Facing Calls to Resign, Gov. Cuomo Removed From LGBTQ+ Gala

The LGBT Bar Association of New York, an organization that advocates for legislative policies and offers legal services to the community, dropped Gov. Andrew Cuomo from its recent virtual gala amid deepening crises for the Democratic governor.

Cuomo is now accused by three women, including former staffers, of directing inappropriate sexual comments toward them. Before the harassment acusations dominated the news cycle, Cuomo was caught in another scandal, this time involving his handling of nursing homes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of last week, Cuomo was set to receive the Community Vision Award from the bar association, which is also known as LeGal. The award honored Cuomo's repeal of a law known as the "walking while trans ban" as well as the governor's signing of gender identity protections and a ban on so-called conversion therapy.

But the Thursday night gala didn't feature Cuomo or mention him once, according to the New York Post. City Council candidate and drag artist Marti Gould Cummings hosted Thursday's virtual event, and he told The Advocate he supported the decision to excise Cuomo from the honorees.

"I have incredible respect for LeGal and the work they do to help those in need," Gould said in a statement. "As a survivor of sexual assault, I stand with the women who have come forward and courageously spoken up. Their stories are appalling and it's clear that Governor Cuomo's behavior is out of line, which is why I'm calling on him to resign. New Yorkers deserve better."

Cuomo apologized today for his behavior toward the accusers but said he would not resign.