LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring SAGE upon the occasion of their desig-
nation for special recognition during Pride Month

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud those cultural events within the State of New York which serve
to celebrate diversity, and in doing so, help to enfranchise minority
populations within the larger community of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders
(SAGE) upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition
during Pride Month; and
WHEREAS, Programs like SAGE become an important "safety net" for LGBT
elders; incorporated by lesbian and gay activists and aging service
professionals in 1978 as Senior Action in a Gay Environment, SAGE is the
world's oldest and largest non-profit agency addressing the needs of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, SAGE has pioneered programs and services
for seniors in the LGBT community, provided technical assistance and
training to expand opportunities for LGBT older people across the coun-
try, and provided a national voice on LGBT aging issues; and
WHEREAS, Today, there are a growing number of retirement communities,
senior housing and other high-end housing options targeting LGBT
seniors; but for hundreds of thousands of LGBT seniors who will be aging
in place in their own communities, SAGE programs and services provide
the link they need to a safe and welcoming community; and
WHEREAS, The SAGE Harlem Neighborhood Program is considered a NORC
(Naturally Occurring Retirement Community); the program strives to
create "safe space" for LGBT seniors in Harlem and those that identify
with them by producing opportunities for recreation and socializing,
providing social services and support, facilitating educational opportu-
nities, and partnering with neighborhood senior centers to raise visi-
bility and to improve the quality of services; and
WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of
individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for
others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor SAGE upon the occasion of their designation for special recogni-
tion during Pride Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to SAGE.