LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brygen Finkleman upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In
Our Own Voices, Inc. on July 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Brygen Finkleman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In Our Own Voices, Inc., to be
celebrated at its Annual Jazz in July Event on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at
the State Room, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In Our Own Voices is an autonomous organization dedicated to
addressing the many needs and ensuring the physical, mental, spiritual,
political, cultural, and economic survival and growth of the Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color (LGBT POC) community in
the Capital Region of Upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, The LGBT Community Advocacy Award is given to an individual
or organization that is committed to creating change in Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender People of Color communities; and
WHEREAS, Brygen Finkleman received her Juris Doctor degree in 1985,
from the University of Texas School of Law after attending the Universi-
ty of Texas School of Law and Cornell Law School; she was admitted to
practice in New York State in 1986; and
WHEREAS, After practicing law in Binghamton, New York with the firm of
Aswad & Ingraham for five years, Brygen Finkleman took a hiatus from
practice to raise her children; and
WHEREAS, Today, Brygen Finkleman runs a solo practice in Slingerlands,
New York, where she is focused on name changes for transgender individ-
uals throughout New York State; she also helps transgender individuals
navigate name and gender corrections on their identity documents; and
WHEREAS, To date, Brygen Finkleman has filed more than 80 petitions
for transgender individuals in 24 counties; because many transgender
individuals lose their jobs after transitioning, the majority of her
clients qualify for legal aid, and she graciously does the legal work
pro bono; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Brygen Finkleman is the editor of "Child Abuse:
A Multidisciplinary Survey", a ten volume multidisciplinary survey of
child abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Brygen Finkleman is a member
of Affirming Transgender Rights (ATR), a transgender advocacy group she
co-founded that works for transgender equality through outreach, educa-
tion, and political activism; the group was instrumental in the unani-
mous passage of an anti-discrimination law that protects transgender
people in Albany County on June 10, 2013; 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
honor Brygen Finkleman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In Our Own Voices, Inc., and to
wish this exemplary woman continued success in her vital work on behalf
of the community she serves; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to honoring Brygen Finkleman.