I am saddened to hear of the passing of Edie Windsor. Edie will always be known as a fighter for equality and as the plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, paving the way for marriage equality on the federal level.

Locally, we came to know her as an advocate for increased services for the LGBT community on Long Island, particularly for our youth. She was a source of inspiration to me, as one who co-sponsored the Marriage Equality Act on the state level.

I always enjoyed seeing Edie at the beginning of each summer at her home in Southampton for her backyard barbeque to support the LGBT Network. Her legacy will live on for all those who cherish equality and continue the fight against discrimination in our society.