Thu, March 19 2009

Keisha Bush
kbush@gaycenter.org
212-620-7310

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2009

Contact: Keisha Bush, 212.620.7310, kbush@gaycenter.org

THE LESBIAN, GAY, BIXESUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER BRINGS BACK "REAL WORLD: BROOKLYN" INTERNS & VOLUNTEERS FRIDAY MARCH 20TH
~ JD, Scott and Baya Return to the Center for a Cocktail Party Reunion this Friday ~

While filming the "Real World: Brooklyn" all eight housemates either volunteered or interned at the Center to support the many life-changing programs and services the Center provides. For three months MTV's camera crews came through the Center doors and caught on tape why the vital work of the Center captured the hearts of the entire cast.

On Friday, March 20th the Center welcomes back advocacy intern, JD Ordonez and volunteers Scott Hermann and Baya Voce with an open bar cocktail fundraiser, as the cast continues to support the Center's mission even after the cameras stopped rolling. This event follows the Center's sold out event featuring the Center's first appearance on the "Real World: Brooklyn" hosted by Katelynn Cusanelli, the Center's Gender Identity Project Intern, as well as Scott and Baya. The Center is thrilled the cast remains involved in the Center and are hosting a yet another Center event.

"I was honored to be a part of advocacy work at The Center in New York. I was inspired by the spirit I witnessed of the Center's LGBT past, present, and future work towards achieving equality. My experience opened my eyes to the work it took to get us here and to what glorious heights we will reach together," says JD Ordonez.

"Seeing the Center appear on the "Real World" multiple times this season has been very exciting for all of us. Showing the passion the housemates brought to the Center provides us with an incredible opportunity for millions of viewers to see the inspirational strides the Center makes in bettering the lives of our LGBT Community. The country now can see powerful Center events, such as the Election Night Party JD organized. The Center is very grateful to the "Real World" for this chance to have our essential social services, public policy, youth services, LGBT family services and cultural/recreational programs become more visible to our greater LGBT community," says the Center's Interim Executive Director and Board President, Bruce Anderson.

The event takes place this Friday, March 20th at the Center, 208 W. 13th St. from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The event will also feature auction items including a personal training session with Scott, a night out with Baya, theatre tickets, tickets to Center events and more. The Center's Election Night Party is featured on this week's episode, first airing Wednesday at 10pm.

If you are interested in attending this event or covering the Center's presence on the "Real World: Brooklyn" please contact Keisha Bush at kbush@gaycenter.org.

For more information about this event or the cast's involvement at the Center please visit http://gaycenter.org/realworld

About the Center

A beacon of hope for 29 years, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center builds and supports our community through arts and culture, wellness and recovery, family services and life-saving youth programs designed to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming environment. The Center envisions a world where LGBT people will no longer face discrimination or isolation because of who we are or who we love. We offer a welcoming home to 300,000 visitors each year and we are committed to serving all LGBT people through a variety of programs, services and activities that are designed to meet existing and emerging needs.The Center is many things to many people. We invite you to experience our home at 208 West 13th Street in person and online at gaycenter.org