THU. JUN.17
Celebrate Freedom
June 19, 1865 is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Join the African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (AALUSC) for a barbeque picnic, music, and red “pop,” as they continue the oldest known American celebration of emancipation. 6-8 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 St. Suggested donation is $3. For more information, call 212 741 9110 ext. 8 or visit aalusc.org.
Kick-off Pride, Kick Out Bush
The Lambda Independent Democrats’ executive board member Gary Parker brings together the city’s LGBT Democratic clubs for a fundraising event, “Kick off Pride by Kicking Out George Bush.” 6-9 p.m. at Avalon, 49 W. 20th St. Suggested donation is $20.
Visual Interpretations
Drawings: Summer 2004, a group exhibition featuring works on paper by numerous artists examines the notions of spatial manipulation or intervention. The exhibition runs until July 24 at the Lucas Schoormans Gallery, 508 W. 26th St. Suite 11B. The gallery’s hours are Tue. –Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. For information call 212 243 3159 or visit lucasschoormans.com.
FRI. JUN.18
Rape Prevention
New York Jiu Jitsu at 577 Broadway at Prince St., second Floor, presents a rape prevention seminar and community building workshop based on “ helping one another.” The workshop is free. Please visit nyjiujitsu.com/rapeprevention.htm to sign up. 6:30 p.m.
Gay Old Time
Services and Advocacy for LGBT elders and numerous other national queer organizations host, “Aging On Our Own Terms: A National Conference on Aging in the LBGT Communities.” This conference will address numerous topics including: law, arts, care giving, sex and sexuality, among others. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the first workshop begins at 8:45 a.m. Registration is $100 (plus $25 for on-site registration); for seniors and people on limited income, $35 (plus $25 for on-site registration). For information or pre-registration by June 4, call Sandy Warshaw at 212 741 2166 or visit sageusa.org.
Swing into Summer
Akua Dixon and her swing jazz quartet perform jazz, blues, pop, and original compositions in this free concert. 7-9 p.m. at the South Street Seaport Museum, Schermerhorn Row, 12 Fulton St. This is a free event. For information call 212 748 8735 or visit southstseaport.org.
A Timely Love Story
“Saints and Sinners” is a documentary about a devoutly gay Catholic couple, New Yorkers Edward DeBonis and Vincent Maniscalco, desperate to have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. Opens today at the Quad Cinema. For showtimes call 212 255 8800 or visit quadcinema.com.
Women’s Experience
Join other queer Asian and Pacific Islander women and transgendered folk in “Gender and the Queer API Experience: A Workshop, Organizing Meeting, and Reception especially for API women and trans/genderqueer folk.” Among topics to be discussed include: homophobia, sexism, and queer identities. 8-10 p.m. at LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. The event is free. For more information call 212 802 7428.
SAT. JUN.19
Living Out Loud: The Pride Concert
Lavender Light: The Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir returns to Symphony Space tongight for their spring production, “Living Out Loud: The Pride Concert.” Lavender Light, since 1985, has been dedicated to keeping alive the Black gospel music tradition in an environment supportive to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ray Gordon is the choir’s director. 2537 Broadway, btwn. 94th and 95th Sts., 8 p.m. Tickets are $26 at lavenderlight.com or 212 714 7072.
Local Legend Rocks
Brooklyn-raised songstress Maya Azucena performs. She has developed a strong following in New York due to a powerful live show with her longtime collaborative band. 9 p.m. at the BAM Café, 30 Lafayette Ave. at Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn. No cover, but there is a $10 food/drink minimum. For information, call 718 636 4100 or visit bam.org.
Living the Big Easy
Celebrate the opening of photographer Michael Meads’ photography exhibit, “Carondelet,” about the street where he lived and worked in New Orleans. The reception is 6-8 p.m. and the show runs until Aug. 21, Tue.- Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at 531 W. 25 St. at the Clamp Art Gallery. For information, call 646 230 0020 or visit clampart.com.
Love, Peace, and Free Music
“3 Farms,” an organization that brings Artists and performers to the people of New York City, present: Clem Snide, a Brooklyn based country band, Martha Wainwright, Matty Charles and the Valentines, a country folk act, and Jason Anderson who plays toned down rock-folk-country. 1-8 p.m. at Lower East Side Amphitheater, Grand St. at the East River. For more information visit Arlene-grocery.com
SUN. JUN.20
Gay Pride Rally
Heritage of Pride officially kicks off gay pride week in New York with the annual LGBT Pride Rally, this year hosted by comedienne Kate Clinton. Speakers will include Candice Boyce, director emeritus of African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (formerly Salsa Soul), “Hairspray” star and outspoken activist Harvey Fierstein, and Ann Bennett and Bari Zahn, co-founders of Living Beyond Belief, an organization founded to fight homophobia and AIDS phobia through public information, and named in honor of the late Wayne Fischer, Zahn’s uncle and a public school teacher whose battle against AIDS was chronicled on New York 1. Performers include comedian Frank DeCaro, downtown scenester Jonny McGovern, and Empress XVIII Trai La Trash. Bryant Park, 42nd St. at Sixth Ave. right behind the New York Public Library. For more information, visit hopinc.org.
Religion and Art
Join Lynn Russell and Pessy Horowitz in the Artists Speak series sponsored by the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) as they discuss Orthodox Jewish women and Art. 2 p.m. at the Pier Art Show 12, 499 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn. Take the G and F train to Smith/9 St. and the B77 to Van Brunt or the A and the F train to Jay St. and the B61 bus to Van Brunt. Admission is free. For more information call 718 596 2507 or visit bwac.org.
Folsom Street East 8
Gay Male S/M Activists present the 2004 leather and fetish block party this afternoon. Vendors, including some providing tasty good, community groups, and fans of fetish and fun gather for a party to benefit the NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, the LGBT Community Center, and GMSMA. The Imperial Court of NY and Brian Kent provide entertainment.
MON. JUN.21
Blooming Pride
Support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center by attending its Garden Party 21 fundraiser. Eat food from Taste of Pride, a bevy of downtown restaurants and caterers, listen to music, meet community groups and leaders, and take your chances in the silent auction. 6-10 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. Tickets are $50 for members, $60 for non-members in advance and $75 at the door. For tickets and information call 212 620 7310 or visit gaycenter.org.
Talk it OUT
Are you a queer man of color who would like to speak with other queer men of color? Join the People of Color in Crisis’ (POCC) “Brotha’s Rap Group.” Every Mon. 7-9 p.m. at People of Color in Crisis Center, 468 Bergen St. at Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn. Take the 2/3 train to Bergen St. This event is free. For more information call 718 230 0770 or visit pocc.org.
TUE. JUN.22
Out on Broadway
Terrence McNally and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus are “Out on Broadway,” a new work that pays tribute to both the gay creators of America’s musical theater and the gay characters and subjects from some of the most popular shows on the Great White Way. The concert features a book by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Terrence McNally. 8 p.m. at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza. Tickets are $31-$84 available at 212 721 6500 or at lincolncenter.com.
Gay Animals?
PBS presents, “Out in Nature: Homosexual Behavior in the Animal Kingdom” at 12:30 a.m. on PBS.
WED. JUNE 23
CommUNITY
Join People of Color in Crisis (POCC) for an ice cream float party to celebrate pride. 7-9 p.m. at the People of Color in Crisis Center, 468 Bergen St. at Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn. Take the 2/3 train to Bergen St. This event is free. For more information call 718 230 0770 or visit pocc.org.
Outspoken
Join activists and spoken word Artists in celebration of Pride month for Outspoken II with DJ Dominic Brando. 7 p.m. at the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery at Bleecker St. Admission is $10. For information call 212 614 0505 or visit bowerypoetry.com.
Legal Reception
The Association of the Bar of the City of New York is hosting a reception and cocktail party celebrating Stonewall 35 and honoring the founding LGBT Rights Committee Chairs, Justice Joan Lobis and Arthur Leonard. 42 W. 44th St., at 6 p.m. All welcome to this free event.
Feisty Chica
New Jersey native, singer/songwriter and guitar jammer Vicki Genfan will perform with German guitarist Peter Finger. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance is at 7:30, at The Shed, 378 Third Ave. at E. 27th St. Suggested donation is $20. For tickets or more information visit vickigenfan.com.
Revival of Activism
Join Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Director of The Shalom Center, Reverend Billy Talen, leader of the Church of Stop Shopping, and Larry Harvey, the founder and director of Burning Man, the annual gathering of men in the Nevada desert, will come together for the first time for a conversation about spirituality, activism, and community 7:30 p.m. at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk St. F Train to Second Ave. or Delancey St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased by calling 212 780 0800 ext 221.
THU. JUN.24
Youth Agenda
A private event, by invitation only, “Youth Agenda 2004: Youth & Technology Empowerment” takes place at the Verizon Education & Technology Center in Harlem, 148 W. 125 St. Open to youth regardless of their sexual orientation, the day will include an Internet & Technology Seminar, a Motivation Seminar with motivational speaker Willie Jolley, a Music & Moving Around the Net workshop, and a special broadband webcast with students in Chicago. To reserve a spot, contact Black Pride at 212 613 0097, or www.blackpridenyc.org/youth or e-mail youth@blackpridenyc.org.
You Can’t Handle the Truth
“Ask Dr. Truth, part performance Art, part instillation, and part best-friend you have always wanted, explores the meaning behind the word “truth,” such as when does politeness become deception? 6-8 p.m. at the Sweetheart Coffee, 69 Eighth Ave. (between 13th St. and 14th St.). Admission is free.
Award Winning Pride
In cooperation with the New York State Senate Democratic Conference and the office of Senate Minority Leader David Paterson, John Cameron Mitchell, creator of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” will host the 2004 LGBT Pride Awards Ceremony. Honorees include: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, New Paltz Mayor Jason West, “Hairspray” star Harvey Fierstein, actor Alan Cumming, film and Broadway star Laura Linney, and many others. 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. To attend the ceremony, please RSVP to Allen Roskoff at senateprideny@aol.com.
One Night Only
“Queer Stories for Boys,” a motley troupe of storytellers features stories that are all queer in every sense of the word. 8 p.m. at the June Havoc Theater, 312 W. 36th St., first floor. Tickets are $10 and reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 212 265 3996.
FRI. JUN. 25
Pride Shabbat Service
Congregation Beth Simchat Torah Synagogue will host a community wide pride Shabbat service at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah Synagogue, 57 Bethune St. For more information call 212 929 9498.
Gender Bending Movement
Explore the concept of masculinity through the works of male choreographers in the show “In the Company of Men.” The various dances will explore issues including beauty and youth, machismo, and intimacy. 8 p.m. on Fri. and the next day, Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St. Tickets are $15 for Dance Space Center members, $18 for students and seniors and $25 for general audience. For tickets call 212 355 6160 or visit dancespacecenter.org.
Swing into Pride
OUTdancing is hosting their annual Pride celebration dance party. Featured dances include swing, the hustle, two-step and many others! Sydney’s 2003 Latin dance gold medal winners will also perform. No partner needed. Lessons being at 8:30 p.m. and admission is $20 or just come to the party at 9:30 p.m. –1 a.m. for $12 at Stepping OUT studios, 37 W. 26th St. ninth floor. For information call 646 742 9400 or visit steppingoutstudios.com.
Youth Empowerment Day
Black Pride New York City presents Youth Day at Riverbank State Park, 145 Street & Riverside Drive in Harlem, sponsored by Verizon. The day’s events include live entertainment, top deejays, a Health Fair, the Callen-Lorde Health Pavilion distributing information from the city’s LGBT health clinic, a youth talent and fashion show, voter registration booth, and surprise artists. Admission is free. For more information call the Black Pride hotline at 212 613-0097, visit blackpridenyc.org/youth or e-mail youth@blackpridenyc.org. 1-7 p.m. at Riverbank State Park, 145th St. and Riverside Drive.
SAT. JUN.26
Defiant Dykes
Come march in permit-less protest for your rights, safety and visibility in the Dyke March. Make her-story with thousands of dykes and make your voice known! 5 p.m. at Bryant Park, 42nd St. and Sixth Ave., for a lively, spirited liberation march down Fifth Ave. to Washington Sq. Park.
Into the Night
The Gay Men of African Decent (GMAD) invite you to a benefit dance party to celebrate pride. 11 p.m. at the Union Square Ballroom, 27 Union Square West. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For complete information, call 212 828 1697.
A Thousand Words
Join photographer Uzi Parnes as he celebrates the opening of his show, “Queer Portraits.” His photography features the portraits of downtown performance Art legends. 5-7 p.m. at the UZI NY Gallery, 120 Ave. C. (between E. Seventh and E. Eighth Sts.) Gallery hours are Wed.-Sat. 3-7 p.m. For more information call 212 420 8103 or visit uziny.com.
SUN. JUN.27
Fuel for the March
The Central Synagogue will host a pre-pride parade brunch. Whether you will be marching or cheering others on, have a nosh among friends at Central Synagogue and then head to the parade together. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. at the Central Synagogue, 123 E. 55th St to sign up email FloShapiro@aol.com.
Gay Pride March
Once again this year, the LGBT Pride March will gather at Fifth Ave. and 52nd St. and march down Fifth Ave. to Washington Sq. Park and the west to the terminus at Christopher and Greenwich Sts. The march kicks off at noon, and will likely last six or seven hours. At 2 p.m., there will be a moment of silence for those lost to AIDS and homophobic violence. Candice Boyce, director emeritus of African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (formerly Salsa Soul), and “Hairspray” star and outspoken activist Harvey Fierstein are the grand marshals. For more information on the order of march, visit hopinc.org.
PrideFest
Even while marchers gather uptown, the street party downtown will already be underway. Pride Fest is a block party that takes place below Christopher St. in the Village, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. There’s food, value buys, an ArtSpace, and even a place for children to play in KidsSpace. The whole party ends with fireworks over the Hudson River at 10:30 p.m., but you’ll have to look north, because they take place over the Pride Dance at Pier 54 at 13th St. For complete information on the event, visit hopinc.org.
Gay Pride Pier Dance
Beginning at 4 p.m., dancers and revelers will gather on Pier 54 at 13th St. for the 18th annual pier dance. DJs Robbie Leslie and Tony Moran are joined by light wizard Ross Berger to make the event memorable. Fireworks cap the evening at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance at boxofficetickets.com or 800 494 TIXS, and $50 at the door, if available. VIP access is $120 and includes access to a pre- and after-party. For more information, visit hopinc.org.
The Return of Junior
DJ Junior Vasquez and Junior Casey Stratton will perform live at the “House of Jupiter” gay pride party. 10 p.m. –1 a.m. at Spirit, 530 W. 27th St. Advance tickets are $40 and $60 at the door. For ticket information visit juniorvasquezmusic.com/merchandise for more information.
MON. JUNE 28
Old Favorites
“Monday Nights with Oscar” film series will show the 1975 Academy Award winning “Jaws.” 7 p.m. at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International, 111 E. 59th St. Tickets are $3 for Academy members and students and $5 for general admission. To reserve tickets, call 888 778 7575. For more information, visit Oscars.org.