Category Archives: Gay New York
WorldPride 2019 New York City
NYC Pride is proud to unveil the location and initial talent line-up of the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride. The Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 7-10pm Ceremony will be formatted as a benefit concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Proceeds from the ticket sales to this historic concert event will support Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE – three leading organizations in the LGBTQIA+ movement based in New York City.
Prolific entertainer and internationally-recognized humanitarian, Whoopi Goldberg, will host the ceremony, featuring a growing medley of acclaimed speakers and performers. Cyndi Lauper, iconic performer for the LQBTQIA+ community and New Yorkers alike, leads the initial release of the talent line-up.
Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her unmistakable voice, influential style, and infectious performances have catapulted her to stardom from her roots in Queens.
Chaka Khan, one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, will also perform at the WorldPride Opening Ceremony.
DAYA also joins the star-studded lineup for the WorldPride Opening Ceremony benefit concert.Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, model and actress has sold more than 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.”
Billy Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA. He currently stars as ‘Pray Tell’, in in the FX series “Pose,” for which he has received both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Todrick Hall is a multi-talented singer, rapper, actor, director, choreographer, and YouTube personality who rose to prominence on American Idol.
Tickets start at $45
The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths—assisting nearly 1,800 young people per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center, which provides over 65,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program.
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978, and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is an organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers.
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization, representing and advocating for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
June 30, 2019 as NYC Pride welcomes all to a final celebration of pride from 7-10pm in NYC’s iconic Times Square.
The evening will provide a full slate of influential speakers and global musical talents who represent the cultural diversity, tenacity, and grace of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the renowned artists slated to perform is Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.
Margaret Cho is set to host the occasion in Times Square.
Cho is a Grammy and Emmy Award nominated stand-up comedian, actress, and singer-songwriter. Through her hard work, Margaret has had the opportunity to be heard, to extend her point of view and become regarded as a true pioneer in her field.
Jake Shears and MNEK will also perform at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony.
THE PROM is the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine calls “smart and big-hearted” and The New York Times declares a Critic’s Pick! It’s a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars, a small town, and a love that unites them all.
Deborah Cox will perform in Times Square at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony on June 30th!
Deborah Cox possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. The Canadian born star has an impressive list of #1 Billboard hit records, including twelve #1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Additional talent will be announced in the weeks ahead.
FREE tickets and Paid tickets HERE
**To remain in compliance with the City there will be an extensive bag check and no provided restrooms. Please plan accordingly. **
Prohibited Items:
Weapons of ANY kind, Fireworks/explosives, Illegal Substances, Large or hard-sided coolers, Picnic Baskets, Pets, Glass containers of any kind, Alcohol (alcohol will be sold at the Festival), Instruments, Large backpacks, Laser pointers, Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs), Audio/video recording equipment, Drones, No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed, nor Hoverboards.
Permitted Items:
Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Earplugs, Hilarious GIFs to send in response to your friends’ texts, Non-professional film, and digital cameras, Factory sealed bottles of water (non-glass containers), Phone charging case or phone charger, or Small backpacks or bags
BEST New Years Eve RoofTops
Fogo de Chao and Awesome Wines from VIK
There is nothing better than a fantastic glass of wine with dinner!
We recently visited the Fogo de Chao (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) in River North for their announcement of a new partnership with award-winning Chilean VIK Winery. These VIK wines are only available at Fogo!
The VIK vineyard is affectionately called the “Place of Gold”, offering a variety of unequaled terroir, small microclimates, coastal breezes; giving their wines the complexity sought after to create the best wine in South America.
If you get to Chile, they have an unbelievable hotel and grounds! You can visit the vineyards, the wine spa, hotel and spectacular grounds. (photo to left).
Fogo has partnered with VIK, which is a holistic Chilean vineyard creating world class wines, to offer its award-winning and best in category wines at Fogo de Chão locations nationwide.
These 3 wines join the Wine List:
La Piu Belle, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2011
Intense and well-balanced with notes of berries, wildflowers, spices and a touch of oak. Flavor of cranberries, the palate is incredibly fresh, silky smooth, with body and structure.
Milla Cala, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2013
Incredibly vibrant red fruit aromas, elegant tannins and incredibly smooth mouth feel. Fresh spices, perfume and berry aromas accented with hints of toast and maple. In the mouth, black cherry and plum are underscored by a hint of black licorice.
VIK, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2012
Elegant and balanced wine, dynamic with high precision of tannins and great structure that deliver an exquisite mouth feel. A mixture of aromas, including strawberry, raspberry and vanilla. Spicy and savory dark berry fruit on the tongue, tempered by an elegant structure.
The founders of Fogo de Chão grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. It is here that they learned to cook in the churrasco grilling tradition that would become the backbone of their story.
The founding brothers left the quaint, mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul to Rio and São Paulo for formal churrasqueiro training, all while developing the Fogo concept. They had several resturants in brazil before coming to the US. premiere.
At the requests of loyal American guests, the Fogo concept was exported to the U.S. with a stateside debut in Dallas, Texas, in 1997. Between 1997 and 2013, this pioneering churrascaria continued its expansion in Brazil and the U.S. opening 29 new restaurants.
Just before Christmas 2013, Fogo opened a three story, 16,000 square foot flagship location in New York City. The stunning architectural design includes a seventeen foot bas-relief sculpture of Antonio Caringi’s, O Laçador, a historical monument in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
The culinary team has continued the tradition of developing new menu creations rooted in the Brazilian tradition that push forward the Brazilian churrasco experience. In 2013, new seafood dishes were introduced. Later that year, the Bar Fogo concept emerged within Fogo restaurants, introducing guests to new Brazilian-inspired small plates, award-winning wines and cocktails. The culinary team is always testing and tasting new items for possible inclusion.
With the holidays just around the corner, consider Fogo de Chao for a group dining experience!
An elegant Brazilian dining experience presented by their helpful and knowledgeable staff will make Fogo de Chão the perfect location for your group or private dining event. Holiday parties, Corporate events, Lunch and Learn, any celebration!
Find a location Worldwide, wherever your travels take you!
About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 37 years in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Fogo offers guests a wide variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. The company was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 47 locations throughout Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, including locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico City.
Additionally, Fogo offers a gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, soup, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yuca flour), and much more. Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family-style. To further complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers an award-winning wine list, tempting dessert menu, and creative and classic cocktails. Guests can also choose between lighter seafood selections, or enjoy the gourmet Market Table only option. For more information, visit Fogo.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For a visual representation of the story of Fogo de Chão, watch “The Gaucho Way,” a documentary-style video shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant’s deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil.
Gay New York
The Big Apple goes friendly
By Sebastian Saenz @sebastiaenz
There’s a million reasons to love New York City, no matter the sexual orientation or gender identity. I even dare to say that, if these two elements are not found in the majority, this city is even better. It would take a whole novel to write about NYC (actually, there are thousands out there that do). The things a tourist could do are countless, doing them seems like an impossible task even for a New Yorker, and if someone did them all, everyone would love to do it again, or differently (such as trying the recently changed menu of a restaurant, or going to Central Park in different times of the day or of the year, or with different companions).
Of course there are the basics every tourist would find in a hop-on-and-off bus tour, on any website that advises about trips, or on any app that rates restaurants nearby. There are even tutorials about how not to look like a tourist in the Big Apple, letting people know how to get a cab, walk, dress, tip and talk. Yes, visit the Met, the Museum of Natural History, the MoMa, the (tiny) Guggenheim, the bronze lady, the bridge, The One WTC/The Rockefeller Center/The Empire State for panoramic pics (try to get there an hour and a half before sunset, considering 45 minutes in line, but in order to get pictures at day and night), Chinatown for cheap souvenirs for all the annoying colleagues, Little Italy to eat (don’t forget to fold the pizza), the Cathedral, the inspiring Public Library, Washington Square Park (for college boys cruising… oh no, sorry uh… for the arch, of course), blah blah blah blah blah. But here are my tips for a good LGBTXYZ traveler.
First things first: we are talking about the city that started our equality movement almost 50 years ago, so a stop at The Stonewall Inn is a must for a little history lesson. If you are in the mood for more thumpa-thumpa, The Monster across the street is popular and relaxed, Boxers is great for bears, daddies, and their admirers (especially if you are in the mood for hawt bartenders wearing only boxers’ shorts), and Fire Island is a party legend. There are plenty of bars and clubs for us all over Chelsea, East Village and Hell’s Kitchen (the neighborhood that inspired West Side Story).
Guys, these are holidays, please take a break and forget for a few days about the scale or what your sexy personal trainer is going to tell you when you come back, because this city has SO-MUCH-FOOD… Swear on Chanel that you’ll stay away from chains, please go to indie restaurants or Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or French places where Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or French people prepare authentic food. Get a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli (and an ice-cream for dessert across the street at Il Laboratorio del Gelato), a burger and a malt at Shake Shack, a DELICIOUS signature slice at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza or at Grimaldi’s, a chicken paillard and a Britney cocktail at the straight-friendly and trendy Vinyl, cocktails at the Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant, an LGBT sandwich and a pastel at City Sandwich (where the cute Italian Chef Guerrieri has developed crazy but tasty combinations), and of course, anything at Magnolia Bakery for the sweet tooth. But for a true gastronomic experience, visit the legendary and breathtaking Rainbow Room for Sunday Brunch. The view is magnificent, the service impeccable, the eight stations of food exquisite, the mood elegant, and the live music… almost too sensual for brunch.
Needless to say, this is the fashion capital of the continent. We all know about the high end boutiques all over Manhattan, there is the 5th, the 7th (a.k.a. Fashion District), Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, all the retail stores at Times Sq., etc… But a true fashionista much get a piece at an indie boutique, and the shop-a-holics have to go to Century 21 for great savings for great labels, or an outlet at New Jersey (and stay for dinner at night for the best view of Manhattan).
One last but crucial recommendation: PLAN AHEAD! A lot of New Yorkers hate New York because of the freezing winters, the boiling summers, and the tourists. It is a hard task to avoid high touristic spots sometimes, for instance, Times Square during Christmas, museums during weekends, any space with air-con during summer, or Coney Island during the spring break. Even the subway during rush hours might seem like Dante’s Inferno (for the love of Gaga, don’t forget to get the subway card with sufficient funds). But with good planning, the trip can be delightful: the most popular restaurants can reserve a table several weeks in advance, most chaotic places should be visited Mon-Fri, opening and closing times must be revised in order to make the most out of every day (there is just no time to go to a museum the day is closed). And Broadway/Madison Square Garden/the Mets/the Yankees tickets have to be bought months in advance if possible.
So enjoy one of the most exciting cities in the world. Get on The Ride Bus, visit an art gallery at SoHo, go to the Broadway tour and the Sex and the City tour, have a Cosmo at O’neal’s, and a New York Cheesecake at the Grand Central Terminal, AND CHECK THE WEATHER a couple days before getting there!
Atlantic City Attracting more Gays
IS IT time to resurrect Atlantic City’s old tourism slogan — the Queen of Resorts — and give it a new twist?
With a bevy of cross-dressing beauties strutting around Boardwalk Hall, a drag queen serving as a new tourism ambassador and contests for lavish gay weddings at the casinos, the resort town has a message for the LGBT crowd: Come “out” and see us for a good time.
“The LGBT market is a good business market for Atlantic City,” Guaracino said.
Atlantic City’s expanding outreach to the LGBT market includes a recent partnership with internationally known drag queen Miss Richfield 1981 to serve as the resort’s gay ambassador. The hope is that Miss Richfield, the alter ego of entertainer Russ King, will draw a big following of LGBT customers to town.
This summer will see a number of major events catering to the LGBT market. They include Sand Blast AC, billed as the largest Mid-Atlantic summer gay and lesbian beach party. Sand Blast moved from Asbury Park to Atlantic City in 2014 and is scheduled for July 17-20 this year.
FIBO, one of the largest events catering to LGBT African-Americans, is coming to Atlantic City Aug. 7 to 9 after being held the last 12 years at Fire Island, New York.
Atlantic City’s casinos and noncasino hotels have been aligning themselves with Miss’d America, Sand Blast and other LGBT events, but they have also been launching their own gay-themed promotions. Caesars Entertainment Corp., owner of the Bally’s, Caesars and Harrah’s Resort casinos, was a leader in the gay-travel trend by starting the “Out in Atlantic” LGBT party series in 2009.
READ MORE HERE
Gay Weekend Comes To Atlantic City with Sandblast!
Sand Blast the Largest Mid-Atlantic Gay Summer Beach Party
Moves to Atlantic City July 18-20
Sand Blast producer Brad Hurtado announced today he is moving Sand Blast, the largest mid-Atlantic summer gay and lesbian beach party, to Atlantic City, New Jersey Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2014.
Sand Blast Atlantic City’s lineup includes Friday’s LOST AT SEA Kickoff Party at the Chelsea Host Hotel to welcome guests, Saturday’s 7-hour SAND BLAST BEACH PARTY with popular DJ Joe Gauthreaux presiding over the dance floor alongside the ocean at the Bungalow Beach Bar. The weekend long event continues with a gay beach volleyball tournament and live stage performance on Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel’s theater followed by DEEP BLUE, an all-night dance party helmed by DJ Phil Romano from Barcelona, Spain. Sunday’s RIPTIDE POOL PARTY takes over the stunning pool at HARRAH’s with music by DJ Eddie Martinez, followed Sunday evening by the closing party at Caesars spectacular DUSK Nightclub with music by NYC’s DJ Escape.
In the coming days Sand Blast will be announcing two oceanfront Host Hotels offering extremely attractive room packages for weekend guests starting as low as $170/night for a 3-night stay. To be among the first to know when Host Hotel rooms go on sale visit SandBlastWeekend.com and enter your email address to receive Sand Blast event announcement
Sand Blast originated in 2002 when a small group of New York City’s gay and lesbian weekend homeowners in Asbury Park, NJ, decided to create a summer beach weekend so they could invite friends to the once thriving destination, with the goal of increasing its popularity. Twelve years later, Sand Blast has grown into the largest mid-Atlantic summer gay and lesbian beach party. The event’s impact on Asbury Park created a thriving historic downtown, a boardwalk lined with shops, beaches packed with visitors and a vibrant and involved gay and lesbian community of over 600 households & thousands of LGBT visitors.
“The popularity of our weekend of events has caused us to outgrow Asbury Park which has been our beloved home since 2002. Atlantic City with its many hotels, attractions, and party venues was a natural choice, and this move allows us to continue our original mission to introduce our LGBT friends from cities along the east coast to the wonders of the Jersey Shore. Atlantic City’s airport opens the weekend event to an entirely new audience from New England to Florida.” says Hurtado.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said “We in Atlantic City are excited to host Sand Blast this year,” said Mayor Don Guardian. “This is a great opportunity for the LGBT community to enjoy our beautiful City, free beaches and amazing hotels.”
Gay Pride 2014 is Coming ! To a City Near You!
GAY PRIDE IS COMING! Over the next 6 months, gay prides will be happening coast to coast!
PHOENIX PRIDE April 5-6, 2014
MIAMI PRIDE April 11-13
TOKYO PRIDE April 27rh
SAO PAULO PRIDE May 4th, 2014 – the BIGGEST in the WORLD
NEW JERSEY PRIDE June 1st, 2014
LOS ANGELES PRIDE June 6th-8th
MILWAUKEE WI Pride June 6th-8th
CAPITAL PRIDE DC June 6th-8th
DETROIT PRIDE June 7th-8th
HONOLULU PRIDE June 7th
PHILADELPHIA PRIDE June 8th
BOSTON PRIDE June 8th-16th
KEY WEST PRIDE June 11th-15th 2014
NASHVILLE PRIDE June 12th-14th
SITGES SPAIN PRIDE June 12th-16th
PITTSBURGH PRIDE June 14th-15th
BERLIN PRIDE June 14th-15th
OSLO PRIDE June 20th-29th
HOUSTON GAY PRIDE June 20th-29th
TORONTO PRIDE June 20th-29th – BIGGEST in NORTH AMERICA!
PLUS in 2014, Toronto will actually be WORLD PRIDE with even BIGGER crowds
RHODE ISLAND / PROVIDENCE PRIDE June 21st
NEW YORK CITY PRIDE June 24th-29th
TAMPA FL PRIDE June 27th-29th
PARIS PRIDE June 28th
LONDON PRIDE June 28th
MINNEAPOLIS PRIDE June 28th-29th
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST June 21st – 22nd
(they are trying to fill in the days in between to make a full week of pride)
CHICAGO PRIDE June 29th
SEATTLE GAY PRIDE June 29th
MADRID PRIDE July 2nd-6th
COLOGNE GERMANY PRIDE July 6th
SAN DIEGO PRIDE July 18th-20th
STOCKHOLM PRIDE July 28th – Aug. 2nd
MONTREAL PRIDE July July 28th-Aug. 3rd
AMSTERDAM PRIDE August 1st-3rd – with floats on the canal!
ANTWERP PRIDE August 4th-11th
REYKJAVIK PRIDE August 5th-10th
CHICAGO MARKET DAYS – August 9th-10th (not really pride – but a big party!)
OTTAWA PRIDE August 15th-24th
PRAGUE PRIDE August 11th-17th
COPENHAGEN PRIDE August 26th-31st
ATLANTA PRIDE August 27th-Sept. 1st
SOUTHERN DECADENCE – August 27th-September 1 (not really pride – but a big party)
LAS VEGAS PRIDE September 2nd-8th
AUSTIN TX PRIDE September 20th
DALLAS PRIDE September 21st
MAUI HAWAII October 4th-5th
GAY PRIDE is a time of celebration and with that, usually comes some drinking. MAKE SURE YOU DRINK WATER AS WELL! Keep yourself hydrated! You don’t want to go to the hospital with your boa and go go shorts on! (poor guy!)
Best Gay Cities?
Who are the best gay cities. and says who?! Being a great LGBT city doesn’t just mean having a raucous nightlife, so
if you expected to see Hell’s Kitchen, Boystown or the Castro, you’re reading the
wrong list.
and San Francisco nabbed the top spot in both the “most scenic” and
“most pride” categories. It earned runner-up status in several others.
readers. The annual America’s Favorite Cities survey asks readers to
rank 35 cities in categories such as walkable streets and great ethnic
food. This year, they added gay-friendly travel, and while cities with an
obvious connection to the gay rights movement–such as San Francisco and
New York–ranked near the top, so did some less obvious places that
have clearly made a point to welcome the LGBT community.
but that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty to offer gay travelers.
Many of us end up passing through smaller or less glamorous cities,
perhaps on business, visiting friends or relatives, or enjoying a quick
weekend getaway. It’s always a pleasant surprise to discover that a
destination you had modest hopes for fosters a vibrant gay social scene.
Here are some under rated cities.
Which City Will THE OUT NYC Open in Next?
THE OUT NYC is New York’s first straight-friendly urban resort (NOT a
hotel) located in the epicenter of gay life – Hell’s Kitchen, steps from
Times Square and Chelsea. Live your own unforgettable experience with
the best of lodging, dining, nightlife and design all in one place – THE
OUT NYC.
Complete with 5000 square foot spa, and a Sun Deck to get your tan
on or watch an amazing sunset. Along one side is a glass reflecting pool
with a water room enclosed by cascading curtains of rain.
The
Secret Garden is tucked inside serene plantings of black bamboo. It’s a
quiet place to bring your laptop and a snack. Work or read at our long
sturdy tables. It’s also the right place to bring your yoga mat for
quiet meditation.
The Great Lawn @ THE OUT offers everything you need to enjoy the
great outdoors. The grass is green. The beanbag chairs are soft. There’s
enough green space on the Great Lawn for outdoor games or events. With a
hilled stage at the north end, it’s the perfect place for a wedding
ceremony, cocktail party or press junket. And whatever the occasion,
Ktchn can be there to cater your every culinary need.
Stay tuned! We’ll have more details soon!
THE OUT NYC, Urban Resort.
Stay. Play. Eat. Chill. Revive.
510 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10036
Fire Island HALF SHARE Comedy – too hot for LOGO
Half-Share: The Cocktail is always Half-Full! AND NOW IT’S FREE!
Try to imagine The Golden Girls summering on Fantasy Island if it were run by Patsy & Edina! Then watch it for free! Half-Share is a 30-minute sitcom shot on location in Fire Island Pines featuring an all-star cast of fabulous gay comics including Alec Mapa, Jack Plotnick, Jesse Archer and Sam Pancake!
Hot on the heels of film festival success spanning three continents, Half-Share will debut its FREE worldwide streaming premiere at 10pm EST/7pm PST on Tuesday November 20th at www.half-share.com & Ustream.tv/channel/half-share.
GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW!!
Through December 31st, 50% of all net profits on DVD and Amazon Instant Video sales will be donated to the Ali Forney Center in NYC
which provides homeless LGBT youth with shelter, food, and counseling.
Sandy left their offices underwater and they are in desperate need of
donations to continue their important work (Aliforneycenter.org).
Big Gay Hudson Valley – Pride in Upstate New York May 25-27
Big Gay Hudson Valley
(BGHV), the region’s premier source for gay & lesbian information
& resources in the Hudson Valley, has unveiled the plans for its
fourth annual Pride Preview Weekend. Last year, more than 700 people
gathered to kick-off gay pride season with BGHV. For 2012, more than
1,000 guests will celebrate with three days of events that will run from
Friday, May 25th to Sunday, May 27th of Memorial Day Weekend.
- Friday, May 25th – Pride Preview Kick-Off Party at the Out Bar [Event info on Facebook]
- Saturday, May 26th – Pride Preview Cruise on the Hudson onboard Empire Cruise Line’s Mystere [Event info on Facebook]
- Sunday, May 27th – Pride Preview Party at the Locust Grove Estate [Event info on Facebook]
crowds in excess of 650+ in years past. It is a BYO picnic and
attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner to share with their
friends. Locust Grove’s gorgeous estate grounds and gardens also warmly
welcome dogs (on a leash, please) and children. While a bar will not be
set up on site, those of the legal drinking age are invited to pack
their favorite adult beverage of choice to be enjoyed on the lawn during
the event.
Valley’s very-own DJ Ali, Drag Bingo Cabaret with Trixie Starr &
Ophelia Nightly of the Hudson Pride Foundation, and our headliner –
straight from NYC – acclaimed gay performer and music producer DJ
Cazwell.
offering special weekend get-away packages from New York City. For more
information about Pride Preview Weekend, booking accommodations, or to
purchase tickets for select events in advance, visit
BigGayHudsonValley.com.
GLBT Travel Expo in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City
GLBT TRAVEL EXPO! 3 Cities in MAY – FREE Admission!
The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where
you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find
glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next
vacation.
Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines
Every one of them reaching out to the glbt consumer.
Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get
special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel
providers as well as win great prizes.
Face to face promotions still represent one of the best ways to
promote your services. This afternoon event will draw 500-1,000 elite
consumers from a great demographic group. This is the third year Steven
Levenberg Productions, LLC has been producing these events. Each year
these shows have had an ever expanding exhibitor base and attendance.
THE TOUR
Chicago, Illinois – Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Thursday – May 3, 2012 – The William Way Center.
New York , New York – Saturday May 5, 2012 – The LGBT Center.
Last year’s tour was a huge success. Each venue received a targeted crowd of between 350 to 650 targeted glbt travelers.
OUT IN AC Present Miss’d America Pageant Jan 21-22
What sounds like some saucy entertainment will unfold in
Atlantic City at Harrah’s Resort and at Boardwalk Hall the weekend
of Jan. 21 and 22.
This will be the fourth consecutive year that Caesars
Entertainment Corp., parent company of the Harrah’s, Bally’s,
Caesars and Showboat casinos, has hosted the gay-friendly “Out in
AC” weekend of partying.
Caesars Entertainment has moved up the timing of “Out in AC”
this year to have it coincide with the annual Miss’d America
Pageant, a campy, drag-queen spoof of the straight-laced Miss
America Pageant that made its home in Atlantic City for 84 years
before sashaying off to Las Vegas in 2005.
“Every year, these uniquely tailored events bring in new guests
ready to experience Atlantic City in a whole new open light,” said
Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Caesars
Entertainment. “‘Out in AC’ weekend is all about diversity, pride
and, of course, having a little fun.”
“I absolutely believe that we’re growing our reputation as a
gay-friendly town,” Weissman said.
Other Atlantic City casinos have also staged gay-themed special
events or opened attractions catering to the LGBT market. Trump Taj
Mahal Casino Resort once held gay bingo nights. More recently,
Resorts Casino Hotel hired the Atlantic City gaming industry’s
first LGBT marketing director and also opened the first gay
nightclub inside a casino.
Other Atlantic City casinos have also staged gay-themed special
events or opened attractions catering to the LGBT market. Trump Taj
Mahal Casino Resort once held gay bingo nights. More recently,
Resorts Casino Hotel hired the Atlantic City gaming industry’s
first LGBT marketing director and also opened the first gay
nightclub inside a casino.
MORE information online
BOOK A ROOM NOW with us and SAVE!
Travel to Berlin, London, Paris and New York City with Taschen Book set
Travel wisdom in your pocket, at your fingertips.
Get around New York, Paris, Berlin, and London in high style
TASCHEN 4 Cities is a 12 Vol. Boxed set of wonderful books covering New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. Each city is 3 guides – ”hotels”, “restaurants”, and “shops”.
We love that they’ve taken the design-oriented (and coffee-table sized) TASCHEN guide book concept and translated it into pocket-sized companions. Wonderful for gift giving and a great keepsake from these wonderful cities! Great photos and the text gives you interesting and useful information, as well as addresses, phone numbers and website address. $60 retail price, $39 at Amazon.
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)
Highlights include –
London: Number Sixteen, a chic South Kensington hotel in a beautiful Victorian townhouse with romatic gardens, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant and social project, Fifteen, where teenagers cook the meals, and Dover Street Market, the multi-floor concept store founded in 2004 by Comme des Garçons.
New York: the Maritime Hotel, a former sailors’ dorm, now Chelsea’s coolest hotel, the Waverly Inn, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s exclusive salon for the glitterati, and where to buy New York’s best cheesecake
Paris: Ladurée, the best macaroons in the city, the ultra-luxurious Ritz hotel on elegant Place Vendôme, and Colette fashion concept store
Berlin: hip nightspot Green Door, where one rings the doorbell to gain entrance, oriental delight at Edd’s, the best Thai restaurant in Berlin (perhaps Germany), and experimental store Bless, “publicizing artistic values through products”
Order yours today!
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)
Hollywood to Dollywood with The Lane Twins Cross Country
IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM…. Everybody has a dream. Most of us are only willing to go so far to see it materialize and often find ourselves waiting for the right opportunity to come to us. Not so for the Lane twins -they were not content to send their screenplay Full Circle to Dolly Parton’s manager or publicist. No, they were determined to get it into the hands of their idol and on the 25th Anniversary of Dollywood, no less.
AND AN RV NAMED JOLENE.
“WE grew up listening to Dolly’s music and always thought she was an amazing person. So why not write a screenplay about her, and go on a cross country roadtrip to try to put it in her hands! ” say the gay Lane Twins, Gary and Larry.
And that’s just what they did.
And the result is An amazing film and journey about courage and acceptance.
Now in 51 Film Festivals Around the World …They won 6 Awards so far!
The basic synopsis – On the fumes of a dream, twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have written a script with a
plum roll for one of their idols, Dolly Parton. Having had no luck getting the screenplay
into her hands, they embark on a cross-country journey to personally deliver it to her. They
set off from Dolly’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame heading East for Pigeon Forge,
TN. Driving an RV they (named Jolene) is friend and partner Mike Bowen. All along
Interstate 40 at rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair salons our intrepid band of travelers
meet everyday Americans, as the encounter everything from Floods in Nashville to an
Oklahoma Tornado.
“Along Interstate 40, and we hit tornadoes, floods, screaming trannies and conservative Christians. It was all a strange trip!” says director John Lavin.
The journey is also one of discovery for the brothers, as well: their
relationship with their parents; their hopes, fears and ambitions; the bigotry they’ve
encountered; as they search for tolerance and acceptance and the joy of realizing their
biggest dream handing their screenplay to Dolly Parton.
“Its hard to open yourself up and put yourself out there, but we would like people to know
we had amazing childhoods, and we love our mom and dad with all of our hearts, this is just
one thing mom cant accept because of her beliefs, but we still love our mom and she is truly
an amazing lady, we talk to her on the phone at least 3 times a day!” the Lane Brothers said.
Dolly has long had legions of gay fans, I think her most public pro-gay remarks were made last year when she appeared on Larry King Live.
“It made us love her all the more and we actually approached CNN and paid for the copyright and we have that footage in the movie. We got the full clearance.
It’s Dolly’s message that she loves her fans and she doesn’t judge anybody. She says only God is supposed to judge you, we’re not supposed to judge each other. A lot of people who have
seen it have said, ‘I never really knew her views but it made me love her even more.’
Dolly Parton herself Is 100% behind Our Movie and Gave us 15 Of Her Songs Free For the Documentary and Her Image for the Movie Poster!”
(FYI – this would normally cost a filmmaker a small fortune!)
DON’T MISS THIS AWESOME FILM –
COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU!
Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann
walker, and maybe even Dolly herself!
Hollywood to Dollywood is a documentary of chasing dreams down the road of life.
Hollywood to Dollywood
Hollywood to Dollywood blog
The Lane Twins
OUT GAY ARTIST ARI GOLD on Gay Marriage
As someone who grew up as an orthodox Jew its also great to see other people from religious communities understand that this is not a religious issue but an issue of civil rights.
New York is where gay liberation in this country began so it only makes sense for New York to be one of the first states to make marriage equality a reality. And for this to pass during gay pride—it is truly a day to feel proud of being a New Yorker and American on the right side of history.”
Ari Gold/Singer, Writer, Performer and Gay Activist
Highly accomplished and openly gay pop artist Sir Ari Gold is a buzz worthy, subculture celebrity in his own right, quickly winning over critics far beyond the reach of the LGBT community.
Shortly after the release of his captivating and controversial “Make My Body Rock” single, Ari releases the second single off his fourth studio album Between the Spirit & the Flesh. “Sparkle” emerged with instant interest-catching soul and flavor. The track features Sarah Dash of Labelle (Patti Labelle and Nona Hendrix) to add a powerhouse female vocal that plays well with Ari’s range and strength.
This self-empowerment anthem is a rallying cry against bullies, but most importantly one’s own view of self-worth. The music video is directed by acclaimed visual artist and HIV/AIDS activist Duane Cramer. Making cameo appearances in the “Sparkle” music video are underground NYC superstars, LadyFag, Stephan Keating, Mila Jam, Laverne Cox (from VH-1’s Transform Me) and even Sir Ari’s mother.
As the mainstream catches up to this pioneering recording and performing artist’s future-forward genius, “Sparkle” continues Sir Ari’s unwavering commitment to LGBT rights and equality.
“There are some out gay artists who want to sort of push aside their sexuality,” he continues, “and that makes them more palatable to straight people. You’ve got to deal with the fact that I do actually like to have sex with men. I’m not just some funny, campy entertainer for straight people to laugh at.” (Read more of this interview from 2004.)
The NYU and Yale-educated Gold has been doing the national pride circuit — he is promoting his new album but also celebrating his connection with his gay fans. – This week he is ST PETERSBERG and October in ATLANTA!
SPARKLE video
OFFICIAL Ari Gold
Get a Backstage pass with Priscialla’s NICK ADAMS for a $500 donation to the NYC AIDS WALK
We just saw PRISCILLA on Broadway this week! WOW! What an eye-popping, show-stopping performance! Everyone does a fantastic job, but of course, our heart has always belonged to Nick Adams, since I first saw him onstage in 2005.
We’ll be covering it more in a couple weeks, and catching up with the ever adorable, super-talented Nick Adams with an interview on our sister site BestGayNewYork.com, in the coming weeks!
But for now, you should know, Priscilla US will be singing at the kick off of the 2011 AIDS Walk NY on May 15th!
And Nick is walking and raising money again this year. Nick is part of the BROADWAY IMPACT group which is a community of actors, directors, stage managers, fans, producers — pretty much anyone who has ever seen, been in or worked on a Broadway show — united by the simple belief that anyone who wants to should be able to get married.
“We’re very proud to be apart of the 2011 NY Aids Walk!”
Nick gives, and gives and gives whenever he can to great causes like Broadway Bares and AIDS WALK NY. (He has even been crowned Broadway Hero by GayLifeNYC.org.) “I enjoy giving my time to great causes, and it makes me feel good to know I can help in some way.”
Nick sent us this note, to share with our readers….He had a goal of raising $3000 originally. He is almost at $20,000!!!! And there are just a few days left to raise money!
Thanks for everyone who donated after my last e-mail for AIDS Walk NYC! I was able to break my original goal of $3,000 and am now the #1 fundraiser from the cast! Thanks!
I wanted to up the stakes and see if we could get some more folks giving. If you’ve ever dreamt about getting a backstage tour of Priscilla from me, this is your chance. For every person that gives $500 or more, I will arrange to give you a personal backstage tour. Simply get tickets to the show of your choice and I’ll meet you after the show and give you a private tour. Some people have been paying $5,000 – $10,000 to get backstage tours, so to be able to get one in exchange for a tax deductible dontation of only $500, is AMAZING.
Since we reached my personal goal of raising $3,000 I will pick one lucky subscriber to recieve an autographed program from the show.
If we hit $6,000 I will send out 5 autographed programs, and if we break $15,000 I will send someone special a program / poster autographed by everyone in the entire cast!
Additionally, anyone donating $500 or more, I will send them an autographed program (simply email us a proof of donation along with your shipping address) AND I WILL GIVE THEM A PRIVATE BACKSTAGE TOUR ($5k value).
xoxox.
~ Nick Adams
Nick Adams’ Donation Page for AIDS WALK NYC
LOGOs “TripOut Gay Travel Awards” Honors Gay-Friendly Destinations and Travel
Los Angeles’ “The Abbey”,
NEW YORK CITY,
American Airlines and
Madrid Gay Pride
Return as Reigning Champions!
Logo, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announces today that TripOutGayTravel.com , its comprehensive travel site dedicated to the LGBT traveler and MTV Network’s first stand-alone, travel-focused site, will reveal its second annual “TripOut Gay Travel Awards” at London’s World Travel Market – the premier global event for the travel industry.
Logo and IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, will co-sponsor “The TripOut Gay Travel Awards, co-hosted by IGLTA”where TripOutGayTravel.com Editor-in-Chief, John Polly, will announce this year’s winners at the World Travel Market. The awards once again honor the most stylish, exciting and hottest destinations and services that attract, pamper and market to the LGBT traveler.
“Our participation in the World Travel Market proves that TripOutGayTravel.com is a highly-regarded resource for gay-friendly travel,” said John Polly, Editor-in-Chief, TripOutGayTravel.com. “This recognition, in addition to our partnership with the IGLTA, showcases us as one of the premier sources for gay travel planning.”
This year’s winners reveal valuable news for the travel industry and the traveler looking for “gay approved” travel destinations and businesses. TripOutGayTravel.com recruited an academy of seasoned writers, editors and travel experts covering the LGBT travel market to comprise this year’s list of nominations. However, it is up to the site’s readers and fans to determine who deserves the title for the best gay destination, tour operator or hospitality service.
Some highlights include:
New York City reigns supreme as the premier LGBT global travel destination for 2010 by winning “Best Global Destination.”
Returning favorites won for a second year in a row including: American Airlines for “Best Airline,” “The Abbey” in Los Angeles for “Best Gay Bar in the World” and Madrid Pride for Best Annual Gay Destination (Party or Event).
Canada solidifiesits position as a well-known “gay approved” travel destination winning “Best Breakout Destination” for Toronto. In addition, Charles Lapointe of Tourisme Montréal receives “The Gay+ Award for Achievement in Making Our World Gayer.” Lapointe can aptly be described as a forefather and architect of Canadian and Montréal LGBT travel.
Rio De Janiero won the popular vote of “Sexiest Place on Earth” destination by a staggering 58% of the user-generated votes.
In addition, TripOutGayTravel.com recognizes Charles Lapointe of Tourisme Montréal with the “The Gay+ Award for Achievement in Making Our World Gayer.” The award goes to an organization or travel professional who has increased awareness of the LGBT consumer in the world of travel, tourism and hospitality.
Best Gay Cities
Best Gay Travel Guide
Out in AC Returns To Atlantic City for Halloween Weekend
Harrah’s Entertainment Atlantic City turns Halloween into HalloQueen this year, hosting OUT in AC, a weekend of LGBT-themed parties and events, October 29th through 31st. A bevy of gay royalty will be on hand to celebrate the Fall Carnival including “The Queen of All Media” Perez Hilton, Queens of Comedy Margaret Cho and Sandra Bernhard, in addition to Whitney Cummings, Jersey Shore’s
Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Richie Rich and more.
The weekend begins Friday night with Perez Hilton’s popular “One Night In” concert series at Showboat’s House of Blues. Perez Hilton’s past “One Night In” events in London, Toronto and Los Angeles have featured celebrity performances by Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Katy Perry. Perez promises a pageant to remember at his Jersey show, replete with marquee talent and special surprises to be announced.
“I am thrilled and very anxious to be hosting my first-ever ‘One Night In… New Jersey,’” says celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. “I’m looking forward to bringing to Atlantic City some of my favorite musical acts and special surprises, and since its Halloween weekend, some over-the-top costumes! With two hosting gigs at Harrah’s Atlantic City that weekend, I’ll have to have some tricks up my sleeve! Double the pressure! Double the fun! I can’t wait!”
“We look forward to hosting the second annual OUT in AC weekend at Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort, Showboat and Bally’s. Atlantic City is an entertainment-driven destination and at Harrah’s Entertainment it is our mission to provide diverse entertainment to be enjoyed by our customers,” said Jennifer Weissman, Regional Vice President of Harrah’s Entertainment. “OUT in AC is a great example of the unique programming we offer and we’re looking forward to celebrating Halloween weekend in Atlantic City with this great event.”
The celebration continues with a charity event at sultry Club Worship at Showboat with DJ Larry Tee spinning for Charity Monster. Proceeds will benefit the GLSEN Hi Tops, a local charity that provides a safe zone for youth facing difficulties at home or school because they are gay. Later on, the party at Atlantic City’s premiere nightlife venue, The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort, will be hosted by everyone’s favorite side-kick, the nugget of all nuggets, Chuy Bravo from Chelsea Lately.
Saturday’s festivities kick off early, as famed designer Richie Rich presents a Poolside extravaganza featuring boys in Speedos and DJ Lina on the decks at The Loft at The Pool. Meanwhile, The Pier Shops at Caesars will host Shopping’s Night Out, offering discounts at select luxury brand retailers throughout the day. At 8pm, Margaret Cho and Sandra Bernhard take the stage for The Queens of Comedy show at Caesars Maximus Theatre. Afterward, celebrity DJ Mia Moretti will spin at the official Queens of Comedy afterparty at Mia Restaurant at Caesars.
Immediately following the show will be a cocktail reception at The Pool at Harrah’s Resort again hosted by the notorious Perez Hilton. Then, the all-night revelry continues as celebrity DJ Tracy Young ignites the dance floor at Showboat’s Club Worship, with a special performance by Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak. The Jersey Shore star Jenni “JWoww” Farley, will be hosting her version of a night OUT in AC, headlining an all-night fist pumping dance extravaganza at ultra hotpsot, Dusk nightclub at Caesars.
Halloween Sunday begins with The Hallo-Queen brunch, an all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunch at Caesars Forum Lounge, featuring legendary drag queen Joey Arias, followed by a Tea Dance at Dusk, where DJ Lina returns to help guests end the weekend right.
Tickets to most OUT in AC events will be available for purchase beginning today while remaining ticketed events will be on sale later in the week. Tickets for all events are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-736-1420. A discounted weekend pass, offering entrance to all events, is also available. Additionally, discounted room rates are available for 25% off by entering the offer code “OUTINAC” when making reservations. All events are restricted to persons 21 years of age and older.
For more information go online OUT in AC !
And A Few More Christmas – Holiday Photos From Some of Our Favorite Gay Cities!
Millions of people come to Rockafeller Center and New York City at Christmas!
The tree, usually a Norway spruce 75 to 90 feet (23 to 27 m) tall, has been put up every year since 1931.
The decorated Christmas tree remains lit at Rockefeller Center until the week after
New Year’s Day, when it is removed and recycled for a variety of uses.
In 2007, the tree went “green,” employing LED lights. After being taken down,
the tree was used to furnish lumber for Habitat for Humanity house construction.
Union Sqaure, San Francisco – above.
Macy’s Great Tree. Usually about 85 foot with thousands of lites!
Above – Further south in California, you have THE GROVE in Los Angeles
Shopping, dining, choreographed fountains – it’s magic in the Grove!
Then there is the Hollywood Christmas Parade during December, and Disneyland in Anaheim
is our course all done up for the holidays, complete with a nightly snowfall!
Below – West Hollywood. Perhaps the gayest city in the world?
It is said that more than 33% of it’s population identify with being LGBT!
That a lot of gays!
And at the epicenter is THE ABBEY -BEST GAY BAR IN THE WORLD,
as voted recently by TripOut Gay Travel Awards & Logo.
Best Gay Cities!
Happy Holidays!
