LGBT Bar NY Applauds Historic Judicial Elevation of Justice Matthew Parker-Raso
The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York Celebrates the Historic Designation of Justice Matthew Parker-Raso to the NYS Appellate Division, First Department
NEW YORK, NY — June 30, 2026 — The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL) applauds Governor Kathy Hochul’s designation of New York State Supreme Court Justice Matthew Parker-Raso as an Additional Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department.
Justice Parker-Raso’s appointment marks another monumental milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in New York’s judiciary. Having previously broken barriers as the first openly gay male Justice elected to the New York State Supreme Court for The Bronx, his elevation to one of the state's highest and most influential appellate courts ensures that the bench continues to reflect the diversity, excellence, and lived experiences of the communities it serves.
"We are absolutely thrilled by Governor Hochul's designation of Justice Matthew Parker-Raso to the First Department," said Janice Grubin, Co-Chair of the LGBT Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee. "Justice Parker-Raso has long been an exemplary jurist, a dedicated public servant, and a deeply valued member of our legal community, including his impactful service on our own Judiciary Committee. His unwavering commitment to fairness and lived perspective will be tremendous assets to the Appellate Division. This is a proud and historic day for the LGBTQ+ community and for the administration of justice in New York."
Justice Parker-Raso brings an extensive and distinguished judicial track record to the First Department. Before his election to the Supreme Court, he served as a New York City Civil Court Judge and spent two years as the Supervising Judge of the Bronx Civil Court. His foundational career in the court system includes serving as senior court attorney to NYC Civil Court Judge Paul Alpert and principal law clerk to NYS Supreme Court Justice Mitchell Danziger.
Beyond his work on the bench, Justice Parker-Raso has been a fierce advocate for equity and systemic improvement within the courts and the community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the NYS LGBTQ+ Judges Association and the Supreme Court Justices Association of the City of New York. Notably, he chaired the NYC Civil Court's Equal Justice Implementation Committee from 2023 to 2024 and has been an active member of the NYS Courts' Gender Fairness Committee for the 12th Judicial District since 2017. His dedication to community governance is further reflected in his past service on Bronx Community Board 11 and the Bronx Borough President's LGBTQ+ Policy Task Force.
A graduate of New York Law School (J.D.) and the State University of New York at Binghamton (B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law), Justice Parker-Raso lives in New York with his husband and their 10-year-old son.
The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York extends its warmest congratulations to Justice Parker-Raso, his family, and to Justice Manuel Mendez on his concurrent elevation to Associate Justice. We look forward to watching Justice Parker-Raso continue his distinguished service to the people of New York.
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About the LGBT Bar Association:
The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York is a voluntary professional organization dedicated to improving the administration of the law, ensuring full equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting the expertise and advancement of LGBTQ+ legal professionals, and serving the larger community through various pro bono initiatives.
We envision a world where being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in and of itself will not subject someone to additional legal barriers to creating a family, accessing healthcare, and working in one’s chosen profession.