Bill Text: NY J00679 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Mourning the death of Bruce Kogan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 43-20)

Status: (Passed) 2021-05-04 - ADOPTED [J00679 Detail]

Download: New_York-2021-J00679-Introduced.html

Senate Resolution No. 679

BY: Senator KENNEDY

        MOURNING  the  death of Bruce Kogan, distinguished
        citizen and devoted member of his community

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, is moved this day to pay  tribute  to  an  eminent  man  of
indomitable  faith  and  dedication  whose  public service and countless
accomplishments will forever stand as a  paradigm  and  inspiration  for
others; and

  WHEREAS,  The  unity  of  our  State  and  Nation  is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Bruce Kogan who upheld the  values  of
community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best
of humanity; and

  WHEREAS,  Born  in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce Kogan spent his life in
the service of others and was truly dedicated  to  making  the  world  a
better place; and

  WHEREAS,  In the late 1990s, Bruce Kogan moved to Buffalo, New York,
and became a part of Stonewall, the vital Western New York  organization
which advocates for the local LGBTQ community; and

  WHEREAS,  During  his illustrious career at the New York State Crime
Victims Board, and his  lifetime  spent  as  a  steadfast  supporter  of
equality  and  justice for all communities, especially the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender community, Bruce Kogan never gave up the fight;
and

  WHEREAS, A  former  President  of  SDWNY,  Bruce  Kogan  served  the
organization  in  many  roles  throughout  the  years;  he is forever an
essential part of the work of SDNWY and all LGBTQ  advocacy  in  Western
New York, across New York State and throughout our Nation; and

  WHEREAS,  With  every  meeting  attended, lobby visit made and heart
changed, Bruce Kogan truly helped bring about  the  monumental  progress
the LGBTQ community has made in the last decades; and

  WHEREAS, Whether through LGBTQ youth protections, marriage equality,
transgender  civil  rights,  or through every other issue which impacted
his community, Bruce Kogan was always there; the lives of  every  woman,
man  and  child  in the local community is better and more equal for his
unwavering commitment and life's work to this vital cause;  he  was  was
also  a  dedicated  advocate who worked tirelessly to eliminate the "gay
panic defense"; and

  WHEREAS, A central passion of Bruce Kogan's life  was  his  advocacy
for  LGBTQ  crime  victims,  never stopping in his pursuit of justice on
behalf of those who have been victimized; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, among his work  on  this  issue,  Bruce  Kogan
tirelessly  fought  for  justice for Winthrop "Winkie" Bean, writing the
play "Call Me Winkie,"  which  has  been  performed  multiple  times  in
Western New York; and


  WHEREAS,  Rare  indeed  is  the  impressive  dedication  shown by an
individual for  the  benefit  of  others  which  Bruce  Kogan  displayed
throughout his life; and

  WHEREAS,  It  has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor those individuals who have displayed their  commitment  to  the
betterment   of  their  communities,  and  it  is  the  intent  of  this
Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records,  this  tribute  to  Bruce
Kogan,  that  future  generations  may know and appreciate his admirable
character, his many benevolent deeds, and  the  respect  and  esteem  in
which he was held by his peers; and

  WHEREAS,  Armed  with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Bruce Kogan leaves behind a legacy which  will  long  endure
the  passage  of  time  and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn  the  death of Bruce Kogan, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the family of Bruce Kogan.
feedback