Josh’s LGBTQ+ Plan

Introduction: 

Throughout Boston, the LGBTQ+ community experiences varying levels of discrimination and hostility. The LGBTQ+ community often faces intolerance merely because of whom they chose to love. While Boston has made progress supporting LGBTQ+ rights, we have more work to do in becoming a welcoming community that supports all people, no matter their gender orientation or sexuality. 

For decades, Josh has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. From his work at the Boys and Girls Club to his leadership at the Patriots Foundation, Josh has consistently supported this community. In 2017, the Greater Boston PFLAG chapter awarded Josh the “Cornerstone of Equality Award” for his service and work with LGBTQ+ youth at the Boys and Girls Club.1 Building on this experience, while Josh was the leader of the Patriots Foundation, he spearheaded the organization’s efforts to become the first NFL franchise to sponsor National Gay Football League’s, “The Gay Bowl,” when it was hosted in Boston.2 Josh aims to bring the same values, concerns, and momentum for inclusivity to City Hall. 

In order to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ rights as Mayor, Josh would focus on three elements: legal protections, access to housing, and comprehensive support services. Josh believes that if we are able to strengthen these pillars for the LGBTQ+ community, structural barriers limiting the community’s progress will be dismantled. 

Legal and Civil Rights Protections: 

As the federal government clamps down on our freedoms, the LGBTQ+ community faces the brunt of these attacks. From discriminatory bans on transgender youth to funding cuts for LGBTQ+-owned small businesses, the Trump administration is rolling back years of progress. In Boston, we must be a bulwark for this community. To do this, Josh will: 

  • Restore momentum and support for the Boston Human Rights Commission. Under Josh’s leadership, the Commission will be a stand up to any discrimination taking place in our city.
    • Under Mayor Wu’s watch, this office and its charges to protect vulnerable residents has been overlooked. For instance, the “Latest News” update on the website provides a note from August, 2022 and the most recent “Statement” is from May, 2024.3
  • Continue to partner with non-profit legal organizations to provide clinics and services for LGBTQ+ folks in need of legal counsel.
  • Defend LGBTQ+ Bostonians from unwarranted, undemocratic, and unjust attacks from the federal government.
    • As Mayor, Josh will stand beside the LGBTQ+ community to ward off any illegal attempt from President Trump and his allies to limit the protections and rights of this group. 

A Commitment to Community, Housing, and Support: 

Older generations of LGBTQ+ folks face many unique challenges; one of the most vital concerns is accessibility to welcoming spaces. More specifically, LGBTQ+ seniors struggle to find housing that is not just affordable, but also a safe space to express themselves. To rectify this issue, Josh will: 

  • Collaborate with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), Office of Housing, non-profit organizations, and allied private partners to identify and build out plans to expand access for LGBTQ+ friendly residences.
    • “The Pryde,” a LBGTQ+ friendly residence in Hyde Park, provides a roadmap for a successful, welcoming community in Boston.4 We must create similar options across our city, so that no person struggles to find a safe place to live. 
  • Coordinate with community leaders to address gaps in healthcare services and community programming for LGBTQ+ seniors across Boston.

Accessibility to Mental Health Resources: 

Suicide rates for LGBTQ+ youth are too high. The statistics over the past year are startling: in Massachusetts, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide and 50% of this same group reported symptoms of depression.5 Too often, the youngest members of this community face ostracization and bullying. We must do better to support these young people, and Josh has a plan for this. To provide this support, Josh will: 

  • Add mandatory training for teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators at BPS better stand with LGBTQ+ students across the district.
    • While most of our teachers and support staff welcome any student, no matter their sexual orientation to the classroom, areas of concern still arise. 
  • Increase mental-health professionals throughout BPS to reduce the exorbitant wait times children currently encounter when searching for counseling.
    • This proposal aligns with Josh’s push to increase pathways for all students to access mental health care.
  • Create programming for LGBTQ+ BPS high school students to meet and engage with young adults from this community at local colleges and universities.
    • At the Boys and Girls Club, Josh frequently saw the benefits of peer-to-peer friendships. These types of mentoring opportunities will offer another avenue for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves. Through City Hall, Josh will work to create these relationships and foster new connections.

1 Greater Boston PFLAG honors Josh Kraft at annual Pride & Passion
2 How the Patriots made championing LGBTQ rights a pillar of their dynasty
3 Boston Human Rights Commission
4 The Pryde — LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc.
52024 Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People in Massachusetts