LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Buffalo's
first public pride event to be recognized with a Candlelight Wish Cele-
bration on June 21, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
profound impact of those exemplary organizations within the great State
of New York which proactively work for the enfranchisement of minority
communities, and the importance of such work for the benefit of all
citizens of this State and Nation; 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 25th Anniversary of Buffalo's first public pride event to be
recognized with a Candlelight Wish Celebration on Tuesday, June 21,
2016, at Evergreen Commons, Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Buffalo's LGBTQ community held its first outdoor,
public celebration behind the Buffalo Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, At a time when LGBTQ rights were only a dream and little
protection was available, community members, government officials, jour-
nalists, and performers joined together to openly celebrate Buffalo's
vibrant and resilient gay community; and
WHEREAS, This inaugural event planted the seeds that have grown into
the Pride Week that Western New York loves today; and
WHEREAS, Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. (PCWNY), is a not-for-
profit organization with a mission to work with the community to make
Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for the LGBTQ
community to live, work, and establish their families; and
WHEREAS, This year, as part of Western New York Pride Week, a Candle-
light Wish Celebration is being held and will include performances,
presentations, and recreations to commemorate the trailblazing event;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the evening will end with attendees making the
same candlelight wish that was made 25 years ago, an acknowledgement of
how far the LGBTQ community has come, and how far it still has to go;
and
WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of
organizations and 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 25th Anniversary of Buffalo's first public pride event
to be recognized with a Candlelight Wish Celebration on June 21, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pride Center of Western New York, Inc.