-SPECIAL EVENTS-
Boasting more fun and mega-stars than any other gala on the LGBT circuit is Garden State Equality’s 2009 Legends Dinner on Feb 28 at the Palace at Somerset Park. Slated to appear are such legends as Fran Drescher, Judith Light, Judy Gold, Michelle Clunie, Anthony Rapp and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Sponsored in part by GO, the night includes everything from open bar to a formal five-star dinner, an opulent dessert room, a silent auction and an after-dinner dance party. Awards will be given and important speeches will be heard. Last year’s event sold out well in advance, so don’t delay!
On Feb 14, Babeland hosts a Naughty Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Bash at their SoHo branch. The event includes a sampling of erotically-themed wines from Perfect Palate’s sommeliers, Roni Sue truffles and the sounds of singer-songwriter/poet Brown Rane. The Bash also features discounts on Babeland merchandise, raffles, prizes and goodie bags stuffed with kinky treats.
The world-renowned Gage/Clemenceau Architects are giving Times Square a very special valentine this year in the form of a 12-foot high sculpture comprised of two tons of steel, luminescent acrylic and sustainable LED light bulbs. The structure, entitled “Valentine to Times Square,” will be revealed on Feb 13 and will speak to Times Square’s role as the heart of New York City.
On Feb 7, the Hilton New York plays host to Human Rights Campaign’s 2009 Greater New York Human Rights Campaign Gala, when the HRC will honor Keith Olbermann with the Ally for Equality Award, and commemorate those who work toward making New York a more inclusive living and working environment for the LGBT community.
Taking place from Feb 8—14 is the 12th Annual Freedom to Marry Week. This year’s theme is “7 Conversations in 7 Days”, which asks people to have conversations with neighbors, friends, family (and anyone who will listen) about why marriage equality matters to everyone. Each day of the week features a different method of communication, including YouTube, email and writing to local papers.
-UPCOMING-
On Mar 12, Empire State Pride Agenda hosts its annual women’s party, Winter Heat, at BLVD nightclub. This year’s bash promises an exciting evening of dancing with DJs Trini and Missy B, plus complimentary V2 Energy Vodka cocktails and Bud Light beer. The event is a fundraiser for ESPA, which works year-round on LGBT issues including transgender rights, reproductive choice and marriage equality.
The 2009 GLAAD Media Awards take place in New York on Mar 28 at the Marriott Marquis, with honorees Tyra Banks and Suze Orman.
Nominated this year are Gus Van Sant’s Academy Award-nominated film Milk, Woody Allen’s Academy Award-nominated film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Patrik-Ian Polk’s Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom, BBC America’s hit shows Torchwood and Skins, HBO’s vampire drama True Blood, the episodes "Ghostfacers" from Supernatural and "Slam" from Ghost Whisperer, Logo reality shows Shirts & Skins and Transamerican Love Story, MSNBC programs Countdown with Keith Olbermann and The Rachel Maddow Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and Spanish-language nominees Aquí y Ahora, Ventaneando América, Noticiero Telemundo, Hoy and Paparazzi TV.
Coming up in April is Family Equality Council’s annual Night at the Tavern, which takes place at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The event will celebrate progress in the fight for full LGBT family equality and raise funds to advance social justice for LGBT families.
