After undergoing a dramatic $9.2 million dollar renovation, the city and Board of Directors proudly presented the new and improved Center to the community.

Speakers including Executive Director Glennda Testone, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, New York State Assembly member Deborah Glick, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and more sang the praises of The Center and lauded the great work it has done and will continue to do for future generations.

The final speech of the evening was delivered by LGBT icon, Edie Windsor, whose history-making lawsuit forced the Federal Government to recognize same-sex marriage. The octogenarian received a rousing standing ovation and proudly stated that The Center’s new coffee shop bears her name and that of her late wife, Thea Spyer.

Other notable guests, including jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, sipped on celebratory St-Germain cocktails while admiring The Center’s art exhibition, Once Upon a Time and Now, which showcases artworks preserved in the renovation from 1989’s historic The Center Show – a series of site-specific installations commissioned by The Center to mark the 20^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – along with new works. The exhibit features art from Keith Haring, David LaChapelle, Kenny Scharf among others.  Cocktails served included the signature St-Germain Cocktail (St-Germain, Prosecco and Sparkling Water over ice with a lemon twist) and St-Germain and Champagne. The artisanal French liqueur is a proud supporter of the LGBT community and was thrilled to take part in this momentous occasion.

      Signature St-Germain Cocktails:

The St. Germain Cocktail

2 parts MARTINI Prosecco

1½ parts St-Germain

2 parts Sparkling water

Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.

also   try….

St-Germain and Champagne

½ part St-Germain

Top with Brut Champagne

Serve in a flute glass and garnish with a strawberry.

About the Center:

Established in 1983, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates our diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity. Each year, The Center welcomes more than 300,000 visits to our building in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan from people who engage in our life-changing and lifesaving activities. We are proud to be your community Center. To learn more about our work, please visit gaycenter.org.