Harckham Honors Two District LGBTQ Leaders for Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month, Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District, presented New York State Senate Commendation awards to two outstanding advocates, whose leadership and activism has helped improve the lives of members of the LGBTQ community. The two honorees, Kristen Browde of Westchester County and Laurette Giardino of Dutchess County, are prominent activists, who advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community. The award ceremony was held in White Plains at The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center.

Browde is a former Emmy-award winning correspondent and anchor for CBS News, who came out as transgender in 2016, and who now practices law in Westchester County. Giardino is a former business owner and long-time LGBTQ advocate, who published a monthly LGBTQ newspaper, In the LIFE, that was distributed throughout the Hudson Valley from 1993-1998.

Senator Pete Harckham said, "I am proud to present New York State Senate Commendation Awards to two fierce advocates for LGBTQ rights, Kristen Browde and Laurette Giardino. They are not only exemplary advocates for the LGBTQ community. but they are involved in other activism that benefits their communities. I’m proud to work with them and even more proud to bestow this well-deserved honor on both of them.”

Judy Troilo, Executive Director, The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center said, "It is great to live in a community where our representatives recognize and support the LGBTQ movement. The LOFT is proud Senator Harckham chose The LOFT to host his celebration of these two exceptional LGBTQ leaders."

Kristen Prata Browde, Esq. said, "We’re able to truly celebrate this Pride month because of the wonderful work done over the past five months by Senator Harckham, his colleagues in the legislature and our Governor, Andrew Cuomo – this year they’ve enacted and signed into law vital protections for our community. And as grateful as I am for this recognition, I’m truly grateful for their efforts which have made New York a beacon to LGBTQ people world wide – we’re showing them how things should be – and can be – done.”

Laurette Giardino said, "I’m honored to receive this award and very thankful to Senator Harckham for awarding this to me. I’m also thankful for all of the people in my life who have helped me to accomplish all of the things we’ve done to help the LGBTQ community and women — my wife, my family and my friends."