members of Croton Pride, 2nd right and 3rd right, with BOL Chair Gashi, right, and Legislator Emiljana Ulaj, left
Benjamin Ilany, center, with BOL Chair Vedat Gashi, right, and Legislator David Imamura
Honors Air Force Veteran and Community Organization for Advocacy and Service
The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride Month on June 2 with a ceremony to honor Benjamin Ilany, a decorated Air Force veteran, LGBTQ+ service members advocate, and VFW post commander, and Croton Pride, a community organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ connection, advocacy, and celebration.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown), who convened the ceremony and welcomed guests, said, “Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations whose courage and commitment build communities where everyone can live authentically. Ben Ilany and Croton Pride embody that spirit through their advocacy, service, and dedication to creating spaces of belonging. Whether advancing equality for LGBTQ+ service members or fostering connection at the local level, their work has made Westchester a more welcoming place for all.”
Legislator David T. Imamura (D–Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) said, “I am proud to honor Ben Ilany both for his service to our country and to the LGBTQ+ community. Ben joined the military in the age of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ and knew upon joining that he would have to hide his sexual orientation from his comrades in arms. It is a testament to Ben’s dedication to this country that he flew hundreds of combat missions all while never telling his fellow soldiers that he was gay. Today, Ben serves as an incredible advocate for his fellow veterans as Commander of VFW Post 200 and as a leader in the LGBTQ+ community. I am proud to honor Ben Ilany for being the embodiment of what is best in America.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan) said, “Celebrating Pride is a matter of life and death, particularly for our youth. The ongoing discrimination and dehumanization that LGBTQ+ community members face is putting lives in danger. We see political operatives use LGBTQ+ issues as a wedge in elections without regard for the impact on community members struggling with acceptance. Croton Pride is the local antidote to this organized hate. Croton Pride fosters a culture of belonging, support, and celebration of our LGBTQ+ community—without mincing words about what is at stake. From monthly Queeraoke events, to tabling at every community-wide event, Croton Pride is there to create a safe space for everyone.”
The meeting replay will be posted here when available.