The Fourth Annual Callen-Lorde Community Health Awards were presented at Capitale on November 22, honoring State Senator David Paterson, who just secured a $50,000 grant for the health center; journalist Linda Villarosa, who has done groundbreaking stories on AIDS at Essence and the New York Times; and gay men’s health advocate Dr. Stephen E. Goldstone.
“We need to take care of ourselves,” said board co-chair Claudia Slacik, “because we’re not going to get it outside of our circle.” Congressman Jerry Nadler announced a $90,000 federal grant to Callen-Lorde to work with homeless LGBT youth.
Villarosa brought her mother up on the stage, saying she “walks the walks and talks the talk,” agreeing to be featured with her in a coming out article in Essence in 1981.
Pictured above are Callen-Lorde’s Executive Director Jay Laudato; Community Health Partner Honoree, State Senate Minority Leader, David A. Paterson, a Manhattan Democrat; and U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a strong LGBT ally in Congress.