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BOSTON - Friday,
September 3, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the appointment of
Quincey J. Roberts Sr. as the liaison to the LGBTQ+ community in the Office
of Neighborhood Services (ONS). Filling this role builds on Boston’s
commitment to ensuring that all residents are represented and served in an
equitably and accessibly. Roberts also serves as the Education and Outreach
Manager for the Boston Human Rights Commission.
Mayor Kim Janey and
Civic Engagement Cabinet Chief Aisha Miller tapped Roberts to serve as
liaison to the LGBTQ+ community in the Office of Neighborhood Services
following the former liaison's transition to the private sector. As the
LGBTQ+ community contact, Roberts will work to encourage, facilitate, and
maximize the community’s input and participation in local government and
address their needs by connecting them with city services. He brings to
this role a wealth of experience engaging this community and a passion and
dedication to addressing their concerns in areas where they are often underserved
and overlooked.
“Quincey has
demonstrated a passion for public service and a gift for fighting for
underserved populations,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Since day one, my
administration has worked towards an equitable City for all residents and I
know that in this new role Quincey will further that effort on behalf of
the LGBTQ+ community.”
Serving the LGBTQ+
community has always been the center of Roberts’ work. Discouraged by
feelings of exclusion and isolation by an LGBTQ+ community dominated by
white leaders and unrelatable agendas, Roberts and his partner Corey
Yarbrough co-founded the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) in 2009.
Guided by the community it served, HBGC worked to inspire and empower
Hispanic, Latinx, and Black LGBTQ+ through activism, education, outreach,
and counseling. Roberts led HBGC in executing its leadership development
programs, support groups, and an annual Youth Empowerment Conference, the
largest gathering of LGBTQ+ youth of color in New England. He has also
created Gay-Straight Alliances and other student support services in
schools with predominantly Black and Latinx student populations.
“I am very excited
to have Quincey as the LGBTQ+ liaison for the Office of Neighborhood
Services,” said Chief Aisha Miller. “Quincey is a trailblazer for Boston’s
LGBTQ+ community, especially the younger members. Quincey advocates for a
culture of respect and through his new appointment he will monitor and
ensure that progress is made towards equality on behalf of all persons who identify
as LGBTQ+. I am confident Quincey will be the much needed voice that
ensures the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are protected.”
Roberts also worked
with the Union United Methodist Church and Justice Resource Institute to
establish The Youth Lounge, a youth drop-in space that offered after school
programs and activities to LGBTQ+ youth of color under the age of 21.
Roberts’ work with the Union United Methodist Church earned him a seat on
the Board of Trustees in 2013. This made him the youngest and first openly
gay trustee of the congregation.
“My life’s work has
been service and advocacy,” said Roberts. “I am trying to do my part in
leveling the playing field for the most marginalized. I am honored and
excited to advocate and serve LGBTQ+ Bostonians as the City of Boston’s
LGBTQ+ liaison. Let’s get to work!”
Roberts’ appointment
as the LGBTQ+ community liaison builds on his work as the Education and
Outreach Manager for the Boston Human Rights Commission where he is
responsible for facilitating constituent outreach and education about the
Commission’s mission, programs and services. He previously worked as the
Public Relations Specialist in the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Services
from 2015-2018 and most recently served as the Education and Outreach
Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Fair Housing and Equity from
2018-2021.
In his spare time,
Roberts enjoys listening to music, analyzing speeches, watching Spike Lee
films, playing basketball, meditating, and brunch on Sundays. He currently
lives in Dorchester with his husband Corey Yarbrough of five years. The two
have a growing family, co-parenting a beautiful son Quincey Roberts Jr.
with long time friend Victoria Mills. | 
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