifetime achievements of and challenges faced by the late, trailblazing attorney-activist Pauli Murray
    At the courthouse screening of the documentary highlighting the life of lawyer-activist Pauli Murray, the only woman in their Howard University law class, the first African American to receive a Doctor of Juridical Science from Yale Law School, and the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest, among their many other accomplishments
    Photo: At the courthouse screening of the documentary highlighting the life of lawyer-activist Pauli Murray, the only woman in their Howard University law class, the first African American to receive a Doctor of Juridical Science from Yale Law School, and the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest, among their many other accomplishments