Quincey J. Roberts Sr. named LGBTQ+ liaison for Neighborhood Services

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 equitable and accessible manner. 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.

The Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings, and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or by downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms. 

The Boston Human Rights Commission is a seven-member body appointed by the Mayor, which was originally created to receive and investigate complaints regarding discrimination relating to the workplace, housing, credit, education, public accommodations and other areas.

The Commission has the power to conduct hearings and call witnesses, and can issue reports and the results of investigations. The Commission also has the power to adopt rules and regulations and recommend legislation to the City Council and the Mayor.