Category Archives: News and Happenings
New York LGBT Memorial
From the governor’s office:
“This stunning design complements the landscape and communicates a timeless message of inclusion, and this monument will serve as an enduring symbol of the role New Yorkers play in building a fairer, more just world,” Governor Cuomo said. “From Stonewall to marriage equality, New York has always been a beacon for justice and we will never waiver in our commitment to the LGBT community and to creating a more just and inclusive society. This new monument will stand up for those values for generations to come.”
Following the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 158, establishing the LGBT Memorial Commission, with the mission to design and build a new memorial in honor of the LGBT community and the victims of the Orlando shooting. The Commission issued a request for proposals in October 2016, and all submissions were judged on their interpretation and clarity of the theme, creativity and originality of depicted theme, quality of artistic composition, site compatibility, and constructability, among other factors.
The site specific design works in harmony with the existing attributes of Hudson River Park and promotes thought and reflection while encouraging people to unite in a communal environment. It will feature nine modified boulders, some of which are bisected with a clear, laminated, borosilicate-glass with refractory components that act as a prism to create subtle rainbow patterns on the surrounding lawn and nearby objects.
Said Goicolea:
“I am honored to join Governor Cuomo and the LGBT Memorial Commission on this important project to remember those who have been victims of hate, violence, and intolerance, while celebrating the beauty of the LGBT community. This monument will serve as a communal space filled with light, color, and hope where the visitors can sit, mourn, love, and remember for years to come. I am grateful to the Governor and his administration for the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment.”
Max Emerson’s HOOKED June 26
Max Emerson & NewFest to Debut the U.S. Premiere of Hooked , An Original Film on LGBT Homeless Youth
Instagram Icon Max Emerson (@Maxisms) will premiere his crowdfunded film Hooked in New York City on Monday, June 26th.
The feature film Hooked , written and directed by Instagram superstar Max Emerson, will make its U.S. premiere on Monday June 26th at 8pm. Hooked received its world premiere last month at Toronto’s Inside Out Festival, propelled by more than $200,000 in crowdfunded donations from over one thousand participants.
The premiere is presented in partnership with NewFest: New York’s LFBT Film & Media Arts Organization and the Ali Forney Center.
Hooked tells the story of Jack, a homeless teenage prostitute with a smart mouth and impulsive tendencies. He battles through a violent world of reckless “Johns” between New York City and Miami, desperately seeking a better life with his boyfriend Tom. This timely narrative feature debut from Emerson poignantly captures the under-covered plight of LGBTQ youth. Funded through crowdsourcing and a commitment to donating to LGBTQ organizations, Hooked is proof that cinema can tell powerful stories of underrepresented populations while directly giving back to the community. Half of all proceeds from Hooked will be donated to LGBTQ homeless youth shelters including Ali Forney Center, Albert Kennedy Trust, LA LGBT Center and Lost N’ Found.
All proceeds from this evening will benefit homeless LGBTQ youth via the Ali Forney Center. The film premieres at 8:00pm, preceded by a 6:30pm cocktail reception. Tickets are $25 ($15 for NewFest Members) and can be purchased
here: newfest.org/film/hooked . VIP tickets are also available for $75 and include a “meet and greet” with Max and a gift bag. Both tickets include cocktail reception.
There will be a talkback directly following the screening with Max Emerson and the cast and crew.
The film stars Conor Donnally, Katie McClellan (NBC’s Believe) , Terrance Murphy (USA’s Burn Notice ), Sean Ormond, Jared Sandler (CBS’s Kevin Can Wait ), Casper Andreas (Kiss Me, Kill Me) and Steve Hayes (Trick). Max Emerson and Melissa Llewellyn serve as producers, alongside executive producer (and GLAAD Board Member) Anthony Watson.
Writer & Director Max Emerson says: “I couldn’t be more excited to finally be sharing this piece with my community. Working with NewFest and Ali Forney Center is such an honor, and has been nothing less than a pleasure. It’s taken countless time and effort from everyone involved in this project, so it’s a real treat to finally be able to put this little melodrama out into the world.”
“NewFest has a long history of supporting emerging filmmakers and community partners,” said Robert Kushner, Executive Director of NewFest . “Max Emerson’s poignant debut feature Hooked is an opportunity to celebrate a new voice in filmmaking, while shining a light on marginalized members of the LGBT community via The Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youth.”
“As longtime partners with Max Emerson, the Ali Forney Center is humbled and honored to be a beneficiary of his first feature-length film, which we have so proudly watched grow from idea to reality,” said Carl Siciliano, founder and Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center . “Support and generosity from individuals like Max helps educate people worldwide about the perils of LGBTQ youth homelessness, and for that we are most grateful.”
Max Emerson ( @Maxisms ) is an actor, model, YouTuber, activist and media personality. Well known in the gay and entertainment landscapes, he’s built a rabid fanbase among his 750,000+ Instagram followers with his adventurous spirit, good looks and fearless attitude. Max has been seen on numerous TV shows including ABC’s The Real O’Neals and FOX’s Glee, and is often recognized from ad campaigns with major brands like Abercrombie and Target. He recently wrote, directed and produced his first feature length film Hooked and is the author of Hot Sissy, now available via his website: www.maxismsmedia.com.
Founded in 1988, NewFest is a non-profit 501(C)(3) dedicated to giving voice and visibility to the full spectrum of the LGBT experience through year-round screenings, community empowerment programs, and our signature annual event, New York’s LGBT Film Festival. As the largest convener of LGBT audiences in New York, we proudly shine a light on the diverse stories that make our community unique, while nurturing and supporting the filmmakers whose work inspires dialogue, shifts cultural bias and creates positive
change. For information on our programs, partnerships, or how to support, visit www.NewFest.org .
The Ali Forney Center ‘s mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. Since AFC’s launch with just six beds in a church basement, the organization has grown to become the largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths in the country—assisting nearly 1,400 youths per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center which provides over 70,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered site housing program.
INFORMATION ABOUT HOOKED:
www.HookedProject.com
Trailer: http://bit.ly/HookedTrailer Photos/Poster: http://bit.ly/
INFORMATION ABOUT MAX:
www.youtube.com/TheMaxVicious www.instagram.com/Maxisms www.maxismsmedia.com
Bette Midler Wins TONY Award
CONGRATS TO BETTE!
Great speech and she took time to honor Carol Channing and Pearl Bailey, it’s and class!
She shuts down the orchestra!
See Glenn Close present Bette Midler with the Tony Award for Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role In A Musical for her work in Hello, Dolly! WATCH.
CHER on Broadway 2018
A musical based on Cher’s life is slated to debut on Broadway in 2018. The singer confirmed the news on Tuesday night on her Twitter account.
“Just got off phone w/Writer & Director of musical,” Cher wrote. “There will [be] performance in theatre with actors, dancers, singers!! It’ll be on Broadway 2018.”
News of a possible musical production tracing Cher’s life – and using Cher’s extensive catalog of pop hits – surfaced in January, when the singer attended a read-through of the production. According to The New York Post, Jason Moore, known for Pitch Perfect, will direct. Rick Elice, of Jersey Boys, penned the musical. Three different actresses will portray Cher at various points in her life. At the read-through, one of the actresses was Tony Award-winner Lena Hall.
After Cher attended the event in January, she tweeted her support for the project. “Just walked [off] the musical,” she wrote. “I SOBBED & LAUGHED & I WAS PREPARED NOT 2 LIKE IT. AUDIENCE CLAPPED AFTER SONGS & GAVE IT STANDING OVATION.”
Earlier this year, the singer accepted the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards. “I’ve wanted to do what I do since I was four years-old,” she said during her speech. “And I’ve been doing it for 53 years … I’m 71 yesterday. And I can do a five-minute plank, ok? Just saying.”
Gilbert Baker Rally and March June 14th
To Honor the Late Gilbert Baker, Rainbow Flag Creator,
On Flag Day: Wednesday, June 14
Followed by Protest March to Christopher Street Pier
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A celebration of Gilbert Baker in San Francisco, his home for decades and the site of the creation of the Rainbow Flag in 1978, will happen Thursday, June 8, at 7:00pm at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. People globally are urged to hold their own protests and memorials.
Baker was born in Chanute, Kansas, on June 2, 1951. He served in the US Army 1970-1972, which stationed him in San Francisco just at the start of the gay liberation movement. After being honorably discharged, Baker stayed in San Francisco and taught himself to sew. He began creating flags for civic and state events, most notably the 1984 Democratic National Convention.
In 1994 Baker created a mile-long Rainbow Flag for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riot 1969 in New York City. Carried by 5,000 people, it was the world’s largest flag before Baker broke his own record in 2003 with a new flag created for Key West Pride that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. Baker also created a series of Rainbow Flag-inspired paintings for galleries and museums internationally. The Rainbow Flag is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Most recently, Baker completed a new nine-color Rainbow Flag, adding a lavender stripe for diversity.
Gilbert Baker leaves behind mother Patricia Baker and sister Ardonna Baker Cook.
Quad Cinema Gay Films
Over its four decades, the Quad has been one of New York’s preeminent homes for LGBTQ cinema. We’re celebrating Pride this June by spotlighting a myriad of queer stories, beginning with the World Premiere of a new 4K restoration of Toshio Matsumoto’s transgender masterpiece, Funeral Parade of Roses. For this month’s edition of “Underexposed,” which highlights overlooked American indies, we’re proud to present Rachel Reichman’s lesbian love story, Work. Our ongoing series “Quadrophilia” also gets a special queer edition this month with eight Quad favorites from Ira Sachs’ The Delta to Visconti’s Death in Venice.
Finally, we’re excited to launch the new monthly series “Coming Out Again” which will spotlight lesser-known landmarks of LGBTQ film history in collaboration with NewFest. Our inaugural selection is Wakefield Poole’s Boys in the Sand.
QUAD CINEMA for details!
New York City Gay Pride on ABC
NYC Pride today announced that for the first time WABC-TV will broadcast the 48th NYC LGBT Pride March on Sunday, June 25th.
The march, which has 350 marching contingents and had more than 2 million spectators in 2016, takes place from 12 – 3 pm. ABC7 will broadcast it live and stream it live on abc7ny.com.
Said Chris Frederick, NYC Pride Managing Director: “We’re excited to have Tri-state viewers welcome us
into their homes for what will be an unprecedented opportunity for the LGBT community’s collective
voices to be heard.”
ABC7 will also provide coverage of PrideFest – the annual LGBT street festival, Pride Luminaries Brunch, the Rally, and Pride Island – a new three-day LGBT cultural experience.
Broadway Bares STRIP U
More than 150 of New York’s hottest dancers will be hitting the books ― figuratively, at least ― this June, but the lessons they’ll impart are decidedly not for kids.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS officials whetted fans’ appetites for “Broadway Bares: Strip U” this week with some steamy photos and a behind-the-scenes video. The 27th installment of the wildly popular Broadway-meets-burlesque fundraiser will feature a collegiate theme, and its chiseled cast will “school” audiences with steamy art, math and sport-themed dance numbers. This year’s show will hit New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom June 18 and will be directed by Nick Kenkel, whose Broadway credits include “Catch Me If You Can,” “Evita” and “The Wedding Singer.”
“Class will be in session this summer at the only college campus where clothing is optional and bodacious burlesque is always in the curriculum,” officials wrote in a press release, before promising “a science lab exploding with sizzling chemistry or sculpted studs exhibiting model behavior in art class.”
Created in 1992 by Tony-winning “Kinky Boots” director Jerry Mitchell, the event has raised more than $15.8 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a nonprofit group dedicated to AIDS-related causes across the U.S. Previous installments of the show have ranged from 2012’s fairy tale-themed “Happy Endings” to 2016’s tech-driven fantasy “On Demand.”
GET TICKETS AND Read more about “Broadway Bares: Strip U” here.
Aids Walk New York 2017
AIDS Walk New York is the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world!
In its over 30 years, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $150 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline sustaining the prevention, care, and advocacy programs GMHC provides for the thousands of men, women, and families affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program (CPP).
During the next few weeks – there is LOTS GOING ON! Fundraising Workshops and MORE. See the list here and get involved!
New to fundraising?
First time participating in AIDS Walk New York?
Need a refresher course to boost your total? They have the tools to get you going! Follow these easy steps to becoming a successful fundraiser—aim high and you could be one of our next Star Walkers™! Raise $200-$300 and qualify for cool prizes!
Facebook page is HERE
Rise and Resist and ACT UP at Pride
GAY CITY NEWS REPORTS :
The organization that produces New York City’s pride parade, rally, and related events has agreed to allow groups eager to confront the Republican Party’s control of the federal government near the front of the June 25 pride parade.
“I’m extremely proud of the people who came out to raise their voices about this, and I think it’s emblematic of the people who are going to show up proudly on June 25,” said Ken Kidd, who was the lead organizer of the effort to get the resistance groups at the front of the parade.
Following a March 28 meeting with Heritage of Pride (HOP), Kidd told Gay City News that the traditional first contingent, the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club of New York City, will lead the parade, as they have since 1986, followed by the parade’s grand marshals, who have not yet been announced, the HOP float, and then the resistance groups.
After pushback a week ago, June pride parade organizers say protesters can march up front
The groups who wanted in to the parade at the front include Rise + Resist, ACT UP, United Thru Action, and Gays Against Guns. These groups have held recent protests in New York City and they attended the protests in Washington, DC, on January 20 when Donald Trump was inaugurated and the Women’s March on Washington on January 21. The resistance groups expect to be joined by other organizations on June 25.
Members of these groups first approached HOP roughly a month ago and eventually met resistance themselves from HOP. At a March 13 HOP general meeting, staff and volunteers did not say yes or no to the request, but signaled a willingness to talk. But at a March 21 meeting of HOP’s parade committee, the organization was clearly pushing back.
“Our current march route is at capacity,” said Sue Doster, who heads strategic planning for HOP, at the March 21 meeting. “You can’t add a half million people to that march and keep it safe for everyone.”
Flushing Town Hall Event – OPEN CALL
Flushing Town Hall to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Queens Pride with Special Event on June 3
Flushing Town Hall Hosts Open Call for NYC-Based Performing Artists of All Disciplines; Annual LGBTQ Voices Event
DEADLINE APRIL 21!
Flushing Town Hall and New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm have announced an Open Call to LGBTQ performing artists based in New York City to participate in a fourth annual LGBTQ cultural event on Saturday, June 3 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queens Pride.
Flushing Town Hall is seeking established and up-and-coming performing artists who identify as LGBTQ to take part in the event in Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights at 5:00 PM. Artists of all disciplines, including music, dance, spoken word/poetry, theater, and performance art are welcome to respond to the Open Call.
“We are grateful to Council Member Dromm for his support of this program,” said Flushing Town Hall Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “Flushing Town Hall celebrates diversity in the Arts, and Council Member Dromm also recognizes and champions its importance.”
“By celebrating who we are through art and song, we resist those who seek to make us invisible,” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). “I am proud to continue my support of LGBTQ open call and look forward to the amazing array of participants who bring music, dance and poetry to the plaza. I salute Flushing Town Hall for organizing this powerful event and thank the performers and directors who make this possible.”
In addition to Council Member Dromm, the program is supported by New York State Council on the Arts, Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Performers will be selected via this Open Call. All LGBTQ musicians, dancers, and performing artists based in New York City may submit applications. Latino and other immigrant and minority artists who self-identify as LGBTQ are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted over email, and will consist of:
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A statement of interest and description of proposed performance (200 words maximum).
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Biographical Details (300 words maximum)
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Work samples (three maximum). Artists may submit mp3, jpg, or video. Work samples may be included either as an attachment to the email, or via a URL where they can be accessed and viewed, such as a YouTube or website link).
Applications must be sent by email by to Flushing Town Hall’s Deputy Director Sami Abu Shumays at sshumays@flushingtownhall.o
About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH) presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world, and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
For Tickets & More info:
Micropigmentation …Medical Hairline Tattoo in New York
Micropigmentation…. the only affordable solution for male pattern baldness
Scalp Micropigmentation (medical hairline tattoo) is the ultimate in non-surgical male and female scalp grooming; an incredible life-changing treatment where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles or strands – depending on your hair loss extent, and desired look. Our method is regarded as the best treatment of its kind available in the world today, using only natural pigments and application methods. Our practitioners are fully qualified to Diploma standard for permanent cosmetics and micro pigmentation treatments and recognise that your follicles don’t always naturally grow in the same direction, our team will replicate the natural eddies and idiosyncrasies of your hair pattern. They also understand that your hair follicles are not all the same shade, our team frequently use 3-4 shades of pigment to create the most realistic finish – giving a younger more confident hairline.
We asked Tom Rigden to tell us his story and why he chose to have micropigmentation.
“For me baldness was a horrible part of my life in my early twenties, I tried everything offered out on the market including all the lotions, pills, and potions and you guessed it nothing worked! I spent a lot of time on Google looking for solutions and convinced my self that a hair transplant was the solution, after all celebrities rave about having it done so it must work right?
I remember traveling to a hair transplant clinic for a consultation thinking great I will get my hair back and the problem will be solved. The harsh reality couldn’t be further from what I expected. Being that I was a Norwood 6 on the scale it was going to cost me in excess of 20K and I wouldn’t even have a full head of hair, at best I would look “thinning” as the surgeon informed me. I still remember how horrible I felt traveling home that day I just felt like I wanted to lock my self in the house and never leave.
I carried out more Google searching determined to find a solution and discovered www.skalp.com this is the point when I could see some light at the end of the tunnel. I went along for a consultation in the Manchester clinic with a nice practitioner who also had micropigmentation. Like a lot of guys out there I was skeptical about having micropigmentation, I had lots of questions and hesitations and in fact it took me a
further 12 months to finally have the procedure carried out.
What impressed me about the practitioner at skalp now that I think back was he didn’t try and sell this to me, he simply told me all the pro’s and con’s and left me to go and think about it.”
Now that you have had micropigmentation Tom, can you tell us how it has made you feel?
“Well to put it in words I guess I would have to first say it has changed my life completely, I remember getting home after my first treatment and I just spent hours looking in the mirror and taking selfies of my head.
For me being bald was like carrying around a big dark cloud with me, when I looked in the mirror it was all I could see, I would say it had a very detrimental effect on my mental health, and general self image.
I remember this negative feeling lifting instantly when I looked at myself in the mirror even after treatment 1.
Now I am 1 year on from having my micropigmentation and I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done for myself, I would recommend it to any guy out there struggling with hair loss, it will change your life completely.
My top tip would be visit www.skalp.com today.”
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Devils Wears Prada on Broadway!
“Is there some reason that my coffee isn’t here? Has she died or something?”
That’s a snippet of Meryl Streep’s dialogue from the 2006 comedy The Devil Wears Prada. Now Sir Elton John and Paul Rudnick are writing a musical adaptation for Broadway.
DEADLINE reports, A production timeline is TBA for the show, which will be produced by Kevin McCollum, Fox Stage Productions and John’s Rocket Entertainment. The ’70s hitmaker and Lion King and Aida composer said of the new project: “Re-imagining The Devil Wears Prada for the musical theatre is super exciting. I’m a huge fan of both the book and the feature film and a huge aficionado of the fashion world. I can’t wait to sink my musical teeth into this hunk of popular culture.”
“To bring The Devil Wears Prada to the stage, we knew we needed to find artists as inimitable as the characters in the story,” Bob Cohen of Fox Stage Productions and McCollum said a joint statement. “We needed artists whose work has run the gamut from music and publishing to drama and fashion. We could think of only two names: Elton John and Paul Rudnick. That’s all!” John is writing the music, and Rudnick is penning the book and lyrics.
Rudnick’s myriad credits include Broadway’s I Hate Hamlet and such other stage fare as Jeffrey and The New Century, along with the the screenplays for In & Out and Addams Family Values. He also has authored novels and written for The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Vogue and other magazines.