LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of THE EMPTY
CLOSET

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious journalistic entities which have diligently and
consistently, year after year, recorded the history of their communities
and brought local news and news of the larger world to their readers;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of THE EMPTY CLOSET; and
WHEREAS, In honor of this auspicious event, the Gay Alliance of the
Genesee Valley will be holding a celebration at the Auditorium Center on
Sunday, February 27, 2011; and
WHEREAS, First published in 1971, THE EMPTY CLOSET is the oldest
continuously printed gay newspaper in New York State; the paper was
created by a student group formed at the University of Rochester as part
of the growing nationwide gay liberation movement; and
WHEREAS, THE EMPTY CLOSET was used as a vehicle by the Gay Liberation
Front, then the Gay Brotherhood and finally the Gay Alliance of Genesee
Valley to inform and energize the Rochester gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgendered (GLBT) community; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 40 years, THE EMPTY CLOSET has been a testament
to an extensive period of unprecedented social and political change that
has greatly affected the gay community; and
WHEREAS, Today, THE EMPTY CLOSET, with its circulation of 5000, serves
as an expressive voice to the people of the Rochester region by provid-
ing a platform for all members of its community; and
WHEREAS, This progressive paper has been a powerful tool in document-
ing the social, political, religious, cultural, artistic, business and
literary history and events for the GLBT community of Rochester and
surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this newspaper serves as an instrument of educa-
tion and change for the non-GLBT community members; THE EMPTY CLOSET
Newspaper has contributed significantly to the Rochester region's
national reputation for leadership in social tolerance; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of THE EMPTY CLOSET; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to THE EMPTY CLOSET.