Center Blog

Post by Kaden Freeman, Center Communications Intern

TJ Sengel Photography

On Sunday, July 24, love was in the air as newlywed same-sex couples from across the city arrived at the Center to celebrate their weddings at our community reception. In total, 350 people attended, including couples and their guests; the event featured dancing, drinks, cake, and joyful spirits.

TJ Sengel Photography

Guests cheered for couples as they entered the room, and some gave toasts as music and laughter filled the Center’s halls. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn gave a moving speech, and State Senator Tom Duane, who helped push the Marriage Equality Act through the State Senate, greeted the enthusiastic crowd.

TJ Sengel Photography

The Event was co-sponsored by Freedom to Marry, the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

TJ Sengel Photography

LGBT activist Lt. Dan Choi also made a visit to the reception, as did actor George Takei and his husband Brad Altman.

TJ Sengel Photography

Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and individuals in the community, the event was free to all who attended. Huge thank you to Park Avenue Catering, A New York Gay Wedding.com, Sugar Couture, Buttercup Bake Shop, Butter Lane Cupcakes, Levy Lighting NYC, Wily Jack, Rokk Vodka, The Foundry, Mark Rose, Ice Sculpture Designs, Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream, Dirty Sugar Live, TJ Sengel Photography and DJ Ted Snowdon!!

TJ Sengel Photography

The Center would like to congratulate all newlywed same sex couples, and wish everyone the best during this momumental time in our movement for equality. Your can view more photos here.

Post by Kaden Freeman, Center Communications Intern

“Julio” came to the Center in 2007 to quit smoking. He had heard about the Center’s Commit to Quit Group, and after two bouts with pneumonia, two bronchial washings and many other health problems, he decided it was time to end his addiction. After 6 months in the program he was smoke-free, and has remained that way ever since. “Julio” was able to use the Center’s services not only to help him protect his respiratory health, but also to help improve his low weight and chronic fatigue, symptoms resulting from his HIV-positive status.

The Center’s HIV/AIDS services, which provide more than 1,800 counseling and group sessions to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and enable more than 1,000 LGBT youth and young adults to attend HIV prevention activities and leadership training, also include programs that, while not focused on HIV, can be crucial in helping someone living with HIV maintain their health and well-being.

To help ensure that the Center can continue offering these life-changing and life-saving services, the Center will host its 9^th annual Braking the Cycle, a three day, 300 mile bike ride from Boston to New York on September 16 – 18. 150 cyclists will hit the pavement, raising funds for services benefitting those living with HIV/AIDS, and awareness about HIV/AIDS and its effects on the LGBT community. The riders participating in the event include people who have lost loved ones to AIDS, HIV positive cyclists, allies from both LGBT and straight communities, and even a team of Center staff, all of whom have been busy fundraising and training for the event.

If you are interested in participating in Braking the Cycle, it’s not too late to sign up! More information can be found at the event’s website. For information about the Center’s HIV/AIDS services visit this page on our website.

Thank you for your support!