The Very Best of Special Events

25th Annual Emery Awards, REVEL 2011, Women’s Event 14, SAGE Awards 2011, Empire State Pride Agenda Fall Dinner, 16th Annual PRIDE Awards

Join the women of SAGE as they present The Best Women’s Dance in NYC at Club LQ on Oct 23. Come early for free Salsa and Hustle dance lessons, then stay as DJ NancyB spins the best dance music—past and present—for the rest of the day. Proceeds benefit SAGE, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders.

The Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ youth-services organization, celebrates the 25th Annual Emery Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on Nov 10. This signature event ensures that the 2,000 LGTBQ youth who pass through HMI’s doors every year receive the skills and support needed to succeed in life. This year, HMI will honor Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory A. Booker, for the landmark progress his administration has made in the acceptance of LGBTQ rights and individuals; Charles Fagan, EVP and Chief of Staff to Ralph Lauren who has tirelessly supported HMI and LGBTQ youth through unique efforts, such as the Polo Adopt-A-School Program; and Macy’s, which has consistently supported LGBT Pride events throughout the country.

Join Stonewall Community Foundation for REVEL 2011, its younger donor cocktail party at the Highline Ballroom Nov 9. A quintessential New York experience, the party brings together LGBT professionals and their friends for a night of exceptional goodwill and music. REVEL aims to inspire a more accepting and inclusive world. Built on the belief that philanthropy need not be constrained by age, REVEL empowers young donors to collectively make an impact in their community. This year’s event will feature DJ Corey Craig at the turntables and an open-bar courtesy of Stolichnaya Vodka. Proceeds support the work of Stonewall to strengthen the LGBT community and its organizations.

Don’t miss the premier formal women’s gala on the East Coast as the Center presents Women’s Event 14 at Chelsea Piers on Nov 12. The annual event unites leaders from the business, cultural and civic arenas in the tri-state area for a fabulous night of cocktails, dinner, auctions and dancing. This year the Center is thrilled to recognize out comedienne and actress Wanda Sykes with the Celebrity Activist Award and Chely Wright, the first openly gay performer in country music, as the Community Award honoree. Proceeds will support the Center’s diverse array of programs and services for lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people.

SAGE, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, will honor three remarkable individuals who have been at the helm of the LGBT movement for decades at the SAGE Awards 2011 at Gotham Hall Oct 24. Florence Henderson will emcee this very special evening honoring activist and attorney Larry Chanen; activist and filmmaker Joy Tomchin; and the late attorney and community pioneer Paula Ettelbrick. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment by Maureen McGovern. Proceeds benefit SAGE’s programs for LGBT seniors.

Laura Linney and Alan Cumming will host this year’s Empire State Pride Agenda Fall Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers Oct 27. This annual event brings together more than 1,100 friends and allies of the LGBT community to demonstrate our strength and commitment to achieving equality for all LGBT New Yorkers. This year’s event will be an opportunity to celebrate winning marriage equality for LGBT New Yorkers and the organization’s 20th anniversary. The Pride Agenda will present Governor Andrew Cuomo with the Douglas W. Jones Leadership Award. Proceeds benefit Pride Agenda’s mission to increase awareness of LGBT issues, organize the LGBT community and our allies, pass pro-LGBT state laws and help elect supportive candidates for offices statewide.

Join the Puerto Rican Initiative to Develop Empowerment (PRIDE) for comida criolla, performances, dancing and drinks at the 16th Annual PRIDE Awards held at the Church of the Holy Apostles Nov 5. PRIDE is an educational, cultural and social organization formed by LGBT people of Puerto Rican heritage and their supporters. Their mission is to promote Puerto Rican LGBT identities, both cultural and sexual; to advocate for issues fundamental to the LGBT community, to increase community visibility, and to provide a safe haven for discussion and expression. This year’s honoree is Rev. Carmen Hernandez-DeArmas, president of the New York City LGBT Chamber of Commerce.


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