May 2009

(Various locations) The Tribeca Film Festival was founded to celebrate New York City as a major filmmaking center and to contribute to the long-term recovery of lower Manhattan. Event Website

(Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St, New York, NY 10011) (9pm - 4am) NIGHT OF 1000 STEVIES, New York City's legendary STEVIE NICKS homage, returns for its nineteenth annual edition. NOTS 19: SONGS OF RHIANNON will be a May Day marathon of twirling and enchantment, produced by the JACKIE FACTORY NYC. This year's theme - and the centerpiece of the show - are the ten "SONGS OF RHIANNON" penned by STEVIE NICKS in her BUCKINGHAM NICKS days. ($25) Event Website

(American Folk Art Museum, 45 West 53rd St, New York, NY 10019) (5:30pm - 7:30pm) Out Professionals and OP.LYNX return to the fabulous American Folk Art Museum in the heart of midtown Manhattan for afterwork networking. Enjoy folk art from around the world in a contemporary setting, including the current exhibit of visually stunning works, "KALEIDOSCOPE QUILTS: THE ART OF PAULA NADELSTERN". Cash Bar will include wine, beer, drink specials, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Live music will fill the museum. (Free) Event Website

(The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St, New York, NY 10028) The Sprout Film Festival was founded in 2003 and is programmed and supported by Sprout, a NYC-based non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing innovative programming to people with developmental disabilities. Sprout has been making videos related to the field of developmental disabilities since 1995 and has witnessed the myriad benefits these videos have for this population and the general public. Event Website

(Washington Square Park, north side by the arch, , New York, NY 10003) (11:00pm) Today we are on the verge of having equal rights for the LGBTQ community in New York. Yet so many are standing up agaisnt equality. Our hope is not to create an us vs. them mentallity. We know fighting using words of anger will create no positive change. Instead we will march the streets of New York with no words of hate; just our lights and our prayers. Where: Meet at Washington Square Park, north side by the arch When: 11pm, march at 11:30 Who: All are welcome (Free) (616-566-3289) [email protected]

(Spirit of New York, Pier 62, Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011) (Board at midnight, and sail from 12:30 a.m. – 3 a.m) Head outside to party under the moonlight with Entertainment Cruises, the premier harbor cruise line in the New York and New Jersey area. When the clock strikes midnight, join a trendy gay crowd of all ages and hit the dance floors and move to the DJ’s hot beats on the Spirit of New York’s Men at Midnight Moonlight Cruises. ($26.90) (866.483.3866) Event Website

(Times Square) (7am) Join 40,000 participants as we come together in a united effort to help eradicate women's cancers. Event Website

(P.S. 321 and at John Jay High School, 7th Avenue, Between 1st St. and 5th St. , Brooklyn, NY 11215) (9:00 AM all day) Food activists, local farmers, health advocates, academics, union leaders, elected officials and restaurateurs will gather this day with concerned citizens to discuss the changes and challenges in our global food economy and how it impacts our communities. Key-note speakers include well-known activists Dan Barber, executive chef and owner of Blue Hill Restaurant, and a leader of fair trade development and healthy food; Anna Lappé, co-founder of the Small Planet Institute and many more. (FREE) [email protected] Event Website

(St Augustine Church, 116 6th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215) (7-9pm) The Gay Men's Chorus of Manhattan is performing a benefit concert to support the thriving LGBT community at St. Augustine in Park Slope Brooklyn. The concert aims to raise money to support future outreach programming and to communicate that there is an embracing support network for open gay Catholics. The concert is called "Snapshots" and it centers around snapshots of families of all kinds, gay, lesbian, heterosexual, etc... to show that we are all the same, no matter who makes up our family. Catholic LGBT ministry at St. Augustine's Church (donation) (516 220-7299) [email protected] Event Website

(Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225) (10am - 6pm) Sakura Matsuri, New York City's "rite of spring," marks its 28th year with over 50 events and performances celebrating Japanese culture and the blossoming of BBG's 220 cherry trees. Visitors to the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival can enjoy a range of performances from traditional Japanese music and dance to concerts by some of Japan's hottest J-pop stars, plus taiko drumming, an anime voice actor panel, bonsai pruning workshops, J-pop DJs, a traditional kimono show, and demonstrations and workshops for all ages. Bring your camera and join anime comedian Uncle Yo and the World Cosplay Summit Team USA in a giant Sakura Matsuri cosplay photo shoot. ($12) Event Website

(TheTimesCenter, 242 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036) (10am - 7pm) Spend Sunday with The New York Times. Scheduled discussions include: Talk show host, television producer and supermodel Tyra Banks; three of Michelle Obama's top designers – Maria Cornejo, Thakoon Panichgul and Narciso Rodriguez; Paul Krugman, winner of the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science; Marc Jacobs, and others. ($30 per panel) Event Website

(Riverside Park at West 108th St) (9am) An exciting and fun walk-a-thon and festival aimed at fighting both human and animal cancers. You and your dog can join the fight against cancer by registering or volunteering for the 18th Annual Dogswalk Against Cancer today. The walk component is less than a mile to ensure all canines can participate. Dogswalk fundraising efforts benefit the programs of the American Cancer Society as well as the Donaldson/Atwood Cancer Clinic at the Animal Medical Center. Event Website

(Pier 1, Riverside Park South, West 70th Street and the Hudson River , New York, NY 10023) (Starting 1 PM) The 8th annual festival, featuring top New York area Irish music and dance ensembles, food, sing-alongs and dance instruction. Opening event of 9th annual Summer On the Hudson festival at Riverside Park South, presented by the New York City Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Six months of music, dance and recreation, all free. (Free) (212-408-0219) [email protected] Event Website

(Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712) (5pm) MR P & MS V: A Comedy of Eros compiled by Marjorie Conn. Includes a 4-course dinner (BYOB) and the play. Conn is best known for her portrayals of Lorena Hickok (Eleanor Roosevelt’s lover) and Lizzie Border. Levine is a chef extraordinaire. Each performance will feature 2 mix and match actors and actresses. You might see a woman in drag playing the men’s parts, or a man in drag playing the women’s parts, or 2 women, or 2 men and even a man and a woman. Anything goes and it’s going to be a fun evening. ($35) (Reservations: 732-80) Event Website

(Battery Park, 20 State St, New York, NY 10004) Join the largest recreational cycling event in America. With 42 traffic-free miles and more than 30,000 fellow riders, there's no better way to see New York than biking through dozens of neighborhoods and crossing scenic bridges. Event Website

(Pier 60, 23rd St & the Hudson River, New York, NY 10011) Annual Awards dinner honoring those who have made significant advocacy efforts for the LGBT community. Event Website

(TheTimesCenter, 242 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036) (6 - 7:30) Andre Bishop, artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater, with Tony Award-winning playwright John Guare ("House of Blue Leaves," "Four Baboons Adoring the Sun," "Six Degrees of Separation"), Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher ("Light in the Piazza," "South Pacific") and Tony Award-winning actor Cherry Jones ("The Heiress," "Doubt," Fox’s "24"). Interviewed by New York Times theater reporter Patrick Healy. ($30) Event Website

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "Fifth of May") commemorates the Mexican army's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) Join host Kathleen Warnock as she celebrates NYC finalists for the 21st Lambda Literary Awards: Bob Morris (Assisted Loving), Vanda (Vile Affections), Martin Wilson (What They Always Tell Us), Chavisa Woods (Love Does Not Make Me Gentle or Kind), Shawn Stewart Ruff (Finlater), Meri Weiss (Closer to Fine), Ron Suresha (Kinsey at 60), Nancy Agabian (Me as Her Again), Magdalena Zurawski (The Bruise). (FREE) [email protected] Event Website

(Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 210 Lafayette St (between Spring & Broome Sts), New York, NY 10012) (6:30pm) GLSEN's kickoff party for the NY Respect Awards on June 1st. Win a chance for a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Shopping Spree and other fabulous goodies. (FREE) (646-388-6586) Event Website

(BAM Harvey Theater, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217) Propeller returns to BAM with a new staging of The Merchant of Venice, a work that poses still-incendiary questions about truth, morality and prejudice. Event Website

(The Yale Club of New York City, 50 Vanderbilt Ave (across from Grand Central Station), New York, NY 10017) (6PM) A Network for Ideas & Action, a progressive policy think tank, is holding its annual event honoring Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers), Anthony Romero (American Civil Liberties Union), and Bill Donaldson (former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission) for their outstanding work to achieve our core values of shared economic prosperity, a vibrant and inclusive democracy, a strong public sector working for the common good, and responsible engagement in an interdependent world. ($250) (212.419.8771) [email protected] Event Website

(Chelsea Art Museum, 556 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011) (6:30 pm) In conjunction with his solo exhibition in The Project Room for New Media at the Chelsea Art Museum, artist, novelist, and film director Mark Amerika will discuss the making of Immobilité, the first work to be released in his new Foreign Film Series. Amerika refers to the work as "a feature-length foreign film shot entirely on mobile phone in Cornwall, UK." (The event is free with museum admission) (212-255-0719) [email protected] Event Website

(Chelsea Studios, 151 West 26th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011) (7:15 PM) POP...SIX...SQUISH...UH-UH...CICERO...LIPSHITZ. WHICH Merry Murderess are you? Come find out at Cellblock Tango-The Workout. Learn custom choreography based from the film CHICAGO taught by Deidre Goodwin, who appeared as June- “He ran into my knife 10 times” in the film CHICAGO and Velma Kelly in CHICAGO on Broadway. Workout your frustrations, have fun, and get a great workout. ($25) [email protected] Event Website

(Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023) (8pm) Discover two excitingly different approaches to the dialogue between jazz writing and improvisation, touching on the history of jazz from the ragtime era to the present day. Young New Orleans virtuoso Jonathan Batiste applies a New Orleans flair to ragtime and classic jazz, making the music deeply his own. Imani Winds will present the fruits of their collaborations with living jazz composers, along with their own arrangements of the jazz works of the past. ($30) Event Website

(Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd St, NY 10024) (6pm) Come join us at the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM). CMOM, in conjunction with Center Kids, Center Families, is hosting the 4th Annual free evening of celebration for LGBT parents and their children. A special after-hours event with snacks, art activities and five floors of hands-on exhibits, such as, Adventures with Dora and Diego, Gods, Myths, and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece, and PlayWorks™. Space is limited! RSVP by May 1st. (FREE) (212-721-1223 x303) [email protected] Event Website

(New York City Bar Association, 42 West 44th St, 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10036) (6:30pm) The status and future of same-sex relationships in New York is a matter of concern to many. When will New York legalize same-sex marriages? What is the current status of legal marriages entered into in other jurisdictions? This crucial civil rights issue will be explored by a panel of scholars, litigators and policy-makers in a public forum. Panelists will include Alphonso David, Deputy Bureau Chief, Civil Rights Bureau, New York State Attorney General’s Office; Katherine Franke, Professor of Law and Director of Gender & Sexuality Clinic, Columbia Law School; Suzanne B. Goldberg, Clinical Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Sexuality & Gender Law Clinic, Columbia Law School; Roberta Ann Kaplan, partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Arthur S. Leonard, Professor, New York Law School; Susan Sommer, Senior Counsel, Lambda Legal; David Weinstein, Counsel to Governor David Paterson. (FREE) Event Website

(Stage Left Studio, 438 W 37th Street 5A, New York, NY 10018) (8:00pm) On the occasion of her mid-life meltdown, The Lovely And Talented Miss Toni Silver performs adventures from her life, as a ploy to stave off death. She tells tales both comic and tragic—and a few that fall somewhere in between. "The best tap-dancing, middle-aged, Jewish, gay performance artist in America™", Miss Toni splits the seams between humiliation and triumph, challenging myths about how life is supposed to be lived while wrestling with the illusion of permanence. ($20) (212 868-4444) Event Website

(MCCNY, 446 West 36th St, New York, NY 10018) (7pm) Fasten your seatbelts! Sybil Bruncheon is NOT your average Church Lady! She's not only fund-raising, she's FUN-raising. Join Sybil, Fabio, and entourage as they present an amazing evening of entertainment, bingo and fabu prizes! SPACE IS LIMITED. Proceeds benefit Metropolitan Community Church's outreach programs, including Homeless Youth Services and the Sylvia Rivera Food Pantry. ($20) [email protected] Event Website

(Sundance Outdoor Adverture Society, [email protected] P.O. Box 2737, New York,, NY 10163-27) (10:30 AM - 4:00 PM) The Ramapo Mt. Reservation is a park located in Mahwah, New Jersey. We hike a trail to Bear Swamp Lake. The trails are rocky in places with uphill and downhill sections. Length: 7 miles. Equipment: Hiking boots, poles, water, lunch, snack, cap or hat, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun bloc. Meet at: Ramsey/Route 17 NJ Transit train station by 10:30 am. Reservation: Required RSVP to: [email protected] ($15 for round trip train fare.) (201.294.1092) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8pm) Join Dance 208 and celebrate everything furry and fuzzy. Furball is back! There are 2 floors of dancing, go-go bears, cheap beer, bear art, and warm warm fur...and over 700 furry friends. ($10 at the door; $8 online.) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8PM) No age turned away. Fun ice breaker, touch of speed dating, group conversations & "secret" ingredients to find stylish, friendly, mature women who have similar interests & values. Non-intimidating. Meet more women during refreshment/mingling break. Receive compatible matches. Feeling isolated, tired of the bar scene or the internet? Relaxed, entertaining, feel at home. Marilyn's connected 100's of women for friendship, dating,romance for over 7 years. ($25) (212-989-8549) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM) At this Speed-Dating event, meet lots of guys ages 30s & 40s one-on-one for a series of 3-minute dates, then get a free mingling period to meet anyone else in the room. It’s a lot of fun and could lead to meeting someone special! ($20) (212-971-1084) [email protected] Event Website

(Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St, New York, NY 10028) Bach -- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048 and Schumann -- Quintet for Piano and Strings in E flat Major, Opus 44. Event Website

(Kaufmann Concert Hall, 1395 Lexington Ave, at 92nd, New York, NY 10128) Some of Ira Gershwin's greatest hits were written with composers like Kern, Arlen and Weill. The inimitable Rex Reed leads this showcase celebrating the astonishing career of Ira Gershwin apart from his brother George. Event Website

(MCCNY, 446 West 36th St, New York, NY 10018) (9am, 11am & 7pm) Event Website

(Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036) (5pm) NYC cabaret performer Angela Shultz (MetroStar Talent Challenge Top 5) premieres her new solo show Kiss Me Like You Mean It. She sings about the kind of love that drives you to commit or be committed, featuring the songs of Derek Webb, Cy Coleman, Heart, Heisler and Goldrich, Harold Arlen and the Magnetic Fields. Musical direction is by Brett Kristofferson, with direction by Hector Coris. ($12 Cover/2 Drink minimum ($7 Cover for MAC/ACabaret Hotline)) (212-757-0788) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (7:30pm) When You're Good to Mama is a new benefit concert with some of Broadway's best performing songs that even those not familiar with Broadway will love. This concert will honor the unique relationships between LGBT people and their mothers. Scheduled to perform are stars from Broadway productions such as Les Miserables, Xanadu, Sunset Boulevard, Billy Elliot, 9 to 5, South Pacific, Waiting For Godot, Jersey Boys and others. ($25; $75 VIP) Event Website

(TBD) (6pm) Join Manhattan Chamber of Commerce LGBT-2-B as they host Certified Life/Career Coach and Television Agent Jim Arnoff in a highly interactive workshop to learn the insider's take on how to network with conviction and results. Gain insights and practical tools to break through your networking blocks, create a unique professional brand and generate lasting professional connections. (Members: Free; Non-Members: $15) Event Website

(Landmark on the Park, 160 Central Park West at 76th St, New York, NY 10023) (8 PM) The sequel to our wildly successful pop Stonewall Rocks concert with pop and rock classics inc. the Beatles, Queen, hits from "Hair" and more! with the sensational rock band, Dandy Pants and special guests, The Metropolitan Community Church Choir. Dancing! Refreshments! ($25 in advance $30 at door) Event Website

(Location information with Reservation) (6:30pm) Michael Palm was a most generous and enthusiastic supporter of Classical Action. He was also, more than anyone, the person who spearheaded the concept of private benefit house concerts, hosting several of them himself at his penthouse apartment 37 floors above Lincoln Center. The concerts reflect, we hope, the highest musical standards that were so important to Michael, himself a great lover and aficionado of classical music. Each season of The Michael Palm Series consists of three house concerts in New York City and one house concert in select city in another part of the country. ($250+) Event Website

(Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012) (8PM & 2PM) The Martha Graham Dance Company, the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance company in America Program i will perform a special New York City engagement A (5/12; 5/15; 5/16 eve): Clytemnestra. This classic tale of love, betrayal and murder at the time of the Trojan War is reimagined by Graham through the eyes of Agamemnon’s queen. it's believed by many to be Graham's finest dance-drama built on Greek mythology and the great Greek tragedies. Fang-yi Sheu to dance the lead. Program B (5/13; 5/16 mat): A program of diverse repertory:. “Sketches from Chronicle” Errand Into The Maze; Maple Leaf Rag and Lamentation Variations ($35-65) Event Website

(Various Locations, Dumbo, Brooklyn) This is the future of contemporary photography. Event Website

(The Bryant Park Reading Room, 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenue , New York, NY) (12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.) Actress, singer, and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth shares her journey from Oklahoma beauty queen to Broadway leading lady at this outdoor discussion and book signing. (Free) (212-768-4242) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) Admit it - you've worshipped a diva. "From Sappho to Karen Black, these divas have been sister, alter ego, fairy godmother, or model for survival to gay men and the closeted boys they once were. And anyone-straight or gay, young or old, male or female-who ever needed a muse, or found one, will see their own longing mirrored here as well." Celebrate your diva love at this special OP/Center event with Michael Montlack, editor of My Diva: 65 Gay Men on the Women Who Inspire Them. Also on the panel discussing their women are Tim Liu on Rickie Lee Jones, Steven Cordova on Bette Midler, Richard Tayson on Helen Reddy, Michael Broder on Sappho and Mark Wunderlich on Julie Andrews. (Nonmembers, $10. OP Members, just $5.) Event Website

(Chelsea Art Museum, 556 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011) (6.30pm) Iranian Artist Pooneh Maghazehe conducts a series of rituals that stumble between private ceremony and private spectacle. Resurrecting the sense of Faith and Allegiance, she merges elements of hip-hop culture with ancient Muslim rituals while dressed in Amish Inspired textile sculptures. What emerges is a baptism of symbols in which the "Sacred" resides. (The event is free with museum admission) (212-255-0719) [email protected] Event Website

(Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., New York, NY 10014) (8pm) Youth Pride Chorus jump starts the Pride season in their May show, "Lullabies and Wake-Up Calls". These fearless young LGBT artists rock the stage with electrifying dance, cutting-edge spoken word, and hits by Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan, The Beach Boys, and many others. Youth under the age of 21 and Youth Service Agencies may get free tickets by RSVPing with Kathy Rodriguez at the YES Program at 212.620.7310 x410 or by email at [email protected]. ($20) Event Website

(Asia Society & Museum, 725 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021) (6 - 9pm) Asia Society is our most gracious host for Women's Night at Leo Bar Networking Mixer. A record turnout of over 500 women attended the Fall mixer. Currently on view: Asian Journeys: Collecting Art in Post-war America (February 10 - August 9, 2009). Hosted by Asia Society, OP.LYNX, FSIX, Astraea & Q-Wave. (FREE) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8pm - 12am) Gender Identity Project cordially invites you to attend the 5th annual GIP dance extravaganza for trans and gender-non-conforming people, their partners, friends and allies. 18 and over. The theme is “HOLLYWOOD IN THE 90’S". Join us in our annual tradition of recreating your Prom the way you always wanted it. (FREE) (212-620-7310 x273) [email protected] Event Website

(Hunter College, Sportsplex B3 Gym, Lexington Ave & 68th St, New York, NY 10065) (6pm) Directed by Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Debra Chasnoff, Straightlaced paints a breathtakingly candid portrait of how gender roles, sexuality and homophobia are shaping the lives of American teenagers today. With stunning candor, and often unexpected humor, a richly diverse cross section of teens open up about the ways that gender performance norms and anti-gay attitudes and behaviors box in everyone. To benefit Astraea. ($40+) Event Website

(Various Locations) Transportation Alternatives will be at the East River Bridges (Queensboro, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge) plus Madison Square Park, City Hall Park. Stop by for some hot coffee, quality reading material and your extreme commuter bag! Watch a StreetFilm of last year's Bike to Work Day. Car Free Saturday in Crotona Park is May 30, 12 - 5pm. Half a mile of open road to ride your bike, run and play games in Crotona Park. Event Website

(Broadway from 32nd St to Union Square) (1pm) Nearly 5,000 dancers and scores of supporters decend on the streets of Manhattan in celebration of culture, community and the art of movement. Event Website

(Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028) (8:00pm) Melodia Women's Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Cynthia Powell, celebrates the splendor of French choral music for women’s voices with a rare all-female performance of Olivier Messiaen's epic work: Trois petites liturgies de la présence divine; plus works by André Caplet, Gustav Holst, Gabriel Fauré and Reza Vali. With Kyung-A Yoo, piano; Miranda Cuckson, violin; Francoise Murail, onde Martenot; and Naila Aziz, soprano. ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) (212-252-4134) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM) Meet doctors, lawyers, teachers, business execs, and other career-minded men at this fun, structured singles mixer. After meeting most of the guys in the room, write a list of the men you want to date, and a computer tells you your mutual matches. Meet quality men face-to-face for a chance at a relationship. Date Bait has been running gay singles events for 12 years. ($20) (212-971-1084) [email protected] Event Website

(The Bleecker Street Theater, 45 Bleecker St., @ Lafayette, New York, NY 10003) (10:30 PM) INCOMING - FINAL TRANSMISSION FROM EARTH ... it is THE MORNING AFTER the apocalypse ... A small band of burlesque performers, under the leadership of Nasty Canasta, has survived .... but “Protector” Jonny Porkpie’s provisional government has banned all forms of nakedness and forced us to become outcasts in a world we never made ... we are attempting to rebuild society the only way we can: by taking off our clothes ... if anyone out there still believes in the principles of truth, justice, and striptease, find us ... find us now ... the future nudity of humanity is at stake ... find zzzzzzzzxqz .... MESSAGE INTERRUPTED ($20) (212-352-3101) [email protected] Event Website

(The Tank, 354 West 45th St (btwn 8 & 9th Aves), New York, NY 10036) (3pm) With Special Guests Murray Hill and The Good Asian Drivers. To benefit Jim Collins Foundation which raises money to help fund gender-confirming surgeries for those who otherwise do not have the means to pay for them. ($25) Event Website

(The Philip Coltoff Center, 219 Sullivan St (btwn West 3rd & Bleecker Sts), New York, NY 10012) (3pm) The Children’s Aid Society Presents “Wild Thing”, a New Play Inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are. Max is the world’s most popular and fun stay-at-home Dad because he refuses to grow up. See what happens when a group of Monsters mistake him for an unruly child and take him away to the land of the Wild Things. Merriment turns to mayhem and dreams become reality in this WILD adventure filled with Monsters, Mischief and magic. This performance is for ages 4 and up. Families with infants/toddlers (up to 3-years-old) will be meeting at The Center from 2 – 4pm. Pre-registration required. (Play: $10; Toddler playtime at the Center: $20/family donation) (212-620-7310 x400) [email protected] Event Website

(9th Ave from 37 to 57th Sts) (9:30am) Most street fairs in New York all look the same but this one stands out. The food is the big draw, but the festival is a fabulous expression of the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood – teeming with ethnic food shops and fine restaurants and offering an eclectic global smorgasbord of national and regional foods. Outside venders participate as well, but the Ninth Avenue merchants and restaurants and the community organizations of Hell's Kitchen are out in all their neighborhood glory. Event Website

(Big Apple Ranch, 39 West 19th St, New York, NY 10011) (8pm) Big Apple Ranch sparkles and shines with a new event -- Rhinestone Cowboygirl. Dust off those western shirts, shine your boots, and get on the dance floor. Get out the Bedazzler, pile on the rhinestones, sequins and fringe, and shimmy on down to a benefit for the Anti-Violence Project. Beginning two-step lesson at 8, line dance lesson at 8:30, dancing from 9pm-1am. To benefit Anti-Violence Project. ($10 includes lesson) (917-974-3401) [email protected] Event Website

(West Chelsea Arts Building, 526 West 26th St. (10th & 11th Ave.), New York, NY 10001) (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM) Visit 8 exhibits of cutting-edge painting, sculpture, electronic media & photography, some by gay & lesbian artists and others of interest to a queer sensibility, led by a former gay studies professor and art critic for the New York Blade. While you’re there, socialize with arts-oriented gay men & lesbians! ($20) (212-946-1548) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM) It’s speed-dating with an ingenious twist: answer four questions about your interests, values, and lifestyle, and get assigned to four different groups of women who gave answers similar to yours. Also meet one-on-one in a free mingling period. Compatibility Game is a fun, revolutionary way to meet women you are compatible with, thereby increasing your odds that a relationship could take hold. ($20) (212-971-1084) [email protected] Event Website

(Sheep Meadow, Central Park) AIDS Walk New York began in 1985 and this 10k walk is now the largest AIDS fundraiser in the world. Event Website

(Comix, 353 west 14th street, New York, NY 10014) (8pm) Paul Case and Shawn Hollenbach are presenting 10 contestants representing their Gayborhoods fighting for the title of Miss Fag Hag. The candidates will compete in categories including Evening Wear, Fabulous Talent, Presenting Her Gay in a Swimsuit, and Sassy Question & Answer. Judges: Caroline Rhea (NBC's Biggest Loser) Michael Musto (Village Voice, VH1) Hedda Lettuce (Project Runway) and Katina Corrao (Daddy on HBO & Logo). Special Performances by Shayna Steele (Bette Midler: Vegas, Orig Rent & Hairspray) Bridget Everett (Sex & The City) Britney Houston (MTV and YouTube Star) Mel & El (Fagnet) & MORE! Special Appearances by Mr. Murray Hill (LOGO) Jon ($20 in advance, $25 day of show) (212-524-2500) Event Website

(Cipriani’s, 200 Fifth Ave at 23rd St, New York, NY 10010) (7pm) This one-night-only black tie musical theatre event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner and show. Event Website

(Webster Hall, 125 East 11th St, New York, NY 10003) (10:30pm) Running in tandem with the 54th Annual Obies Awards ceremony, Creative Block is a huge multidisciplinary arts event that will include burlesque, digital art, performance art, dance and fiber arts from New York's creative emerging artists and avant-garde underground. Michael Musto and Murray Hill host. DJ Randy Bettis. Performances by Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque, Angie Pontani, Little Miss Lixx, Joey Arias & Basil Twist, and others. ($18) Event Website

(Gingold Theatrical Group, 520 Eighth Avenue suite #312, New York, NY 10018, 212.355.7823) (7 PM) THE MAN OF DESTINY...Shaw's inflammatory play about none other than the young Napoleon (Michael Cerveris) who has just begun his infamous Italian Campaigne when a mysterious woman spy (Kate Baldwin) appears who may prove to be his downfall! THE GLIMPSE OF REALITY...A bold and dashing Count (Cerveris) is on the run in the Italian countryside disguised as an old Friar. He has to try to save his life using only one weapon: his wit. ($20) Event Website

(TheTimesCenter, 242 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036) (6pm) First on screen, and now on the West End and Broadway, “Billy Elliot” has captivated audiences with the story of a boy whose passion for ballet liberates him from a British mining town. Hear from its director and lead actress how this stage hit was transformed on its leap across the Atlantic -- and learn how it has likewise transformed the lives of three young performers who alternate in the role of Billy. Featuring a performance of the show-stopping solo, “Electricity,” and moderated by Daniel Wakin, New York Times culture reporter covering classical music and dance. ($30) Event Website

(Alvin Ailey Studios, 405 West 55th St at 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019) (7pm) GLAAD welcomes members of the former Commercial Closet Association for a cocktail reception to learn more about GLAAD and honor Levi Strauss and Wells Fargo for their incredible work in advertising to the LGBT community. Commercial Closet Association will become part of GLAAD's Advertising Media Program. GLAAD's program will monitor all forms of advertising to ensure fair and accurate representations of the LGBT community as well as demand action when anti-gay defamation occurs. To benefit GLAAD. ($25) Event Website

(New World Stages, 340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019) (6:30pm) A vibrant community gathers in support of to top-notch litigation and advocacy for bi-national couples, immigrants, and asylum seekers. Honoring Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Gordon Smith & Rep. Barbara Lee. Featuring Vidur Kapur, award-winning comedian. ($175+) Event Website

(Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023) (8 PM) Metropolitan Opera singer Sasha Cooke, Michelle Areyzaga and Philip Cutlip, with Steven Blier, pianist and Rupert Boyd, guitarist, perform songs of rivers and oceans, as summer approaches: Elgar's "Sea Pictures," music by Noel Coward, Debussy, Schubert, many others. ($40 -55/ $15 student tickets) (212-501-3330) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (7pm) Come and learn about the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Remarks by Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard Foundation Executive Director. Free for Youth Ages 13-21. Hosted by The Imperial Court of New York. ($10 Suggested Donation at the door) Event Website

(Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave & 46th St, New York, NY 10036) Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships will be in town. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships. Event Website

(Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 E.3rd Street between, Ave B&C, New York, NY 10003) (7PM) FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL WANTS YOU!!! Do you have a desire to perform , try new material or fufill a life long urge to perfform in public? The Fresh Fruit Festival open mic is the place for you. We offer a friendly audience and a welcoming venue. Fresh Fruit is a 7 year old GLBT organization dedicated to all forms of the art. The open mic is held the 3rd wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome so bring yours friends and try your stuff. (7.00 no cost to perform) (516 658 4929) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8 p.m.) Transgender celebrity Katelynn, star of MTV's reality show The Real World: Brooklyn, came out in support of polyamory and open relationships in an early episode of the show, joining other polyamorous celebrities such as actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, author/tycoon Warren Buffett and actress Tilda Swinton. Polyamorous NYC is pleased to bring Katelynn back to New York to speak about her experience in building open and honest multi-partner relationships. ($10) (212.543.9494) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6:30pm) Out Professionals is thrilled to present a very rare US performance by Rosa von Praunheim, the legendary German filmmaker, activist, and writer and founder of the modern German gay pride movement. One of the most fascinating gay characters of our time, Von Praunheim will shock and amuse you with autobiographical tidbits and scenes from many of his 70 films, including "It's Not the Homosexual Who Is Perverse But the Situation in Which He Lives", "A Virus Has No Morals", and "Transsexual Menace." His film "I Am My Own Woman" inspired the award-winning play "I Am My Own Wife". Any fan of John Waters, gay history, and sauerkraut will delight in von Praunheim's one-man presentation, in which he lets loose with a stream of reminiscences about his life, his bed, and his films. Divine, Jeff Stryker, Holly Woodlawn, Larry Kramer, Larry Mass, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, Vaginal Davis, and an abundance of gay Nazis have all been his stars. (Nonmembers, $10. OP Members, $5.) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) From romance to bondage, Oysters and Chocolate has it all. Erotic stories by long-time favorite oystersandchocolate.com contributor Aimee Herman. And the bonus--back by popular demand is Ashley and Kisha: Finding the Right Fit. The story of two women who seemed destined not to be together. Ashley was a lady-killer; Kisha was sexually conservative and straight. Finally Kisha’s ambivalence gives way to curiosity, curiosity gives way to desire, and desire blossoms into love. ($8/online; $10/door) Event Website

(Washington Square Park, 5th Ave at Washington Sq North, New York, NY 10003) A twice-a-year happening -- every Memorial Day weekend and the weekend that follows, and Labor Day weekend and the weekend that follows. For almost 80 years, it is has been annually showcasing over 200 artists from around the world, attracting more than 200,000 art lovers. Event Website

(Public Assembly, 70 N. 6th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211) (10 PM) Sweet & Nasty Burlesque is bustin' loose at FUNK NIGHT! Get down and dirty with funky twists on burlesque favorites: funked-up fan dances, soulful tassel-twirling, and plenty of bump-and-groove, all to a soundtrack of some of the finest funk music ever laid down. "Groove things will be shaken," promises host and producer Nasty Canasta. "That funky music will be played by at least one white boy. And rest assured that we will not stop - at least, not till we get enough." Broadway Brassy, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Gal Friday, GiGi La Femme, Jonny Porkpie and Nasty Canasta will tear the roof off the sucker and bare it all at FUNK NIGHT! ($10) [email protected] Event Website

(Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020) MSG Entertainment is proud to announce the second annual "Speaker Series: The Minds That Move The World," where some of the most prominent political figures of our time provide commentary on America's current political landscape and place in world politics. March 31: "Free Speech and the Power of the Press" -- Anderson Cooper interviews Arianna Huffington, D.L. Hughley, and Mike Huckabee. March 9: Humorous Perspectives, Serious Issues -- Bill Maher and Ann Coulter. May 26: Strategies, Alliances and Policy -- Charlie Rose interview James Carville and Karl Rove. Event Website

(The Bryant Park Reading Room, 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10019) (12:30 p.m.) Internationally acclaimed writer Dennis Cooper makes a rare appearance to talk with Tony O’Neill (former band member with the Brian Jones Massacre) about his new short story collection that plumbs veins of dark humor amid the sex and gore his fans have come to expect. (Free) (212-768-4242) [email protected] Event Website

(MCCNY, 446 West 36th St, New York, NY 10018) (7pm) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6:30pm) In June 1989, the LGBT Community Center hosted The Center Show, a legendary effort in which famous and emerging artists created site-specific works on the walls of the building in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Several major figures in the art world such as Keith Haring, Leon Golub, Kenny Scharf, David LaChapelle, and Nancy Spero contributed to this groundbreaking event. Exhibition runs June 1, 2009 – September 4, 2009. To benefit the LGBT Community Center. ($20) Event Website

(Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, 70th St at Mid Park, New York, NY 10023) (7AM) Another great season of talent free to the public. For a complete listing, visit them online. MAY 29 Lionel Richie, JUNE 5 John Legend, JUNE 12 The Jonas Brothers, JUNE 19 Jamie Foxx, JUNE 26 The cast of the musical "Hair", JULY 3 Brad Paisley, JULY 10 Queen Latifah, JULY 17 TBA , JULY 24 TBA, JULY 31 Kelly Clarkson, AUGUST 7 TBA, AUGUST 14 Kenny Chesney, AUGUST 21 – Reba McEntire Event Website

(Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 5th to 7th Aves, 47 to 51st Sts, New York, NY 10111) (7am) Today Show Concert Series take place Friday mornings on the plaza at Rockefeller Center. MAY Taylor Swift, JUNE 5 The Dave Matthews Band, TUESDAY, JUNE 9 Joshua Radin (in-studio), JUNE 12 Black Eyed Peas, JUNE 19 The Jonas Brothers, JUNE 26 The Fray, JULY 3 Rob Thomas, JULY 10 Rascal Flatts, JULY 17 The All-American Rejects, JULY 24 Katy Perry, JULY 31 Kings of Leon, AUGUST 7 Jason Mraz, AUGUST 14 Flo Rida AUGUST 21 Natasha Bedingfield Event Website

(Banya, 602 Coney Island Ave bet Beverley Rd & Ave C, Brooklyn, NY 11218) (7pPM) Break out your bikini or swim trunks, and join artsy, funky New Yorkers for a steamy dance night at a real Russian Banya. We'll have the newly remodeled & sparkling clean baths to ourselves, with every steam room and sauna ready to please, plus a few hand-picked professionals on hand for the optional platzas and massages. The dance floor will get you sweating faster than the saunas with former Bulgarian Bar resident DJ Joro Boro curating an array of EthnoMesh DJs. Plus: jacuzzi and cold plunge pool. ($40/$30) Event Website

(Dixon Place, 161 A Chrystie, (Between Rivington & Delancey), New York, NY 10002) (8pm) After years of field study at jungle reserves in Manhattan and Congo, Dr. Ghislaine Pussait presents her latest discoveries linking bonobo apes and homosexuals in The Homo Bonobo Project. ($15, $12) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM) It’s speed-dating with an ingenious twist: answer four questions about your interests, values, and lifestyle, and get assigned to four different groups of women who gave answers similar to yours. Also meet one-on-one in a free mingling period. Finally, write a list of the women you want to date, and minutes later you find out your mutual matches. Girlfriend Material is a fun, unique way to meet women you are compatible with, thereby increasing your odds that a relationship could take hold. ($20) (212-971-1084) [email protected] Event Website

(La Cascatella, 2 Dellwood Rd, Bronxville, NY 10708) (2 - 9pm) Join the men (and a few ladies) of the NYCGMC at The Rosebud Party, the annual spring garden party and fundraiser for the chorus. Held at the historic La Cascatella in beautiful Bronxville, NY, a quick 33 minutes from Grand Central, the event includes: Eclectic mix of chorus members, gay & straight supporters & friends; Full buffet dinner with amazing desserts; Lush gardens, stone terraces & verandas; Held in large historic 1919 Mediterranean-style home; Live entertainment & open bar. ($60) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (11am) This free one-day Summit hopes to develop a consensus between LGBT rights organizations, journalists and political officials that inclusion of bisexual people in the discussion of LGBT issues is necessary. Co-organized by the Bi Writers Association and the Center and co-sponsored by The New York Times Company GLBT & Allies Affinity Group and The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. Event speakers include Robyn Ochs, Editor of Getting Bi and Honoree of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Loraine Hutchins, Co-Editor of Bi Any Other Name; Cindi Creager, National News Director, GLAAD; Dr. Jaime M. Grant, Director of Policy Institute, Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Sean Kennedy, News Features Editor, The Advocate and Chagmion Antoine, Correspondent for 365 Gay News on Logo. (FREE) (212-928-3558) Event Website

(Various Locations along the No. 7 Train in Queens) Queens Art Express is a multi-day multi-venue art extravaganza that will take place on three weekends in the City’s most diverse borough. Emphasizing each venue’s unique show and accessibility by environmentally-friendly transportation, Queens Art Express features exhibitions, performances, and special events clustered around the No. 7 train. Event Website

(Lesbian Herstory Archives, 484 14th St btwn Prospect Park West & 8th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 10116) (9am - Midnight) As part of the year-long 35th anniversary celebration Lesbian Herstory Archives will hold a 15-hour Pulp-a-Thon. Come for a few hours or the whole marathon! Food and beverages provided. Pulp novels reached their peak in the 50s and 60s and are what writer/Archives co-founder Joan Nestle calls "survival literature." As the late Jaye Zimet said in her book Strange Sisters, "before the sexual revolution of the 1960s, these books offered a thrilling peek into an erotic underworld of deviant passions and scandalous couplings." So come, listen, read out loud and discover these novels once considered taboo. To benefit Lesbian Herstory Archives. (By Donation) (718-768-DYKE) [email protected] Event Website

(Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen St, New York, NY 10002) (7pm) Join the New York City Circle of Radical Faeries for an evening of readings, ritual, high drag and magic! Celebrate the 35th anniversary of RFD, the digest of the Radical Faerie community. The current issue examines the relationship between the Radical Faerie’s ritual practices and Starhawk’s Reclaiming Collective and it includes articles on the lives of Faeries and Witches from the past four decades. (FREE) Event Website

(Prospect Park, Brooklyn) Brooklyn Pride is a colorful and very important gay celebration, which includes a week full of readings, social events and performances, culminating in a spirited nighttime parade. Event Website

(Riverside Park South, Pier 1, West 70th Street and the Hudson River , New York, NY 10023) (12 Noon) Moms rock! all-mom rock bands, all day! (Free) (212-408-0219) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (12 - 3pm) Let's look back together on how much Center Kids has accomplished in the past 20 years and look ahead to the next 20! Lift a glass to a remarkable program with a rich history that has made a profound contribution to our community and our movement. This event will serve as a fundraiser for Center Kids, Center Families, as we continue to build and support stronger families. To benefit Center Kids & Center Families. ($100+ Admits 2 adults and their children) (212-620-7310) [email protected] Event Website

(Winter Garden, Bordered by Vesey St, West St, Liberty St & Hudson River, New York, NY 10007) (12pm (noon) - 12am (midnight)) A swarm of musicians and composers from all over the world will descend on the Winter Garden for 12 HOURS of uninterrupted live ear-bending border-crossing music from around the corner and around the globe. World premieres of brand new collaborations with oscar-winning pianist, composer, and actor Ryuichi Sakamoto with world-renowned guitarist Bill Frisell, a special appearance by the groundbreaking post-rock band Tortoise and much much more. (FREE) Event Website

(Athens Square Park, 30th Ave & 30th St, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102) (6pm) Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside lie in the New York State Senate's district 12. Since 1983, District 12 has been represented by Democrat George Onorato who recently stated that he thinks this district is "conservative" and is opposed to legalizing same-sex marriage in New York. Let's better inform our representatives and be counted in our fight for equality. Event Website

(Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, New York, NY 10018) (6pm) Honoring PEPSICO and KPMG for their commitment to all of America's students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. And a special performance by the New York City Youth Pride Chorus. To benefit GLSEN. Event Website