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Allen Roskoff is AKA William’s new Political Director and columnist. Allen will be bringing us the best, the worst, and the unbelievable in LGBT politics.

Need help with separating the politicized spin from the political facts?

Let Allen give you a hand.

In this week’s column, as we wait for Albany to vote on marriage equality, Allen uses his extensive historic knowledge of the fight for New York City’s gay rights bills to show us where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how, when it comes to history, nothing is ever really new. And how even going to the movies can be “complicated.”

As you all know by now, the NY State Senate did not vote on the Marriage Equality legislation this week. The light at the end of the tunnel is that the Senate leadership has committed to a vote before year’s end. Win or lose, it will be voted on, according to this well-publicized commitment.

People ask me what I think of the strategy to date. I respect the work and feel that New York is fortunate to have the Executive Director of the Pride Agenda Alan Van Capelle at the helm. In addition I believe that State Senator Tom Duane is the best our community has in the Senate to work for our cause. I know there has been some conflicting thought on strategy but that is to be expected. I served on Senator Duane’s staff for two years and know firsthand the excellent work that he and his staff perform.

Another Senator who stands out is Brooklyn Senator Eric Adams. Adams is super cool and his commitment to the issue is 100%. Though he represents Park Slope, he’d be a supporter no matter where he came from.

Kudos to Gill Action for its work behind the scenes assuring Senators who are in shaky districts, that they will be supported and not hung out to dry once they vote for equality. Gill Action provides a wonderful resource, with no visible ego involved. Gill Action is essential to counter act the financial resources promised to defeat pro marriage equality by Maggie Gallagher and her National Organization for Marriage.

On the other hand, “we have the never to not be there when underserved credit can be taken,” Human Rights Campaign, in the body, this time, of Marty Rouse. Rouse, who is amiable and pleasant, managed to get himself quoted in Gay City News this week as follows: “Agreeing with ESPA’s handicapping of the bill’s chances, Rouse said, ‘We’ve talked to our legislative allies, and our understanding is that the votes will be there when the vote comes to the floor.’”

Message to HRC: Get lost. The Senators care about ESPA and local Democratic organizations. If we lose you’ll be gone and do nothing. You are as welcome here by community activists as you are in California, and that is “Not Very Welcome.” Glad to be reminded that the community needs to picket their annual dinner again this year.