Embedded Files
Represented Organizations
Represented Organizations
We are a volunteer organization composed of driven members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our members reflect the beautiful and wide diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as represent a variety of community organizations that cover critical services such as healthcare, gender-affirming care, social programs, and shelter. Additionally, we have representatives from the City's District Attorneys' Offices and the Gay Officers' Action League, who are critical to driving change and steadfast in advocating for their community.
Ali Forney Center
Bronx District Attorney’s Office
Brooklyn Community Board 9
Brooklyn Pride Inc
Callen-Lorde Community Health Care Center
Friedman Transgender Clinic
Gay Officers Action League
Heritage of Pride / NYC Pride
Kings County District Attorney’s Office
LGBTQIA+ Liaison to the New York City Police Commissioner
Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Northwell Health
NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Stonewall Demorcratic Club
Translatinx Network
Our Partnership With GOAL
Our Partnership With GOAL
Although the Advisory Committee operates independently of the NYPD, it collaborates heavily with the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) to further a shared mission of advancing and safeguarding LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
GOAL was founded in 1982 to organize mutual-support and professional advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people working in law enforcement. Being out during this time carried enormous risks. The first GOAL meeting, held at St. Joseph's Church, was met with a bomb threat. The original members, however, persisted despite the risk and laid the foundations for the organization.
One of the founding members was Sgt. Charles Cochrane, the first openly gay member of the NYPD, who bravely testified before the City Council in November 1981 in support of anti-discrimination bans.
Today, GOAL continues the work of supporting members experiencing discrimination, advocating for fairness and advancement, representing LGBTQIA+ officers publicly, and engaging with the public through honest dialogue. Additionally, GOAL participates in numerous volunteer and charity initiatives.
Chair's Bio
Chair's Bio
I've often heard it said that life truly begins after 60, but for me, my journey took an unexpected turn long before then. For nearly four decades, I immersed myself in the fast-paced world of the fashion industry, splitting my time between the two coasts. However, as the landscape of the domestic industry shifted, unable to keep pace with imports, I found myself at the crossroads in 2010. I made the decision to return to the East Coast, not just to start anew, but primarily to care for my ailing mother.
Transitioning from a demanding full-time career to what I now consider retirement was a profound shift. Uncertain of what the future held, I immersed myself in volunteer work. From dedicating over 2,000 hours of service at the 9/11 Memorial to becoming one of the inaugural docents at the Museum, I found a purpose in giving back to my community. However, it was a serendipitous email from the office of former New York State Senator Thomas Duane in 2014 that altered the course of my journey.,
When asked if I was interested in returning to work, my initial response was one of skepticism. Who, I wondered, would seek out a 62-year-old-gay Jewish man living with HIV? The answer came in the form of an opportunity to work alongside former New York State Senator Tom Duane.
In 2016, I was honored to join the Board of Directors of NYC Pride as the Director of Community Relations, engaging with the community and collaborating with the NYPD in strategy meetings. It was through this role that I crossed paths and Detective Carl Locke, a prior GOAL president, and Brian Downey (then GOAL president), and all the uniformed members of GOAL.
By 2018, my involvement with NYC Pride led me to the New York City Police Commissioner's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board, which I was invited to join. This journey deepened my connection with the NYPD and GOAL, leading me to become a lifetime Associate Member of GOAL (despite not being a member of the NYPD). When Det. Carl Locke approached me about chairing the committee, I eagerly accepted.
I am profoundly grateful for being given the opportunity to fully dedicate myself to this meaningful work for my community and for the cherished friendships forged with my colleagues in blue.
What an incredible honor it has been to serve the community.
-Bruce Pachter
Featured Bios
Featured Bios
Dante Arnwine
He / Him / His
District Manager (Brooklyn Community Board 9)
Dante Arnwine, MPA (he/ him) is a public servant who has been serving the City of New York since 2017. He currently serves as the District Manager of Brooklyn Community Board 9. His broader public service involvement includes— appointments to the Dept. of Youth and Community Development Neighborhood Advisory Board, New York City Transit Riders Council, Church-Flatbush Community Alliance Business Improvement District, and the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee to the NYPD Commissioner.
His experience reflects a deep understanding of municipal government and commitment to civic engagement, equity, community empowerment, and government operations.
He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and earned his master’s degree in public administration from the Rutgers University-School of Public Affairs and Administration in Newark, NJ.
Steven Ashkinazy
He / Him / His
The Stonewall Democratic Club
As an out Gay Activist since 1970, Steve Ashkinazy has been involved in the founding and early operation of many LGBTQ organizations, including: the National Lesbian Gay Task Force, the Center, the Hetrick Martin Institute, the Stonewall Democratic Club, ESHEL, and the Ali Forney Center.
Ashkinazy served as the first Principal of the Harvey Milk School (now Harvey Milk High School) in New York City. He helped co-found the institution, alongside Joyce Hunter and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, and served as its principal from its inception in 1984 until 1992. He was one of Manhattan CB2's early openly gay members and has served on the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee since 2009.
"The better the relationship between the NYPD and the LGBTQ community, the safer we all are."
Chris Chevallier, PhD
They / Them / Theirs
Senior Advisor & Research Lead
Dr. Chris Chevallier is an IT Project Specialist/Data Scientist with the City of New York, proudly serving the nation’s most diverse city. Prior to their current role, Chris was a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the intelligence startup Base Operations. Chris works on mapping, programming, data science, and digital forensics projects.
While at the NYPD, Chris served in the Strategic Initiatives, Intelligence & Counterterrorism, and Information Technology bureaus, as well as with the ATF as a task force member to help combat gun trafficking. In 2022, Chris developed a digital LGBTQIA+ resource map that was deployed to every NYPD officer’s phone and subsequently delivered lectures to other agencies to help replicate the work. Chris was recently selected for Out in National Security's 2025 Out Leaders List.
Chris is a graduate of American University, Stockholm University, and Trinity College Dublin, as well as a Fulbright Canada Killam Fellowship recipient. Chris also co-led a research project to improve the well-being of Trans* students in Ireland.
"There is no higher honor than serving the people of New York. We must give folx a voice, as well as ensure that everyone receives a truer form of justice and accountability."
Katie Doran
She / Her / Hers
LGBTQA Advisor (NY County (Manhattan) District Attorney's Office)
Katie Doran is an Executive Staff Member at the Manhattan DA's Office where she serves as DA Alvin Bragg's Advisor on LGBTQ+ Issues. She served the same role for DA Cyrus Vance and DA Robert M. Morgenthau.
Katie came to the District Attorney's Office after completing a dual Master's Degree Program at Yale University where she earned both a master's in divinity and a master's in social work. She was an original and active member of the Mayor's Police Council for LGBTQ Concerns when it was established by Mayor Koch and was re-appointed to serve by Mayor Dinkins, Mayor Giuliani and Mayor Bloomberg.
Throughout her tenure, Katie has worked as an educator and advocate for both the LGBTQIA+ Community and the Criminal Justice Community.
"The LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council to the NYC Police Commissioner serves as a vital connection between the NYPD and the LGBTQIA+ Community. The work of justice is best achieved in collaboration."
Mark Duncan
He / Him / His
TPA 2 / Co-President of BXDA Pride EPRG (Bronx District Attorney's Office)
With 17 years of experience at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, Mark Duncan currently serves as a Paralegal in the Discovery Compliance Bureau. As Co-President of the Bronx D.A. Pride ERG, he leads the development of vital programs and events for LGBTQIA+ employees while supporting broader DEI and community engagement initiatives.
His commitment to representation extends into his personal life as an advocate for both the LGBT+ Community and the African American Community, fighting for equality and inclusion.
Mark’s career is defined by a unique blend of legal precision, advocacy, and a deep-seated passion for community building.
"It is with great importance we work to strengthen the bridge between the LGBTQIA+ Community and NYPD. We all must feel safe, seen, and believed."
David Franco
He / Him / His
Community Health Services Manager (Translatina Network)
David Franco is a passionate community advocate dedicated to supporting and uplifting LGB/TGNCNB (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary) individuals through education, empowerment, and compassionate service. Through his work in nonprofit spaces, he focuses on creating inclusive environments where people can access resources, build supportive networks, and feel seen and respected. David is committed to promoting health awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth within communities that often face barriers to care and opportunity.
Driven by empathy and a deep belief in the strength of community, David works to foster safe spaces where authenticity and dignity are celebrated. His involvement in community programs, group discussions, and outreach initiatives reflects his dedication to advancing equity and visibility for TGNCNB individuals. Through leadership, collaboration, and service, David strives to help build stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“Together we create spaces where every identity is respected, every voice is heard, and every person belongs.”
Detective Dominick Martorelli
He / Him / His
LGBTQIA+ Liaison to the NYC Police Commissioner
Detective Dom Martorelli is an NYPD detective with nearly two decades of service, currently assigned to the Police Commissioner’s Office as the department’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison. In this role, he leads department-wide efforts to strengthen relationships with LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers, advises executive leadership on policy and emerging issues, and collaborates closely with investigative units including the Hate Crime Task Force, Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and Community Affairs to support both investigations and community engagement.
As the Department’s subject matter expert on LGBTQIA+ issues, he coordinates and delivers GOAL’s LGBTQIA+ training curriculum across all ranks and has developed additional trainings, focusing on practical, real-world interactions, evolving best practices, and effective service to diverse communities.
Detective Martorelli is also deeply involved in interagency coordination and community partnerships, working with advocacy organizations, elected officials, and city agencies to advance trust, safety, and effective policing for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Franklin Richards
He / Him / His
Board Member (Stonewall Democratic Club)
Raised in the Bronx, New York, and currently living on the Upper East Side, Franklin works in local government in the New York City Council.
Previously, he was the Vice President of the Manhattan Young Democrats.
Franklin graduated with his Bachelor's in Political Science and Master's in Public Administration from Binghamton University.
"To be known is to be seen, and to be seen is to be loved. Volunteering helps bring a sense of community and organization. Two powerful actions that can bring positive change."
Kevin Uhrin
He / Him / His
Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Kevin Uhrin began his retail career as the first man to work in a cosmetic department in NE Pennsylvania at Hess’s Department Stores. He then moved to New York in the early 1980s and continues to work in luxury retail.
Since moving to New York he has been involved with any number of LGBT service and activist organizations.
"If you want change, get involved."
Brent Whitfield
He / Him / His
Director of LGBTQI Affairs (New York City Department of Social Services (DSS))
Brent Whitfield is the Director of LGBTQI Affairs for the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS). In this role, he focuses on the unique needs of LGBTQI people and collaborates with program areas to address them. His responsibilities include maintaining a strong connection with LGBTQI community members and advocates through work groups, and building internal staff resources through technical assistance, training, and collaboration with program areas on policies and initiatives.
Brent has over 20 years’ experience working with the most vulnerable populations that are systems involved. Prior to DSS, he served as the Executive Director of the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau (RMCYB). During his tenure, he transformed the Youth Bureau from an administrative department to one that provides direct services and resources to youth who are criminal justice involved and/or experiencing homelessness. He also created a policies and procedures handbook and training manual for all employees of the RMCYB, including an LGBTQI policy.
Brent was also an Empire State Fellow, working directly with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS). During his time as a fellow, Brent worked with the 52 counties of NYS to create a state-wide implementation plan and workbook to implement the Family First Prevention Services Act.
Brent began his career as a direct care worker in a group home working with teenage boys in Long Island, eventually becoming the live-in Supervisor. He has also worked with and advocated for youth in our foster care system, providing individual, family and group therapy as well as advocating for youth within the family court system as a Reflective Advocacy Caseworker with the Children’s Law Center. Brent holds a BA in Government and Education from St. Lawrence University. He is the first openly trans man to participate in the Empire State Fellowship and the first Black trans man to be appointed to Executive Director of the Youth Bureau in Monroe County.
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