The Very Best of NYC Special Events

Stonewall Honors, Earth Day, Live Out Loud, Callen-Lorde and much more

We hope you saved the date for Stonewall Honors: A Celebration of LGBTQ Women on Apr 11 at Union Square Ballroom. Stonewall Com-munity Foundation honors those who have promoted the well-being and visibility of women in our community. This year’s honorees are Irma Salvatierra Bajar, Sharon Day, Barbara Hammer, Joan Nestle and Yoruba Richen. Attendees will enjoy cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, dancing to the stylish spinning of DJ Stacy and a program celebrating this year’s honorees.

There’s nothing quite as spectacular in springtime as the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition. And it benefits a wonderful cause. Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies offer skits, songs and dances, as well as extravagantly designed bonnets created just for this 28th annual event. Held at the Minskoff Theatre Apr 21-22.

Remember Earth Day on Apr 22! Given the recent UN report about climate change, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness about protecting the environment and saving the planet. Earth Day New York is a free, three-day event that features a green vehicle show, exhibits, performances and family activities at Union Square on Tuesday, plus films and much more at Grand Central on Wednesday and Thursday. (Two words, people: tote bags!)

On Apr 24, it’s the Brooklyn Community Pride Center Founders’ Ball. Enjoy an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in support of the BCPC, which provides a safe space offering information, physical and mental health services, social support, recreational and cultural programs for Brooklyn’s LGBT people.

Don’t miss the 13th Annual Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Gala on Apr 28, a celebration of LGBT leaders in business, arts, politics, religion and culture. The Young Trailblazers Gala culminates with the Live Out Loud Youth Scholarship presentation to youth who’ve made significant contributions to society by Living Out Loud.

May 1, join Callen-Lorde for their annual spring cocktail party, Spring Fever, in support of women’s health services at Callen-Lorde. Mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as Donna Futterman, MD, is honored for her dedication in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, and improving the lives of those living with the disease.

We’re looking forward to the 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards, held at New York’s grand Waldorf-Astoria on May 3. Every year, this star-studded event recognizes and honors media for outstanding images of the LGBT community. It’s not to be missed. (In case you need an incentive, the cast of Orange Is the New Black will be there!)

Mark your calendars for the SAGE Women’s Dance at Club LQ on May 4. Enjoy DJ Susan Levine’s badass beats and an evening of dancing, fun, friendship and more. Who knows? You might even meet Ms. Right.

Watch the ladies of NY Liberty take on Chicago Sky at Madison Square Garden in their season opener on May 17. These hometown b-ballers are ready to bring it, and they’ll play all summer long at the world’s most famous arena. Be sure to buy some Liberty merch online, wear it to the game and show your team spirit!

Volunteer, join or form a team for this year’s AIDS Walk New York on May 18. If you’ve never done this 10K charity event before, but wanted to, now’s your chance! Funds raised will go to support GMHC and all the wonderful work they do, along with more than 40 other HIV/AIDS service organizations in the tri-state area.

Celebrate with Marriage Equality USA at their festive annual gala on May 19 at the Copacabana. Party at “the hottest spot north of Havana” with leaders of the LGBT community, straight allies, entertainment industry and corporate leaders, and celebrities. Enjoy stylish, sophisticated ceremonies with dinner, entertainment, awards, a silent auction and more!

Celebrate the beginning of Pride month at Out on Deck, GLAAD’s annual cruise around New York harbor to support its advocacy work. Enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and the beautiful skyline of New York City from aboard a luxurious, private yacht. Come aboard Jun 4 – they’re expecting you!


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