Center Blog

A unique art exhibit that was on display at the Center during February and March of 2010, is now the subject of a documentary by filmmaker Bruce Donelly. Comfort of Men is inspired by a collection of paintings by New York-based artist, Branden Wallace.

The collection is made up of portraits, featuring fathers and sons, brothers, friends and boyfriends, which explore the issues surrounding masculinity, male expression and intimacy within each of these relationships.

The film features interviews with the artist, a number of the portrait subjects, as well as a host of other artists, writers, critics and art professors. It also includes insights from the Center’s Director of Meeting & Conference Services and Capital Projects, Robert A. Woodworth, who has been with the Center since it’s beginning in 1983. Woodworth is featured in one of the portraits.

Please consider checking out and supporting this important film. Click here for more information.

Antonio Ruberto Jr., LCSW, CASAC, Director of Center Recovery

The Center’s new Director of Recovery, Antonio Ruberto Jr., LCSW, CASAC, shared this compelling testimony at a recent hearing before State Commissioner, Arlene González-Sánchez, who heads up the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), illustrating the immense impact of our programming.

“’A living nightmare’ is how a recent client described his life prior to stumbling into Center Recovery. His growing crystal meth dependency rapidly ushered him from a stable job to unemployment and near homeless in a matter of months, causing debilitating paranoia, anxiety and hallucinations. In short order, he stopped going to work and even became scared of entering his own apartment for fear of being followed. Although reluctant at first, he came to Center Recovery on the encouragement of his friends and slowly adapted to the Center’s treatment program. A part of his treatment, he worked to stabilize his mental health with Medical Director and psychiatrist, Dr. Shane Spicer. Progressively he was able to maintain abstinence; his paranoia stopped and was able to return to work on a part time basis while continuing to engage in treatment. He has formed friendships and is gaining powerful support from others in the program that struggle with similar issues.”

Ruberto’s testimony to the state’s OASAS Commissioner went on to explain the huge difference Center Recovery makes in the lives of countless members of our community and push for continued and expanded state funding of our program. Center Recovery is the only New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) licensed, outpatient substance abuse treatment program designed specifically for LGBT communities.  Since 2007 the program has helped hundreds of people achieve and maintain sobriety. The majority of current clients in a recent program satisfaction survey indicated that the primary reason they chose the Center’s recovery program is its LGBT focus. They pointed out that their counselors understand their feelings, and that makes them feel comfortable and safe while talking about issues of concern.

Ruberto went on to testify:

“Alcoholism & substance abuse remain a major problem for my community – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Research indicates lesbians and gay men are at 2 to 3 times greater risk for alcohol and substance abuse than the general population. These issues also do not decrease with age as with the general population. In addition, recent research shows transgender people have comparable or higher rates of both alcohol and substance abuse within the LGB communities. In the last 10-years or so we have been confronted with a new crisis with the increased use of crystal methamphetamine by gay and bisexual men.”

“Our program looks forward to working closely with OASAS regarding their plans over the next four years. In particular, as we look to grow our program further, we hope for continued financial support for this vital and unique resource, along with additional support for areas prioritized for growth, including, but not limited to, co-occurring disorders and tobacco treatment.”

“The need for programs such as ours, which support special populations, is still essential. LGBT people face stigma, homophobia and transphobia, violence, and trauma which leave them at significantly greater risk for alcohol and substance abuse. Crystal methamphetamine use by gay and bisexual men show no sign of abating and over 30% of our participants reports its use. In addition, your continued and increased financial support will allow us to implement interventions specific to growing populations within our communities such as LGBT youth and Spanish-speaking participants, all of whom are showing increasing need for treatment services and would benefit from the continued availability of our established program, services, and knowledge.”

In conclusion, Ruberto thanked the commissioner for the opportunity to share the story of Center Recovery and asked for continued support:

“Our participants wish to achieve sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives. We hope that we can count on your leadership to help this program grow and deliver services to a still-marginalized population that remains at high-risk for addiction.”

Center Recovery services include: individual, group and family counseling; alcohol and substance abuse education; HIV prevention, education and referral services; vocational preparation activities and skills development; DUI assessments; psychiatric, medical and other health and wellness services; and services for significant others.

To learn more visit us online.  If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact Center Recovery at (646) 556-9300 and ask to speak with a counselor.

If you’re planning on getting hitched, ESquared Hospitality is offering a 20% discount on wedding-related events at all New York restaurants.

The offer is valid for parties of 10 or more through December 1, 2011 and some restrictions may apply.

To plan a celebration, contact Julie at JULIE@BLTRESTAURANTS.COM or (212) 752-4411.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is history. Today, September 20, 2011, marks the official end of the law that prohibited gay, lesbian and bisexual people from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.  President Obama signed the law repealing  “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” last December.

More than 13,000 gay and lesbian military personnel have been expelled from the armed services for coming out about their sexual orientation since the law took effect in 1993 under then-President Bill Clinton.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network released this statement, applauding the end of the discriminatory law:

“Today marks the official end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and is an historic milestone along the journey to achieving LGBT equality in America’s military. Thanks to veterans, active duty, leaders, allies and supporters everywhere, this is a monumental day for our service members and our nation. Indeed, we have taken a tremendous leap forward for LGBT equality in the military.

“Our work is far from done, but today we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our patriots as we look forward to a new era of military service – one that honors the contributions of all qualified Americans who have served or who wish to serve.”

SLDN reports that one hundred events are taking place in all 50 states as repeal supporters celebrate the end of this law. Here is information about the event taking place in New York City:

New York City
September 20, 2011: 7 until 9 p.m.
http://www.sldn.org/NewYorkEvent
Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014

Special Guests:
Speaker Christine C. Quinn (D – District 3 – New York City Council)
Brenda S. “Sue” Fulton, West Point ’80, Executive Director of Knights Out
Katherine Miller, OutServe Board of Directors, former West Point Cadet
Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, Producers/Directors, “The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” premiering on HBO, Tuesday, September 20
Mati Weiderpass, SLDN Board of Directors, former US Army Captain
Darren Manzella, SLDN client, former US Army Sergeant

The Center congratulations all of the activists whose tireless efforts led to this historic day, and pays special tribute to the LGBT people who have served and continue to serve courageously in our military. 

Starting Friday, September 16, 2011, more than 120 riders will begin a three-day cycling journey from Boston to New York City. With the support of 50 volunteer crew members, they will ride 285 miles to the steps of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, demonstrating their resiliency and dedication to stopping HIV/AIDS.

They are riding to raise funds for the important life-saving HIV/AIDS services of the Center, which assist thousands of people living with HIV who have limited or no financial resources to cope with this disease. Money raised by the event also supports key youth HIV prevention programs at the Center.

They are also riding because of these alarming statistics:

* More than one million people in the United States have HIV.

* Every year for the past decade there have been 50,000 new HIV infections in the U.S. and a quarter of the new cases are young gay men.

* This year alone, thousands of Americans will die from AIDS-related complications.

The crisis must stop and these riders are doing everything they can to make that a reality. This year’s ride will include Centerpieces, a cycling team comprised of Center staff, and supporters. Riders also include a devoted group of cyclists called Positive Pedalers, who master the hills with signature orange flags on their bikes announcing themselves as HIV+. Positive Pedalers break the cycle; they thrive with HIV and demonstrate why the Center’s work is vital.

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony, hosted by out lesbian country singer Chely Wright, will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 18th, when loved ones, family and supporters gather outside the Center on West 13th Street to welcome back the riders and crew members. The celebration will continue inside the Center with a Victory Party sponsored by GO Burger and Brooklyn Brewery. The GO Burger Truck takes the gourmet burger experience on the road and is proud to support Braking the Cycle. Google is a presenting sponsor for Braking the Cycle.

In its nine-year history, Braking the Cycle has raised over $2.5 million for the Center’s vital HIV and AIDS services. To learn more about the HIV/AIDS services of the Center, visit us online. You can also read more about the event in this Edge article.

As New Yorkers mark the 10-year remembrance of 9/11, read the Advocate’s reflection on how the tragedy impacted the LGBT community; the article includes poignant insignts from Executive Director Glennda Testone, about the Center’s role in helping New Yorkers that day and beyond.