This document provides year-end financial advice regarding charitable giving decisions and their tax implications. It notes that charitable donations made by December 31st can be deducted from 2007 taxes if itemizing deductions. Donating appreciated stock or charging donations to a credit card are highlighted as strategies to maximize tax savings from charitable donations this year. Readers are encouraged to consider supporting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in their year-end giving.

1. Our Youth pride chorus perfOrms
sOmebOdy tO LOve - a hOLiday cOncert
december 18 & 19, 2007 | Page 5
DECEMbEr 2007 • VOLUME 23, Issue 11
MAILED TO 58,000 HOUSEHOLDS EACH MONTH
World aids day concert
saturday, december 1 | Page 5
raising a faith-based family
thursday, december 13 | Page 10
kWanzaa celebration
friday, december 28 | Page 16
“the Portable Queer”
tuesday, december 7 | Page 11

2. center buiLdinG &
prOGram hOurs
December 2007 • VOLUME 23, ISSUE 11 The Lesbian, Gay,
EXECUTIVE DIrECTOr EDITOr
bisexual & Transgender Library book Sale:
richard d. burns, esq. david henderson Community Center monday – friday: 6pm–9pm
saturday: 1pm–7pm
208 West 13th Street
PrESIDENT DESIGNEr (Between 7th & 8th Aves.) National History Archive:
bruce anderson mayonn, inc. Walk-in hours:
Phone: 212.620.7310
thursday: 6pm– 8pm or by appointment
bOArD CO-CHAIrS ADVErTISING Fax: 212.924.2657 (call 212.620.7310, ext. 205)
rachel Lavine, esq. COOrDINATOr www.gaycenter.org
Gregg h. passin clay cane Cyber Center:
tclay@gaycenter.org Subway: 1, 2, or 3 to 14th street monday–friday: 11am–9pm
TrEASUrEr and 7th avenue saturday & sunday: 12 noon–6pm
david ratcliffe CONTrIbUTOrS a, c, e, or L to 14th street and Terminal use: $3 per hour
ector simpson 8th avenue (or any part of an hour)
PrESIDENTS EMErITI Orie urami f or v to 14th street and 6th avenue
irving cooperberg (in memoriam) dan Whitman path to 14th street and 6th avenue Youth Enrichment Services Program:
david nimmons Jeff Klein tuesday–friday: 3:30pm–8pm
steven J. powsner, esq. (in memoriam) Jim-bob Williams CENTEr bUILDING AND drop-in counseling hours: 3:30—5:30pm
PrOGrAM HOUrS saturday: 12 noon–6pm
Judith e. turkel, esq.
building: 7 days a Week: 9am–11pm drop-in counseling hours: 12noon—2pm
richard Winger
Office: monday–friday: 9am-8:30pm Center CArE:
bOArD OF DIrECTOrS monday-friday: 10am-6pm
maria canales The Pat Parker/Vito russo Library: by appointment
ivan dominguez, esq. monday–thursday: 6pm–9pm center care screening
sherri eisenpress, esq. saturday: 1pm–4pm monday-friday: 12-4pm
michael field call (212) 620-7310 X248
paul Gruber center happenings is
Kenneth harkins, esq. published 11 times annually. Holiday Hours:
r. Keith harman ©2007 Lesbian & Gay The offices and programs will be closed, but the building will open at 5 PM for regularly
charles m. hurr, esq. community services center, inc. scheduled meetings on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, and Tuesday, January 1, 2008.
Keith Jacobson
tom Kirdahy, esq.
heymi J. Kuriel
h. Gwen marcus, esq.
dinah nissen, esq.
ana L. Oliveira
Discover Ulster County, the fastest-growing
christian t. palmieri, esq. LGBT community in New York State.
mario J. palumbo, Jr. Woodstock, New Paltz, and more... Great for weekend homes.
mary e. sculley
cosy simon
Diane B. Silverberg CRS, ABR
Associate Broker
845-687-0232 x109
a note from the center’s Volunteer manager diane@westwoodrealty.com
www.buyfromdi.com
Hello, my name
is Tim Wearne,
and I am the new
Volunteer Manager
centerhappenings | december 2007
at the Center. I
am excited to join
the Center team
and look forward to working with the
Center’s volunteer community. Please
do not hesitate to stop by and say hello.
You may also reach me at 212-620-7310
or twearne@gaycenter.org.
2

3. WHAT’S INSIDE: JOin
the center
team!
advOcacy further your career
and serve your community
human rights day 22
all at once. visit
www.gaycenter.org/about/
cuLture employment today!
World aids day 5
Out & faithful 10
the portable Queer 11
yoga and recovery: parallel paths
dance: 208 Gay sex in the 70s 14
center bingo 14
share-a-thon! 15
conversation with assembly
member daniel O’donnell 16
member and volunteer holiday reception
with Jessica Kirson 18
request for submissions:
community art project 18
Lesbian cinema arts’ Winter films 19
heaLth
center care Groups & Workshops 17
center care training institute 17
12-step meetings 23
speciaL events and GivinG
richard burns’ holiday message 4 heLp us prepare fOr
youth pride chorus holiday concerts 5 Our 25th anniversary!
year-end financial advice 9 In preparation for the Center’s 25th
for the record: Women’s event 12 Anniversary Celebration, our National Archive
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender History
will mount an exhibit, including the important
december caLendar participation of the many groups that have
highlights include World aids day, Women’s used the Center over the years. If you can
donate or loan any materials, please contact
coffeehouse, bear cafe’s “teddy bear breakout,” the Center’s Archivist Rich Wandel at
dance: 208 twinkle holiday party, and more! richw@gaycenter.org or leave a message
at (212) 620-7310. Materials can also
volunteer manager’s message 2 be left at the Center marked for
the Archive exhibit.
center meetings directory 22
You CAN and you SHOULD...,
centerhappenings | december 2007
Own a Piece of New York!
I Can Help. Call me today!
Kathy Hansen
"Real Estate NEVER Sleeps!"
Prudential Douglas Elliman
137 Waverly Place
New York, NY. 10014
212-206-2813
khansen@elliman.com
3

4. YouR GIFT CAN MAkE
A WoRLD oF DIFFERENCE
THIS HoLIDAY SEASoN
All year long, for 24 years, the Center has
provided a warm, friendly, and welcoming place
for all of New York’s LGBT community.
Thousands of people pass through our doors
each week. They come from all five boroughs of the city, as well as
all parts of the country and the globe. Some come to find support
and inspiration, some come to be a part of a community, some
home for our entire community.
come to celebrate our experiences and creativity, and some come
to be with friends or to make new ones.
Whatever the case, the Center’s doors are open 365 days a year
and we are ready to welcome and serve all who want to transform
their lives, their communities, and$50- can buy: our entire community.
Here’s what your gift- whether $500 or our world.
home for
As the year 2007 comes to a close,
Support a teen through a summer of
$1,000
workshops and a week of camp
many of us will pause to reflect on
our lives andprogram own fortunes. one
Support a 12-week our developed
by The Center to help people win the $600
thingagainst which we can be thankful is
battle for crystal meth
here’s what your gift—whether $500 or $50- can buy:
Here’s what your gift- whether $500 or $50—can buy:
that theyoung person in the Youth for all of us.
Enroll one
Center is here
At this Services year year when we think
Enrichment time Peer Education
of $150 Support a teenteen through a summer
support a through a summer of $1,000
Program for a whole workshops and a week a week of camp
of workshops and of camp $1,000
about gifts and holiday celebrations,
Support a 12-week program developed
support a 12-week program developed
pleaseofconsidercancer with a gift that $75 byby the centerhelphelp peoplethe the
Provide a lesbian facing a special
session counseling and support
The Center to to people win win $600
$600
battle against crystal meth meth
battle against crystal
is not for one person only, but for
Enroll one young person in thein the youth
enroll one young person Youth
our community.lending
Keep New York’s largest Please make a tax
Enrichment Services Peer peer education
enrichment services Education $150
$150
library of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and $35
Program for a for a whole year
programs whole year
deductible giftopen for a day $200, or
Transgender materials of $20,
centerhappenings | december 2007
$2,000of theanyof thousands ofthat youcome to the Provide a lesbiancounceling and support
On behalf or tens amount people who give
provide a lesbian facing cancer with
Center,
a session of facing cancer with a $75
$75
thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and for your very muchcounseling and support
session of
to ensure the Center continues to be
needed support.
Keep new york’s largest lending
the home for our entire community. Keep Newof Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, and
library York’s largest lending $35
library of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and a day
transgender materials open for $35
Transgender materials open for a day
On behalf of the tens of thousands of people who come
On to the center, tens ofyou for your kindness, your compassion,
behalf of the thank thousands of people who come to the Center,
Richard D. Burns, Executive Director thank you your very much needed support
and forfor your kindness, your compassion, and for your very much
needed support.
4

5. WOrLd aids day cOncert
saturday, december 1, 2007, 11am
the center and
downtown music Productions Presents:
somebody to loVe –
a holiday concert
sudden sunsets tuesday, december 18, 2007, 8Pm
complementary brunch 11am Wednesday, december 19, 2007, 8Pm
concert noon lucille lortel theatre, 121 christopher street
march at 1Pm youth Pride chorus
featuring our very own lady J
performed by chamber orchestra and directed by Wes Webb
opera musicians, sudden sunsets is a The Center’s Youth Pride Chorus (YPC) will challenge, question,
and expose the playful side of love this month with two
program of works by composers who performances of somebody to love, a holiday concert, featuring
died of aids, including chris deblasio, songs by Prince, Mika, outkast, special guest Lady J, and more!
The concerts for the general public will be at 8 p.m. on Tuesday,
Lee Gannon, deolus husband, robert December 18, and Wednesday, December 19, at The Lucille Lortel
savage, nicholas schaffner, and others. Theatre, 121 Christopher Street, between Bleecker and Hudson.
In addition, YPC will offer a free pre-performance workshop
the program continually expands its for youth between the ages 13 to 21 at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday,
repertory of music by composers who December 18, as an introduction to the regular concert.
The Chorus is a joint effort of the Center and the new york
were cut down far too early and should city gay men’s chorus, and membership is open to gay, lesbian,
be remembered by the world. bisexual, and transgender youth.
General admission ticket prices are $12. For ticket information,
the concert will be performed at the visit www.bapany.org or call (212) 344-1777 X10. Free tickets for
center on World aids day and followed youth (13-21) are available by calling the YES program office at
(212) 620-7310.
by a march to union square.
founded in 1990 downtown music
centerhappenings | december 2007
productions’ benson aids series is
Center Happenings • December 2007
named in honor of eric benson, an
east village musician, tenor, and stage
director. he died in 1988. downtown
music productions director mimi stern
Wolf said, “his loss inspired me to collect
and perform music by composers who
should not be forgotten.”
5
PHoToS: ToM SENGEL

6. 6
centerhappenings | december 2007
Paid Advertisement

7. Full page color ad
CenterHappenings • December 2007

9. Ye Ar -e Nd F i N A Nc iA L p L A N Ni N G
how strategic charitable giving decisions can make a difference
As you review your year-end tax and/or charitable In addition, charging a donation on a credit card is deductible
planning, we hope you will consider making good in the year the charge is made. Therefore, individuals may
use of your income tax charitable deduction by generate a tax deduction this year but do not have to make card
supporting The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender payments until next year. Therefore, you can donate by charge
Community Center in your year-end giving. card, take the deduction, and then payoff the charge next year.
If you itemize deductions on your 2007 1040 Tax Return, Gifts of Stock: It is typically smarter to make a charitable
you can almost always contribution with an appreciated stock than
take advantage of your with cash. Gifts of appreciated stock address
charitable gifts to lower two tax liabilities. When a donor makes a gift
your income taxes. The with appreciated stock, they avoid the capital
amount of the income tax gains liability as well as generate an income tax
savings will depend on deduction based upon fair market value of the
your personal financial stock on the date of transfer. For example, a
circumstances and your stock originally purchased for $1,000 that now
tax bracket. has a value of $10,000 may be donated. The
For example, if you result is avoiding the $9,000 capital gain (at 15%,
are in the 33% bracket, a a $1,400 tax savings) and receiving an income
$1,000 contribution can tax deduction of $10,000 (if in the 33% bracket,
save you $330 in taxes that’s a $3,300 income tax
for that year. Any donor who has experienced savings).
a spike in income due to taking a capital gain, other reasons to consider
receiving a bonus, selling a business or any a gift of stock are the
other event that increases taxable income opportunity to rebalance
may wish to consider generating charitable your portfolio or reduce
deductions to offset this year’s tax liability. a concentrated position in
You should also consider accelerating future order to minimize risk in your
charitable gifts into the current year if you portfolio. Even if you like a
have generated larger than normal taxable stock and wish to retain it
income oR if you anticipate being in a lower in your portfolio, you may
tax bracket in future years. give the appreciated stock
away and then repurchase
top Photo: (from left to right): gary groff, board President
assets to fund charitable giving bruce anderson, board member Paul gruber. Photo: tom senegal. the stock with the cash
Gifts of Cash: A donation of cash is deductible bottom Photo: (from left to right): barbara olatta, susanne
you would have given to
in the year the gift is made. Cash gifts may singer, Virginia moraweck. Photo: Jicky the charity anyway. This
take several forms and one should understand enables you to retain your
the “timing” of the gift as well. For example, a gift made by check investment in the stock but “reset” your cost is at current value.
is deemed paid when the donor unconditionally delivers or mails By engaging that strategy, you remain invested in the position
the check to the charity. but have effectively scrubbed your capital gains tax liability.
Gifts of Tangible Personal Property: Donors may satisfy
charitable gifts with art, cars, boats, jewelry or other tangible
items. The main issue here is valuation. What is the item worth
centerhappenings | december 2007
and how was that value determined? There are strict rules
• Develop healthier connections skills for greater intimacy
and reporting requirements a donor should be aware of when
• Become more comfortable with your emotions making gifts of tangible personal property.
• Work on Self-Esteem, Depression Anxiety Strategic timing of your charitable giving in conjunction with
your other financial goals can result in significant financial
Openings in Gay men's psychotherapy group of high-functioning adults benefits to you as well as enable you to foster your charitable
working on expanding awareness of self in relationship to others. goals and interests. Please feel free to contact me at (212) 620-
7310 or at jklein@gaycenter.org to discuss the many ways of
Gary M. Prottas, LMSW, MPS, LP giving to the Center.
Licensed Psychoanalyst / Gestalt Psychotherapy
— Jeffrey Klein
Contact: 212-645-1152 Free consultation
Web site: www.GaryMProttas.com for the Center Development Team
with this ad
9

10. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 8-10PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 3-5:00PM
Pat Parker/Vito Russo Library Book Discussion Group The Women’s CoffeeHouse presents Chavisa Woods
The Pat Parker/Vito Russo Library book discussion Chavisa Woods will discuss her new book, Love
group is a friendly group, always open to new Does Not Make Me Gentle or Kind, her first full
members. This month’s featured book is My length book of fiction. Love Does Not Make Me
Lives: A Memoir by Edmund White. Rather than Gentle or Kind is a collection of short stories
a straightforward autobiography, White presents focusing on the formative moments in the lives
his life as a series of essays or mediations with of two women as children as well as adults,
sections such as “My Shrinks,” “My Father,” “My primarily in rural America. “Chavisa’s stories are
Mother,” “My Hustlers,” “My Women,” “My Europe,” definitely written from an American outsider
“My Blonds,” “My Master,” and “My Friends.” This perspective. She’s a writer who watches, waits,
memoir includes much candid writing about sex. and thinks for herself, bringing us close to the
For a Princeton professor, White gets around! infernal life of the ignorant and the articulate
seer who lurks among them,” according to
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, Noon Jennifer Blowdryer, author of White Trash
World AIDS Day Concert Debutant. There will be books for purchase.
See story on page 5. Coffee and dessert are available at no charge.
$6, women only.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 5-7PM
Moonfire Empowerment and Spirituality Network SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 3-6PM
Come join Irene “Tiger” Clark for another “Improv “Teddy Bear Breakout” - Bear Cafe
Workshop.” This class is based on Viola Spolins’ Calling all collectors! Bring your teddy bears and
techniques. It will give you a chance to experience have them compete at today’s social. Prizes for
drama class “games,” which will provide a great cutest, sexiest, funniest, most romantic, looks
sense of freedom as you release the child (or most like owner, couple’s award, oldest (i.e.
whomever else!) within you. Tiger has been acting most-used from childhood). Co-Sponsored with
all her life. She has studied with Claude Samton Metrobears. $5 for Bear Cafe and Metrobear
and last performed with Mare Nostrum Elements members (with card); $10 for non-members. Plus
at La Mama, Etc. Leave your inhibitions at home bring a large bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage
but bring your imagination! $6, all welcome. For or an appetizer/fruit/cheese/munchies/dessert
information, call Amethyst (212) 222-2467. to share potluck style. We offer free Coffee and
Tea. (866) 749-8180. info@bearcafe.org or www.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 8-10PM bearcafe.org.
Qwik Dates: Ages 40+ night
At this Speed-Dating event, meet lots of guys TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 8-10PM
ages 40+ one-on-one for a series of three- Pat Parker/Vito Russo Library Book Discussion Group
minute dates, then you get a free mingling period Two short novels by a superlative Southern
to meet anyone else in the room. Tell us which American writer, Carson McCullers: The Member
men you want a second date with, and minutes of the Wedding and The Ballad of the Sad Café.
later you will find out your matches. This is a In The Member of the Wedding, an unhappy
CALENDAR
great opportunity to meet lots of guys for time- 12 -year-old Frankie discovers her role in the
efficient face-to-face contact and see what kind wedding of her older brother as she dreams
of chemistry is there. It’s a lot of fun and could of joining the happy couple in their new life
lead to meeting someone special! $20, pay at together. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe is a study
the door. (212) 714-3944. www.qwikdates.com of longing in a love triangle between the burly
Miss Amelia, the hunchbacked Cousin Lymon,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 9-1AM and Miss Amelia’s husband Marvin Macy.
The Unity Committee - A Holiday Dance
A Narcotics Anonymous Standing Committee FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 7-10PM
of Manhattan Area Service Committee proudly Deeper Dating for Men
presents: A Holiday Dance. For your enjoyment Time out New York calls Deeper Dating “The
DJ Junkman will be spinning the latest in RB, Hip New-Craze Dating Event.” our city is filled with
Hop and House Classics. This is a “Don’t Miss”. quality single men trying to live their lives based
DECEMBER
unity continues to serve the gay and lesbian on deeper values such as personal growth,
groups of Narcotics Anonymous throughout spirituality, building family and community and/
the entire region. Please help us keep the doors or recovery. The evening will be led by John
open for the gay and lesbian addicts as well as Salvato. Following a brief meditation, you’ll
anyone with a desire to stop using. No addict engage in a series of fun and enriching exercises
seeking recovery need every die! $7 that will enable you to meet other men and share
in more personal ways. Built into the evening will
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 9PM, $10 be the opportunity to exchange phone numbers
DANCE: 208 Presents Gay Sex in the 70s! with potential matches. $20 online registration
centerhappenings | december 2007
Legendary DJ Johnny Dynell at www.DeeperDating.com or $25 at the door.
Sponsored by the film Gay Sex in the 70s, a Includes refreshments. 10% of profits donated to
steamy romp by Joseph Lovett! Pride For Youth.
See the story on page XXXXXX.
CENTER ouT FAITHFuL PRESENTS
Raising a Faith-Based Family
thursdAY, deceMBer 13, 7pM, $10
This program will be presented from multiple perspectives: families of choice, biological
families, and also communities of faith that we create and learn to love as family. The
program is accompanied by a slide presentation by photographer Amon Whipple, who
10 depicts his own family in the context of faith.

11. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 8-10PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 8-10PM
Exploring Relationships Discussion Group Gay Lesbian Reading Group
No one likes to say goodbye to friends or lovers. Discussion of Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Trans
Fear, anger, sadness and pain are in the mix experience through reading contemporary
along with guilt, shame and self-blame. How can and classic novels, plays, poetry, and non-
I end a bad relationship in a healthy way and fiction. Newcomers welcome to share or just
get into new experience? Tonight, share your listen. Tonight: Fun Home by Allison Bechdel.
experiences, teach, and learn with other men Phone Julio 212-945-0709. Email Jim: jclark@
and women in a safe space. The doors close jclarkmedia.com, web site: jclarkmedia.com/
soon after 8PM, so please don’t be late. $10. (718) gaybooks.
473.0702. http://psychology.meetup.com/70/
Center Bingo
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 5-7PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Moonfire Empowerment and Spirituality Network See the listing for times on page XXXXX.
Moonfire invites all women to become a part of second tuesdays Presents
Lesbian Herstory through art. Come prepared FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 7-10PM erin Mchugh,
to either model and be the subject or create an Women’s Deeper Dating Author of The Portable Queer
art expression with paper, color, canvas, video, our city is filled with quality single women trying tuesdAY, deceMBer 11
or photography. For those who want to model to live their lives based on deeper values such as 6pM reception, 7pM reading, $10
(either nude, semi-nude, clothed or costumed), personal growth, spirituality, building family and
come as you want to be represented. This is your community and/or recovery. The evening will be “now here’s the required reading i was
chance to become immortalized! We will provide led by kathryn Janus. After a brief meditation looking for when i was in school! i can
paper for those who wish to draw or paint. You you’ll engage in a series of fun and enriching guarantee that you’ll never put this book in
must bring art materials to draw or paint with, exercises that will enable you to meet other the closet.”-Judy gold, comedian and author
video equipment and/or cameras. $3 for those women and share in more personal ways. Built into of 25 Questions for a Jewish mother,
who wish to model, $6 for others. Women only. the evening will be the opportunity to exchange
For information, call Amethyst (212) 222-2467. phone numbers with potential matches. $20 thoughts from the gays of yesteryear to
online registration at www.DeeperDating.com, today’s “friends of queers.” the Portable
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 8-11PM $25 at the door. Includes refreshments. 10% of Queer provides observations on love and
Annual Chanukah Party for the GLBT Jewish Community profits go to Sylvia’s Place. sex, politics, fashion, and more. learn about
Join GLYDSA (Yeshiva Group), JQYouth, JCC in the first great gay activist, karl heinrich
Manhattan, Rodeph Sholom, CBST and other FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 7:30-10:30PM ulrichs. read about the brave women
co-sponsoring groups as we light the lights and Contra Dance Party and men of the matachine society. and
spin like dreidels with hundreds of friends. Music, Contra Dance, traditional American folk dance to
of course, the stonewall riot. and relive
holiday food and fun. $10/$7 students with ID. live music, is easy to learn, friendly, aerobic and
the stories of the writers and artists who
Info: www.glydsa.org or (212) 780-4656. fun. No partner or experience required. Join us
pushed a movement forward. it’s not all
as we put a queer twist in these American roots.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 8-10PM Caller: Donna Hunt, Band: Fingerplay. $12. More wisecracks and witticisms—included are
Date Bait: HIV+ event info: Brooks (347) 275-7983, Carol (718) 972-3191. some of the most scandalous remarks
Meet relationship-oriented Poz guys at this fun, www.lcfd.org/nyc ever made! moving, definitively quotable,
structured singles mixer. After meeting most intriguing, shocking, and ultimately hopeful.
of the guys in the room, you hand us a list of SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 5-7PM erin mchugh is a longtime gay activist and
the ones you want to date, and our computer Moonfire Empowerment and Spirituality Network fundraiser, former publishing executive, and
will tell you your mutual matches. When Date “Creative Writing,” facilitated by Lorraine Gibney, author of several books.
Bait began its singles mixers 11 years ago, the poet, artist, writer, and teacher. Have you ever
HIV+ event was its first specialized theme event. had the desire to give vent to your creative
At this event, you’ll be in a room full of other bent and develop your potential to write that
positive guys to help you in your quest to find a monumental novel of all time, or just a few center OrientatiOn presents
great guy. $20, pay at the door. (212) 971-1084 short stories? If so, let Lorraine show you how yoga and recoVery:
or www.datebait.com. to get started and utilize the proper techniques
to begin to turn out well-written, organized, and Parallel Paths to reneW
Second Tuesdays Presents Erin McHugh, interesting text. Time will be allotted to briefly the mind, body sPirit
Author of The Portable Queer write and read aloud some of your work. $6, all monday, december 17, 7Pm, free
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 welcome. For information, call Amethyst at (212)
6PM Reception, 7PM Reading, $10 222-2467. Center orientation has provided a hearty
See the story on page XXXXXX. welcome to hundreds of LGBT people who
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 8-10PM are coming out of the closet, new to New
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 8-10:30PM Compatibility Game: Ages 20s/30s night York City, or seeking to connect with their
Salsa Social Club Holiday Latin Dance Party It’s speed-dating with a twist: answer four community. Nine times a year, this monthly
Celebrate the holidays by joining the Salsa Social questions about your interests, values, and
event hosts a health related seminar that
Club for an evening of mixing, mingling and Latin lifestyle, and get assigned to four different
partner dancing. Beginners welcome. $5 www. groups of men in their 20s and 30s who gave informs our community about the array
centerhappenings | december 2007
salsascny.com. answers similar to yours. Also meet guys one- of health care options and practices that
on-one in a free mingling period. Finally, give us are available in New York. From traditional
Center Out Faithful Presents a list of the men you want to date, and minutes to alternative, these healthcare providers
Raising a Faith-Based Family later you will find out your mutual matches. and services enhance the physical and
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7PM, $10 Compatibility Game is a fun, revolutionary way emotional well being of our community.
See the story on page XXXXXX. to meet men you are compatible with, thereby Both yoga and 12-Step programs, at their
increasing your odds that a relationship could best, nurture the spirit and help people to
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6-9PM take hold. $20, pay at the door. (212) 502- restore and renew their lives. This one-hour
10 Tips To Find True Love 6664. www.compatgame.com. yoga class, intended for people in recovery
Don’t be alone another holiday. Angelo Pezzote
but open to all, will draw on the practice
is a gay therapist, author and journalist. He has
appeared on Montel, and his “Ask Angelo” column and philosophy of both traditions and note
regularly appears on www.edgenewyork.com. some of the themes and tools that are
(917) 673-5003. $30 at door. Continued on page 16 common to both. Participants should bring
a yoga mat and expect a moderate level of
physical exertion. 11

12. TENTH ANNuAL WoMEN’S EVENT
RAISES A RECoRD $300,000!
PRESENTING SPoNSoR
DIAMoND SPoNSoR
PLATINUM SPoNSoR
More than 500 women celebrated the PALLADIUM SPoNSoR
Center’s work on November 3, 2007, at the
Tenth Annual Women’s Event at Chelsea Piers.
With the assistance of Presenting Sponsor IBM,
the fundraiser brought in just over $300,000 CoRPoRATE FRIENDS
to support many Center programs, including
the Lesbian Cancer Initiative, Youth Enrichment
Services, and Center kids.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation
of this year’s honorees. Sally Susman, Executive
Vice President for Global Communications for
The Estee Lauder Companies, was presented
the Corporate Leader Award by
actress Bonnie Somerville, who
abOve: presenter
plays a character inspired by Ms.
marion seldes;
Susman on the television series GoLD SPoNSoRS
honoree cherry
Jones, Outspoken Cashmere Mafia. Broadway Citi
community Leader legend Marion Seldes presented FenwiCk keats Goodstein
award; honoree sally the outspoken Community Leader Lehman Brothers
susman, corporate
Award to another of the Great merriLL LynCh
Leader award; and Pride Limo
presenter bonnie White Way’s finest actresses,
showtime networks inC.
somerville gather Cherry Jones.
before the event. Thank you from the staff
photo: Jicky NATIoNAL MEDIA SPoNSoR
and Board of Directors to
Rachel Lavine, Event Chair and
abOve: Kimmi ramine Board Co-chair, for another thrilling
of youth enrichment and successful Women’s Event!
centerhappenings | december 2007
services riveted the ExCLUSIVE WoMEN’S
audience with her story. MEDIA SPoNSoR
she’s introduced here by
the program’s director,
Jenny debower. photo:
rob Zukowski
Left: sally susman
and yvette c. burton of MEDIA SPoNSoRS
presenting sponsor ibm.
photo: Jicky
riGht: rachel Lavine,
right, chair of
Women’s event, and
partner roberta Kaplan.
12 photo: Jicky

13. MassageAce
deep tissue,
swedish,
sports and
medical
massage
Rob Pinter, LMT
917-309-8224
ny state licensed, since 1993
2 locations: east village and union square
outcalls and gift certificates available
http://hometown.aol.com/massageace/
Carolyn Farhie, LCSW
PHoTo: RoB FRYDLEWICz
Psychotherapist
LBGT Issues - Relationships
Creativity - Parenting
center share-a-thon! Health Concerns
the center out Professionals invite you Depression – Anxiety – Trauma
to find your Place in the sun
a benefit for the center Presented by out Professionals,
the nation’s leading gay and lesbian network.
646-413-1841
Looking for a summer share? Come to the Center Share-a-thon! Union Square Location
Center Share-a-Thon 2008 is a series of four evenings benefiting
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender Community Center.
Spanish Speaking/Weekend Office Hours
Join us from 6-9PM on thursday, January 17, thursday, april 17,
or on saturday afternoon, february 23.
Register now at www.gaycenter.org for any Center Share-a-Thon.
offering Summer Shares? Register now to guarantee your space
at any or all of 2008’s four events. Bring photos, floor plans, fliers
(laptop outlets limited). Just $40 gets you table space and admission
for one share offeror. Each additional offeror, $15 per event.
Seeking a Summer Share? Whatever your budget, you’ll find
tempting offerings in every category – quarter-share, half-share,
full share. Skip the sign-in line, speed your admission, and make the
most of each and every Center Share-a-Thon: Register online now.
Share seeker, $15 per event.
centerhappenings | december 2007
13

14. gay seX in the 70’s
dance: 208 Presents gay sex in the 70s!
saturday, december 1, 9Pm, $10
legendary dJ Johnny dynell
sponsored by the film gay sex in the 70s,
a steamy romp by Joseph lovett!
Go back to 70s when sex was fun and dancing was sleazy
sexy! It was a time when you wandered from Badlands
to the Ramrod, up the abandoned West Side Highway to
the Anvil, Mineshaft, or Spike. or . . . perhaps a pit stop at
the trucks or the piers. It was also an amazing time in
NYC for dancing with legendary, sexy dance clubs: The
Cockring, Crisco Disco, The Anvil, 12 West, Alex In
Wonderland, Flamingo, and Studio 54. And what a
soundtrack! Celebrate with Dance: 208 as we recreate
the music and vibe of that era . . . the sleazy dancing till
dawn in your levis, plaid shirt, and the hankie code.
Sponsored by Joseph Lovett, it’s a valentine to that sleazy
era (with giveaways!), Gay Sex in the 70s, with legendary
DJ Johnny Dynell (Jackie 60, SBNY, Boy Bar, Mr Black).
We’re gonna take you down down down into the disco
inferno, where Sylvester will take you to heaven, or the
Skatt Brothers will have you walking the night.
NEW YoRk BLADE PRESENTS
go
Center Bin14
FRIDAY, DEC 7PM
Jackpot Prize
$500!!!
Hosted by the amazing Trai la
Trash!! Center Bingo is back! More
Cash! More Prizes! Don’t miss it!
uPCoMING BINGoS
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
March, March 21, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
$10 advance online registration
$15 at the door
www.gaycenter.org

15. embrace human rights day on december 10
the Lesbian, Gay, bisexual
transgender community center
please visit our human rights table
in the lobby on human rights day,
is a member organization of the which is celebrated worldwide on
us human rights network, a monday, december 10, to learn more.
national network of social justice remember, human rights cannot
organizations and individual be given to us or taken away from
activists cutting across all us; they are ours, inherent by virtue
progressive movements to build of our birth as human beings. it is up
a powerful domestic social justice to each of us to demand that all of
movement that is multi-issue our human rights, individually and
oriented, intersectional in nature, communally, be protected, respected
and grounded in a people-centered and promoted. - RJ Thompson, National Campaign
Advocacy Manger The Public Policy
vision of human rights. Government Relations Team
The Helix Practitioner
Referal Line
Helix is a not-for-profit organization
offering affordable counseling,
holistic healing, and pschotherapy for
individuals and couples since 1980.
info@helixtraining.org 212-594-4659
centerhappenings | december 2007
15

16. DECEMBER
CALENDAR (cont’d)
awarded the New York Foundation of the Arts FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 8-10PM
Award in Fiction and Drawing, was nominated Men of All Colors New York celebrates
for a Will Eisner Award in the Graphic Novel, Kwanzaa (Ujima) at the Center!
and wrote a book named one of the Top Ten All are invited. Every year MACT/NY celebrates
Books of the Year by Entertainment Weekly. the seven nights of kwanzaa. Those interested
Books will be available for purchase. Join us in joining us on other days should check our
for this presentation of a gifted writer. Coffee website at www.mactny.org.
and dessert are available at no charge. $6,
women only. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 8-12:30AM
Big Apple Roundup Sober New Year’s Eve
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 3-6PM Celebration
MATES CoffeeHouse - Bear Cafe Come ring out the old and ring in the new with
Whether you’re looking for new buddies, a your sober friends. Dancing and entertainment
secOnd tuesdays presents date or a (future) spouse, we have a variety of from 8PM. $20 at the door. Also, a meeting
state Assembly Member daniel o’donnell marathon all evening beginning at 7PM, all
in conversation with Miriam Yeung, friendly, attractive men of all ages, races, sizes,
types and interests here! Plus easy listening welcome.
the center’s director of public policy
music, plenty of seating for quiet conversation,
and Government relations
tuesday, december 11 and fun puzzles and games. Non-alcoholic January’s
6:00pm reception, 7pm program $10 beverages and snacks. We’re the inexpensive first WeeK at a GLance:
way to meet new friends and socialize. So TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
“Our next steps after the recent passage check us out! $5 for Bear Cafe members new year’s day holiday, building opens at 5pm
of the NY Marriage Equality Act” (with card); $10 for non-members. Plus a times squares new year’s day dance, 5-10pm,
In 2002, Daniel o’Donnell was elected to large bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage or an (212) 749-4291, www.timessquares.org
serve as the first openly gay man in the New appetizer/fruit/cheese/munchies/dessert to
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
share potluck style. We offer free coffee and french social club, 6-8pm, (212) 772-3511
York State Assembly.
tea. www.bearcafe.org [Toll-Free] 866-749- Lesbian Gay teachers association, 6-8pm
In May 2007, he was the prime sponsor 8180 or info@bearcafe.org. room to Write, 6-8pm, (212) 222-9884
of legislation that passed in the Assembly bisexual Women’s support Group, 6:30-8pm,
to allow New York State to issue marriage progressrose@yahoo.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 7-10:30PM
licenses to same-sex couples. The Marriage marriage equality, 6:30-8pm,
Polyamorous NYC Annual Holiday Bash! www.marriageequalityny.org
Equality Act had a record 56 sponsors and Please join us for our annual PoLYAMoRouS
collected a ground-breaking 85 votes on the board stiff, 8-10:30pm, boardstiffny.com
NYC Holiday Bash......we will have a live DJ, course in miracles, 8-10pm, (212) 463-8064
floor. This law represents a significant step cash bar and a potluck for food. This is one of imperial court of ny, 8-10:30pm,
towards establishing equal civil rights for our best events of the year and all the money (212) 475-0838
gay and lesbian couples, granting over 1,300 goes to help PoLYAMoRouS NYC. Tickets THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
state rights and responsibilities, which same- can be purchased in advance on line at www. african ancestral Lesbians united for societal
sex couples now lack in New York. poly-nyc.com for $10 or at the door for $15. change, 6-8pm, aalusc.org
In introducing o’Donnells bill, Governor Please join us for a fantastic party and bring birequest, 6-8pm, gravesites@yahoo.com
Eliot Spitzer’s announced, “Strong, stable you polyamorous, poly-curious and/or poly- hiv support Group: positive/negative men
friendly friends. (acria), 6:30-8pm, acria.org
families are the cornerstones of our society. christian science Group, 8-9pm,
The responsibilities inherent in the institution www.nycsgroup.com
of marriage benefit those individuals and SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1-6PM city cruisers, 8-9pm, www.citycruisers.com,
society as a whole.” MCC-NY/Homeless Youth Services info@citycruisers.com
Daniel o’Donnell will talk about about the Flea Market natural history Group, 8-10pm,
Get your last-minute Christmas shopping done geggoff@msn.com
process leading to passage of this bill in the Queer Justice League, 8-10pm,
while helping homeless LGBT youth! Come
Assembly and the next steps toward passage browse our selection of live plants, baked changebuilders@msn.com
of this important bill in the Senate, as well as goods, crafts, used books, and much, much FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
his continuing struggle for equal rights for more! All proceeds go to support MCCNY/ Less aids Lesotho, 6-8pm,
LGBT citizens. Homeless Youth Services, which operates lessaids@yahoo.com
Sylvia’s Place, Sylvia’s East, and the new 24-hr. sistah, 6-8pm, mail@sistah.org
Marsha P. Johnson Crisis Center for homeless support Group for single Lesbians, 6-7:30pm,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 9PM, $10 Dance: (718) 762-3473
LGBT youth. To donate items to be sold or for
208 Presents Twinkle hiv support Group: positive/negative men
more information, call (718) 300-0133 or visit (acria), 6:30-8pm, www.acria.org
Holiday Party! our web site www.homelessyouthservices.org. times squares square dancing, 7:30-10pm,
Music by Robbie Leslie mscoan@aol.com
Celebrate the holidays the Dance: 208 way with exploring relationships discussion Group,
our Twinkle Holiday Party with DJ Robbie Leslie SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 4:30PM-7:30 PM
8-10pm, ehaymovitz@vantage-consulting.com
centerhappenings | december 2007
(Souvenirs, Pier Dance, Sea Tea, Splash, The Moonfire Empowerment and Spirituality
Gay/bi dads Group of ny monthly meeting,
Saint). Robbie makes his annual visit to Dance: Network 8-10:30pm, ctnolan59@yahoo.com
208 from Florida bringing holiday cheer and Join the participants of Moonfire for a “Winter Latino Gay men of new york first friday forum,
great sounds. It’s always a night to remember Solstice Ritual Celebration,” led by Amethyst 8-10:30pm, info@lgmny.org
when Robbie spins! Don’t forget your flags, Nemzoff, astrologer, writer, and metaphysical men of all colors together/ny, 8-10pm,
tambourines and sleigh-bells! Saint-At-Large counselor PLuS a grab-bag gift exchange. www.mactny.org
sponsors with info about their upcoming New (Bring an inexpensive wrapped gift to exchange SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Year’s party and footage from last year’s with with others.) Potluck Dinner. Bring food or Life drawing, 10am-1pm, (201) 945-5134
Jennifer Hudson! non-alcoholic beverage to share. The Ritual irish Queers, 1-2pm, irishqueers@hotmail.com
begins promptly at 5PM. $6, all welcome. For Zappalorti society, 1-4pm, (917) 286-0616
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 3-5PM information, call Amethyst (212) 222-2467. philosophy forum, 3-5pm
moonfire empowerment spirituality network,
The Women’s CoffeeHouse presents 5-7pm, earthangel944@aol.com
Katherine Arnoldi Lesbian Cinema Arts Presents Fingersmith identity house: Walk-in center, 6-8pm,
The Women’s CoffeeHouse invites you to hear FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 www.identityhouse.org
katherine Arnoldi read from her latest book. Happy Hour 6PM, Screening 7PM, $10 date bait, 8-10pm, (212) 971-1084,
16 katherine is an artist and novelist who has been See story on page XXXXXXX. www.datebait.com

17. CENTER CARE GRouPS WoRkSHoPS
To register or for more information, call Center CARE at 212.620.7310. Most Center CARE groups run for 10 group sessions.
All Center CARE groups and services are confidential.
immiGrant suppOrt masculine, trans-men, trans-male, boi, Trans Events Committee
Immigrant Support Group gender-queer, AG/Aggressive, transsexual, An ongoing, monthly drop-in working group
offered in English or Spanish androgynous, exploring, and so forth to explore working to organize, plan and produce Center
A bi-weekly drop-in group for lesbian, gay, and discuss their feelings and concerns about events of relevance to the trans-communities
bisexual transgender immigrants, regardless gender, trans-identities and their histories. and is open to transgender, gender non-
of their immigrant status. Participants explore Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm—through December 11. conforming people and allies. Wednesdays,
the challenges of relocating and adjusting Drop-in. No registration required. $5 suggested 6-7:30pm, Dec 12. Drop-in. No registration
to the environment while building a support donation, but no one turned away. required. Free.
network and developing skills to cope with
those challenges. Trans Partners | Trans Amorous Sign up for the GIP newsletter at www.gaycenter.
Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm | Spanish group: Dec 11 | A monthly drop-in group to provide support org/program_folders/gip
English group: Dec 4 18 | Drop-in. and community for people of all genders to
No registration required. Free. discuss and explore their attraction to and hiv/aids
relationships with trans-identified or gender For the winter sessions of Positive Care 1 and 2,
Grupo de Apoyo para Inmigrantes (en Español) non-conforming individuals. Group is open to please call the counselor on duty at any time
Grupo de apoyo en Español para inmigrantes people currently or formerly in partnerships between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through
gay, lesbiana, bisexual transgenero, with trans-people and those exploring their Friday to schedule an intake appointment.
independiente del estatus migratorio. Los attractions.Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm. December New groups will begin in late January.
participantes exploraran los desafíos que 12. Drop-in. No registration required. $5
se enfrentan al reubicarse y adaptarse a suggested donation, but no one turned away. Positive CARE I (HIV+)
un nuevo espacio, mientras desarrollan A weekly group to provide emotional support
estrategias para enfrentar dichos desafíos y Trans Families in order to ease anxiety, fear, and isolation and
se establece una nueva red de apoyo. Es un A bi-monthly drop-in group for family to help members begin to adjust to HIV in their
grupo quincenal. members of someone who is transgender, lives. Positive CARE I group is open to newly
Martes, 6-7:30 pm—empieza en Dec. 11. Gratis y transsexual, gender-different or gender diagnosed HIV+ gay and bisexual men and
no requiere registro previo. questioning. Come together with other men of trans-experience. Free.
moms, dads, uncles, siblings, grandparents
Gender identity prOJect and adult children of transgender individuals. Positive CARE II (HIV+)
All Gender Identity Project groups are drop-in. Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. December 12. A bi-weekly group to provide emotional
Drop-In groups allow you to come to as many Drop-in. No registration required. $5 support for men living with HIV in order to
or as few sessions as you want. However, suggested donation, but no one turned away. maintain and promote health, balance, and
please come on time and leave on time. happiness and to discuss issues specific to the
Yoga by for the Trans Community ongoing integration of HIV into life. The Positive
Gender Drop-In: Feminine Spectrum A weekly drop-in yoga workshop for CARE II group is open to gay and bisexual men
A weekly drop-in group for those assigned transgender and gender non-conforming and men of trans-experience. Free.
male at birth who now identify as trans- people. Weekly attendance not required.
femme, trans-women, trans-female, cross- Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. through December 11.
dresser, drag queen, transsexual, femme Drop-in. No registration required. $5 suggested center care
queen, exploring, and so forth to explore and donation, but no one turned away. traininG institute
discuss their feelings and concerns about
gender, trans-identities and their histories. Transgender Health Initiative of New York (THINY) Trans-Care: Medical
Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm—through December 11. A monthly drop-in advocacy group working Monday, December 3, 2007, 10 am - 1 pm
Drop-in. No registration required. $5 suggested to create a community-based trans-access
Cancer Care Basics for Lesbians,
donation, but no one turned away. to healthcare movement. THINY is for Bisexual Woman and Transgender People
transgender, gender non-conforming people Monday, December 10, 2007, 10am -1pm
Gender Drop-In: Masculine Spectrum and allies. It is hosted by the TLDEF, the GIP,
A weekly drop-in group for those assigned and NYAGRA. Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, Dec 4, For full seminar descriptions, visit
female at birth who now identify as trans- Drop-in. No registration required. Free. GayCenter.org/institute or call (212) 620-7310. centerhappenings | december 2007
Sally Otos Attorney at Law
• Wills
• Estate planning and probate
• Labor Arbitration Advocacy
• Domestic partner agreements
• Contract review and negotiation
(e.g., employment, publishing)
• Second parent adoptions
www.otoslaw.com
250 W. 99th Street
Phone 212.666.5789
Fax 212.666.5674
New York, NY 10025
17

19. CenterHappenings • December 2007
19

20. kelli carpenter of
sponsor r family
Vacations and comic
Jessica kirson.
Photo: Jicky
member and Volunteer
holiday recePtion! • Financial Planning • Estate Planning
Wednesday, december 12, 2007, 6-8Pm • Wealth Management • Retirement Planning
• Investments • Business Strategies
NYC Comic Jessica kirson will headline the Center’s annual • Tax Planning • Planned Giving Strategies
holiday reception for our members and volunteers from 6-8PM
on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at 208 West 13th Street.
Catapulted to fame by “Last Comic Standing,” kirson – also of
Rosie’s Cruise, Comedy Central, HBo, and VH1 - will host a bevy
of entertainers, including Julie Goldman, comedy and guitar
powerhouse from LoGo’s “Big Gay Sketch Show;” disabled
comic Greg Walloch; and surprise celebrity guests. The evening
will also include music, prizes, and all-around hilarity to ring in
the holiday season.
Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please contact
Tim S. Wearne, Volunteer Manager, at (212) 620-7310 X204
or twearne@gaycenter.org.
CELEBRATE TOUCH
reQuest for submissions Men’s Nude Massage Group
community art Project Sun. Wed. 7pm - 10:30pm
January, 22, 2008, through february 22, 2008
oPening recePtion tuesday, January 22, 2007 6-8Pm
In January the Center will celebrate it 25th Anniversary. The
year will be filled with many programs and events that reflect the 212.252.2876 www.celebratetouch.org
diversity of our community. We kick off the year with an exhibition
entitled Community Art Project. The Center invites artists of all
backgrounds and disciplines to submit work that celebrates the
richness, complexity, and diversity of our community.
all work must be submitted by friday, January 11, 2008.
Please visit www.gaycenter.org for submission details.
Bill Gibbons, MEd, CASAC
Psychotherapy and Counseling
centerhappenings | december 2007
Relationships, Addictions, ACOA,
Self-Esteem, LGBT, Affirming of Diversity.
24 years in Private Practice
Sliding Scale, Free Consult
Union Square, NYC 919-724-0916
East Orange, NJ 973-673-5431
20