There’s a new group in Syracuse looking out for the LGBTQ community. It’s a board of volunteers appointed by the mayor. The LGBTQ Advisory Board is made up of 19 people.

The diverse board will make sure LGBTQ people are included and matter in Syracuse. They’ve only has two meetings so far, but each month they’ll discuss how to support their community, especially those new or visiting.

They’re still determining any proposals they might make.

“We want to make sure we are a destination for those folks who may decide to live here in the future. But also our visitors, and making sure they feel comfortable. So every kind of constituent group we’re really looking at to make sure that we’re an inclusive city,” said Michael Sgro, LGBTQ Advisory Board CoChair.

One goal they have is to make a physical space in the city for LGBTQ people to gather. This board is part of the City’s Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.

It was inspired by, and modeled after a similar board in Atlanta, Georgia.