Category Archives: Gay Marriage
Wedding Planner in New York Helps You Find the Perfect Wedding Location
SO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED?!
Weddings are supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience.
You should be focusing on the love you have found and are going to be sharing forever.
You should be thinking about the bond you will be forming and the commitment you will be making. It should be joyous and exciting. And the planning of your wedding should be done with the same enthusiasm.
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the endless details and decisions that will need to be made. Who will do your invitations? Where will you find your tuxedos? What about the Cake?
Will there be food served?
AND THE BIG QUESTION….Where to have it? Location, Location, Location! How big? How Small? What venue really expresses who you are as a couple?
And ALL OF THE PHONE CALLS to vendors gathering information and prices!!
This is just a small sampling of the many details that you have to think about. Small soiree? or a big fancy affair?
Now take a deep breath! I have 2 words for you…Successful Affairs. Let them do the work for you – and the service is free.
Yes, FREE!
“We educate clients from start to finish, and walk them through the process,” says owner Lisa Rice.”You will feel at ease and confident that your big day will be your best day!”
“No matter what your budget is, our experience and resources will make your wedding a Successful Affair.
Successful Affairs specializes in locating the perfect venue for you.
Whether your needs require a hotel, club, restaurant, penthouse or a huge open loft space, or intimate elegant spaces, I guide clients through this ever changing city to the exciting options that New York has to offer!” says Lisa.
“When I started in the event planning industry in 1988 it was just blossoming, and to say the least…it has come a long way baby! And there is most certainly something to be said about experience. What really is necessary for pulling off the perfect affair comes down to 5 things: motivation, common sense, organization, negotiation and a great out going personality.
All attributes that I excel in! I have done the homework, so you don’t have to. My relationships with the many vendors will save you time and money – and best of all, my service is free to clients.”
What better city than Manhattan to explore for your event? “Each and every day I am out and about researching the newest and most exciting of venues,” explained Lisa. “My portfolio includes the old traditional standards as well as the unusual and unique. 1.Time: Our photo portfolios of Manhattan hotels, clubs, restaurants, landmarks, and little-known private event locations are comprehensive. In less than an hour they will take a virtual tour of all locations which could work for your event. In one meeting they will view hundreds of venues without ever leaving their office — or mine.
We will save clients – Time, money and their sanity!
2.Money: Successful Affairs brings clients to these venues on a continual basis, which gives us an advantage in our negotiations to meet their budget restrictions. Allowing Successful Affairs to represent clients in vendor negotiations gives them a valuable edge.
3.Sanity: Clients may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of details involved in planning their upcoming event.
Successful Affairs has organized thousands of events since 1988. We know all the secrets to making an event run smoothly.
After planning thousands of events, I am well connected and my reputation stands tall. From our first meeting, new clients realize the knowledge and confidence I exude. They know immediately that they made the right choice in contacting me, and any stress they might have felt prior to our meeting, just fades away!
When you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all you want to do is take in the view. There are spaces that can offer breathtaking skylines, unique perspectives and much more.
Sometimes you just need to be different, and New York certainly has it’s share of unique spaces. Make your event stand out and have people remember it. Our portfolio of properties I work with, can offer something for everyone – and every budget.
Let us help you have a Successful Affair!”Lisa Rice 212-684-6402 Find them on Facebook.
LGBT Wedding Invitations
BestGayNewYork.com
Standing on Ceremony – The Gay Marriage Play
Two little words, – The Revision by Jordan Harrison, an amusing look at how two men might rewrite their vows to more accurately reflect the limited options available to a gay couple. – This Flight Tonight by Wendy MacLeod, which asks if there is any hope for happiness when a lesbian marriage begins in Iowa. – On Facebook by Doug Wright, adapted from an actual Facebook thread chronicling one long fight among friends on the subject of gay marriage. – This Marriage Is Saved by Joe Keenan, a satiric vignette about a disgraced evangelist and his wife who insist that his extra marital flings has only strengthened their marriage. – Strange Fruit by Neil LaBute, the story of two men in love whose plans to get married “the old-fashioned way” are stymied when reality rears its ugly head. – Pablo and Andrew at the Altar of Words by José Rivera, a moving play about two men who use their marriage vows to “say the things we never really say”. Preview performances begin Monday, November 7 with an official opening night set for Sunday, November 13, at the Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane, NY, NY). WE HAVE TICKETS WE’RE GIVING AWAY! StandingOnCeremony.net
and suddenly your whole world changes. In this new evening of short plays, nine renowned playwrights offer their unique takes on the moments before, during and after “I do.”
Witty, warm and occasionally wacky, these brand-new plays are vows to the blessings of equality, the universal challenges of relationships and the often hilarious power of love.
– White Marriage by Jeffrey Hatcher, in which a wife and husband discuss his “gay” sense of humor.
– The Gay Agenda by Paul Rudnick, a sadly hilarious plea for understanding by an Ohio homemaker and member of Focus on the Family.
– London Mosquitoes by Moisés Kaufman, a poignant story in which a widower tries to make sense of the loss of his long-time lover.
In support of one of the defining issues of our time, STANDING ON CEREMONY will donate a portion of all ticket sales to marriage-equality causes, including Freedom to Marry.
JUST SAY “I DO” in the comments section.
One winner will be drawn at random to get 2 tickets for the play!
Say I DO before Oct. 31st. Winner will be selected Nov. 1st!
Tickets for the Off Broadway run of Standing on Ceremony, priced from $59.oo to $79.00 (plus a $1.00 theatre facility fee), are now on sale via Ticketmaster.com and will be available at the Minetta Lane box office beginning November 3. For groups of 10 or more, call 1-800-BROADWAY, ext.2 or visit www.Broadway.com/Groups.
The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday- Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
To coincide with its first performance, Standing on Ceremony has joined with Tectonic Theater Project (Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director; Greg Reiner, Executive Director) for Standing on Ceremony: The National Event, to help take the play’s message across the country (and the globe).
facebook.com/standingonceremony
twitter.com/gaymarriageplay
25% of New Marriages in the state of New York are between Same-Sex couples
A surge in wedding licenses following the Marriage Equality Act means a quarter of new marriages in the state of New York are between same-sex couples.
According to figures released by the New York Post, the number of of applications for licenses rose by a third on the same period last year.
Of the 5,587 applications filed in early August, the city of New York estimates 1,400 were gay couples.
The number has been estimated as applications in the state no longer require genders to be specified.
Instead, the figures for this summer were compared with the same period over the last three years, where the number of applications was around 4,200.
The City Clerk, Michael McSweeney, told the Post: “Last week, we averaged 335 license applications a day, busier than ever.
“We’ve had to work extra hard to handle the increase, but even as same-sex marriage starts to feel routine here, everyone seems profoundly happy to be here.”
NJ Bridal Salon Refuses to sell to Lesbians
The decision has prompted thousands of couples in neighboring states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage, such as New Jersey, to plan their nuptials in New York. But as Bernadette Coveney-Smith, who specializes in planning gay weddings, explained last month to the Los Angeles Times, it can be a struggle for couples to find dress shops, florists and other vendors who are comfortable working with same-sex couples. The Yelp reviews, meanwhile, have become so rabid that Yelp reportedly is considering removing those that don’t abide by its policy of commenting on a business, not employees’ beliefs.
HOW STUPID IS THIS STORE?!
Here Comes the Bride in New Jersey, is making news for refusing to sell a gown to a lesbian who plans to marry in neighboring New York, which legalized same-sex marriage earlier this summer.
Alex Genter has complained that the manager at Here Comes the Bride in Somers Point, N.J., lectured her about her gay lifestyle after Genter crossed out the word “groom” and replaced it with “partner” and her fiancee’s name on paperwork she filled out for her planned purchase. “She said she wouldn’t work with me because I’m gay,” said Genter, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. “She also said that I came from a nice Jewish family, and that it was a shame I was gay. She said, ‘There’s right, and there’s wrong. And this is wrong.’ “
Genter visited Here Comes the Bride this month along with her parents and other family members for a day of dress-shopping, according to the article. She is planning to marry next summer in New York, which in June became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
Since the New Jersey incident made news, Here Comes the Bride has been hammered by hundreds of scathing reviews on Yelp, and a Facebook page called Boycott Here Comes the Bride has attracted 433 followers. The woman who refused to work with Genter, and who has been identified as “Donna,” told a Philadelphia Daily News columnist that she had indeed rejected Genter’s business but accused the angry bride of “stirring up drama” by going public about the incident.
Donna said she was trying to arrange a meeting with Genter’s parents in an apparent attempt to smooth things over, the Daily News said, but she didn’t say anything about meeting with Genter herself. – I wouldn’t even take a free gown from this salon at this point.
Michael Kors & Lance Le Pere Marry in South Hamptons
Mazel tov! Michael Kors and his longtime partner Lance Le Pere have finally made it official, reports Women’s Wear Daily. The couple were married in a private ceremony on Tuesday in Southampton with the town’s mayor Mark Epley officiating. It has been a long time coming for Kors and Le Pere, who have known each other since 1990 when Le Pere joined the designer’s company. They fell in love with Paris, Le Pere told New York in an interview from last August: “We share a certain level of taste… an American point of view, and I think we like to play with Americana. Over the years and the day-to-day process of dreaming together, things just naturally fell into place.” Kors and Le Pere had given hints that a marriage ceremony was impending, as the two were spotted on August 3 at New York’s City Hall applying for a marriage license. Kors said in a statement, “Lance and I are very excited to finally be able to have the opportunity to marry in our home state after many years together. We have no plans for a major party, but we will be getting married privately.”
Congratulations guys!!
Pop Up Chapel Will Bring Wedding Bells to Central park This Weekend
This weekend’s regional news cycle was consumed by warm and fuzzy reports of New York’s first official gay marriages.
This coming weekend brings the Pop-Up Chapel in Central Park, a temporary wedding pavilion for 24 couples to get hitched in the city’s most sentimental wedding locale. The two winners of the architectural design competition beat out 54 other designers with rainbows (natch) and a swirling pile of recyclable cardboard, both of which will be incorporated into the Pop-Up Chapel site at Merchants’ Gate. ICRAVE designed a boxy chapel made of a metal frame enclosed with white ribbon, whose mesh ceiling is hung with a rainbow’s worth of ribbons, later handed out to the married couples as keepsakes. Z-A Studios took a more parametric approach, designing stacked modules of cardboard that can be combined into a tulip chapel structure, plus benches and tables nearby.
Catch the chapel edition of Rendering vs. Reality, and all the wedding action, this Saturday July 30 from 10am-8pm. READ MORE.
New York City Gay Marriage Lottery…Everyone Won!
City officials held a lottery Thursday for 764 marriage slots, but when 823 couples registered, the city decided to let all of them make it official this weekend!
The clerk’s offices in each of the five boroughs have their own limit of couples for this Sunday. Each of the outer boroughs had enough spots for interested couples, but in Manhattan where only 400 spots were available, 533 couples registered, according to New York Magazine.
In order to accommodate everyone, city officials decided to expand the number of ceremonies in Manhattan to 459 and the other 74 couples who applied to marry in Manhattan will instead marry in one of the other four boroughs.
Clerk’s offices normally are closed on Sundays, but officials across the state said they would open them to marry same-sex couples on the first day the law takes effect.
The city will break a record Sunday with 823 marriages, more than the city’s previous single-day high of 621 on Valentine’s Day in 2003.
LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!!
New Yorks Best Wedding Planner Can Help You with your Gay Marriage Event!
SO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED?!
Weddings are supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience.
You should be focusing on the love you have found and are going to be sharing forever.
You should be thinking about the bond you will be forming and the commitment you will be making. It should be joyous and exciting. And the planning of your wedding should be done with the same enthusiasm.
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the endless details and decisions that will need to be made. Who will do your invitations? Where will you find your tuxedos? What about the Cake?
Will there be food served?
AND THE BIG QUESTION….Where to have it? How big? How Small? What venue really expresses who you are as a couple?
And ALL OF THE PHONE CALLS to vendors gathering information and prices!!
This is just a small sampling of the many details that you have to think about. Small soiree? or a big fancy affair?
Now take a deep breath! I have 2 words for you…Successful Affairs. Let them do the work for you – and the service is free. Yes, FREE!
“We educate clients from start to finish, and walk them through the process,” says owner Lisa Rice.”You will feel at ease and confident that your big day will be your best day!”
“No matter what your budget is, our experience and resources will make your wedding a Successful Affair.
Successful Affairs specializes in locating the perfect venue for you.
Whether your needs require a hotel, club, restaurant, penthouse or a huge open loft space, or intimate elegant spaces, I guide clients through this ever changing city to the exciting options that New York has to offer!” says Lisa.
“When I started in the event planning industry in 1988 it was just blossoming, and to say the least…it has come a long way baby! And there is most certainly something to be said about experience. What really is necessary for pulling off the perfect affair comes down to 5 things: motivation, common sense, organization, negotiation and a great out going personality.
All attributes that I excel in! I have done the homework, so you don’t have to. My relationships with the many vendors will save you time and money – and best of all, my service is free to clients.”
What better city than Manhattan to explore for your event? “Each and every day I am out and about researching the newest and most exciting of venues,” explained Lisa. “My portfolio includes the old traditional standards as well as the unusual and unique. 1.Time: Our photo portfolios of Manhattan hotels, clubs, restaurants, landmarks, and little-known private event locations are comprehensive. In less than an hour they will take a virtual tour of all locations which could work for your event. In one meeting they will view hundreds of venues without ever leaving their office — or mine.
We will save clients – Time, money and their sanity!
2.Money: Successful Affairs brings clients to these venues on a continual basis, which gives us an advantage in our negotiations to meet their budget restrictions. Allowing Successful Affairs to represent clients in vendor negotiations gives them a valuable edge.
3.Sanity: Clients may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of details involved in planning their upcoming event.
Successful Affairs has organized thousands of events since 1988. We know all the secrets to making an event run smoothly.
After planning thousands of events, I am well connected and my reputation stands tall. From our first meeting, new clients realize the knowledge and confidence I exude. They know immediately that they made the right choice in contacting me, and any stress they might have felt prior to our meeting, just fades away!
When you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all you want to do is take in the view. There are spaces that can offer breathtaking skylines, unique perspectives and much more.
Sometimes you just need to be different, and New York certainly has it’s share of unique spaces. Make your event stand out and have people remember it. Our portfolio of properties I work with, can offer something for everyone – and every budget.
Let us help you have a Successful Affair!”Lisa Rice 212-684-6402 Find them on Facebook.
BestGayNewYork.com
Best Places in New York for Your Gay Marriage Gay Wedding Event
GAY MARRIAGE IN NEW YORK!! How exciting!
New York City has hundreds of beautiful places to get married, but narrowing them down to find the most idyllic spot for your wedding reception or ceremony isn’t easy. Here are some of our favorite spots – but really, the list is endless.
The Foundry in Long Island City, Queens. – Probably a bit “over-exposed”. Seems like every reality has shot there in the last year!
Once a 19th century metal foundry, this dramatic space now plays host to weddings, performances, corporate events, and photo shoots. Old exposed brick contrasts with modern steel railings to create a unique ambiance.
Capacity: 125 for a sit-down meal, 200 for a cocktail party, optional outdoor tent seats 160.
FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS!
Who doesn’t love gorgeous colorful flowers everywhere? Why not have your event IN a flower shop?
Banchet Flowers and the Flower Bar. You might not think of a florist shop as the most likely spot for a wedding, but this elegant 1800 square foot space features brick walls, elegant lines, and best of all, a shop full of flowers. Designer Banchet Jaigla has designed flowers for restaurants like Windows on the World, the Thai Royal Family, and designers like Dries van Norton. As you’d expect, her arrangements are contemporary and beautiful; Those renting the space get the temporary use of any arrangements that are in the shop.
Capacity: with the next door Flower Bar, 125 for a seated reception.
MORE FLOWER SPOTS – How about an event amongst the Flowers at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden?
The first time I ever visited the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a ceremony was happening amongst the lush flowers of the rose garden. It looked straight out of a dream. For the right kind of couple who don’t mind some strict rules and susceptibility to the weather, this is an amazing spot at budget prices. Other alternatives include having your event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Palm House, or simply taking your wedding photography here, before a wedding elsewhere.
When you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all you want to do is take in the view. There are spaces that can offer breathtaking skylines, unique perspectives and much more.
It seems like rooftop party spaces are popping up all over the city but few have the ability to go from indoors to outdoors with the push a button.
The Lighthouse At Chelsea Piers
The thing about New York is that it’s an island, and while nobody quite wants to go in the water, the views can be pretty spectacular.
The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers is a cool space. It has the benefit of being a loft space without any of the inconveniences of having to furnish, decorate and cater yourself. It’s owned and operated exclusively by Abigail Kirsch, which means you know the food is extremely delish—not to mention plentiful.
Their staff are trained to run like a well-oiled machine, but there’s nothing impersonal about the service you’ll get. The room is cleverly sectioned off to provide “separate” spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, so you never have to see them setting up or breaking down despite the lack of walls. For an open, airy, contemporary and clean city look, this is the spot.
You’ll have unforgetable views from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River. While the catering isn’t cheap, they have the expertise for a smooth-as-silk affair. Capacity: 100-680 for a sit-down meal (max 400 to include dancing), 1000 for a cocktail reception, if you have A LOT OF FRIENDS!
What could be MORE NEW YORK, and more romantic, than Central Park?
The Loeb Boathouse At Central Park
An urban feel, yet full of greenery. You’re in the middle of New York and in the middle of a lush landscape with a lake, rowboats, trees, birds, squirrels—the works.
It’s a photographer’s dream – and the interior is as lovely and singular as the exterior, which means that even you winter couples have every reason to marry here. Up to 230 guests for seated dinner and dancing, with dinner running around $185 per person.
The Central Park Boathouse is perhaps the most quintessentially New York spot to get married in Central Park, and where better in Central Park to have a ceremony than a terrace or windowed room overlooking the lake.
It is so peaceful and elegant. Close your eyes and you can hear the chatter of dinnerware, glasses and happy voices resonate in the air. With so many people mingling together, it is definitely the place to celebrate, dine, enjoy the great view and be seen.
If money is not object, why not do it up at Gotham Hall?! Not for the faint of heart, but if you can afford it and live up to the drama of the space around you, you must. At around $275/plate minimum, glamour does not come cheap. But this gilded former bank can hold both your entire extended family’s families and any manner of decor you can dream up. Their staff is prepared to help you with every aspect of the planning process, and the sky (or the 3,000 square foot stained-glass skylight) is the limit. If you’re low-key (who is, really?) this may not be your scene, but for those statement-makers, it doesn’t get much more fabulous.
While the space can hold up to 1200 guests (really?!), sweeping sheer curtains can make the space more intimate without blocking the hall’s amazing architecture of Corinthian columns and marble floors. Capacity: 50 to 1200
The lists in New York city are really endless. The Prince George Ballroom. (below) The grand Beaux-Arts ballroom was lovingly restored and is now part of the Madison Square North Historic District and the National Register of Historic Places. The golden columns, intricate plasterwork, and soaring ceilings create a space that is simultaneously ornate and light and airy.
The Delegates’ Dining Room at the United Nations. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the East River and NYC’s skyline, the main event space – the Delegates Dining Room – is large enough for a grand wedding reception. But my favorite part of this space is the outdoor patio, which has breathtaking views of the city and the Queensboro Bridge.
The Pierre hotel ballroom is about as classic a New York wedding venue as they come. If your pants are fancy, this is the place for you. Right on Fifth Avenue across from the park, this sumptuous hotel offers every service you can imagine. Custom anything and everything.
Some of the greatest night clubs are in New York City and can provide a great environment to a special event. Elegant…spacious…and full of style.
Lofts can provide a different vibe for your event. They offer the ability to visualize your event in a special way that can make it one to remember for all times.
Sometimes you just need to be different, and New York certainly has it’s share of unique spaces. Make your event stand out and have people remember it.Unique architechture and setting can provide a great energy to an event.
How do you decide?? Call Best Gay New Yorks favorite planner! Lisa Rice. She’ll do everything! And her services are FREE, to you, the client. She has relationships with venues all over the city, and will save you time, MONEY, and your Sanity. Check out Successful Affairs, and tell he we sent you!
BestGayNewYork.com
Gay Weddings Equal Big Dollars…NYC Prepares Gay I DO Campaign
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to unveil a campaign to sell the most populous U.S. city as a gay-wedding destination after thousands marched to celebrate the state’s legalization of such marriages.
The “NYC I Do” campaign “will create millions of dollars in additional economic impact to the city’s $31 billion tourism industry,” Kimberly Spell, a spokeswoman for New York & Company, the city’s marketing office, said yesterday in an e- mail. Bloomberg will unveil more details in coming days, she said.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law June 24 to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the Republican- controlled state Senate approved it. Passage came about a month after a group of Democratic state senators issued a report finding New York stood to reap $391 million from areas including economic activity and tax revenue within three years.
The benefit to Massachusetts’ economy was worth more than $100 million over five years after legalizing same-sex marriage, according to the institute.
Read More on the topic at the New York Times.New York Becomes Sixth State to Celebrate Gay Marriage!
On this Anniversary weekend of Stonewall,
Americans of all stripes celebrated the passage of marriage equality in the New York State Senate, and gay New York couples affirmed their commitments to one another and began the 30-day countdown until they could finally say “I Do.” Amongst them, one of New York’s most famous gay couples jubilantly told each other “yes” and took to Twitter to announce their big news.
Neil Patrick Harris, the “How I Met Your Mother” star and Tonys host, became engaged late Friday night to his longtime partner, actor/chef David Burtka. Earlier in the night, Harris tweeted words of encouragement to the State Senate and said he’d “sure love to get married,” and following the law’s passage, Burtka took to Twitter and announced that the two had proposed to each other — and both said yes.
“I’d sure love to get married. Please, NY Senate, vote in favor of marriage equality today. My family would really appreciate it,” Harris wrote before the vote; once it was passed, he tweeted his excitement, saying, “It PASSED! Marriage equality in NY!! Yes!! Progress!! Thank you everyone who worked so hard on this!! A historic night!”
In the 35th-floor conference room of a Manhattan high-rise, two of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s most trusted advisers held a secret meeting a few weeks ago with a group of super-rich Republican donors.
With a population over 19 million — more than the combined population of the five states that currently allow gay marriage, plus the District of Columbia, where it is also legal — New York is poised to provide the most complete picture yet of the legal, social and economic consequences of gay marriage.
“I think that having same-sex marriage in New York will have tremendous moral and political force for the rest of the country — in part because New York is a large state, and in part because it hasn’t come easily,” said Suzanne Goldberg, a professor at Columbia Law School.
The new law’s impact can be measured in part by the numbers at play: New York is home to more than 42,000 same-sex couples, according to an analysis of U.S. census data conducted by the Williams Institute.
This means, among other things, that the number of same-sex couples living in states allowing same-sex marriage has more than doubled overnight.
At New York City’s Stonewall Inn, the Greenwich Village pub that spawned the gay rights movement on a June night in 1969, Scott Redstone watched New York sign the historic same-sex marriage law with his partner of 29 years, and popped the question.
“I said, ‘Will you marry me?’ And he said, ‘Of course!'” Redstone said he and Steven Knittweis walked home to pop open a bottle of champagne.
“President Obama has long believed that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples,” a whitehouse spokesperson said.
“That’s why he has called for repeal of the so-called ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ and determined that his administration would no longer defend the constitutionality of DOMA in the courts. The states should determine for themselves how best to uphold the rights of their own citizens. The process in New York worked just as it should.”
“We made a powerful statement,” Cuomo said. “This state is at its finest whe it is a beacon of social justice.”
THIS IS SO EXCITING! And how appropriate,
that it happened Gay Pride Weekend!
Best Gay New York.com
Ari Gold Music Artist & Gay Activist- Statement on the Passing of Marriage Equality
As someone who grew up as an orthodox Jew its also great to see other people from religious communities understand that this is not a religious issue but an issue of civil rights.
New York is where gay liberation in this country began so it only makes sense for New York to be one of the first states to make marriage equality a reality. And for this to pass during gay pride—it is truly a day to feel proud of being a New Yorker and American on the right side of history.”
Ari Gold/Singer, Writer, Performer and Gay Activist
Highly accomplished and openly gay pop artist Sir Ari Gold is a buzz worthy, subculture celebrity in his own right, quickly winning over critics far beyond the reach of the LGBT community.
Shortly after the release of his captivating and controversial “Make My Body Rock” single, Ari releases the second single off his fourth studio album Between the Spirit & the Flesh. “Sparkle” emerged with instant interest-catching soul and flavor. The track features Sarah Dash of Labelle (Patti Labelle and Nona Hendrix) to add a powerhouse female vocal that plays well with Ari’s range and strength.
This self-empowerment anthem is a rallying cry against bullies, but most importantly one’s own view of self-worth. The music video is directed by acclaimed visual artist and HIV/AIDS activist Duane Cramer. Making cameo appearances in the “Sparkle” music video are underground NYC superstars, LadyFag, Stephan Keating, Mila Jam, Laverne Cox (from VH-1’s Transform Me) and even Sir Ari’s mother.
As the mainstream catches up to this pioneering recording and performing artist’s future-forward genius, “Sparkle” continues Sir Ari’s unwavering commitment to LGBT rights and equality.
“There are some out gay artists who want to sort of push aside their sexuality,” he continues, “and that makes them more palatable to straight people. You’ve got to deal with the fact that I do actually like to have sex with men. I’m not just some funny, campy entertainer for straight people to laugh at.” (Read more of this interview from 2004.)
The NYU and Yale-educated Gold has been doing the national pride circuit — he is promoting his new album but also celebrating his connection with his gay fans.
SPARKLE video
OFFICIAL Ari Gold
Gay Weddings = $ Millions of Revenue
$BILLION INDUSTRY.
And states are realizing how much they are missing out on, without legalizing gay marriage!
Allowing gay marriage in New York would bring in nearly $391 million in wedding and tourism revenue, according to the State Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).
The report estimates 21,309 gay and lesbian couples would get married in New York within the first three years. It also predicts 3,308 couples from neighboring states would come to New York to get married, and that 41,907 other out-of-state gay and lesbian couples would travel to New York.
“Gay and lesbian couples are not wealthy – it’s a stereotype,” Janis Ricker, a PhD student at Stanford University, told Politically Illustrated. “Regardless, we love liberal states and I imagine a ton of gays would travel to New York to celebrate and participate in the lively night life New York City offers.”
GOVERNOR CUOMO is all for it!
And he is pushing hard for it this year!
“We want to pass a bill,” he said. “We don’t want to bring up a bill in the Senate that would fail.”
Opponents to the measure argue Mr. Cuomo is doing little to help New York’s poor and needy people.
“Governor Cuomo, please help New York’s poor and needy people by saving rent control and rent stabilization laws instead of pushing gay marriage,” State Sen. Rubin Diaz Sr. told reporters.
Mr. Cuomo said he plans to meet with gay supporters in the legislature to determine whether there will be enough votes to pass the bill.
A bill providing gay and lesbian couples the same rights as heterosexual couples was defeated in the New York state senate in 2009.
But Senator Diaz….if Cuomo gets the gay marriage bill to pass, and the state can start collecting extra revenue, THEN there WILL BE more money to help the poor and needy! See how it works?!
As states like California and New York grapple over gay marriage, New England has found that it can be a small fillip to the economy.
Gay marriage is good for business. A popular Provincetown Florist has 20 to 30 weddings booked this summer, and the reason for that decent return is evident in the next customer who walks through the door – a lesbian couple from Kansas desperately in need of some carnations for their wedding.
Massachusetts estimates that gay marriage has added money to its coffers – but only about $37 million a year, or less than 1 percent of the annual state budget.
In the private sector, the wedding industry could grow by more than $16 billion if gay marriage were expanded to all 50 states, according to a 2004 study by Forbes magazine.
New Yorks Governor Cuomo Continues Pushing for Gay Marriage
Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, has kicked off a state tour to highlight his legislative agenda for 2011.
Marriage equality is one of the priorities, along with a property tax and ethics reform.
The Democrat governor hopes to press people to support his aims and pressure lawmakers about them.
He said in a statement: “Our entire team is going to travel the state to speak directly to New Yorkers about the issues that can move this state forward, and it begins in Syracuse.
“We need to pass a property tax cap, ethics reform, and marriage equality during this legislative session. The clock is ticking, but when the people speak, the politicians will listen. We will assemble a broad coalition of New Yorkers to support this agenda and work tirelessly to get it passed in Albany.”
The Advocate reports that Mr Cuomo’s office has not released further details but judging by past tours, he may reference marriage equality in high-profile speeches and send deputies to speak with LGBT audiences around the state.
Last month, Mr Cuomo told gay rights campaigners he will devote his “full attention” to marriage equality.
Speaking to campaigners in a closed meeting, he reportedly said: “For me, this is personal.”
MEANWHILE It’s unclear whether it will advance through the Assembly (or whether Speaker Sheldon Silver might wait for the Cuomo bill, or whether there’s a switch-a-roo….) but Danny O’Donnell included this sentence after the happy quotes in his press release: “In order to ensure the bill has the time necessary to be taken up by the Assembly before the end of this year’s session, Assembly Member O’Donnell plans to circulate A7600 among his colleagues for co-sponsorship until May 25th.”
We’ll see how the next two weeks go. To me, this indicates something of a rift between legislators who have been championing the bill — O’Donnell and Sen. Tom Duane — and the new lobbying front, with which Cuomo is closely coordinating.
Best Gay New York
New York City Gay Pride 2011…continued….
Gay Pride continued…
Another amazing year!
Thanks again to Andy T. Dickinson for the wonderful images
WHAT ANDY ATE BLOG
What Andy Ate
BestGayNewYork.com
New York Gov. Cuomo Pushes For Gay Marriage
“I don’t want to be the governor who lobbies for marriage equality.
“I don’t want to be the governor who fights for marriage equality.
“I want to be the governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said.
Cuomo insisted yesterday he will indeed ask lawmakers to vote on marriage equality this session in June.
“We’ll be working very hard to pass it,” said Cuomo during an appearance of Hofstra University, according to the New York Times.
It is not immediately obvious how the legislation would fare markedly better this year, given that the composition of the Senate, which is now controlled by Republicans, has not changed significantly since the last vote.
But gay-rights advocates point to public-opinion polls that show more New Yorkers than ever support the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Barbara Bush says YES to Marriage Equality in New York
Bush’s advocacy shows that equality knows no party label and raises the profile of this timely fight for equal marriage rights in the Empire State. The new video can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/NY4marriage.
Barbara Bush joins prominent Republicans like her mother Laura Bush as well as Dick Cheney and Ted Olson as supporters of marriage equality.
Her position also reflects her generation with 68% of New Yorkers between the ages of 18-34 supporting marriage for same-sex couples.
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Ronnie Kroell Presents An Evening with Miss New York November 12
and conversation
with Miss New York!
in support of the Miss New York Organization and the Children’s Miracle Network! This will be one of a few parties before Claire goes to Miss America, and we’d love to see you! AND your friends!! So bring them all!!
Friday, Nov 12 6:30-9:30
La Pomme Nightclub
Tickets at Miss New York
ONLY $10 and VIP $150
“It has truly been my honor to open and lead conversations about equality,
fairness, respect and the freedom to love and be loved.
This is not about us vs. them, it is about WE – as human beings.
This battle is not one of gay rights; it is about human rights.
In fact, it is not even about rights, it is simply about equality.
Bullying has become an epidemic that has plagued our schools and is spreading wildly
over the internet and mobile technology. It has to stop.
The more visible we all are in schools, in sports, on television,
in office and in the pews, together, we are literally saving lives.”
– Claire Buffie, Miss New York 2010
Can’t come? Still make a donation at Miss New York /
We’ll also have Claire’s Miss America “I ♥ Miss New York” Tshirts on sale
Ronnie Kroell and a host of other fabulous people are behind this event! Senator Thomas K. Duane, New York, Joy Behar, The View & Joy Behar Show, Leanza Cornett Steines, Miss America 1992, Randy Jones, The Village People, Andy Cohen, Bravo Network VP, DeMarko Majors, LOGO Network Reality Star, Josh Vandiver & Henry Velandia, Activist Couple, Doric Wilson, Playwright & Stonewall Veteran, Dave Koz, Musician & Radio Host!
See Claire on Gay Rights !
Find Clair on Facebook !
Best Gay New York.com
New York Governor Race…Cuomo tells Gays he Will Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
race for governor
has been dominated by state Attorney General and democrat Andrew Cuomo, and Buffalo businessman and Tea Party-backed Republican, Carl Paladino.
As we all know, Paladino is EXTREMELY Homophobic! He is petrified of gay men in bathing suits grinding up against each other! He has called us “disgusting dysfunctional homosexuals!” yet also says, “”My feelings on homosexuality are unequivocal; I have absolutely no problem with it whatsoever.” WTF?!
Obviously, no gay in their right mind will vote for him.
MEANWHILE, Andrew Cuomo says,“I don’t want to be the governor who just proposes marriage equality. I don’t want to be the governor who lobbies for marriage equality. I don’t want to be the governor who fights for marriage equality. I want to be the governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York,” said the Democratic nominee.
The declaration is “music to our ears,” one activist said.
The Paladino campaign has been in high damage-control mode since last week, when the candidate made what many considered highly offensive remarks about gays during a visit with Orthodox Jewish leaders in Brooklyn. He has since apologized for those remarks while maintaining his stance against gay marriage.
“Take nothing for granted because people are afraid, people are anxious and these forces are looking to exploit that,” Cuomo said.
The attorney general called Paladino’s remarks about gays “alarming and divisive and negative,” but declined to say how his daughters felt about them — particularly Paladino’s criticism that the girls should not have been allowed to accompany their dad to this summer’s pride parade.
Mayor Bloomberg, making his first appearance at the event in years, vowed to the audience, “I will fight with you until we achieve marriage equality for all New Yorkers” as Judy Garland tunes played in the background!
Best Gay New York
