Center Blog

The Center is saddened to learn that our community has lost a tireless leader in the LGBT movment for full equality. Paula Ettelbrick died of cancer today.

She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation, which released this statement:

Paula Ettelbrick, a pioneering LGBTQ rights crusader and immediate past Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation, died this morning, Friday, October 7, 2011 surrounded by friends and family after a heroic battle with ovarian cancer. 

 

As a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ people across the globe, Paula will always be remembered for her leadership roles at Lambda Legal, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the Stonewall Community Foundation.  

 

Paula, Stonewall’s first female Executive Director, launched Out In Front New York, a comprehensive training initiative for LGBTQ non-profit leaders and board members, and laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s newest giving circle, Stonewall Professional Alliance, a program which combines monthly giving with community service.  Paula championed expanding programming and reaffirming the role of the Stonewall Community Foundation as a thought leader for New York City’s LGBTQ community.  In the words of Matthew Ryan, Stonewall Community Foundation President of the Board of Directors, “Paula Ettlebrick has been a champion for our community for decades. Stonewall benefitted tremendously over the past year from her historic perspective and her unique talent in bringing people together. Both the Stonewall membership and the New York City LGBTQ organizations that Stonewall supports offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”      

 

Paula spent her life working to address the critical issues facing the LGBTQ community.  From 1986 through 1993, Paula was an early staff attorney and Legal Director at Lambda Legal.  Paula’s leadership in working to reform family policy law led to significant strides for LGBTQ families across the country and helped make Lambda Legal the nation’s leading LGBTQ legal advocacy group.  After Lambda Legal, Paula held positions at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Empire State Pride Agenda and the National Lesbian and Gay Task Force.  At the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Paula served as Executive Director from 2003 to 2009 and challenged human rights abuses and discrimination worldwide.  Paula taught courses on the law and sexuality at Barnard, Columbia Law School, the University of Michigan Law School, New York University School of Law and Wayne State University.   As a professor and widely cited author, Paula’s significant contribution to feminist and queer academia promises to continue inspiring students for generations to come. 

 

In late August, Paula announced she’d be stepping down from her post as Executive Director at Stonewall due to her ongoing battle with cancer.  In the words of Interim Executive Director, Richard Burns, “There are countless LGBTQ citizens around the world whose lives are better today because of Paula.  Paula was a passionate and powerful advocate for all LGBTQ New Yorkers and a true friend.  At Stonewall, we’re grateful for all she did for the foundation and we’ll miss her greatly.”    

 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

 The Center sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Paula Ettelbrick.

 

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.

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.

In accordance with directives from the NYC Office of Emergency Management, and given the planned MTA service shutdown beginning at Noon Saturday, the Center will be CLOSED both Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28. We will reopen on Monday under favorable weather conditions and once the MTA resumes NYC Transit services.

All Center users and visitors are encouraged to closely monitor the development of Hurricane Irene and to consult this webpage for further updates on the Center’s hours of operation for Monday, August 29th.

For public transit information:

MTA NYC Buses, Subways, LIRR and Metronorth
www.mta.info

NJ PATH
www.panynj.gov/path/

NJ Transit
www.njtransit.com

To track the progress of Hurricane Irene:

The Office of Emergency Management
www.nyc.gov/oem

T he Weather Channel
www.weather.com

1010 Wins Radio
www.1010wins.com

NY1
www.ny1.com

WABC
www.7online.com

WCBS
www.newyork.cbslocal.com

WNBC
www.wnbc.com

MSBNC
www.msnbc.com

Preparation for Hurricane Irene

The NYC Office of Emergency Management urges New Yorker’s to find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone and take steps to prepare for heavy rain, storm surge and strong winds. Make sure your emergency supply kits are well stocked and ready to go with supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. For information on how to prepare, go to www.nyc.gov/oem.

On Monday, August 8, the Center’s Executive Director, Glennda Testone along with Center staff and members of Braking the Cycle, had the distinct honor of ringing the closing bell of the NASDAQ Stock Market.  Braking the Cycle is the 285-mile bike ride from Boston to New York, which benefits the Center’s HIV/AIDS Services. This year will mark the event’s 9th year and many riders were on hand at the NASDAQ on Monday to showcase the importance of the ride and raise awareness about the continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

As Glennda stressed in her remarks before the closing bell “After almost 30 years into the epidemic, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health issue in the United States and around the world. As the New York Times reported just last week, the Center’s for Disease Control released new figures showing that ‘despite years of great progress in treating AIDS, the number of new HIV infections has remained stubbornly around 50,000 a year in the United States for a decade… and the American epidemic is growing rapidly worse among young black gay men.’”

Glennda went on to highlight the myriad of services the Center provides to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We have been at the forefront of providing services in the fight against AIDS since our founding in 1983. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers with HIV or AIDS have benefited from our help. Each year The Center provides more than 1,800 counseling and group sessions to people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. More than 1,000 LGBT youth and young adults attend HIV prevention activities and leadership training.  Thousands more attend educational forums and conferences.

Although the market was experiencing a major downfall the day we visited, The Center and Braking the Cycle were thrilled to have the NASDAQ platform to raise visibility and remind the American public that there’s still a long road ahead to the end of AIDS, and we intend to stay on the path and keep riding until we reach that end.

Post by Kaden Freeman, Center Communications Intern

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.

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.

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

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

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!!

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

As New York City rejoiced the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, the Center, along with nearly 300 supporters and community members, took to the streets to march in one of most vibrant and energetic Pride parades the city has ever seen. The marchers were a diverse group of people representing many of the Center’s life-changing programs, including the Gender Identity Project, the Immigration Social Action Group, the Youth Enrichment Service (YES) Program, and individuals and families who support the Center and our mission.

Along the parade route marchers danced and waved pom-pons to music from the Center’s float , handed out safe sex kits and greeted enthusiastic crowds from midtown down to the Village. Center Recovery Program participants held a sign which read: “Sober is Better,” and our dynamic group of marchers was rounded out by LGBT families with strollers at the end of the Center’s contingent.

According to Cultural Programs Officer Yojani Hernandez, who helped staff the march, “It was great to see young people in that moment be proud of who they are, part of the legacy that was left by those who marched before us.” The Center would like to thank Anthony Shimek, Volunteer Coordinator, who organized and executed the Center’s presence in the parade, and all who supported the Center and came out to march on such a momentous occasion. We are already looking forward to next year’s Pride, but in the meantime we hope to see you at the Center!

This is an extraordinary night for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers. Marriage for same-sex couples will soon become law, following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center applauds our state legislators in Albany for their historic vote in favor of marriage equality, and stands with all those involved in the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition; their tireless efforts helped make this a reality. The Center also commends Governor Andrew Cuomo for his steadfast leadership on this issue.

Countless New York same-sex couples come to the Center every day seeking our services, having faced the numerous roadblocks brought on by a lack of marriage protections. Many come looking for LGBT friendly legal or financial referrals. Some come seeking support for their relationships. And even more come to create families with the help of our Center Families program, which has been serving LGBT couples and families for nearly 20 years.

In addition, the Center held several marriage forums in recent months to spotlight this issue and allow a platform for leaders and community members to speak out and advocate for marriage equality. Most recently we hosted a NY Latinos United for Marriage Equality rally and press conference, highlighting significant Latino community support for LGBT marriage protections and garnering significant media attention.

This vote sends a strong message to all New York same-sex couples that their lives and their families matter. It’s vitally important for the state to extend these much needed protections so that loving committed couples can take care of and be responsible for one another and for their families.

CONGRATULATIONS NEW YORK!

Thank you to all those who attended Garden Party 28, the only LGBT food tasting event in the country. This year’s event featured more than 30 restaurants, acclaimed syndicated national talk show host Wendy Williams and honorary chair Florent Morellet.

Thanks to our supporters, we raised nearly $200,000 for the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services that benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers 365 days a year; we sold more tickets this year than any other year in the event’s history!

Garden Party started in 1984 as a backyard barbeque. This year, more than 2,000 friends and supporters flocked to Hudson River Park’s Pier 54 to celebrate our kick-off to Pride Week. Guests savored dining “al fresco” on the pier and watching the sun set over the Hudson River, while enjoying an open vodka bar and bidding on delicious dining packages at the fabulous “Foodies” Silent Auction, a popular activity at this culinary event.

The Center was also proud to welcome back longtime supporter Prudential as our Presenting Sponsor, and thanks Capital One and Diageo for their generous corporate sponsorship. The Center was also grateful for the support of our corporate partners Edible Manhattan, Seamless Web and Zagat.

As the only LGBT food tasting festival in the country, Garden Party 28 was a delicious beginning to Manhattan Pride Week in NYC!

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center’s mission is simple and focuses on the needs of the LGBT community: it provides a home for the birth, nurture and celebration of our organizations, institutions and culture; cares for our individuals and groups in need; educates the public and our community; and empowers our individuals and groups to achieve their fullest potential.

It’s a mission statement worth standing up for.

After all, 6,000 individuals actively use the Center each week. Some come because they need help: young people cast out by their schools or families; couples looking to navigate the maze of legal and emotional issues surrounding adoption or surrogacy; and people of all ages fighting addiction through recovery programs. Others come for community: the LGBT seniors who meet for coffee each afternoon; the LGBT immigrants who cheer each other over the hurdles this city offers up; and lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people who are coping with a cancer diagnosis and get bi-weekly support in their time of need.

But over the last few months, a single issue – peripheral to our mission – has dominated much of the public discourse about the Center: the Israeli/Palestinian divide. And, increasingly, this has generated concern in the Center community.

The issue emerged in February. At that time, we informed a non-LGBT group, organizing around the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, that it could not hold meetings or a fundraiser at the Center. A couple of months later, we told a similar, but LGBT- focused group, that it could. Looking back, both of these decisions were consistent with our space use practices and both were made after consultation with a range of stakeholders. Not surprisingly, controversy followed each decision. People have very strong feelings about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, one of the most difficult and persistent geopolitical challenges in the world. So, too, do they care deeply about the Center and its place in the world.

What’s become clear is that the Center community is not experiencing this as a theoretical or academic issue. The heated rhetoric and passion surrounding this issue is echoing loudly through our corridors – and drowning out other voices within the community. An increasing number of Center users, staff members, community partners, and supporters have expressed deep concern about the tone and volume of the debate. They’ve also questioned the Center’s perceived role or position in these issues. The fact that the Center does not endorse the views of groups meeting in the building has been ignored or flatly dismissed.

A number of our staff members have been told by clients and others who come here for respite or support that they instead feel alienated. These developments are deeply alarming to me; after all, we take seriously our role of being a welcoming place, a safe and calm haven, to all members of our community. Meanwhile, I cannot ignore the extraordinary amount of Center resources that have been consumed in navigating these issues, taking significant time and attention away from Center services, community needs, and our primary responsibility to help people in our community.

And so yesterday, June 2, we announced a time out period – a moratorium, so to speak, on groups using the Center as a meeting space to organize around the specific issue of the Israeli/Palestinian divide. This allows us all to take a deep breath, refocus on our core work of meeting the needs of the LGBT community, and reinforce the message that everyone who comes to the Center for support, community, and a better life will be welcomed.

While many in our community greet this decision with relief, some will also disagree – and passionately. We hope they can understand that individual groups’ missions cannot overwhelm our own mission. In 28 years, we have built an incredible center, but we still have so much to accomplish for questioning youth, for struggling families and for others in the LGBT community who simply need help. That’s our core work – and that’s why it’s time for a time out on Middle East organizing at the Center.

We invite all in our community to send further thoughts to timeout@gaycenter.org.

You can also view our press release here.

Glennda Testone