Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Swearing-In Rings In the New Year – NYC Mayor Buoyed By Inauguration Committee That Sparkles with Queer Talent
Mamdani, who has pledged to make NYC an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City, took his oath under the ornate arches of an abandoned subway station, chosen as a testimony to legacy and transformation.
Featured Image: Photo by Amir Hamja-Pool/Getty Images
“Happy New Year to New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel, and above,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “This is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime.”
Just after the New Year’s Eve ball dropped in Times Square, Zohran Mamdani, who skyrocketed to stardom during his bid to run a city that 8.5 million people call home, was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor by State Attorney General Letitia James at a private ceremony at the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station. Amid a small group of family, reporters and kindred spirits, Mamdani made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian person to step into the role. He took his oath on his grandfather’s Quran, and on a Quran that belonged to Black writer and historian Arturo Schomburg, lent by the New York Public Library.
“He has led people ever since he could, I think, so it doesn’t seem like out of the blue, it seems very much in the river of things,” Mamdani’s mother, Mira Nair, told reporters after the 10-minute ceremony. “But this was unimaginable, but I think quite beautiful.”
Related: Mamdani Appoints NYC’s First Openly Gay Fire Commissioner
As has been customary with other mayors, there will be two ceremonies. Fellow democratic socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will deliver the oath of office to Mamdani at 1 p.m. today at the public ceremony on the steps of City Hall, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to make opening remarks. A block party will follow the event at which 40,000 spectators are expected. Among them: representatives of the LGBTQ+ community which has collectively cheered Mamdani along his journey.
As New York City’s youngest mayor in over a century, at age 34, Mamdani is seen as embodying hope – and having the courage to take on the city’s challenges in a time of stark oppression. He has spoken to the “increasingly hostile political environment” faced by queer and trans New Yorkers. His inaugural committee reflects that commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and includes multiple openly queer advocates.
Among them: actress Cynthia Nixon – a standout and ardent supporter. Currently starring in Broadway’s Marjorie Prime, Nixon is widely known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City and Ada Brook in The Gilded Age. The queer human rights activist was seen by Mamdani’s side throughout his campaign – making the rounds with him at gay bars, including a surprise drop-in at the lesbian bar Meow Mix Reunion held during the Lesbian Lives Conference weekend this past October.
Playwright and 2025 Tony winner Cole Escola of Oh, Mary! fame, is also on the 48-person committee; and Julio Torres, a comedian and filmmaker, along with actor and author Kal Penn who came out as gay in 2021.
Related: Transgender Rabbi Joins Zohran Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Transition Team
On the community leadership side: Black transgender woman and activist Ceyenne Doroshow, founder of G.L.I.T.S. (Gays and Lesbians Living In A Transgender Society). Mamdani attended a Trans Community Town Hall along with Doroshow seven months ago, during which he made notable promises to protect the community.
Ana María Archila, the former candidate for NY Lieutenant Governor who has championed immigrant rights, worker justice, LGBTQ rights, and women’s rights for two decades is on the team.
Sally Susman, former Pfizer Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, has been a vocal promoter of LGBTQ+ representation in corporate leadership. She penned a glowing endorsement of Mamdani for Time, arranged convenings with other business leaders for him during his campaign, and has spoken of his efforts to bring voices into City Hall from communities that felt alienated during the election.
Image: Zohran Mamdani and Sally Sussman, via LinkedIn
Mamdani has pledged to establish an Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, “declaring New York City a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA+ people and families;” to expand and protect gender-affirming care citywide; and to making NYC an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. Not only has Mamdani emphasized support for the rights of all vulnerable New Yorkers, the outcome of the election has signaled that New Yorkers value a leader who respects the safety and dignity of all.
