LGBT
Dress in your chicest cocktail attire and join the LGBT Community Center’s special guests Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as they celebrate two important milestones in the West Village’s LGBT Community Center’s history—the Center’s 30th anniversary and the commencement of a new building enhancement project designed to expand on, and meet the future needs, of the New York City LGBT Community. Founded in 1983, the Center has been providing quality health care, support, and multi-faceted programming such as hosting arts and entertainment events, advocacy groups, queer youth family gatherings, and overall wellness programs that have been life-changing and life-saving for a countless many in the LGBT community.
If the names Willi Ninja, Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, and Venus Xtravaganza sound the slightest bit familiar, then you've likely seen the 1991 documentary Paris Is Burning. Paris Is Burning explores the early underground ballroom community and its importance in the development of the LGBT community. The film's producer, Jennie Livingston, sheds light on the many competitive categories in the underground scene.
Fast forward to the year 2013. Every Tuesday night on West 39th street in Manhattan, you can still get an intimate view of the ballroom scene at club Escuelita. With the beats of DJ Mike Q spinning in the background under the vocals of Legendary Kassandra Ebony and others, Vogue Knights kicks into full effect just shy of midnight. Founder, Jack Mizarhi (given house name) started the event over a year ago. Dashaun Wesley (also known as the Legendary Dashaun Evisu Wesley) has been active in the scene since 1998. "I was interested in finding the Village Area," says the humbled 5'11 athletic built beau. "I saw people doing this dance on Christopher Street called voguing and I just watched and followed." Since then, Wesley has gained international recognition for his involvement in the ballroom community. He is currently one of the emcees and judges for the event.
These days it seems like things are starting to look brighter in the ever persistent struggle for the equal rights of those who identify themselves as being lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender. With same sex marriage becoming legally recognized in more and more states across America, it's as though we've entered a new era in human acceptance and equality. But in places like Russia, it's actually looking more like the struggle may only be worsening, as anti LGBT activist groups seem to be gaining strength.
In the latest example of this growing trend, a law was passed there last February which makes it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors. As a result, world famous pop star and gay icon Madonna is being sued. The lawsuit comes following a performance in St. Petersburg where the artist distributed several pink wrist bands and later asked fans to raise their hand while wearing them, proclaiming "fight for the right to be free" -demonstrating solidarity in support of equal rights for the LGBT community.
It’s clear from all the buzz The Avengers and The Dark Knight have generated that comic book characters are still a pretty huge aspect of our culture, and for good reason! We’ve always needed heroes and there may not be a time that we won’t. The comic book universe has given us something we can’t find anywhere else. Its long history has given us heroes with every power we can imagine and just about any story we could want. It’s a strange and great combination of writing and illustration that’s an art all while largely not being considered one. Comics are still, by and large, considered for kids, despite years and years of movie success and a demographic switch aimed at adult white males. People of every age and gender walked out of The Avenger with a favorite hero, and that was only a team of 5.
It's all pride this week as NYC celebrates the marriage equality law Friday. The Trevor Project, a LGBT organization, threw a fundraiser last night with high profile attendance. On the A-list were Kelly Rippa, Daniel Radcliffe, Marc Consuelo, and a surprise visit from Robin Williams. The organization was founded to raise awareness about suicide prevention amongst lesbian, transgender, gay, and bisexual teens. Last night it was all the hype as Daniel Radcliffe, star of Harry Potter, was presented with The Trevor Hero award.
The award is honored to the individual who increases visibility and support of the LGBT community. The actor has been involved in the community since 2009, appearing in public service announcements and numerous support efforts. Upon receiving the award he commented,"I've worked with the Trevor Project for a few years now and I think out of everything I've done in my career so far, my association with Trevor is the thing I'm proudest of, so to be honored tonight, it's tremendous."
So not funny! Reports claim that actor/comedian Tracy Morgan was booed and bashed after a stand-up routine in Nashville, Friday 06/03/11 went out of hand. Comedy patrons were not prepared for the hateful tirade, whether or not he's joking, the 30 Rock star was spewing out against the LGBT community.
Unfortunately, not all members who witnessed the fiasco were disturbed. In fact, they actually followed up his insults with cheers, audience member Kevin Rogers (from Truth Wins Out) says. Alas, this is not-so-liberal Tennessee.
Platinum Entertainment in correlation with Dream nightclub, teamed up to bring "Blackout Ball" to South Beach on Halloween night.
The event featured DJ & Producers Valdemar & Charlmix, delivering the crowd an insatiable mix of house music from opening to close. Both the crowd and atmosphere were energetic and responsive to both DJ's throughout the course of the night. Michael Stanley hosted the event featuring Geraldine, Shanaya Bright & Noel Long.
Seeing as it was Halloween night, it was only appropriate for the majority of the crowd to be in character, which made the event both playful and thoroughly interesting. It wasn't unusual to see Adam & Eve, or Alice & The Mad Hatter dancing (and staggering) around the bar with cocktails in hand. This was also the first time Dream nightclub has opened it's door to the LGBT community, making the event that much more notable to attend. Manhunt sponsored, as well as hosted a costume contest where participants from Miami were placed up against 21 other contestants from seven other cities for the title of "Hottest Halloween Costume" via the web.
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