Assembly Resolution No. 231

BY: M. of A. Cruz

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Lorena
Borjas, Mexican-American transgender woman,
immigrant rights activist and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Lorena Borjas of Queens, New York, died on Monday, March
30, 2020, at the age of 59, due to complications related to the novel
coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, Born in Veracruz, Mexico, on May 29, 1960, Lorena Borjas
studied public accounting in Mexico City; she immigrated to the United
States in 1981, when she was 20 years old, with the intention of making
the transition to life as a woman; and

WHEREAS, An indomitable activist who drew on her own experiences as
a Mexican-American immigrant and transgender woman, Lorena Borjas
devoted her life to helping others; she became a guardian angel for the
transgender community in Queens, New York, helping women deal with
issues, such as sex-trafficking, police harassment, substance abuse and
healthcare; and

WHEREAS, Lorena Borjas' commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, A true humanitarian, Lorena Borjas turned her home into a
clinic when transgender women in Queens needed a safe place to be tested
for HIV; furthermore, she was an advocate for countless members of her
community when they faced deportation or arrest, often arranging for
their legal representation; and

WHEREAS, Known as the mother of the transgender Latinx community in
Queens, her tireless work on behalf of immigrant and transgender
communities garnered recognition throughout New York City and the United
States, especially when complications due to the novel coronavirus began
to emerge; and

WHEREAS, The infinite selflessness and benevolence Lorena Borjas
demonstrated throughout her life will shine on through her family's
vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as
a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Lorena Borjas leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Lorena Borjas, and expressing
its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lorena Borjas.