The Best Of Gay New York
New York's Best Source online for Gay, GLBT, LGBT and Gay-Friendly News, Entertainment and Events
Best Gay New York

Hot Deals at THE OUT NYC



 

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/17/2013 2:44 PM | Add Comment

After Sandy-A Night of A Thousand Midlers at LIPS May 15th

A NIGHT OF BETTE!  

Lips Restaurant, “The Ultimate in Drag Dining,” is proud to announce that on Wednesday, May 15th, it will host a tribute showcase for the legendary Bette Midler to benefit her charity, the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization, founded by Midler, dedicated to restoring parks, gardens and open space in underserved communities throughout New York City.  A portion of the funds raised from the evening will be used towards the NYRP’s “MillionTreesNYC” initiative which aims to plant and care for one million new trees in NYC by 2017. Particularly after so many of the city’s trees were destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, this is a particularly meaningful cause that Lips Restaurant is proud to be a part of.  

Guests in attendance will receive the full star treatment as they walk the red carpet upon arrival where they will be greeted by Joan Rivers look alike, Jessie Volt, as she conducts interviews and poses for paparazzi souvenir photos. Once inside, the cocktail hour will feature cocktails by Absolut, Vueve Cliquot Champagne and hors d’oeuvres provided by J Kings Foodservice. A silent auction will be on site with items graciously donated by Bette Midler including her 2012 Hulaween Costume, signed albums, CD’s and memorabilia, a Florida vacation, Beauty Salon Experiences, Restaurant gift certificates, Hulaween and Garden Party Event Tickets, and more.

Following the cocktail hour, a three-course dinner will be served by the legendary “drag” waitresses of Lips, culminating with a fabulous NYRP tree cake created by TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro for dessert. The evening’s highlight, a “Night of a Thousand Midler's” tribute revue dedicated to the Divine Miss M, will be hosted by drag sensation, Ginger Snapt and feature the world’s foremost Bette Midler tribute artist, Donna Maxon, along with the Ladies of Lips.

Tickets for the charitable evening are available online at www.1000Midlers.com, by phone at 212-675-7710, or by mail at: LIPS RESTAURANT, 227 East 56th Street, NYC, NY 10022.

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/14/2013 12:53 PM | Add Comment

New York City to Spend $60 Million on Tourism

DID YOU KNOW?
NYC is the #1 destination of LGBT  travelers?

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.

The Governor’s announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit, where hundreds of tourism experts gathered in Albany to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors to the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the State a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.”

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/9/2013 4:16 PM | Add Comment

New York Awards recognizes BEST GAY NEW YORK

WINNER!  

The New York Awards are an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the New York area. 

Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

"Each year, we identify companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community."

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/7/2013 7:07 AM | Add Comment

NYC X DESIGN Happens in New York May 10 - 21

Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, along with, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, steering committee members, and members of the local design community announced details of the first annual “NYCxDESIGN” (NYC by Design) event. Officials also revealed “Multifesto,” a communal design manifesto project open to designers from across the world, and announced plans to launch a mobile scheduling website, and an iPhone photo App. NYCxDESIGN takes place Friday, May 10th through Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 and features more than 200 events across all five boroughs. Officials made the announcement in in Times Square and were joined by Executive Director at the Center for an Urban Future Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director at NY Designs Natalia Argüello, FIT Professor and Founder of Breadbox Studio in Harlem Joseph Masibay and other leading members of the New York City design community.

 

First announced in Speaker Quinn’s 2012 State of the city address, NYCxDESIGN is the City’s first annual city-wide event to showcase and promote New York City’s rich design community. Scheduled events include free design classes for children ages 2 and up through the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, as well as BKLYN Designs in DUMBO, WantedDesign in Chelsea, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Javits Center, free classes at a pop-up design studio in Staten Island, talks at universities and museums and many more. Design disciplines span Architecture, Art, Design Thinking, Digital, Craft, Fashion, Furniture, Graphic Design, Industrial, Interiors, Landscape, Lighting, Products, Media, Theater, and Urban Design.

For a full list of events, please visit: www.nycxdesign.com/events

 

“Over 40,000 designers call the City home and it’s time for us to tap into this sector, raise its profile, and turn it into an economic engine,” said Speaker Quinn. “NYCxDESIGN provides the right opportunity for New York City to convene our local design community and celebrate their contributions to the city, to a degree never before seen. I’m excited that NYCxDESIGN will help both emerging and established designers exhibit their skills, sell their designs, and grow their businesses in the five boroughs.”


“When visitors explore New York City they experience unparalleled urban design and architecture around every corner and are also able to find distinctive design items made locally and sourced from around the world,” said George Fertitta CEO of NYC & Company. “NYCxDESIGN captures the essence of New York City’s creativity and diversity, giving us another opportunity to reach new audiences and showcase all that the five boroughs have to offer. To further exemplify design in all its expressions, NYC & Company recently launched The Design Collection, a selection of 19 hotels where exceptional design is an essential part of the visitor experience. During NYCxDESIGN, or anytime throughout the year, we encourage visitors to be inspired by one of these unique hotels.”

 

“The NYCxDESIGN initiative highlights the extraordinary breadth of New York City's creative community,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. “The dynamic program of events and exhibitions will foster new connections between audiences, organizations, and professionals whose work make the City a global center for innovation and excellence in design.”

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/6/2013 6:38 PM | Add Comment

New York City Neighborhoods to Explore


Geographically, New York is a city with 5 boroughs, 59 community districts and hundreds of neighborhoods. In 2010, the Department of City Planning issued a revised wall map displaying the neighborhood names and community district boundaries along with informative statistics on the geographic, demographic and economic profile of New York City. View the full map (7.25 MB). 

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, has separated the city into  sections/guides and give some tips for each area. Lower Manhattan, Chelsea, Meat Packing District, Hell's Kitchen, Koreatown, etc. They show the reader choices for accommodations, cultural sights, dining and entertainment, shopping and attractions. 

It's a great resource for tourists, newly transplanted people, or if you have family coming to town, it provides some new idea's perhaps, that  you did not think of. 




Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/3/2013 8:57 AM | Add Comment

Sotto 13 in New Yorks West Village Hotspot for Social Brunch


Sharing.  We all learned that in kindergarten (or at least should have) about sharing. Sharing is also a fundamental part of eating. Whether you're having Sunday dinner at home with family or you're out at the new Italian place with friends, the act of sharing food comes into play early and often in a meal.

Sotto 13 does  what they call... 'Social Italian'. It's about sharing great food and some cocktails in a fun atmosphere with friends - or meeting some new ones. Small plates, pizza and pastas are designed to share a variety of tastes along with their signature, fresh cocktails or some wine. 

Located in a landmark brownstone in the West Village of NYC, 140 W 13th Street,  between 6th & 7th Avenues.

Whether you go for Wednesday Happy Hour with free passed tapas and wood fired pizzas, or  Late night Thursday after 10pm with lots of pizza specials, or my favorite, Boozy Brunch $25 all you can drink, on the weekends! This restaurant has lots to offer any time of day, 7 days  a week. 

FOOD NETWORK MAGAZINE says, "After opening up in the end of 2012 Sotto 13 has become a hit in the West Village for the Italian Social Scene. Sotto 13 has stepped up their game with a ‘Social Brunch’ on Saturday and Sundays. This is a must try brunch with foods highlights including Cacio e Pepe with scrambled eggs topped with Cacio cheese, Baked Crispelle, Tuscan Eggs and
Brioche French Toast Sticks and of course fresh out of the wood fired oven come crisp brunch pizzas.
 
This is not their only specialty Sotto’s brunch has NYC's first ever 'DIY Prosecco Bar'! The concept allows Brunchers to become their own mixologists with a bottle of prosecco and a tray of five mixers, including signature fresh juices, liqueurs and toss ins like candied ginger, fresh berries and more. Guests can use the provided recipe card or freestyle it to craft their own bubbly brunch cocktails."

It's been called  best new sexy spot, best date night restaurant, best atmosphere, best Italian food sharing, and more!   Even Yelpers, a tough crowd to please, consistently give Sotto 13,  4 and 5 stars!

So what are you waiting for?   If you haven't checked out Sotto 13 yet,  make a reservation now!

(212) 647-1001    Sotto 13    And I will see you there!




Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/2/2013 1:39 PM | Add Comment

The Center SUMMER CAMP Events

 

 This summer, the Center is sending you back to CAMP with our annual Summer “Camp” Festival. But not the kind of icky outdoor camp with tents and mosquitoes – instead, we’re serving up drag queens and NO WIRE HANGERS! Jump start your summer with fun, games and a celebration of the elusive queer aesthetic known simply as “camp.”

FOURPLAY - Thursday, May 9; 7:30 p.m. Giving John Waters a run for his sleazy money, Kyle Henry’s raucous independent film, Fourplay presents a quartet of sex tales in four American cities. Henry and Paul Soileau (Christeene) host.

HOLLY WOODLAWN: A LOW LIFE IN HIGH HEELS - Thursday, May 16; 7 p.m. Once appearing alongside Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis, the legendary Andy Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn will read from her biography and screen her 1973 short film Broken Goddess.

DRAG BINGO WITH HEDDA LETTUCE - Tuesday, May 21; 7 p.m. Drag bingo returns to the Center for one night only with kooky prizes, double entendre and a cash jackpot. Time to get lucky!

BRINI MAXWELL DOES BARBARELLA - Tuesday, May 28; 7 p.m. Wall-to-wall shag carpeting, evil Lava Lamp goo and glittery spacesuits that fall off at a moment’s notice? Forget Jane Fonda…we’ve got the mod-tastic Brini Maxwell to help us through this camp classic.

MATCH GAME LIVE - Thursday, June 13; 7:30 p.m. A live stage version of the campiest, kitschiest game show in history — The “Match Game”! Match Frank DeCaro, Jackie Hoffman and other celebs for prizes. Get ready to laugh your _BLANK_ off!


THE CENTER

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/2/2013 11:02 AM | Add Comment

Queen of Queens Comedy with Adam Sank May 12

The Queens of Queens
Sunday, May 12 at 8:00PM
Laughing Devil Comedy Club

The queens play a game of "Mother, May I?" at this month's installment of the Long Island City LGBT comedy show -- and Mom's not having it. In the headline spot will be straight-but sassy Michelle Buteau,(pictured)  a 2013 nominee at Logo's NewNowNext Awards for her hilarious hosting on Vh-1's "Best Week Ever." Ms. B has also appeared on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and at colleges and comedy clubs all over the U.S. 

Also springing onto the stage will be Chris Doucette (The Advocate's "Best of LGBT Comedy" and winner of Chicago's Snubfest Comedy Festival), Sheba Mason, who takes after her famous father, Jackie, Jami Smith (Women in Comedy Festival, Comedy Editor and "Gaysayer" Tweeter for The Advocate Magazine) and Tarik Daniels (Gaylarious in Washington DC). 

As always, host Adam Sank (NBC's "Last Comic Standing," Sirius-XM OutQ) keeps the show moving gaily forward.

$15 + 2-Item Minimum. For tickets and information, visit Laughingdevil.com.

Laughing Devil Comedy Club | 4738 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City (Queens)
Subway: 7 Train to Vernon-Jackson

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 5/1/2013 8:31 PM | Add Comment

Larry Kramer to Receive special Tony Award June 9th, in New York

Larry Kramer is a playwright, author, public health advocate, and LGBT rights activist.  Kramer introduced a controversial and confrontational style in his 1978 novel Faggots, which earned mixed reviews but emphatic denunciations from the gay community for his portrayal of shallow, promiscuous gay relationships in the 1970s.

Kramer witnessed the spread of the disease that became known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among his friends in 1980, and co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), which has become the largest private organization to assist people living with AIDS in the world. Not content with the social services GMHC provided, Kramer expressed his frustration with bureaucratic paralysis and the apathy of gay men to the AIDS crisis by writing a play titled The Normal Heart which was produced at The Public Theater in New York City in 1985. His political activism extended to the founding of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in 1987, a direct action protest organization widely credited with changing public health policy and widespread perception of people living with AIDS (PWAs) and awareness of HIV and AIDS-related diseases. He was such an important part of our gay history and is now being recognized for his amazing contributions. 

 Kramer will receive this year’s Isabelle Stevenson Award, a non-competitive Tony award given to an individual from the theater community who has made a substantial contribution on behalf of humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations.

“Writers who are activists are very rarely taken seriously as artists,” Kramer said in an interview. “I look upon this recognition as acknowledgment that a serious writer can also be a serious activist, and no less an artist for it.”

Kramer, who will turn 78 years old in June, won a 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, for the revival of “The Normal Heart” on Broadway, which starred Joe Mantello, Ellen Barkin and John Benjamin Hickey.

Kramer also wrote the screenplay for a coming HBO film based on the play, which will be directed by Ryan Murphy (“Glee”) and star Mark Ruffalo as Ned Weeks, the young activist at the center of the story.

“We are so excited about it,” Kramer said of the film, which begins shooting in New York in June. “It’s much bigger than the play. It’s the same basic plot but one is able to open it up and show much more about AIDS and also explore the character of the doctor [which will be played by Julia Roberts] which I wanted to do in the play, but it didn’t work.” -  Barbra Streisand wanted to make to film and had bought the rights  - but she  struggled with Kramer for over 15 years, then gave the rights back to him. 



Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/30/2013 8:12 AM | Add Comment

First AIDS Generation Reunites to Discuss The Early Crisis Years in New York City May 9th

Hundreds of New Yorkers who lived during the worst devastation of the AIDS years, joined by leading educators and scientists, will come together in a free panel discussion and town-hall meeting to discuss the unique challenges they face as a group.

 Titled “Is This My Beautiful Life? Perspectives From Survivors of the AIDS Generation,“ this first-ever community forum will take place on Thursday, May 9, from 7-9 pm, in Mason Hall at Baruch College, 17 Lexington Avenue (enter on 23rd Street). The space is wheelchair accessible. The panel discussion will be followed by a public forum for attendees to discuss their experiences, share their challenges and ask questions of panelists.

The event is free but pre-registration is required at www.broadwaycares.org/life . This town hall is particularly targeted at gay men in midlife, whether HIV-positive or HIV-negative; all person living with HIV; former and current AIDS activists, caregivers, and service providers; and New Yorkers who lost friends, lovers, and colleagues to AIDS.

The evening will be hosted by the Tony Award-winning star of Angels in America, Stephen Spinella. It will begin with short presentations by experts on aging, activism, mental trauma, and chronic disease. The panel of experts will be moderated by Dr. Perry N. Halkitis (Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies, Professor of Applied Psychology and Public Health, NYU Steinhardt, Professor of Population Health, NYU Langone School of Medicine and author of the soon-to-be-released book, The AIDS Generation: Stories of Survival and Resilience). 


 “As the youngest of those people now enters middle age, it’s clear that—like soldiers—the AIDS generation suffers even after its fight has abated,” said event co-organizer John Voelcker. “Many members of the group that fought the ravages of the epidemic, buried its brothers and sisters, and endured a war that the rest of the world felt it could ignore seem to suffer what may be something similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their depression rates are higher, they may engage in unsafe sex, and a few of those with HIV inexplicably stop taking the lifesaving anti-retroviral medications that saved their lives 15 years ago.”


REGISTER ONLINE

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/29/2013 10:23 AM | Add Comment

Broadway Bares SOLO STRIPS May 5th at XL Nightclub

Sunday, May 5,2013.......9 pm 

XL Nightclub
512 West 42nd Street, NYC

As the weather warms up, the clothes will come off 12 of the hottest men from Broadway Bares when they strip down to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS at Broadway Bares: Solo Strips.

Tickets for Solo Strips, a special, one-night-only evening of choreographed stripteases, are on sale now. A limited number of reserved table seats are available for $40. General admission standing tickets also are available for a $15 donation. Get tickets now.

This year's Broadway Bares: Solo Strips dancers include Matt Anctil (La Cage Aux Folles, Broadway Bares 18-21), Patrick Boyd (Grease, Broadway Bares 17-19), James Brown III (Wicked, Broadway Bares 16, 18-20), Timothy Hughes (Chaplin, Broadway Bares 21), John Paul LaPorte (Broadway Bares 15-22) Patrick McCollum (Broadway Bares 16, 18-19), Peter Nelson (Cinderella, Broadway Bares 21-22), Daniel Robinson (Hairspray, Broadway Bares 17-19), Matthew Rossoff (Jesus Christ Superstar, Broadway Bares 18, 21) Billy Steeves (Broadway Bares 22), Dennis Stowe (Annie, Broadway Bares 9, 13-14, 16- 17, 19- 20) and Sheldon Tucker (Bring It On: The Musical, Broadway Bares 21-22).

Broadway Bares: Solo Strips will again be directed by Tony Spinosa. Doors open one hour prior to the show. Reserved table seats require an additional two-drink minimum.

Solo Strips is a return to the roots of Broadway Bares. In 1992, Jerry Mitchell, then a performer in The Will Rogers Follies, organized a benefit burlesque show featuring himself and six friends performing original strips at a bar for a $10 donation plus whatever tips the audience gave the dancers. Mitchell, now a Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, is executive producer of Broadway Bares, which is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Broadway Bares: Solo Strips is a sexy tease for Broadway Bares, one of BC/EFA's annual signature events. This year's racy, road trip-themed edition, Broadway Bares 23: United Strips of America, will feature 200 of New York's most desirable dancers discovering – and uncovering – amber waves and mountain majesties that only Broadway Bares could find. This trip across the fruited plains of America will most certainly be the stuff patriot dreams are made of. Special celebrity guests will be announced at a later date.

Broadway Bares 23: United Strips of America will be held Sunday, June 23 with two performances only at 9:30 pm & midnight at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Get tickets for Broadway Bares now.

The 2013 Bares season started in January with Broadway Bares: Winter Burlesque, which raised $35,428. The season continues with Solo Strips, then Broadway Bares: Fire Island on June 1 before concluding with Broadway Bares 23.

Meet this year's Broadway Bares: Solo Strips dancers.....

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/29/2013 9:40 AM | Add Comment

Casino travel in New York

As gambling is a holiday theme that has only increased in popularity over the past decades, it is no wonder that even the state of New York offers casino entertainment to its visitors. Technically it is illegal to gamble in the state, which is why the only casinos one can visit are on Native land. It is an American experience many tourists are after, so it is no wonder that the casinos bring great numbers of gamble-minded tourists into the state despite the state restrictions.

The laws in the New York area have, however, had an impact on the number of casinos available and there are considerably fewer casinos than you would expect looking at the nearby states. There are still several good ones that are well worth a visit. One example is the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, a Native establishment, as the name might imply. They have an impressive variety of slots machines – over six hundred on site! They also have quite a variety of table games. 

People in the state have also worked their way around the restrictions by moving their gaming activities off the shore or just gaming online on sites like  iPhonecasino.ca instead. There are quite a number of casino cruises on offer, and there are also casinos on more ordinary cruise vessels. When on sea, you are no longer under the same laws, and you can gamble to your heart’s content. One such ship is the Midnight Gambler II, built for just such a purpose. It is run by the Freeport casino Cruises company, and it contains almost three hundred gaming machines and a good selection of tables to game on. Other forms of entertainment are also available, and it’s always nice to get out to the sea from the dust of the city.

Posted by Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel at 4/29/2013 9:08 AM | Add Comment

Urban Wonderer App Walking Tour of New York City

Whether you are visiting  New York City, or live here and are curious about the history of the buildings and landmarks you pass, Urban Wonderer FREE app is here to help!

It’s difficult to really look at and appreciate these sites when you’ve got your nose stuck in a guide book. This audio app solves that problem.

UrbanWonderer, an iPhone and Android audio walking tour app, was launched to solve just this problem. Created by licensed NYC tour guide, Steven Craig Sickles, UrbanWonderer offers informative and highly entertaining narrated walking tours of some of New York City’s most popular neighborhoods, including SoHo, TriBeCa, Central Park, Greenwich Village, and W42nd Street in Times Square. Additionally, the UrbanWonderer app offers a non-narrated map of the Chelsea Art Galleries, as the exhibits change constantly.

UrbanWonderer walking tours cover not only New York City history and its landmark sights, but also some of the city’s best restaurants, art galleries and shops, as well as dozens of film and TV shooting locations that have helped make New York the most celebrated city on both big and little screens.

With the UrbanWonderer walking tour app you’ll learn the history of over 100 popular NYC destinations, including:

-          How Houston Street got its name and, perhaps more importantly for New York City newbies, how to pronounce it!

o   Listen: SoHo: The How of Houston

-          The history of the Washington Square Park Arch

o   Listen: Greenwich Village: Washington Square Arch

-          The controversy over the creation of Central Park and how Sheep Meadow got its name

o   Listen: Central Park: Sheep Meadow

Check it out!   Urban Wonderer

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/24/2013 6:58 PM | Add Comment

Gay Pride New York 2013

HOW COOL IS THAT PHOTO? Such CELEBRATION!  

I think it's pretty hard to beat Gay Pride in New York! 40+ years since the Stonewall Riots...and LOOK how far we have come!

Two Years Following the Passage of New York’s Marriage Equality Act, NYC Remains Nation’s Most Popular LGBT Travel Destination, Attracting Visitors From Around the Globe.


Nearly 2 Million Expected to Attend Flagship Heritage of Pride Events this June.

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, is highlighting several annual gay pride events taking place throughout the City as the summer travel season begins. Recognized as the number one LGBT travel destination in the United States, New York City will be brimming with energy, diversity and excitement. From the flagship Heritage of Pride events in Manhattan—where nearly 2 million people are expected to attend—to the diverse pride events and celebrations happening in the boroughs outside Manhattan, New York City is the ideal destination for visitors seeking a unique and festive pride experience.

“New York City is an iconic destination for LGBT travel, particularly during our annual Pride Week celebrations,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York two years ago, the City remains the most popular gay travel destination in the United States. We encourage visitors from around the world to book their travel now and experience the many pride festivities taking place throughout the five boroughs.”

A full listing of NYC 2013 pride activity can be accessed at nycgo.com/gay.  Highlights of activity taking place throughout the City, organized by borough, follows: 

 

Manhattan

 

Heritage of Pride, which organizes the City’s flagship LGBT events and commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots that sparked the modern gay-rights movement, features the theme “Rain to Rainbows” for its lineup of pride events this year.

 

“After years of inequality in this country we are finally turning the course toward receiving full equality. While this won’t be achieved overnight we are proud of our community’s accomplishments over the last decade and look to the future with a positive stance on the state of LGBT rights,” said Chris Frederick, Managing Director of Heritage of Pride. “With the Supreme Court deciding on same-sex marriage days prior to NYC Pride’s largest day we are projecting an increase in attendance to nearly 2 million individuals and are excited to welcome the world with open arms.”

The PrideFest street fair, now in its 20th year, will take place on Sunday, June 30, 11am–6pm. Thousands of visitors attend the event at Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street each year, joining locals, corporate sponsors, community leaders and business owners.

With Edith Windsor (the central figure in the case challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act), Harry Belafonte (singer, songwriter and longtime social activist) and Earl Fowlkes (president and CEO of the Center for Black Equity) as the grand marshals, The March will take place on Sunday, June 30, at noon. The parade, which has taken place to celebrate the gay community since 1970, begins at 36th Street and Fifth Avenue and ends in Greenwich Village. Free registration is now open online.

Three events will take place at Pier 26 (on the West Side Highway; attendees should cross at Laight Street) this year:

 

·         The Rally will take place on Friday, June 28, 7–10pm, showcasing speakers and well-known performers in honor of the first NYC pride rally that occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots.

·         Rapture on the River, one of the nation’s largest ladies-only dance events, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Saturday, June 29, 3–10pm. Tickets are available online.

·         On Sunday, June 30, Dance on the Pier is back for its 27th year with award-winning DJs and the world’s longest-running LGBT fireworks display along the Hudson River. The event, 3–10pm, is the official close to NYC Pride events. Tickets are available online.

To purchase tickets, register and access a comprehensive list of all events, visit nycpride.org or follow Heritage of Pride on Twitter (twitter.com/nycpride) or on Facebook (facebook.com/nycpride).

 

Bronx

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in partnership with Boogie Down Pride and Brainpower, will host the third annual Bronx LGBT Allies Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2013, 6pm, at the Rotunda at 851 Grand Concourse. The event will honor individuals who have made positive contributions to the LGBT community in the Bronx. For more information, go to bronxboropres.nyc.gov/.

 

Brooklyn

 

New York City’s most populous borough celebrates gay pride with events on Saturday, June 8. Brooklyn Pride 2013 features the 16th annual Brooklyn Pride LGBT 5K Run through the historic Prospect Park. Runners must sign up at nycruns.com (limited to 500 participants). Runners can check in at 8am; the race starts at 10am.

 

Also on June 8, visitors and locals can attend the Brooklyn Pride Festival, 11am–5pm at a new location, on Fifth Avenue, between Third and Ninth Streets. This year’s festival will feature two stages for local performers and LGBT–friendly sports teams that will be playing behind the Old Stone House at J.J. Byrne Park.


At 7:30pm, the Brooklyn Pride Parade will begin at a new location, at Sterling Place, and march down Fifth Avenue, ending at Ninth Street.

 

For more information, please visit brooklynpride.org.

 

Queens

 

On Sunday, June 2, Queens Pride, which promotes education and awareness of LGBT issues in the borough, hosts its Parade and Multicultural Festival, noon–6pm, in Jackson Heights, with the theme “Equality. Everyday. Everyone.”  The parade starts at 85th Street and 37th Avenue at noon, and will follow 37th Avenue through 75th Street. Also starting at noon, the festival will take place through 6pm on 37th Road between 74th and 77th Streets. Parade participants will have the opportunity to win “Queenie Awards,” ranging from the best use of color to the best drag performance.

 

For more information and to register for the events, go to queenspride.org.

 

Staten Island

 

The Staten Island LGBT Community Center hosts the LGBT Pride Parade & Festival 2013 in the St. George neighborhood on Saturday, June 1, noon–5pm. The parade kicks off at noon at on Central Avenue at Slosson Terrace, ending at Tompkinsville Park, where the festival will feature LGBT–friendly entertainment, amusements and vendors till 5pm.

 

For more information and to register for the events, visit silgbtcenter.org or facebook.com/statenislandparade.


Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/23/2013 12:58 PM | Add Comment

New York Boylesque Stripper Festival April 26-27

BOYS BOYS BOYS! 
Who doesn't love a hot male stripper?  
How about a creative male stripper??

Burlesque is back, just in case you missed the memo. Over the last 15 years it has been growing steadily and now more and more men are getting in on the stripper fun!

This  upcoming  weekend, Daniel Nardicio and Jen Gapay of Thirsty Girl Productions are teaming up to present the second annual New York Boylesque Festival—a two-day extravaganza of nearly nude dudes artfully disrobing. 

The festival kicks off Friday April 26th with nightlife icon World Famous *BOB* as emcee at Williamsburg hot spot, Public Assembly.

This Friday night Teaser Party, DJ'd by boylesque historian Scott Ewalt features over a dozen national and international performers and is sure to get your motor started for a weekend of non-stop boylesque hotness! 

On Saturday April 27th, another 20 more  boylesquers , from Toronto to Tokyo will hit the Gramercy Theater stage to do their thing. Hosted by NYC's Drag Mama Sweetie.

Some Stripetease, Some Circus and Some Comedy!


Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/22/2013 6:58 PM | Add Comment

Big Gay Hudson Valley New York Magazine Turns 5

Visit New York’s Hudson Valley!

Are you looking for a weekend getaway or family vacation?

The Hudson Valley is a getaway destination offering spectacular mountain views, historic estates, wine trails, shopping, outdoor adventures and much more. Millions of visitors have enjoyed our bountiful choices - just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan.


  Let That Springtime Sunshine In!

 

Now that we've all made it through the winter season, it's time to get out and explore all that the Hudson Valley in Spring has to offer!  The newest issue of our all-digital online magazine is packed with insider tips to get you out & about this season.  

The Spring 2013 issue of Big Gay Hudson Valley Magazine features:

  • Our top picks for local Spring activities
  • An insider's "CityGuide" look at Beacon, Fishkill & Wappingers Falls
  • A "Local Color" profile of openly gay Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander
  • A look back at "5 Years of Big Gay Fun" as BGHV celebrates its FIFTH birthday this year
  • ...and so much more!  Read it now!
ALSO - get a look at their upcoming PRIDE WEEKEND happening over Memorial Weekend in May.

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/19/2013 8:59 AM | Add Comment

New Yorks Dog Poop Problems

WE LOVE OUR DOGS!
      But lets face it , dog poop is gross.


It's hard to imagine eight million people trying to avoid dog refuse on the streets of New York City on a daily basis. It's harder not to imagine New Yorkers from all walks of life picking up after their canines. Using plastic bags or trendy, mechanized devices, pet owners have become a unified force in cleaning up the sidewalks of the Big Apple. We forget that Health Law 1310, which went into effect in 1978, was the first such legislation to work in a major city, and that the strange custom of scooping in New York continues to influence communities around the world. READ THE BOOK - New York's Poop Scoop Law: Dogs, the Dirt, and Due Process (New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond)

How do you pick up your dogs poop? 

Many dog owners pick it up with a non-biodegradable plastic bag. They "recycle" (re-use) one of those plastic bags from the grocery store. They pick up the poop and throw it away. Those are just about the worst invention EVER!

But then what happens? It gets sent off somewhere, to live on forever and ever and ever.
You may not think about it, but chances are if you have a dog you're creating excess waste, somewhere. There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States. That's a lot of poop!

NOW - We have better choice!  A smarter Green solution!




Paul Cannella, the owner of Chicago-based PoopBags.com, created a solution. 

Cannella’s PoopBags are 100 percent  TOTALLY biodegradable dog waste bags  —
Made from corn starch and other renewable resources, PoopBags are shelf stable products that will degrade, after use, at the same rate as the core of an apple. 


"I used to always run out of bags for my dog, May. I started grabbing extra bags when I could: my Mom would save them for me, I always asked for double-bagging, etc. I started looking for sources on the web and discovered just how bad plastic bags were for the environment." says Paul. 

In 2003, there were very few resources for biodegradable bags — and it remains true today. While many claim to be biodegradable, only a couple actually meet the ASTM D6400 specification, which allows you to legally claim your product is biodegradable."

 Check out Poop Bags.com for an assortment of items!

 The ORIGINAL and the BEST Poop Bags!

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/16/2013 7:59 AM | Add Comment

Ross Mathews Takes a Bite out of New York City in May

As a young kid growing up in a farm town, Ross Mathews might as well have wished for a pet unicorn or a magical calorie-free cookie tree to grow in his front yard. 

Either of those far-fetched fantasies would've probably been more likely to come true than his real dream: Working on television in Hollywood, California. I mean, seriously, that stuff just doesn't happen to people like Ross. But guess what. It totally did.

Who knew - everyone would fall in love with Ross? We have been watching Ross's rise to fame and it is so great to see a very gay man!  Rise to such great heights. He is just so likable, honest and  real. The public responds well to him. 

Ross Mathews, is now one of the most in-demand television personalities today. Ross has traveled the world as a Tonight Show correspondent, interviewing everyone from Oscar winners to British royalty, quickly becoming a late-night television  staple and a favorite of the public. 

Currently, Ross continues his Tonight Show correspondent duties, is a weekly regular panelist and occasional guest host on E!'s hit late-night talk show Chelsea Lately and a fixture on the E! Networks' live red carpet award show coverage and E! News.

Last month Ross worked on a talk show pilot,  produced by Chelsea Handler's Borderline Amazing Productions that Mathews  hosted, wrote and co-produced!

NOW COMES THE BOOK AND TOUR!
Ross will be at the Gramercy Theater in NY on Tuesday May 7, 8:00pm.  He will be in New York that week doing press, as May 7 is the official release date of the book as well!

The MAN UP  book will out May 7th.  The book, Man Up!: Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence , will be Mathews’ first and include a humorous collection of observations and personal stories and takes readers inside Mathews’ personal journey as a super fan, revealing the most embarrassing and hilarious moments of his small town life and big city adventures, and how he managed to turn an obsession with pop culture into one on one interactions with celebrities like Paltrow, Tiffani-Amber Theissen, Madonna, and Michelle Kwan [to name a few] without ever having a single restraining order issued against him. It also will feature a foreword by actress Gwyneth Paltrow and an afterword by late-night host Chelsea Handler.

"Ross has been a friend of mine for 10 years, and this book is hilariously sad, hilariously naïve and hilariously gay. I love this book,” Handler said.


"The book is about my experiences, thus far, in life. Growing up in a small town and then navigating Hollywood. The theme that’s been running through that is something I talk about on Chelsea a lot; what I’ve coined as “man-up.” I think I always try to man-up," explains Ross. 

"What I mean by that is, understanding you are what you are and you’re going to have your flaws, but rather than heaping a lot of negativity on whatever makes you different or whatever makes you unique, really shine the light on that and use it to make you stand out, I think that’s just something innately that I’ve done my entire life, totally on accident. I probably owe it to my mother, because she was effusive with her compliments, even when they were undeserved. I would love to spread that message. Like, come on, life is short you gotta love yourself. Get over it and let’s keep movin’ on to make a difference in the world."


Mathews currently lives in Los Angeles with his partner, Salvador, and their two rescue dogs, Louise and Mijo. When not working on his many projects, Mathews is a strong supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, speaking at many of their nationwide events and he received their Visibility Award in 2011.

When once asked, Why do you think visibility is so important for our community?

He says, "Oh my gosh, it’s like crazy, super, big time important! I grew up in a teeny farm town in Mount Vernon, Washington, and I was a little gay kid and I didn’t know what it meant to grow up to be a big gay grown-up. I didn’t know any gay people and back then I didn’t see any gay people on TV. I didn’t learn until I went to college that I could be a totally happy grown up, loud, proud, out gay person. It’s a different world now, in part, not to toot my tooter, partly because people like me are on TV, out, loud and proud for a decade now!"                        TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!


 5/7/13
New York, NY
Gramercy Theatre


Check our Ross's Blog and grab all of his social media links!

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/16/2013 6:13 AM | Add Comment

New York City Parking Solutions with new Apps

This is a cool idea!

New York City unveiled an app Tuesday that allows drivers to find available parking spaces and pay for them with smartphones.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the pilot program to test out the technology, which he said would help make streets less congested and modernize the payment process.

"It's worked elsewhere and we think it will work here," Mr. Bloomberg said on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, where the pilot program is slated to launch. "This is a better technology for everyone. It should lead to fewer problems, fewer disagreements about whether or not you've paid or haven't paid."

Drivers who register on the PayByPhone website can use their iPhones or BlackBerrys to pay for one of more than 260 parking spaces with electronic "pucks" embedded in the streets below them. The disks transmit a signal to a server that either the space is empty or a driver has paid to park there.

The PayByPhone app will also send text messages or emails warning drivers when their time is about to expire and allow them to pay for more time without walking to the meter. A traffic officer can scan vehicles' license plates to see if their time has expired. 

Then later this spring, officials said, a second smartphone app will make its debut, giving drivers and the city near-real-time information about the probability of finding a parking space on each block.

read more  at Wall Street Journal

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/15/2013 9:23 AM | Add Comment

Surviving Mommie Dearest with Cristina Crawford in New York for a limited Engagement!

CHRISTINA CRAWFORD

in

SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST

 

BEST SELLING AUTHOR WHO SHOCKED THE WORLD WITH THE FIRST CELEBRITY

TELL-ALL WILL STAR IN AN INSPIRATIONAL NEW OFF-BROADWAY PRODUCTION

ABOUT SURVIVAL & HER TURBULENT RELATIONSHIP WITH

MOVIE LEGEND MOTHER JOAN CRAWFORD 

LIMITED RUN!

MOTHER’S DAY WEEK      MAY 8th -12th

 

AT THE SNAPPLE THEATER CENTER

 

Mommie Dearest Inc. in association with Producer Jerry Rosenberg have announced dates for the New York premiere of SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST an empowering and inspirational new production starring Christina Crawford - actress, activist and author of the 1978 best-selling autobiographical book “Mommie Dearest.”


The show features an award–winning bio-pic documentary covering 100 years of show-biz history and details the turbulent relationship between Christina and her movie legend mother, Joan Crawford. Complete with film clips and footage from forgotten 1940's home movies, SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST is slated for a limited run of 5 performances, during the week of Mother’s Day and will run off-Broadway at the Snapple Theater Center in Manhattan.

 

In addition to the Hollywood glitz and glamour of SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST, Ms. Crawford who wrote and narrates the documentary, recounts the abuse that she endured in her life, discusses her road to recovery, takes questions from the audience and closes the 90 minute show with a book signing.



 

Christina Crawford’s memoir, “Mommie Dearest” created a worldwide sensation and was published in seven foreign languages. Since then, she has written: Black Widow (a novel), Survivor, No Safe Place and Daughters of the Inquisition, in addition to publishing first the 20th Anniversary and then the 30th Anniversary Editions of “Mommie Dearest”, with updates and some revisions. The film of the same name was released in 1981 but without her participation in production or final approval. She has not received any royalty payments in the 30 years since the film was released.

 

Born in Hollywood, California and adopted by film star Joan Crawford, Christina Crawford was the focus of movie magazine photo shoots, press conference interviews and studio publicity.


 Since 1993, she has lived on over 100 acres in Northern Idaho where she initially owned a successful country inn, worked seven years as entertainment manager for the Coeur D’Alene Casino and produced her own regional weekly TV show that won three Telly Awards. She also served one term as County Commissioner. Christina is co-owner of the production “Surviving Mommie Dearest” which she wrote, co-directed and in which she currently stars.

 

She has served as appointed Commissioner on the first Lost Angeles County Commission for Childrens Services and has been given awards from the Illinois Governor, the California Attorney General and the United States Dept. of Children and Family Services for her work on behalf of public awareness regarding child abuse & family violence prevention.

 

Performances of SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST are on May 8-9th at 8PM, May 10-11th at 5PM and Sunday, May 12th at 12PM.


 

Tickets for SURVIVNG MOMMIE DEAREST are $40 for premium seats; and $25 and are available at the Snapple Theater Center box office at 212-921-7862.

 

The Snapple Theater Center is located at 1627 Broadway / 210 W. 50th St. near the corner of 50th Street and Broadway with two entrances, one on Broadway (stairs only) and one around the corner with an elevator.



Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/11/2013 11:04 AM | Add Comment

Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair

BRONX Gay Pride 2013. 

The Bronx LGBTQ Center last month announced plans to produce a 2013 Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair on Saturday, July 20th this year. The tentative location is set for Barretto Point Park, from 12-6pm.

"We believe this pride festival will be different from any other LGBTQ Pride event produced, as we will be offering limited free health services and screenings as part of the day, in cooperation with Union Community Health Center, who is one of our main sponsors and will be providing many of these free health services and screenings," stated Bronx LGBTQ Center president Tym Moss. "There will be other health-organizations there as well, all working in partnership with one another to serve our LGBTQ communities in The Bronx. We look forward to bringing as many organizations and individuals together to celebrate LGBTQ Pride in The Bronx and ensure that everyone remains as healthy as possible," he concluded.

More details will be forthcoming and will continuously be updated as they become available at Bronxe Pride / Eventbrite.

Inexpensive vendor booth space available now!

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/11/2013 6:20 AM | Add Comment

Gay Cowboys Spotted in New York Bedrooms

What if...
Gunsmoke met Tom of Finland!

If your mother comes to visit, these may not be  the sheets for her...

Vice Merchants, a rebelliously luxe bedding company, has released "Cowpokes," a full line of sheets, pillowcases and throws aimed at gay men.

Made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton, 400 thread count, fine Sateen bedding fabric, "Cowpokes" features a ranch scene of playfully undressed men engaging in acts of whimsical outdoor fun and farm work, while frolicking in the buff! Illustrated by K. Commodore, cows, horses and tractors further set the scene as hot men work hard and play hard in the foreground.

They are very high quality and soft, as me and my man, rolled around in the hay, on them this past weekend!

"We’re enthusiastic to expand our brand to cater to the gay community," Jake Katz, president of Vice Merchants said. "’Cowpokes’ is a design unlike any other that allows gay men to spice up their bedroom in a subtle, yet enticing and playful manner. With these sheets, every night can feel like a sweaty day with the boys on the ranch."

Vice Merchants is a company that believes your bedding should be as sexy and as much fun as bedtime activities. The company specializes in fine bedding that brings edgy, richly hued graphics created by illustrators.

They worked with Brooklyn-based artist K. Commodore has an M.A. degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, to create these fun sheets. Her work is known for its insightful and witty look at human sexuality, and has been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the United States and Europe.


When asked, What was the motivation behind the fun farm setting???

Artists Katie Commodoresaid," We all got together to brainstorm the next pattern and decided to go with a traditional toile. My art has always been about usurping traditional mediums or styles and using them as a vehicle for portraying sexuality. So the idea of taking a traditional toile and using fun homoerotic imagery made perfect sense! Traditional toile, which first became fashionable in the 16th century, has images of pastoral scenes; what's more pastoral than cowboys and farm hands???

She says that some  other scenarios considered as well, "Oh Yes! Some of which we will make in the future! But there are only so many drawings I can work on at once!"

"Cowpokes" is available in all sheet sizes with prices ranging from $99 for a Twin Long Sheet set to $235 for a King Sheet set. The print is also available in duvet and sham sets, bed skirts, and throw pillows. A complete nine-piece bedding set can be purchased in Full for $399; Queen for $439; King (and California King) for $499.

You  won't find these at Macy's but you can order them now, discreetly online. And they will be shipped in a plain brown box. VIce Merchants.

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/10/2013 3:27 PM | Add Comment

High Rise and Condo Construction Back on the Rise in New York City

SPRING has sprung in New York, (well, sort of...)and so have condo developments. The housing slump appears to be over and developments are sprouting up everywhere!

My favorite - The Rafael Vinoly-designed 432 Park Avenue. Prices range from $7 million to $95 million. It is said that one third of the residential building is already under contract. The massive tower should be finished in 2015. And it will be the tallest residential building in North America. 

It will contain a total of 126 apartments asking a combined $2.7 billion, which is, the Journal notes, the highest total asking price ever for a condominium building in Manhattan. That breaks down to $6,742/square foot.

There are actually 23 new developments in New York hitting the market right now!
Check the rest out at  CURBED  NY.

Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/10/2013 10:52 AM | Add Comment

Sneak Peak at New Yorks Broadway Bares 2013


From sea to shining sea, this year's Broadway Bares will crisscross the country in a racy, raucous road trip, exploring the United States as the 23rd annual edition of the immensely popular modern-day burlesque show arrives as Broadway Bares 23: United Strips of America.

This video offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway Bares photo shoot, hosted by this year's director, Nick Kenkel.

Produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Bares 23will arrive Sunday, June 23, for two performances only -- at 9:30 PM & Midnight -- at Roseland Ballroom in NYC.

In Broadway Bares 23: United Strips of America, more than 200 of New York's sexiest and most delectable dancers will discover -- and uncover -- amber waves and mountain majesties that only Broadway Bares could find. This trip across the fruited plains of America will most certainly be the stuff patriot dreams are made of. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

WATCH NOW

    Posted by Best of Gay New York City at 4/7/2013 11:03 AM | Add Comment
    Older Posts
    Copyright 2010 BEST GAY. All rights reserved.