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In this installment of Front and Center we’ll tell you about our fifth annual Out to Work Career Fair and how it helped LGBT job seekers dealing with a difficult economy. Plus we’ll recap two cultural events, one featuring out lesbian and Mezzo Soprano, Jill Gove, the other highlighting legendary food critic, Frank Bruni, the first out New York Times columnist. We’ll also spotlight Gender Identity Project Counselor, Cristina Herrera, who won a LUNY Award for her outstanding contribution and service to Latino and Latina LGBT people in New York City. Please enjoy reading these stories, share them, and thank you for your continued support.

Out to Work Career Fair Helps LGBT People Seek Good Jobs in Tough Economy

Although the nation is experiencing tough economic times, hundreds of job seekers connected with a host of companies seeking new employees at the Center’s Out to Work Career Fair. Co-hosted by the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, the October 6 event brought over 800 participants who met with job recruiters from 23 companies. The Center also offered a number of job readiness workshops leading up to the fair, including “Building Your Professional Network with LinkedIn & How To Use It In Your Job Search.” After the fair ended several attendees sent the Center notes of appreciation including one man who voiced optimism about his employment prospects: “I met great potential employers and it gave me a great sense of hope for the future. It also opened my eyes to industries I never would have thought to apply with. Many thanks!” Another attendee said: “Thank you for holding this event! I got a job interview out of it!” With so many people out of work these days, including in our community, the Center strives to be a valuable resource in the search for these kinds of career opportunities as well as a connection for companies seeking to reach the LGBT community in New York City.

Click here to view photos from this event

Thanks to Scott Young, Special Events Associate


Famed Food Critic Frank Bruni Delights Packed Center Audience

Participants of our latest Center Authors and Second Tuesdays program were treated to special guest Frank Bruni, a best-selling author and the first openly gay op-ed columnist for The New York Times. Bruni led a packed house of audience members through his personal and professional life journey. He specifically delved deeper into his two published books, Born Round: The Secret of a Full-Time Eater, which highlighted his somewhat difficult relationship with food since childhood and Ambling into History: The Unlikely Odyssey of George W. Bush, which described his enlightening experience covering the Bush re-election campaign in 2004 and the first eight months of his presidency. The Center sends a very special thanks to Frank Bruni for being a part of our 26-year-old Second Tuesdays program.

Click here to view photos from this event

Thanks to Paul Menard, Director of Cultural Programs


Center Authors Presented Gay In America by Scott Pasfield

The Center recently hosted photographer Scott Pasfield who presented a slideshow, discussion and book signing of Gay In America, his 224-page book of captivating photos and deeply personal stories from 140 gay American men in 50 states. Images depicting fathers, sons, brothers, couples, families and the nice guys next door were on display as Scott took us on an extraordinary journey across gay America.

www.scottpasfield.com/

Thanks to Paul Menard, Director of Cultural Programs


Center and American Classical Orchestra Presented Out Mezzo Soprano Jill Grove

The Center recently invited members of the community to purchase discount tickets for a one-time special opera performance at Lincoln Center. Jill Grove, an out lesbian and Mezzo Soprano, was the featured performer for the 27th season opener of the American Classical Orchestra. Ms. Grove is renowned for her distinctive dramatic voice and passionate artistry. She’s won critical raves and reviews throughout America and Europe for her distinguished portrayals of the heroines of German and Italian opera. Prior to her performance on September 29 Grove toured the Center to learn about our vast programs and services. We appreciated her visit and thank her and the American Classical Orchestra and Alice Tully Hall for inviting us in into their space for this uplifting event.

Thanks to Adrian D. Ogle, Cultural Programs Coordinator


Center's Cristina Herrera Honored with LUNY Award

On Saturday, October 15, the Center’s Gender Identity Project Counselor, Cristina Herrera (pictured in middle, photo above left) received the prestigious Latinos/as Unidos de New York (LUNY) Award, along with several other community leaders in New York City. Latinos/as Unidos de New York, Inc. bestows the honor on individuals for their outstanding contributions and service to Latino and Latina LGBT people in New York City. Community members gathered at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan for the festive event. Herrera identifies as TransLatina and has been working in the field of HIV prevention, advocacy and community organizing for over 11 years. In her current position at the Center her primary focus is working with transgender and gender non-conforming communities. She facilitates the TransLatina Group in Western Queens and co-facilitates the Feminine Spectrum Group at the Center. In addition, Cristina is the Chair to the Transgender Advisory Group at the Prevention Planning Group for the NYC Department of Health, where she brings awareness to issues that are affecting transgender populations. We are proud to have her on our staff and congratulate her on receiving this distinction.