Best Gay New York

Gay Day Flash Mob at JC PENNY TODAY 2pm

2012-02-11T13:26:00Z

Lets show our support for JC Penney in standing by their values and refusing to cave in to the ANTI-GAY ZEALOTS demanding Ellen be fired as Spokesperson.

Meet in front of JC Penney at
2 PM SHARP this Saturday Feb 11
Wear Pink! Bring signs of support if you like!!!

901 Ave Of The Americas Ste137

AND LETS BUY SOME STUFF... THE GAYS LOVE TO SHOP AND I'M SURE WE CAN FIND SOMETHING AT JC PENNEY. T-SHIRTS? BASICS? CREW SOCKS?

BRUNCH AFTERWARD ANYONE? GAYS LOVE TO BRUNCH, TOO.

PLEASE COME. PLEASE RSVP. SCREW ONE MILLION BIGOTED MOMS (ACTUALLY THERE ARE ONLY 40,000 OF THEM, BUT THEY ROUNDED UP TO THE NEAREST MILLION).

HERE'S ELLEN TALKING ABOUT IT

FACEBOOK PAGE

David Drake - My Tawny Valentine

2012-02-08T20:11:14Z

David Drake is playwright, stage director, actor and author. He is probably best known as the author and original performer of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, for which he received a Village Voice Obie Award, a 1994 Drama-Logue Award for "Outstanding Solo Performance." - But he has done so many things over the span of his career. - That sexy vision of him, up onstage, shirtless with a leather jacket, is burned in mind forever!

Now, David, as his alter ego "Tawny Heatherton," is bringing his new show, "My Tawny Valentine" to NYC's Laurie Beechman Theatre. This show marks the unheralded return of Tawny Heatherton, a lovably eccentric showbiz survivor and “one hit wonder” of the disco zeitgeist of the early 1980s. Tawny brings her singular blonde-swept brand of sunny, funny optimism while recalling stories of wandering the globe performing her disco "hit," her headline-grabbing turn as the unwitting "Pyro Girl of Long Island," her short-lived stint as a "Hee-Haw Honey," and reuniting with her long-lost aunt Joey Heatherton at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino.

"My Tawny Valentine" plays Feb 17, 24, & March 2 at 7:30pm at the Laurie Beechman Theater (407 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue).

Tickets are $20 plus a $15 food/drink minimum and can be purchased by calling 212-352-3101 or visit SpinCycleNYC.com..

Our dear friend Adam, from the popular site, Call Me Adam, caught up with David and interviewed him this week!

Read all about David and the new show!

More at David Drake Productions

Be Nick Adams' Valentine ! Feb 14th - LGBT Discount Night

2012-02-08T19:35:13Z

2 DEALS on
ONE NIGHT!
February 14th!!

TheMenEvent is proud to present LBGT night at PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT on Tuesday February 14th.

Looking for a great way to spend your Valentine's Day? If you have a special someone take them to see a great show, if not, let the cast of Priscilla be your Valentine!

Purchase an LGBT ticket for PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT and receive admission to a special pre-show reception before the show at The Ritz Bar in Hell's Kitchen including one free cocktail and a special gift from the show!

Tickets for LGBT Night at Priscilla Queen of the Desert on February 14th may be purchased at a special price of $77 orch/front mezz, $60 rear mezz, and $43 balcony (Reg. $52-$127).

All ticket prices include one complimentary drink at the Ritz Bar (369 West 46 St) between 5:30 and 6:45pm on Feb 14th. Tickets may be purchased by going to Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929 and using code PQDVDAY, or by bringing this article to The Palace Theatre Box Office 1564 Broadway (bet. W. 46th & 47th Sts.).

IF THAT'S NOT ENOUGH -

Fans also have the chance to be Nick Adams' Valentine on February 14th!

(see above and here is Nick on YouTube).

Matt Anctil Broadway Bares Stripper of the Month

2012-02-08T15:43:00Z

BROADWAY BARES has named hottie
MATT ANCTIL their stripper of the month!

The adorable Matt Anctil made his big Broadway debut in La Cage on Broadway and now is traveling around the country with George Hamilton and the La Cage National Tour.

Over the years he has donated his time to various charities including Broadway Bares.

Matt says, "Aside from tradition, it is so important to me to be a part of Broadway Bares because it is a wonderful example of how the entire Broadway community comes together year after year to help our fellow human beings with the gifts we have been given.

This is more than a show...it's art, it's family, it's celebration....a celebration of life! Honoring those who we have lost and looking forward to each and every day we have to live as Jerry (Mitchell) always says....FULL OUT!!!"

Last year Matt was named Broadway Hero of the Month by Gay Life NYC.org. and he had much to say about bullying, his time in high school, the broadway beauty pageant and all the great things he does for charity.

It's so refreshing to see someone so young (he is 25) doing so much for charity. And he has actually been donating his time and talents for several years now! How incredible is that?! Congratualtions Matt - from Best Gay New York.com

(Above photo by BOY CULTURE)

Broadway Hero Of The Month hivhero.org, JOHN CARROLL

2012-02-06T16:48:06Z

JOHN CARROLL BROADWAY STAR,
(Women on the Verge - and Follies)
MODEL AND BROADWAY BARES VETERAN HAS SO MUCH TO SAY.

HE MARRIED HIS TRUE LOVE THIS YEAR IN NY STATE- he says "My 90 year old grandmother LOVEs my husband!"

HE WAS BULLIED EXTENSIVELY IN SCHOOL

HE HAS ENDURED SO MUCH BUT NOW IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME AS A BROADWAY DANCER.

EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO- THIS GUY IS AS AMAZING INSIDE AS HE IS BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE.

BROADWAY HERO FOR THE MONTH
FOR FEBRUARY 2012
FOR HIVHERO.ORG

WATCH NOW!

Simon Doonan at The Center Feb 15... Gay Men Don't Get Fat!

2012-02-02T15:21:39Z

On Wednesday, February 15th, Center Authors and Second Tuesday present the witty, clever, and talented Simon Doonan, who will present and read from his new book of essays, Gay Men Don't Get Fat .

A fashionista and trusted adviser, Doonan can tell a story like no one else, moving you from outright laughter to a little tear in the corner of your eye. In his new book, Doonan talks about himself (and his designer hubby, Jonathan Adler) with honesty and hilarity; offering wisdom, advice, and inspiration beyond the same old diet and exercise tips.

He uses his own life experiences and insights to show us all how we can make every day a memorable event. Gay Men Don't Get Fat continues Doonan's tradition of linked stories and essays, this time to give away all the best gay secrets we use to stay svelte, fabulously accessorized, and beautifully decorated.

Originally from England, Simon Doonan worked for Savile Row before becoming the creative director for Barneys New York, where he designed legendary window displays for more than twenty years. Formerly a columnist for The New York Observer, he is now a contributor to Slate.com. He has appeared on Gossip Girl, Iron Chef America, and America's Next Top Model.

He is the author of several books, including "Wacky Chicks," "Confessions of a Window Dresser," and "Beautiful People," which was adapted for television in the UK. Doonan lives in New York with his husband, Jonathan Adler.

WHEN

Wednesday, February 15 PM, 6:30 PM - 8 PM

WHERE

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 West 13th Street
New York City

Shame on YOU, HRC - Honoring Goldman Sachs, Really??

2012-02-01T16:31:02Z

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than one million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality.

HRC is NOT a non profit - and in recent years, I believe, their dinners are all about who throws them the most money. For lobbying. Allegedly.

Now, with this announcement of HRC honoring Goldman Sachs, this publisher, WILL NO LONGER SUPPORT HRC.

Queer/LGBTIQA2Z Occupy Wall Street, a caucus of the NYC based Occupy Wall Street movement, announced today that it will protest a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala honoring Goldman Sachs on Saturday February 4, 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria.

In contrast to the $650 a plate Gala, the Queer/LGBTIQA2Z Caucus will host a “Guerrilla Potluck” on the sidewalk outside of the prestigious hotel at 50th Street & Park Avenue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Queer Caucus: 1. Condemns HRC for honoring Goldman Sachs, 2. Calls upon HRC to adopt a strategy of Full Equality by 2014, and 3. Demands that HRC create a transparent process that includes the grassroots.

1. The Queer Caucus condemns HRC’s decision to honor Goldman Sachs in a time of financial collapse caused by their own unethical business practices and greed, and deplores the use of our cause and suffering for corporate public relations. HRC honoring Goldman Sachs at this time reveals all one needs to know about the corporate LGBT lobby, and its disconnect from the 99% and the LGBT people it purports to represent.

2. The Queer Caucus calls upon HRC to embrace the grassroots demand for Full Federal Equality by 2014 – the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

After 60 years of struggle, there is still not a single federal non-discrimination law protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination. More incredibly, HRC, the corporate entity that controls our strategy, is not even seeking equal protection for our community.

To address this, the Queer Caucus calls on HRC to take The Pledge for Full LGBT Equality to seek and secure full non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identify for all people.

The right to be protected from discrimination secures a core liberty interest. And it is the duty of government to protect LGBT Americans from the harm caused by discrimination as a matter of public welfare, law and conscience, as it has for decades for all other oppressed groups.

As HRC restrains the demand for equality, discrimination takes its insidious toll on LGBT Americans who suffer vast psychological harm rejected by their families and society, driven to suicide at 5 times the heterosexual norm by tormenting, minority stress afflictions, and lost hope.

A whopping 40% of homeless youth identity as LGBT, 66% of Transgender people have been fired or not hired for a job, 60% of our youth are taunted and feel unsafe at school, and LGBT people are 6x more likely to have multiple mental stress disorders due to societal discrimination.

“Homo/transphobia in America is a public health and economic emergency for our community” said Michael Tikile, an occupier and Duke University graduate. “We are not safe in school, work or housing. How are we supposed to live, pursue happiness or achieve economic equality?”

3. The Queer Caucus also demand that HRC open the process with transparency and grassroots inclusion.

Currently, HRC operates under a closed, hierarchical system, controlled by a financial elite, insulated from grassroots input. Likewise, in Congress, Democrat House members Barney Frank, Jared Polis and Tammy Baldwin, keep the grassroots out of the conversation, protecting the DNC strategy from movement agitation and impact.

With this structure in place, queer occupiers know that only a handful of privileged voices are setting the national queer agenda and strategy, defining what “LGBT equality” means and who our friends are.

For example, HRC's key sponsors includes a long list of big businesses that contributed to recent economic and environmental distress, including Citi Bank, Bank of America, Chevron, BP, Shell, Morgan Stanley, MetLife, Deloitte, Lexus, Prudential, and Ernst & Young.

“With all of these companies, you’d expect the power to be on our side! But instead, our community is simply a tool and pawn in the political system” said Tanya Walker, an original occupier and tireless transgender activist.

Simply put, the Queer Caucus demands equal non-discrimination protections under the 1964 Civil Rights Act because equality is the only true antidote to LGBT abuse - like it has proven to be for race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability – long protected from discrimination by law.

“Equality and non-discrimination are universal values that define basic human dignity” said Todd (Tif) Fernandez, a human rights lawyer and grassroots activist. “It is our civic duty as Americans to protect and respect the LGBT community immediately.”

Please Take the Pledge for Full LGBT Equality (by 2014) (http://bit.ly/the2014pledge).

Join the Guerrilla Potluck (http://on.fb.me/GuerrillaPotluck). Bring flashlights.

Join Queer/LGBTIQA2Z OWS Caucus organizing, Sundays at 1pm, 60 Wall Street or on FB http://on.fb.me/QueerOWS.

BestGayNewYork.com

Shit New Yorkers Say... by The Glazers

2012-01-25T18:57:03Z

6 days
2.5 million views

TOO FUNNY!

WATCH NOW!

(Check out Eliot's
It Gets Betterish series)

By Eliotglazer.com
and Ilanaglazer.com

I'm From Driftwood: Black LGBTQ Spotlight Preview Party Jan 31st

2012-01-23T20:05:32Z

Description

ImFromDriftwood.com is spotlighting the black LGBTQ Community in early February. Before the stories are shared online, you can get a first look at Gallery Bar! All while enjoying an OPEN BAR from El Dorado Rum, winning great raffle and silent auction items, and listening and dancing to live DJ Missy B! Details:

*Gallery Bar, 120 Orchard St.
*Tuesday, January 31, 6:30pm - 10pm (*story screening starts at 8)
***EL DORADO RUM OPEN BAR 6:30 - 7:30
*Tickets: $10 advance, $15 door, purchase tickets here

*VIP Tickets ($100 or 2 for $150) get you Open Bar all night,
5 free raffle tix, bottle of El Dorado rum, signed I'm From Driftwood book.
*Silent Auction + Raffle Prizes
*DJ Missy B

Join the Facebook Page

ImFromDriftwood.com is a Brooklyn-based non-profit that collects and shares personal LGBT stories to help deepen our understanding of each other, preserve our history, and open hearts and minds.

ImFromDriftwood.com/Event

Gran Fury Read My Lips Exhibition Jan 31-March 17

2012-01-18T14:23:11Z

Gran Fury was an activist/artist collective that came together in 1988.

The first comprehensive survey documenting the important AIDS activist art collective's work from 1987 to 1995 is set to open on January 31 at 80WSE. The exhibition, curated by Gran Fury and 80WSE Assistant Director Michael Cohen, runs through March 17, 2012.

Angered by the political sphere’s refusal to address or react to the AIDS crisis that devastated NYC beginning in the ‘80s and continuing through the ‘90s, a group of designers and artists formed the collective, Gran Fury, after meeting through ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).

Photographs and records from the period help convey the urgency of the early AIDS crisis that lead many into the streets to demand reforms that changed public policy and saved countless lives. Gran Fury's work raised public awareness of AIDS and put pressure on politicians, while sparking debate in sites ranging from the Illinois Senate to the tabloid press of Italy.

Much like today’s global activists leverage technology and social media to organize and inform, Gran Fury utilized the tools available to them at the time. Through media including billboards, postcards, video, posters, paintings and giveaways, the group was able to heighten public awareness of AIDS, while compelling politicians into action.

This is such an important piece of our history!
EVERYONE should go see this!

"Gran Fury: Read My Lips" Exhibition Information

80WSE Galleries

80 Washington Square East in Greenwich Village (Between West 4th Street and Washington Place)

Exhibition Dates: January 31 to March 17, 2012

Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am to 6pm

The exhibition and panel are free and open to the public

Nearby Subways: A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, R, 4 and 6

BestGayNewYork.com

Dot429.com Networking at SoHo Grand Jan 25th

2012-01-17T23:18:20Z

429INSPIRED NYC

SOHO Grand

310 West Broadway

6:00PM - 9:00PM

Join dot429 for 429INSPIRED
dot429s signature speaker series.

Cocktails. Conversation & Cause.

Join us as we welcome Brad Carpenter, Producer of Nurse Jackie and

Sex and the City as he tells us what inspires him.

Hosted by Brian Balthazar, Kelvin Chen, Mike Sullivan, Steven Birkeland, Norbert Beatty, James Norton, Phil Putnam, and Elliot Tomaeno

These monthly installments have successfully brought together pioneering professionals and inspiring individuals for an evening of cocktails and connections.

Hosted Blue Angel Vodka bar.

$25 in advance | $35 at the door. RSVP ONLINE

Proceeds to benefit Newfest

CONNECT + ENGAGE + DISCOVER

XL Nightclub at The OUT Hotel - Is Bigger Better?

2012-01-17T13:26:00Z

It's been a long time since there was a lot of buzz about a nightclub opening!

John Blair and Beto Sutter join forces with Brandon Voss and Tony Fornabaio to bring you New York's first new gay nightclub in nearly 20 years - XL Nightclub, Lounge & Cabaret.

512 West 42nd Street, at the OUT NYC Hotel/Resort.
OPEN 4pm - 4am! 7 days a week!

XL is situated within THE OUT NYC Urban Resort, an electrifying new project occupying 70,000 square feet in Hells Kitchen. In addition to XL, the complex features a 105-room “straightfriendly” boutique hotel, a glass enclosed atrium & wet zone, a gym & wellness center, lush outdoor courtyard gardens, a 24/7 café & restaurant and a business/conference center.

Lots of big things are in the works for XL. Thursdays Nightlife personalities

SUSANNE BARSTCH AND KENNY KENNY PRESENT "42nd" - an ongoing party, Thursdays, beginning Feb. 2nd. Also watch for the return of the Classic Sunday Tea Dance with top Tea Dance DJ's

Grand Openings are planned for XL is Jan. 27-28th -
and you will need to be a "member" if you want an invite.
Join them on Facebook for more details.

NEXT Magazine Interviews Michael Cavnaugh of GayLifeNYC.org

2012-01-16T23:30:31Z

Gaylifenyc.org and HIVHERO.org
are websites for HIV Experience Resources Organization (HERO) - a non-for-profit company operating in New York State. It features Entertainment News and On The Town updates.

It's also dedicated to helping people getting around, get through and get over the system that hinders timely assistance for the newly diagnosed & people living with HIV/AIDS. And it's dedicated to entertaining you, and keeping your spirits up where they should be. HERO is 100 % Volunteer based.

Web series host Michael Cavnaugh really loves chorus boys and the world of entertainment. The 47-year-old creator of GayLifeNYC.org, promotes HIV/AIDS awareness through interviews with Broadway and entertainment celebrities. He picks one chorus boy each month to feature on his site, someone who has donated their time and energy into helping the AIDS crisis.

NEXT Magazine turn the tables on Michael this week with a little Q&A

GayLifeNYC.org

The OUT NYC Gay Hotel Opens it doors in March

2012-01-13T17:32:52Z

You have heard about...
You have read about it....
It's HERE.

Just a few weeks away! The on again, off again project is a reality, opening it's a doors in March. That's 2012!

The OUT NYC
New York City's first gay hotel.

The boutique hotel which bills itself as an "urban gay resort," is located in Hell's Kitchen (where else?). It will include 105 rooms and XL Nightclub, which the creators say is the first nightly gay dance club to open in the city in the last 15 years.

Brought to you by club legend John Blair, the 14,000 sq. foot XL is slated to open this month.

Plans for the hotel also include a three courtyards and a massive gym.

Rooms will start at around $200 a night, with sleep shares starting at $99 a night.

The site is up and live and taking reservations now!

Check it out!

Alec Mapa and Baby Daddy Return to New York Feb 9-11

2012-01-13T13:59:03Z

ALEC MAPA , America's favorite Gaysian,
(Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, The View, RuPaul's Drag
Race, The Gossip Queens, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure) returns to New
York with his acclaimed new show. ALEC MAPA: BABY DADDY

Three performance only, February 9 - 11 at
The Laurie Beechman Theater
at West Bank Café.

ALEC MAPA: BABY DADDY is an outrageous evening of stories and
stand-up comedy. Join "America's Gaysian Sweetheart" Mapa as he
hilariously recounts his latest heart-stopping adventure on the road
to fatherhood. Recently, Alec's life was turned upside down when he
and his husband, producer Jamison Hebert (BULLIED) adopted a five-year
old boy.

How do you go from stand-up gigs, red carpets, gay cruises,
and circuit parties to being a responsible car pool driving, P.T.A.
member? Find out on this fast-paced ride with sudden dips and turns!

ALEC MAPA: BABY DADDY runs February 9 - 11 at 7:30pm. The Laurie
Beechman Theater is located inside West Bank Cafe at 407 West 42nd
Street -- at Ninth Avenue, accessible from the A,C,E,N,R,V,F,1,2 & 3
trains at 42nd Street).

Tickets are $20 plus a $15 food/drink minimum.
To purchase tickets call 212-352-3101 or visit SpinCycleNYC.com.