Senate Resolution No. 679

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Bruce Kogan, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of
indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless
accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for
others; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Bruce Kogan who upheld the values of
community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best
of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce Kogan spent his life in
the service of others and was truly dedicated to making the world a
better place; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1990s, Bruce Kogan moved to Buffalo, New York,
and became a part of Stonewall, the vital Western New York organization
which advocates for the local LGBTQ community; and

WHEREAS, During his illustrious career at the New York State Crime
Victims Board, and his lifetime spent as a steadfast supporter of
equality and justice for all communities, especially the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender community, Bruce Kogan never gave up the fight;
and

WHEREAS, A former President of SDWNY, Bruce Kogan served the
organization in many roles throughout the years; he is forever an
essential part of the work of SDWNY and all LGBTQ advocacy in Western
New York, across New York State and throughout our Nation; and

WHEREAS, With every meeting attended, lobby visit made and heart
changed, Bruce Kogan truly helped bring about the monumental progress
the LGBTQ community has made in the last decades; and

WHEREAS, Whether through LGBTQ youth protections, marriage equality,
transgender civil rights, or through every other issue which impacted
his community, Bruce Kogan was always there; the lives of every woman,
man and child in the local community is better and more equal for his
unwavering commitment and life's work to this vital cause; he was was
also a dedicated advocate who worked tirelessly to eliminate the "gay
panic defense"; and

WHEREAS, A central passion of Bruce Kogan's life was his advocacy
for LGBTQ crime victims, never stopping in his pursuit of justice on
behalf of those who have been victimized; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, among his work on this issue, Bruce Kogan
tirelessly fought for justice for Winthrop "Winkie" Bean, writing the
play "Call Me Winkie," which has been performed multiple times in
Western New York; and


WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Bruce Kogan displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the
betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this
Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Bruce
Kogan, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable
character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in
which he was held by his peers; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Bruce Kogan, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

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