Senate Resolution No. 685

BY: Senator HOYLMAN-SIGAL

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of The Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the institutions which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; 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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, &
Transgender Community Center, commonly known as "The Center," to be
celebrated on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Center Dinner; and

WHEREAS, The Center Dinner, is the organization's largest annual
gala, which brings together almost 1,000 supporters of The Center,
making the event one of the largest gatherings of the LGBTQ+ community
and allies in the New York City area; the evening raises critical funds
to support the life-saving and life-enhancing programs offered, while
bringing together influential LGBTQ+ community members and allies to
celebrate those who are doing this work, and whose efforts are ushering
in a more just and equitable world; and

WHEREAS, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center,
then known as the "Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center Inc.," was
incorporated on July 6th, 1983; and

WHEREAS, The Center has steadily expanded the services it offers,
becoming a fixture of Greenwich Village through its work to connect
clients with individual, couple, and family counseling, substance use
services, youth and young adult services, HIV services and testing,
assistance with health insurance, and social supports services and
groups; and

WHEREAS, The Center has a long history of promoting LGBTQ+
representation in civic life, first through its Promote the Vote
initiative, which at the time of its founding, was the largest
nonpartisan lesbian and gay voter registration and mobilization program,
and today through its RiseOut People's Platform; and

WHEREAS, The Center serves as a safe space, hub of activism, and
resource for the LGBTQ+ community, NYC residents, visitors, and more
than 400 community groups; and

WHEREAS, The Center's dedicated and compassionate staff use their
expertise and lived experience to serve as social workers, event
coordinators, crisis counselors, therapists, counselors, friends, and
mentors in service of this mission; and

WHEREAS, At a time when hate crimes and hate-fueled rhetoric
directed toward the LGBTQ+ community have risen meteorically,
particularly towards trans, nonbinary, and two-spirit individuals, The
Center's work has never been more important; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate The Center's 40th Anniversary, recognizing the significance
of the role it continues to play in providing a place to connect and
engage, find camaraderie and support, and celebrate the vibrancy and
growth of the LGBTQ+ community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community
Center.