Best Gay New York

CHER to headline this years Dance on the Pier June 30th

Best of Gay New York City — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:46:53 GMT

Heritage of Pride has confirmed that iconic performer Cher will be headlining this year’s 27th annual Dance on the Pier on Sunday, June 30. Along with Deborah Cox.

Cher will be performing her brand-new single “Woman’s World” at the event from her upcoming album set to be released September 24 on Warner Bros Records.

“NYC Pride is thrilled to welcome Cher to the stage of this year's Dance on the Pier! Her performance will be one of the most memorable in the history of this world-class party. Now in its 27th year, the Dance on the Pier continues a proud tradition of partnering with all-star talent to create a high-quality event that raises funds to support local LGBT non-profits and New York City's annual Pride festivities," says Chris Frederick, Managing Director of NYC Pride.

TICKETS ONLINE

Queer Songwriters Night June 28th

Best of Gay New York City — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:02:44 GMT

We are putting on another Queer Songwriter's night at the Sidewalk Cafe.

What:

This ain't no disco. And these queer singer/songwriters certainly aren't fooling around.

Unhinged is a periodic music showcase that features a rotating lineup of NYC's hottest, underground queer singer/songwriters. The series allows the queer artists to showcase their unique voices and sounds in an intimate, acoustic setting.

The event is produced by queer singer/songwriter James Wilson of The Paisley Fields.

Who (Performers):
Brett Gleason, Chris Blacker, David Clement, Aaron Pfeiffer

When:
Friday June 28th, 6:30pm

Where:
The Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Avenue A, New York, NY

Cost:
$5 suggested donation

2nd annual GUMBO New York City Pride Pool Party June 29th

Best of Gay New York City — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:16:56 GMT

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 [rain or shine] 2PM to LATE
complimentary ABSOLUT® cocktails [2-3PM]

THOMPSON LES HOTEL
ROOFTOP POOL
+ launch of
THE BENDER LOUNGE in the ABOVE ALLEN indoor/outdoor terrace
190 Allen Street [at E. Houston]

a special GUMBO Give-Back
to ATHLETE ALLY [portion of all admission donated]

GUMBO NYC has been reinventing and reimagining gay nightlife in New York City with its signature “pop-out” parties since 2009.

Something new is brewing…sign up to find out where. Let’s be friends!

“one of the hottest new parties in NYC” - OUT

"voted five pink crowns" - BestGayNewYork.com
“a place for grown up gays to play? pencil us in!” - NEXT
“pioneering party…#1 critics pick” - TIME OUT NEW YORK

Press Conference on Anti Gay Hate Violence in New York...

Best of Gay New York City — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:18:51 GMT

JUNE 7, 2013, THE BRONX, NY: “The Bronx LGBTQ Center (the “Center”) has gathered you here to announce a series of outreach initiatives to combat the anti-LGBTQ sentiment that begets incidents of hate violence highlighted by recent media reports of thirteen anti-gay attacks in Manhattan since May, as well as let the community know that we are here, and we are here to stay,” Tym Moss, the Center's president, announced.

“We are working closely with the NEW YORK CITY ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT (AVP), SCAN NEW YORK, NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., UNION COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, the BRONX PRIDE COALITION, IN THE LIFE MINISTRIES, and the NYPD, all of whom support our efforts, in developing programs to diminish the ignorance about our LGBTQ communities that results in homophobia, transphobia, and hatred,” Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, stated.

Also in attendance were Chanel Lopez (New York City Anti-Violence Project's Community-Based Counsel/Advocate), Minister Nakia Alford-Saunders, Cesar Sanchez (Bronx Pride Coalition representative), Cynthia Thompkins, Esq.(founder of WAVE-NYC (women against violence everywhere), president of the 46th precinct community council, activist,and community leader), and Det. Thomas Verni (NYPD LGBT liaisons office). The three victims of hate crimes who were scheduled to speak - did not appear.

The Center announces six outreach initiatives to combat anti-LGBTQ sentiment, homophobia, and transphobia:

First, we will bring AVP's “Friday Community Safety Nights” program to The Bronx starting Friday, June 21. Second, we will hold monthly town hall meetings, beginning in August. Third, we are partnering with SCAN-NY's GLAS program to bring their “Over the Rainbow” panels to The Bronx and some of our Town Halls..

Next is our 2013 Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair on July 20

Next, we are co-sponsoring self-defense workshops with NYC Council Speaker Quinn's office that will be held in The Bronx. Finally, we will be sharing information and working on other programs with our partners and sponsors.

“We welcome the input of the community to guide us. Anyone can join our Center as a member and have a voice in our operations. We also want to let our LGBTQ communities know that there is a new center—a new resource—for them,” Moss advised. “Our initiatives will become a fixture in The Bronx for as long as they are needed,” Frank added.

Borough President Diaz proclaimed, "Our LGBT community is filled with hardworking, loving individuals who work each day as teachers, doctors, business men and women to uplift our neighborhoods and help shape the minds of our children. These are individuals who are being judged and harassed by close-minded criminals simply because of how they choose to live their lives. Enough is enough. We need to put a stop to these senseless acts of violence against our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community. We need to educate our communities with outreach programs like the ones being launched by the Bronx LGBTQ Center. The Bronx continues to be a partner in the fight for the human rights of our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community."

“The LGBT community consists of vibrant, talented and hardworking individuals who are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. These individuals should be celebrated and respected like all members of our community. It is extremely unfortunate that violent hate crimes targeting the LGBT community still occur. We must continue to work together to prevent and discourage hate crimes and create a safe environment for all members of society regardless of sexual orientation,” Senator Serrano exclaimed.

“AVP will continue working to create safety in all communities across New York City. We want to bring safety to every neighborhood and we encourage everyone to join us,” said Sharon Stapel, Executive Director, New York City Anti-Violence Project, “We also know that people are deeply affected by this violence and AVP is here through our free, confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline: 212-714-1141.” For more information about AVP's Community Safety Nights, visit AVP's web site at www.avp.org/.

“Daily, LGBTQ folk confront such hatred, in every borough of our city. SCAN New York, and, its GLASS (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Supporters) participants call for all New Yorkers to stand together in support of our LGBTQ community,” noted Lew Zuchman, Executive Director, SCAN New York and Billy Green, Director, SCAN GLASS. New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn was unable to attend but provided a statement in support of the Center's efforts and condemned the recent attacks: “I commend the Bronx LGBTQ Center for its advocacy on behalf of the people of the Bronx,” said City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Like many New Yorkers, I am outraged and appalled by that Crotona Park, where speak-outs and safety demonstrations will be held.

We will not retreat in fear. The New York City Council has announced a number of initiatives to keep New York City safe for all New Yorkers, including an anti-hate crime initiative in city schools, supporting AVP’s Friday Community Safety Nights Out, a public awareness campaign in partnership with NYC & Co., an Interfaith Weekend Against Hate, and self-defense classes for the LGBT Community. I thank President Tym Moss and everyone at the Bronx LGBTQ Center for calling attention to this The Center, AVP, SCAN-NY, and the NYPD LGBT Liaison's Office encourage anyone who has been the victim of or a witness to bias crime to immediately report it to the Center or local police precinct.

Additionally, incidents can be reported to the Hate Crimes Task Force at 646-610-5267, the NYPD LGBT Liaison's Office at 212-614-6748. If people are uncomfortable reporting to the police, they can call the New York City Anti-Violence Project's free and confidential 24-hour bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline at 212-714-1141, where you can speak with a trained counselor and seek support. You also can report violence online, anonymously, at www.avp.org/get-help/report-violence.

The Bronx LGBTQ Center hopes to begin operating its helpline in the near future. A number has already been reserved for that purpose: 347-LGBT-HLP. Currently, calls to this number are sent directly to voice mail.

New York City Restaurant Week Returns in July

Best of Gay New York City — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:21:38 GMT

NEW YORK CITY Restaurant Week is coming back in July! The dining event, under the banner “Summer’s Biggest Week,” offers New Yorkers and visitors 20-plus days of dining deals from July 22 to August 16, Mondays through Fridays, with Saturdays excluded and Sundays optional. Guests can enjoy three-course prix-fixe lunches for $25 and three-course prix-fixe dinners for $38 (excluding beverages, gratuities and taxes). Diners can begin to make reservations at more than 300 participating restaurants starting July 8 at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

“NYC Restaurant Week offers visitors and New Yorkers the perfect opportunity to try a new cuisine and sample the various offerings of New York City’s finest dining establishments at an affordable price,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “Innovative programs like NYC Restaurant Week showcase the vibrancy and diversity of New York City and help spotlight and support one of the City’s most important industries.”

“Dining is one of New York City’s most meaningful and compelling experiences,” says Tracy Nieporent, Chairman of NYC & Company’s Restaurant Committee. “NYC Restaurant Week brings together a community of restaurants inspired to offer our guests the quality, variety and hospitality that makes New York City the dining capital of the world.”

NYC Restaurant Week, the first and largest dining program of its kind, was created in 1992 for the Democratic National Convention in New York City. The popular program supports the City’s thriving restaurant industry, which employs more than 200,000 people and grosses annual sales exceeding $12 billion. New York City offers more dining options than most states do, boasting 24,000 restaurants and food service establishments.

Consumers’ enthusiasm for the program remains strong. According to OpenTable, approximately 210,000 diners were seated though online reservations during the Winter 2013 promotion, generating over $6 million to participating restaurants. In addition, reservations via mobile device increased by 65% over the Winter 2012 promotion.

A full list of the summer participants will be available when reservations open on July 8 at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

New Yorks Bronx LGBT Center talks Anti-Violence June 7th

Best of Gay New York City — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:05:21 GMT

This Friday! Bronx LGBTQ Center to Address Spike in Anti-LGBTQ Violence

On Friday, June 7th, the new Bronx LGBTQ Center will address a recent and disturbing spike in the number of incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate violence that have been committed in NYC.

At the event, the Bronx LGBTQ Center's president, Tym Moss, with the support of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will announce outreach initiatives that it will undertake to combat the sentiment that begets such attacks.

In addition to Mr. Moss and Borough President Diaz, other community leaders and organizations--including victims of these attacks--will speak on this issue and join in support of the Center's outreach initiatives.

WHEN: Friday, June 7, 2013
WHERE: Steps of the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
TIME: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Peter C. Frank, secretary of the Bronx LGBTQ Center,

914-417-9579

Gay Hate Crime Laws are Examined in New York

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:56:47 GMT

Sen. Brad Hoylman, the state Senate’s only openly gay member, plans a forum to discuss the state’s hate crime law.

In the wake of a recent spate of attacks on gays in Manhattan, a state senator plans to hold a public forum on the effectiveness of the state’s 13-year-old hate crimes law.

Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), plans the forum for June 14 in the city.

“It's time to put the law under the microscope and see how effective it’s been,” Hoylman told the Daily News. “Certainly the rash of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered violence in the last month is the impetus.”

SANDBLAST is coming....July 19-21 in Asbury Park

Best of Gay New York City — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:11:16 GMT

SANDBLAST 2013!

ASBURY PARK IGNITES THREE-DAY lGBT

beach party spectacular: SAND BLAST WEEKEND

This summer, thousands of gays and lesbians will converge on the charming and newly popular seaside town of Asbury Park for Sand Blast, the annual LGBT party weekend on the Jersey Shore. Taking place Friday, July 19^th thru Sunday, July 21st, this year’s festivities will feature 23 thrilling activities from surfing to guided bike rides, beach dodge ball, a burlesque show, a downtown art gallery walk, two pool parties, nighttime dance extravaganzas and The Beach Party, the weekend’s main soak-in-the-sun event with music by DJs Tony Moran and Hector Fonseca. Over 4,000 people attended last summer’s event. This summer’s Sand Blast Weekend promises to be even bigger and wetter!

“Bringing the legendary producer and remixer Tony Moran to headline Saturday afternoon’s The Beach Party has been a goal of ours for years”, said Brad Hurtado, event founder & executive producer, at this morning’s announcement. “As if that’s not enough, securing the super hot Hector Fonseca to spin the first three hours is a double whammy.”

In fact, Sand Blast Weekend will showcase a slew of the hottest DJ talent playing today including Atlantis Cruise favorite DJ Grind whose popularity has skyrocketed in recent months with over a million downloads of his weekly podcast. Also featured will be NYC favorites Eddie Martinez, Steve Sidewalk, Nando, Corey Craig, James Anthony, Stacy, Mick Hale and Susan Levine.

What makes Sand Blast Weekend different from other gay party weekends is that in addition to its high-energy dance parties, Sand Blast offers many relaxing activities to enjoy. “Sand Blast is about discovering Asbury Park as a gay-friendly resort community and making it your own,” explains Hurtado. “We want our guests to go off and explore the entire town and boardwalk and enjoy all that this Jewel on the Jersey Shore has to offer. It’s not just a place to come once a year; it’s a destination we hope guests return to again and again. We like to think of Sand Blast Weekend as the Atlantis Cruise of circuit parties, because, like Atlantis, in addition to our roster of main party events, we have tons of fun activities to offer our guests all weekend.”

Weekend passes start at $165. The Saturday-only pass is $110 and the Sand Blast Women’s Pass is $85. The elegant Berkeley Oceanfront is the host hotel for Sand Blast Weekend. 3-night super saver rates start at $240 per night. 2–night stays start at $289 per night.

For more information on SAND BLAST WEEKEND, visit www.SandBlastWeekend.com

Gay Pride in New York - The Time of Your Life

Best of Gay New York City — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:34:00 GMT

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

The concept by Brian Rafferty is to create a series of parties involving event producers and promoters from multiple cities, working together to create destination weekends that are amazing and accessible.

FIRST UP....
THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE: NYC PRIDE
New York / Los Angeles / Chicago / Philadelphia / San Juan

June 28th-June 30th 2013

New York City is one of the most NOTORIOUS cities on the planet with the BIGGEST pride weekend in the nation.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER WORKING TOGETHER....

NEW YORK: Brian Rafferty
LOS ANGELES: Woody Woodbeck, Justin David & Steve Machuca
CHICAGO: Anthony DiFiore & Andrew Kain Miller
PHILADELPHIA: Christoper Wright & Timmy Bear Maurer
SAN JUAN: Jose IvanBurgos, Angel Arroyo & Gilly Velez of Joy and Give Events

DISCOUNTS IN NEW YORK ON:
- LUXURY HOST HOTEL: Hudson Hotel, www.HudsonHotel.com Rooms are only $189/night [down from $310]
*Use Promo code: SPPRID
- NYC PRIDE EVENTS: plus free VIP Event upgrades to select events for the first 50 people to sign up
- SHOPPING: Slick it up [ www.Slickitup.com ] & Trophy Pony
*Use Promo Code TOYL
PLUS: 30% off at TAGG [ www.TAGGnyc.com ]

**To be eligible for NYC Pride discounts you must be FROM one of the host cities and traveling TO New York for the weekend. Contact your city's host for info or contact TimeofYourLifeINFO@gmail.com.

THE EVENTS:
FRIDAY JUNE 28th:
8p: TAGG Pre-Pride Party: Open bar, exclusive 30% off for Time of Your Life NYC Pride boys
10p-4a: Brian Rafferty's 30th Birthday BASH. TBA *VIP ACCESS

SAT JUNE 29th:
2p-10p: The VIP Rooftop Party by NYC Pride & Rafferty Mazur Events www.showclix.com/event/3752808 *VIP ACCESS

SUN JUNE 29th:
3p-9p: SPF Penthouse & Rooftop Party 3p-9p at the Dream MIDTOWN with DJ Ryan Kenny by Rafferty Mazur Events *VIP ACCESS

3p-10p The NYC Pride Pier Dance 3p-10p www.showclix.com/event/3752803

10p-4a Griffin Sundays: Pride Closing Party
by Rafferty Mazur Events, 10pm-5am *VIP ACCESS

FACEBOOK PAGE

Gay Pride in New York BEGINS!

Best of Gay New York City — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:59:28 GMT

GAY PRIDE KICKS OFF!

Saturday, June 1

Staten Island LGBT Pride Parade & Festival

Food, music and entertainment, coupled with community resources, information tables and vendor tables, will be available throughout ..

More Info...

Sunday, June 2

New Jersey's 22nd Annual Pride Celebration

Asbury Park is coming back from the ravages of Superstorm Sandy and is excited to again be the host city for Jersey Pride's annual ..

More Info...

Queens Pride Parade & Multicultural Festival

March down 37th Avenue in the heart of Jackson Heights, followed by the jubilant sights and sounds of Multicultural Street Festival ..

More Info...

... Check out NYC UP AND OUT for more events!

New Yorks CENTER Garden Party 30 Kicks Off Pride Week at Pier 84

Best of Gay New York City — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:00 GMT

Annual Tasting Event Partners with ZAGAT to Celebrate Pride and Support the LGBT Community Center Programs and Services
WHO	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center Board of Directors and Executive Director Glennda Testone invite you to Garden Party 30.
WHAT	Garden Party brings you A Taste of Pride curated by ZAGAT and featuring presenting sponsor Prudential with 40 restaurants and culinary destinations offering samples from their delicious menus.
WHEN	Monday, June 24, 2013 General Admission 6-10 p.m.
WHERE	Hudson River Park's Pier 84 West Side Highway at 44th Street New York, NY
How to Purchase Tickets: Tickets are available at www.gaycenter.org/gardenparty.
MORE	Friends and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (the Center) will gather on June 24 for Garden Party 30, the Center’s annual tasting event. Kick off Pride Week with over 1,500 supporters and foodies at our new location on Pier 84. Garden Party is the only LGBT tasting festival in the country. Guests will watch the sun set over the Hudson River while enjoying an open bar and bidding on delicious dining packages in the silent auction. Proceeds from Garden Party 30 support the Center’s life-enhancing and life-changing programs and services, and allow the Center to keep its doors open 365 days a year.

WIG NIGHT OUT comes to New York for POINT Foundation Benefit

Best of Gay New York City — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:48:07 GMT

WIG NIGHT OUT!

Hold onto your wigs, kids! The Supreme Wig Council invites you to wear your most outlandish wig and come over to the Stonewall Inn for the inaugural Wig Night Out New York to benefit Point Foundation.

What began three years ago in Washington, DC as a small group of friends donning wigs and donating to charity has blossomed into an innovative and quirky, annual event. Now we’re taking the fun on the road and coming to New York on June 15.

Wig Night Out promises regular Joes in street clothes and outlandish wigs, all in an effort to raise money for scholarships for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth.

The suggested donation is $10 and includes a complimentary cocktail. 100% of the proceeds benefit Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit. Point promotes change through education, mentorship, leadership development and community service training, and provides its scholars with the financial ability to attend the nation's foremost higher educational institutions.

Out of town? Wig in the shop? Out of Aquanet? No worries--you can still support WNO and Point Foundation. Just visit http://pointfoundation.org/wnony

Since 2011, Wig Night Out has raised nearly $20,000 for Point Foundation, and we are thrilled to bring this fun event to New York! So start pouring through that fabulous wig collection you've been amassing, grab your checkbook, bring your pride, and meet us at the Stonewall Inn on June 15! It's going to be wigtastic!

For more information, visit us at www.wignightout.org

Gornell Roman Arrested in Connection with Killing Mark Carson

Best of Gay New York City — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:38:53 GMT

ARRESTED!

ABC news reports - A suspect was arrested Wednesday in an assault in Manhattan's East Village that police say was one of several anti-gay attacks in recent days.

Gornell Roman was arrested on charges of assault and aggravated harassment, both as hate crimes.

Roman is accused of yelling an anti-gay remark and attacking a drinking companion on Monday. Roman and the victim, Dan Contarino, lived at a nearby homeless shelter.

It was one of 2 anti-gay attacks authorities announced Tuesday following the killing of a gay man over the weekend. midnight

Police said two men were walking in lower Manhattan Tuesday morning when two other men yelled homophobic slurs in Spanish and attacked them. Two suspects were arrested on hate crime assault charges.

Mark Carson was killed Saturday as he walked with a companion through Greenwich Village. Police say a man charged with murder as a hate crime shot Carson just blocks from the Stonewall Inn, where riots sparked the modern gay-rights movement in 1969.

Following the deadly shooting, officials said police would increase their presence there and in nearby neighborhoods through the end of June, Gay Pride Month.

Carson's shooting came after reports of several other anti-gay attacks in recent weeks. Those include an assault on two men who were walking arm-in-arm near Madison Square Garden on May 5, police said.

New Yorks THE CENTER hosts Anti Gay Hate Violence Rally

Best of Gay New York City — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:43:28 GMT

Dear Center Community,

I know you share my sadness and outrage at the recent string of anti-gay violence gripping our city, including the horrific murder of 32-year old Mark Carson on Friday night, just blocks from the Center. I want you to know that the Center is committed to standing with community partners and leaders, and doing everything in our power to respond and denounce this wave of violence against our community.

On Monday evening we will gather on the steps of the Center, along with the Anti-Violence Project, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, community members, other elected officials, and LGBT community leaders and allies, and march to the site of Friday's shooting to demand an end to hate crimes against our community. At the end of the march, we will rally to denounce hate violence, call for justice and to mourn the death of Mark Carson. Please join us, and help spread the word.

New York is our city, and we aren’t going backward. Join us on Monday evening to honor Mark and help ensure everyone hears our message.

In solidarity,
Glennda Testone
Executive Director

MARCH AND RALLY IN RESPONSE TO LGBT HATE CRIMES – Monday, May 20th at 5:30 p.m. beginning at the Center, 208 W 13th Street, and proceeding to West 8th Street and 6th Avenue.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFO – The Anti-Violence Project encourages you to report violence you experience or witness to their free and confidential 24-hour, bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline at 212-714-1141, where you can speak with a trained counselor and seek support. You can also report violence anonymously online at www.avp.org, and learn about upcoming Community Safety Nights beginning Friday, May 24. And remember, for immediate police assistance, dial 911.

Follow the Center on Twitter @LGBTCenterNYC or on Facebook

Hot Deals at THE OUT NYC

Best of Gay New York City — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:44:15 GMT