Senate Resolution No. 1694

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMENDING The LOFT: LGBT Community Services
Center upon the occasion of hosting Westchester
Pride on June 2, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
commend The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center upon the occasion of
hosting Westchester Pride on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Court Street -
Renaissance Plaza in White Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, This momentous occasion is held in conjunction with the
observance of LGBT Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall uprising,
which occurred at the end of June of 1969; Westchester Pride is proud to
be counted as one of the over 50 pride events and activities for the
community throughout the month of June; and

WHEREAS, Westchester Pride will celebrate the impact LGBT people
have made in not only New York State, but the entire world with a myriad
of events such as all-day entertainment from performers including: Yuhua
Hamasaki of RuPaul's Drag Race, Christina Picciano of All My Friends
from Ossining, Vogue workshop and performance from Twiggy Pucci Garcon
of the House of Comme des Garcon; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, The LOFT has strived to further the
cause of inclusion, diversity, and pride through education, advocacy,
and celebration; and

WHEREAS, The LOFT diligently works to provide a safe space in which
everyone is respected, supported, and valued; ensure an inclusive and
affirming environment which reflects its diverse identities; broaden
knowledge about and for its community; foster awareness of issues which
affect all members of its community and be responsive to their needs; be
a forceful advocate for justice and positive, progressive change for all
LGBT people; celebrate the past, present, and future of our culture and
our contributions to society; and steadfastly fulfill its mission with
dedication and vigilance; and

WHEREAS, Established In 1983, by Jenny Cummings, Robert Knight,
Peter LoMonte, Phyllis Lynch, Frank Santoliquido, Susan Turner, and
Mitchell Visoky, The LOFT was Westchester County's first and only LGBT
center; and

WHEREAS, Ten years later, the center incorporated as a non-profit,
charitable organization bearing the official name The LOFT: The Lesbian
& Gay Community Services Center, Inc.; programs and services were
steadily developing, a woman was elected LOFT Board President for the
first time, and an Executive Director was hired; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing we all share a common cause, the lesbian and
gay community forged a bond with the bisexual and transgender
communities, and together, became one LGBT community; and

WHEREAS, During this time, The LOFT also funded an entirely
volunteer-driven public access television show named "Forward & Out":
featuring topics of interest and concern to the LGBT community; and

WHEREAS, Today, The LOFT continues to meet the changing needs of its
community by constantly updating and adding new programming; the center
is strong and proud, and no matter the climate du jour, it will always
move forward and continue to rise in pride; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center upon the occasion of
hosting Westchester Pride on June 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center.