Category Archives: New York City Information
NEXT Magazine Interviews Michael Cavnaugh of GayLifeNYC.org
Gaylifenyc.org and HIVHERO.org
are websites for
HIV Experience Resources Organization (HERO) – a non-for-profit company
operating in New York State. It features Entertainment News and On The
Town updates.
It’s also dedicated to helping people getting around, get
through and get over the system that hinders timely assistance for the
newly diagnosed & people living with HIV/AIDS. And it’s dedicated to
entertaining you, and keeping your spirits up where they should
be. HERO is 100 % Volunteer based.
Web series host Michael Cavnaugh really loves chorus boys and the world of entertainment. The
47-year-old creator of GayLifeNYC.org, promotes HIV/AIDS
awareness through interviews with Broadway and entertainment celebrities. He picks one chorus
boy each month to feature on his site, someone who has donated their time and energy into helping the AIDS crisis.
NEXT Magazine turn the tables on Michael this week with a little Q&A
GayLifeNYC.org
Security at Zuccotti Call Joey Boots A FAGGOT!
The Occupy Wall Street encampment is gone, but the movement lives on.
What nobody knows is just how long it can survive without a place to
call home after police hauled away demonstrators in a late night raid.
New
York’s Zuccotti Park, the privately owned park where protesters against
the excesses of capitalism had been camped out since mid-September, was
a rallying cry — a symbol of defiance against a government and a
society that the protesters wanted to overthrow.
As the park was being cleaned up, Videographer , blogger and New York personality Joey Boots, a 6 year military veteran who has appeared on The Howard Stern Show, was filming down at Zuccotti Park.
“These guys in vests in Zuccotti Park were ordering anyone who stopped on
the public sidewalk to look to move along and so I and others wanted to
know who they were.” he says.
One of the guys, later identified as working for Brookfield Properties which owns Zuccotti Park, made the unfortunate mistake of saying “Your fly’s open, faggot.”
to Joey.
KLASSY! WATCH NOW
Russell Fischer of Jersey Boys is Broadway Hero of the Month
THIS MONTH, Gaylifenyc.org interviews the handsome and super talented, Russell Fischer from the Broadway hit show, Jersey Boys. He talks about the incredible way he got the role, his creative halloween costumes, his charity work and so many amazing messages.
It is so great to live in a city where people really care.
The gay community does more than give lip service.
People like Michael Cavnaugh from GAY LIFE NYC.org is out there donating countless hours to his site. Not only scurrying around town, doing fabulous interviews, but also constantly gathering and updating HIV and AIDS resources on his site.
Broadway actors are out there donating their time to worthy causes. It’s really a great community we have here!
These interviews are so great – and so inspirational – check it out!
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.”
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
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
Will the Manhattan Madam Run For the Governor Seat of New York State?
“Last Saturday I gave the first political speech of my life. I spoke to the Manhattan Libertarian party and told them I planning a campaign for Governor of New York State.” stated the Manhattan Madam, Kristin Davis.
” I have not decided whether to seek the Libertarian party nomination or form my own party based on my platform; legalization, regulation and taxation of prostitution, marijuana, and legalizing gay marriage.
When was the last time a candidate put forward this kind of honest, radical platform? When is the last time a politician offered the voters something different than higher taxes, more spending, greater debt and service cuts.”
“I am the one who will be running and putting my name on the ballot. I am the one who will offer New York voters something different. I am the one advocating using our voice to speak out against inequality and the one who is ready to take on the career politicians and expose them for who they really are! I know the politicians and political reporters wont take me seriously at first. Let’s see if they are still laughing when my campaign files three times the number of signatures needed to get on the ballot.
New York voters will have a chance to vote to legalize prostitution, pot and gay marriage next November.
What could be more exciting?”
You Go Kristin! We’ll Support You!
Read more at her blog Manhattan Madam
The Best of Gay New York
Gay Marriage Moves One Step Closer in New York This Month!
Last week, New York Governor David Paterson told gay monthly The Advocate that he would add the gay marriage bill to the agenda of a special session expected to take place in late September.
“I am anticipating a special session and I am anticipating this is one of the issues that we will address,” Paterson said.
Paterson discussed his plan with the state’s most prominent gay marriage advocates Thursday, including the Empire State Pride Agenda, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Gill Action Fund.
The bill passed the New York Assembly 89-52 in May and the Senate is now its final hurdle, as Paterson has strongly signalled he will sign it if it reaches his desk.
The move would make New York the sixth state to legalise same-sex marriage after Vermont, Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire. It was briefly allowed in California until a referendum stripped the right.
“Not to include marriage for same-sex couples … is an insult to millions of gay and lesbian people and their families,” Alan Van Capelle, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, said in a statement.
At first, Paterson did not say gay marriage would be on the special agenda. But after an uproar Peterson says, ““It has always been my intention to see same-sex marriage come to the floor. I don’t want there to be any confusion.”
“I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it,” he added. “But I think, because of the activity that went on today, I am forced to reveal my true intentions, even though the advocates knew them already.”
Like all politics and lobbying, a few hold all of the cards, for all of us. Democrats hold a slim two vote majority in the 62-member Senate. But only a few Democrats, about 20, have publicly endorsed the bill. And five Democratic senators say they are against the measure.
For the bill to win passage, backers need the help of at least four Republicans. But no Republican has publicly endorsed the bill. And the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the nation’s most vociferous opponent of gay marriage, has threatened Republicans who cross the aisle to vote in favor of the bill.
Openly gay senator Tom Duane, a Democrat from New York City, says the bill will pass if lawmakers are allowed to vote their conscience.
“I remain optimistic that it’ll pass this year and it’ll pass with bipartisan support,” Duane told gay weekly The Washington Blade.
It could be a HUGE windfall of money in the way of tourism for the city as well, if this were to pass. I think I will see it in my lifetime for sure. Weddings are big business!
Best of Gay New York
NEW YORK CITY FLIGHTS ON SALE THIS WEEK! HURRY!
NYC & COMPANY JOINS WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES TO HIGHLIGHT UNPRECEDENTED VALUE IN NEW YORK CITY THIS FALL AND ANNOUNCE SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED FARES FROM FIVE LARGE CITIES TO NYC – PURCHASE BY THIS FRIDAY!
“There’s never been a better time to visit New York City and take advantage of the world-class and diverse experiences that can be found throughout the five boroughs,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
“With these special travel offers from American Airlines and new travel itineraries from NYC & Company, visiting and navigating the world’s most exciting City has never been easier.”
NYC & Company, the marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, is inviting consumers from five U.S. cities to visit New York City in 2009 to take advantage of exceptional value and unique experiences in the World’s Second Home. To encourage domestic visitors to book now for travel beginning in September, NYC & Company today joined with American Airlines to debut special, limited-time airfare offers between five major U.S. cities and NYC. The cities offering the specially discounted airfares to and from NYC are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami.
The fares for Los Angeles or San Francisco are just $109;
Dallas/Fort Worth is $99; Chicago is $84; and Miami is $69.
The special fares are priced each way based on round-trip purchase for Economy Class travel. They are available for purchase through this Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, so act quickly. Travel on these special fares is available from Sept. 15, 2009 through Dec. 12, 2009, with some dates embargoed around the Thanksgiving holiday period. Lowest fares are for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday travel.
The new travel itineraries provide useful recommendations for visitors, and include “Kid-Friendly NYC,” “NYC in One Day,” “NYC in Three Days,” and “New York Eats.” Easily accessible on the official tourism Web site for New York City, nycgo.com, these are indispensable tools for planning an upcoming trip to the destination.
This American Airlines special fare offer is available only for travel originating in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami or New York City. Other attractive fares to New York are available from other cities.
MORE INFO ONLINE AT NYC GO!
The Best of Gay New York
Jack Mackenroth – Guide to Gay New York
Jack Mackenroth is not only a popular fashion designer and hot reality TV star, he’s also a successful World Outgames 2009 swimming competitor, having taken home a staggering eight medals from this year’s games held in in Copenhagen.
“I was really not expecting to win medals in all eight of my events,” said Mackenroth. “Needless to say, I’m ecstatic. However, it’s not just about winning medals. One of the most fun events was the Random Rainbow Relay where the meet organizers randomly picked swimmers from all different teams and we swam in a friendly relay with colored rainbow swim caps. It was a great way to meet swimmers from different countries.”
He recently chatted with PLANET OUT
about living in NEW YORK CITY.
What is the best date you ever had in this town? Why?
A guy took me on a midnight helicopter ride around Manhattan. We got pretty close to the buildings. It was pretty amazing to fly around the Statue of Liberty.
What are some of the things you love most about your city/town?
I love that you can get anything you want delivered to your door at anytime. I can get a hooker, a bamboo plant and a diet coke all at 2 AM. Then I can make that hooker water the bamboo while I drink my diet coke. Good times.
I also love the subway. Manhattan is so compact that you can get anywhere in the city on the subway in less than an hour. Plus you can sit next to a crack whore and a supermodel in the same ride. It’s a great equalizer.
What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends there?
Well almost all restaurants in New York are gay friendly. If they are not they are stupid. I like Buddakan in Chelsea and all the BLT restaurants. BLT Prime is my fave. www.bltrestaurants.com/. I also LOVE Freeman’s in a little alley way downtown. Cool scene and morbid decor.
For a big gay scene Elmo and Cafeteria are hot messes for Sunday Brunch. Bring your healthy liver and some sunglasses.
What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs? What do you like about them?
There are so many bars here its hard to pick a favorite. For a tourist I would suggest picking up a Next or HX magazine that lists every thing going on each night and lists all the bars and clubs. There really aren’t any big dance clubs anymore since the Roxy closed. I like a more intimate bar like the Phoenix in the east village. No pretense or attitude.
If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some “musts” that you’d recommend they see or do?
Skip the tourist sites and just buy the postcards. If you absolutely have to do one touristy thing I suggest the top of the Empire State building. On a clear day the view is redic. Also if you can splurge a little bit the helicopter ride around the city is incredible during the day or night.
They charter them from both sides of the island and they are not outrageously expensive. Definitely see a broadway show or two. I would reccomend going to see Central Park. It’s beautiful in the spring.
And you can trick in the bushes.
Check out Jack Mackenroths blog – Memoirs of a Gaysha! and his main site Jack Mackenroth.
Naked Cowboy – To Run For Mayor of New York City!
The Naked Cowboy plans to run against Mayor Bloomberg on a platform of “bringing transparency to a whole new level.”
A fixture in Times Square for a decade, Robert Burck has made a profitable business from strumming a guitar dressed only in cowboy boots and hat and tight-fitting white briefs, asking tourists to pay a fee to take a picture with him. He travels widely marketing products ranging from underwear to comics.
The Naked Cowboy, in a statement announcing the official launch of his candidacy, said his platform would include a stimulus plan for small businesses.
“No one knows how to do more with less than yours truly, and that’s the kind of thinking I plan on sharing with my fellow New Yorkers when you elect me,” he said, promising new ideas on tax breaks, tourism, gay marriage, transit and homeland security.
He also vowed to have a Times Square wedding chapel built in order to rival Las Vegas’s marriage profits, while stating that he could see the venture become a billion dollar boom for the metropolitan area.
Meanwhile, Michael Bloomberg, the current mayor of New York City, is expected to run for an unprecedented third term in office.
YEAH! We’d VOTE FOR ROBERT!
The Best of Gay New York
USS NEW YORK IS ON IT’S WAY!
While this news piece isn’t really gay, we thought it was still of interest to the city and worth running.
The USS NEW YORK is made from 24 tons of
salvaged steel from the World Trade Center.
I t is the fifth in a new class of warship –
designed for missions that include special
operations against terrorists. It will carry a
crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines
to be delivered ashore by helicopters and
assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted
down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship’s bow section.
When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, ‘those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,’ recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. ‘It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.’
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the ‘hair on my neck stood up.’ ‘It had a big meaning to it for all of us,’ he said. ‘They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.’
The ship’s motto? ‘Never Forget’
She arrives in NY 11/2/09 for the commissioning ceremony on 11/7.
Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
On Easter Sunday, (April 12, 2009) you have the opportunity to see Easter bonnets to the New York City extreme as “paraders” wander along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets.
The area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the ideal place to see the parade. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Unlike most New York City Parades, the Easter Parade is a far less organized event. From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the area along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets is closed to vehicular traffic, and folks wander the street admiring various Easter Bonnets and Easter outfits.
Visitors in town during Easter will enjoy stopping by the area for a bit during the festivities, but seeing the various Easter bonnets and costumed pets is probably only worth a short visit.
This parade doesn’t have any floats or marching bands but it is a spectacle nonetheless. From around the world people come to New York City to participate.
Outfits range from elegant to outrageous. From outfits accented with live animals to civil war period costumes and the latest high fashions, there is a little bit of everything for the parade viewer.
The Best of Gay New York
RAINBOW PILGRIMAGE – New York City Tourism Embraces Gay Stonewall Anniversary
(Photo – Announcing a new marketing campaign aimed at gay tourists were George A. Fertitta, chief executive of NYC & Company, Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, and Rosie Mendez, a Manhattan councilwoman.)
New York City is a great place to be gay in, that’s for sure. We have come a long way, but still have a long ways to go. New York City boasts an abundance of destinations that not only shed light on the LGBT past, but continue offering entertainment, education and opportunities for work relating to the community.
In the New York Times today SEWELL CHAN reports,
Announcing a new marketing campaign under the slogan “Rainbow Pilgrimage,” tourism officials said on Tuesday that the new marketing campaign would seek to portray a visit to New York “as a ‘rite of passage’ for the gay and lesbian traveler.”
City officials found little remarkable in using an event associated with violence and resistance as the centerpiece of a marketing campaign.
“I don’t think it’s ironic; I think it’s significant,” Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, who is openly gay, told reporters at a news conference Tuesday announcing the campaign. “You know, 40 years ago a group of people said, ‘Enough was enough.’ And they struck back against police officers. They struck back against unfair treatment. They quite frankly did what they felt they had to do. And it created the modern L.G.B.T. civil rights movement.”
I don’t know….I kind of feel like the city is trying to make money off the gay community. Like we are being exploited for the Gay $$$.
Get equal LGBT rights and gay marriage passed!
Give us respect. Give us equality.
Will the tourism board be working with groups like Heritage of Pride and The Center?
It sounds like they created this campaign without the imput of the gay community….
I hope in the coming months, we see this as a good thing.
Read the full gay tourism piece by Sewell at New York Times
A great historical piece on Stonewall from Columbia
COMING TO NEW YORK? The campaign includes travel packages that can be booked online.
Best Prices on Gay Travel Packages!
The Best of Gay New York and Best Gay Cities
