Senate Resolution No. 567

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of The LOFT
LGBTQ+ Community Center of White Plains, New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the profound impact of
those exemplary organizations/individuals within the great State of New
York which/who proactively work for the enfranchisement of minority
communities, and the importance of such work for the benefit of all
citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center of
White Plains, New York, to be celebrated on Thursday, March 23, 2023;
and

WHEREAS, The LOFT was founded in 1983 and is currently located at
252 Bryant Ave, White Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning
(LGBTQ+) people have made important and lasting contributions to our
great State and Nation in every field of endeavor including business,
medicine, law, humanities, science, literature, politics, education,
music, philanthropy, sports, arts, and culture that enrich our national
life; and

WHEREAS, The LOFT works daily to provide a range of services for the
LGBTQ+ Community in Westchester County, NY, and the Lower Hudson Valley
Region; and

WHEREAS, The LOFT offers both in-person, virtual, and hybrid
services, support groups, social activities, and special events like
Westchester Pride, The Hudson Valley Trans Forum, and runs The Trans
Support of The Hudson Valley (TSHV), a program designed to assist and
empower the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB)
Communities across the lower Hudson Valley region; and

WHEREAS, The mission of this illustrious organization is to further
the cause of inclusion, diversity, and pride through education,
advocacy, and celebration; and

WHEREAS, Respect, inclusivity, opportunity, and integrity comprise
the core values of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center; the Center provides
a safe space in which everyone is respected, supported, and valued,
ensuring an inclusive and affirming environment which reflects the
diversity of the identities found in the surrounding community and
State; and

WHEREAS, The LOFT is a forceful advocate for justice and positive,
progressive change for all LGBTQ+ people, fostering awareness of issues
which affect all members of the community, working consistently to be
responsive to their needs; 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
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center of
White Plains, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center of White Plains, New
York.