Center Blog

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.

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!

The New York Times editorial page voiced strong support for marriage equality this week, calling for an end to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which “denies married same-sex couples the federal benefits granted to other married couples, including Social Security survivor payments and the right to file joint tax returns.”

The marriage issue continues grabbing headlines across the country as more states move towards equality and others face threats from anti-gay forces trying to take marriage away from our community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is at the forefront of those discussions, as we welcome a host of voices on the topic this spring.  Four upcoming events scheduled here are literally putting the topic front and “Center.” 

On February 18, as part of our “Women’s Film Series” we are hosting a screening of “Till Death Do Us Part,” the first-ever comprehensive film exploring marriage for same-sex couples. On February 22 the “Center’s Speaker’s Series” features Dr. Isaac Namdar, who was excommunicated from his synagogue after the congregation learned that he married his partner. Dr. Namdar will discuss his new book about the ordeal, “In This Day And Age.” On February 28 we tackle the issue of immigration inequality, exploring the heart wrenching challenges faced by bi-national couples who must choose between the person they love and the country they love because of a lack of federal marriage protections. And on March 10 we bring together a panel of leading experts to examine the fundamental issues surrounding marriage, including Brian Ellner, Senior Strategist for the Human Rights Campaign; Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry; and Ross Levi, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.

Marriage inequality creates great hardships for loving and committed same-sex couples who just want the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for one another. There are numerous ongoing court challenges to the discriminatory (DOMA) and this week’s The New York Times editorial challenged the federal government to stop defending it. “By now, such blatant discrimination should be presumed to be unconstitutional, and the Justice Department should finally say so,” wrote The Times. The Center is excited to give marriage equality a substantial platform this month and next and we welcome you to our space to learn more, find out how you can advocate on this issue and explore the best options for protecting your partner and your family.

Glennda Testone