See upcoming events at Center Calendar

Welcome to the latest installment of Front and Center. This week we'll recap Garden Party, our community's kick off to Pride, and tell you about its positive impact on our services; and speaking of Pride, you'll also hear about our participation in this year's Pride March and all the jubilation and empowerment associated with it. Plus, hundreds of families find connection and community at our Center Families Pride Picnic. Finally, we'll share the importance our first Friends & Family Barbecue, designed to help parents support their young LGBTQ family members during the coming out process and beyond. Please enjoy reading these stories, and thank you for your support.

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Garden Party 29 Kicks Off Pride Season; Raises Vital Funds for Our Services

On Monday June 18, nearly two-thousand people flocked to Hudson River Park's Pier 46, to experience the Center's 29th Garden Party. This year friends and supporters enjoyed food and drink from nearly 40 restaurants, caterers and food trucks. Garden Party started in 1984 as a backyard barbeque in the Center's garden, and has grown to be our most highly attended fundraiser, bringing in vital support for our wellness, recovery, youth, family, and cultural programs. Guests dined "al fresco" and watched 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 extends a huge thank you to all the businesses, volunteers and individuals who helped make Garden Party 29 a success, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

View Photos Here



Families Pride Picnic Draws Hundreds Looking for Community Connection

On Saturday, June 23 nearly two hundred people gathered at Saint Luke in the Fields Church for the 24th annual Center Families LGBT Pride Picnic. The Pride Picnic provides LGBT families the chance to connect, celebrate Pride and network with each other while their children engage in a variety of activities including arts and crafts and face-painting. There was also great food, music, a puppet master extraordinaire, and an all-around sense of support and community. The event was bolstered greatly by wonderful volunteers from Goldman Sachs, St. Lukes, the Family Equality Council and CAMP HIGHLIGHT. "Everyone who attended enjoyed themselves tremendously," said George Fesser, Director of Center Families. "The Center is committed to bringing families together for events like this one throughout the year."




Center Staff and Constituents March in the New York City Pride Parade

On Sunday, June 24, hundreds joined the Center to march in the New York City Pride Parade. Marchers carried dozens of signs and banners highlighting the Center's numerous programs and services including our Gender Identity Project, Center Recovery, Services for LGBT Immigrants, Center Families, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and a host of recent cultural events. The Center joined thousands of others, marching on behalf of their individual organizations, all united in one cause. The Pride Parade is a time for a community to come together, celebrate who we are, reflect on our rich and vibrant history, and literally continue our march towards equality.



YES Family Barbecue Helps Parents Become Closer with their LGBTQ Children

On Saturday, June 16, 50 youth and family members gathered in the Center's garden for our first annual Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Friends & Family Barbeque; the event offered an opportunity for parents of YES participants to meet other parents and gain a better understanding of our program. "Many parents and family members of LGBTQ youth struggle initially with their young person coming out," said Nicolle Avallone, Director of Youth Services. "We know that supporting families helps them become better equipped to take on a loving and supportive connection with their child." This is just one of a number of activities the Center is planning in the coming year to build stronger ties with the friends and families of our youth participants.