Contact: Sunny Mindel/Jennifer Chait (212)788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this afternoon honored the Coalition of Lesbian and Gay City Employees with a proclamation declaring June 23rd Out in Government Day. Today's ceremony is part of the celebration of June as Lesbian and Gay Pride and History Month, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. New York City Tax Appeals Tribunal Commissioner Christopher Lynn accepted the proclamation from the Mayor.
The Mayor also presented Certificates of Recognition to Lew Todd, a member of the New York City Loft Board and a former civilian employee of the New York City Fire Department and Catherine Cotter, Deputy Assistant Chief in Charge of Civil Court for the New York City Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel.
"I am proud of all New York City employees who work hard and give their talents and energies so that the most famous City in the world can be a more open and understanding place," Mayor Giuliani said.
"Less than one year ago, in July, I signed into law our City's landmark domestic partnership legislation," the Mayor continued. "As a result, this year's ceremony takes on a new significance, because it codifies into law for the first time that Gay and Lesbian New York City employees and their domestic partners receive equal coverage from the City government. It is in that spirit that today we present this proclamation."
June is Lesbian and Gay Pride and History Month in New York City. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the birth of the gay civil rights movement at the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village. In recognition of its international renown, earlier this year the Stonewall Inn was placed on the State Registry of Historic Places.
The Coalition of Lesbian and Gay City Employees, founded in 1992, is dedicated to raising the visibility and understanding of gay and lesbian issues, addressing the needs and priorities of lesbian and gay employees and providing social and professional networking opportunities for its members. It is open to all current and former employees of the City of New York in all areas of government, including elected and appointed officials and retirees from City service.