LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating March 2015 as the Sixth Annual New
York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Month, and celebrat-
ing the 20th Anniversary of the New York State LGBT Health and Human
Services Network

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud those cultural events within the State of New York which serve
to celebrate diversity, and in doing so, help to enfranchise all popu-
lations within the larger community of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate March 2015 as the Sixth Annual New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgender Health Month; and
WHEREAS, In addition, 2015 marks the 20th Anniversary of the New York
State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health and Human
Services Network ("the Network"); and
WHEREAS, The Network is a coalition of more than 50 nonprofit groups
and organizations that provide health and social services to nearly 1.5
million LGBT New Yorkers and their families; and
WHEREAS, The Network members provide health and wellness programs that
deliver primary and preventive health care; social support and educa-
tion; mental health treatment and family counseling; domestic violence
and sexual assault services; crime victim assistance; homeless youth
services; and alcohol and substance abuse prevention; and
WHEREAS, By focusing on non-HIV related health needs, Network members
have worked diligently with New York State government to recognize the
continuum of healthcare needs in LGBT communities; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1994, the Network is supported and administered by
the Empire State Pride Agenda Foundation and operates on a democratic,
consensual basis through the participation of Network members in a vari-
ety of committees; and
WHEREAS, New York LGBT Health Month will encourage LGBT New Yorkers
and the organizations that serve them to educate, advocate, and organize
around LGBT health and wellness in all its forms -- physical, sexual,
spiritual, emotional, and social; and
WHEREAS, New York LGBT Health Month will raise a better understanding
of LGBT health issues and the special health and social services needs
that LGBT people have, including increased rates of smoking, breast
cancer, substance abuse, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and
depression and suicide attempts; and
WHEREAS, LGBT New Yorkers have disproportionately inadequate health-
care due to financial, cultural, and personal barriers; New York LGBT
Health Month encourages local groups, agencies, and organizations to
offer a full month of programs and events designed to educate, advocate,
and build community around the need for increased resources for these
underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, New York LGBT Health Month serves the additional purpose of
building community among LGBT people around New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is with great admiration that this Legislative Body recog-
nizes the efforts of all of the noble individuals who have worked on
behalf of New York LGBT Health Month, past and present, and wishes this
exemplary coalition continued success in its vital work on behalf of the
LGBT community it serves; 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 March 2015 as the Sixth Annual New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisex-
ual and Transgender Health Month and to celebrate the 20th Anniversary
of the New York State LGBT Health and Human Services Network; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Health and Human Services Network.