The Very Best of NYC Special Events

GLSEN Respect Awards, Spring Fever, AIDS Walk and more

April 25, LGBT youth organization Live Out Loud’s Young Trailblazers Gala celebrates the continuing revolutionary role of LGBT leaders in business, arts, politics, religion and culture at The TimesCenter. The gala culminates with the Live Out Loud Youth Scholarship, presented to youth who have made significant contributions to society by “living out loud.”

Join Callen-Lorde Community Health Center on April 21 at Cheim & Read as they celebrate healthy, sexy women with its Spring Fever gala. This year’s ceremonies honor Vivian Polak, chair of the law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf’s Diversity Committee.

With one in three women predicted to develop cancer in her lifetime, we’ve all felt the effect of women’s cancers. Put your foot down and say “No!” to that prediction. Register today to participate in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk NY on April 30. Since 1994, the funds raised in the EIF Revlon Run/Walks in LA and New York have distributed over $60 million for cancer research, treatment, counseling and outreach programs.

On May 15, hit the streets for a cause. Join the crowd in Central Park for the kickoff of the annual AIDS Walk New York. This springtime staple supports the services provided by Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and other HIV/AIDS service organizations in the Tri-State area. Visit aidswalkny.net to take part.

May 19 at the Ogilvy Rooftop Garden, Marriage Equality New York (MENY) invites you to its 13th Annual Gala, honoring straight allies, celebrities and political trailblazers who’ve helped pave the path toward LGBT equality. This year’s gala features a special cocktail reception during Advocate Hour, including a performance by singer/comedian Lea DeLaria.

Night at the Pier, Family Equality Council’s annual New York City event, brings together LGBT parents, friends and allies to celebrate the progress we have made as a community of loving families towards full equality. April 25 at Pier 60, Night at the Pier will feature a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction and the opportunity to mingle with old friends and meet new ones.

Also at Pier 60, on May 2, join LGBT legal services group Lambda Legal for their flagship event: The Liberty Awards National Dinner. Enjoy the company of Lambda Legal staff, Board and NLC members, as well as supporters from across the nation as they honor plaintiff Janice Langbehn for her work to secure healthcare fairness for LGBT families, and Peter Wilson for his long history of service to the LGBT and people with HIV communities.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)’s Respect Awards will take over Gotham Hall on May 23. The Respect Awards give GLSEN the opportunity to showcase the work of corporations, individuals and educators who have made a significant difference in the areas of diversity, inclusion and the safe schools movement—and who serve as exemplary role models to students. This year’s awards honor Chely Wright, Barclays Capital, Susie Scher and Allison Grover for their commitment to all of America’s students.

Welcome the warm weather with an April 17 hiking trip on new LGBT activity group Out and Active’s Women in the Wilderness event. Hop on board a luxury bus and drive just over one hour outside NYC to Storm King State Park in Cornwall, NY. You’ll escape the city and enter the mountains for a 3-hour hike consisting of rock scrambling, uphill action, beautiful river views, and like-minded company with two seasoned guides. Out and Active provides healthy treats and snacks, and as a reward, you’ll kick back and enjoy a drink at a local bar.

For the 25th year, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Easter Bonnet Competition returns this spring, featuring the companies of Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring productions offering skits, songs and dances, as well as bonnets created specially for the event. Ring in the spring at this two-day event on April 25 or April 26 at The Minskoff Theatre.

 


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