The Very Best of NYC Special Events

Courage Awards, Trans*cendence, LGBT Career Fair, Golden Heart Awards, Spirit Day

Studio 450 holds this year’s Courage Awards on Sep 18, presented by the Anti-Violence Project (AVP). Fight against violence towards the LGBT community and honor the people and organizations that make the world a safer place for all of us. Honorees this year include Mark Sexton for his service to AVP and the LGBT community; Christopher Street Financial for its unwavering commitment to the LGBT and HIV-affected communities; and the cast and producers of Glee for bringing our issues to mainstream TV audiences.
Honor the groundbreaking Trans Bodies, Trans Selves at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art on Sep 23 with Trans*cendence. This special evening celebrates the book’s insight on myriad issues that affect the transgender and non-gender conforming communities. All chapters of the book were written by transgender or genderqueer authors and provide an expert and inclusive look on trans issues.
A Center favorite, the annual LGBT Career Fair provides the community the opportunity to learn more about gay-friendly employers, watch panels and participate in workshops. Head over to the Citi Executive Conference Center on Sep 29 to visit and network with top tier companies including HBO, Bloomberg, Starbucks, Prudential, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and others!
From Oct 9-12 the Javits Center is turned into a comic book lover’s dream! Check out New York ComicCon 2014 and meet some of your favorite celebrities, writers and illustrators at this annual celebration. The LGBT community is always represented, usually with a panel focusing on our community and our allies, so don’t miss a chance to mingle with LGBT artists and check out cool comics featuring LGBT characters.
LGBT kids still suffer significantly at the hands of bullies, whether in school or online. You can make a big difference on Oct 16 by wearing purple, and by also participating in Spirit Day on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Join activists, schools, nonprofits and celebrities in supporting the cause. For more information, go to glaad.org/spiritday.
This year the Golden Heart Awards honors two media giants, Anna Wintour, famed editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, and Leslie Moonves, head of CBS, for the good work they’ve done for God’s Love We Deliver, an organization offering meals and nutritional counseling to those dealing with illnesses like AIDS and cancer. The Golden Heart Awards takes place at Spring Studios on Oct 16.
Don’t miss the Jersey City LGBTQ Pride Festival on Oct 25. Co-hosted by Hudson Pride Connections Center and Humanity Pride Productions, this year’s festival takes place in downtown Jersey City on Grove Street. Join them in a party to celebrate the year’s exciting victories.
While the Center will support you at the LGBT Career Fair, on Nov 15 you can return the favor and honor the strong women who lead our community at Women’s Event 17. The annual swanky bash features cocktails, dinner and dancing at the brand-new Cipriani in the landmark Cunard building. You may bump into some celebrities; plus, there’s a fun afterparty, too! It’s a night not to miss. Check out gaycenter.org/womensevent for tickets.

What Do You Think?