Friday, December 04, 2009

Out Astoria December Newsletter, Volume 1

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News


Dinner at JJ's Asian Fusion, 9 Dec, 7pm-9pm - 37-05 31st Avenue - JJ's Asian Fusion Website
This will be our first time at JJ's Asian Fusion, but probably not your last. As you can see by their website's menu there is a wide variety of Asian fusion cuisine to choose from. Please let us know if you are able to come or not, as there is limited seating. We ask that you please only RSVP Yes if you are really coming, so that we do not have to turn down others only to the people who said they were coming not show up.

RSVP on Facebook


Holiday Party at Lavish Lounge, 18 Dec, 8pm-11pm - 34-04 36th Avenue - $10 - Lavish Website
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, or nothing at all, you're sure to enjoy our annual Holiday Party. There will be a buffet, drink specials, gogos serving food, and surprises all night.

RSVP on Facebook


Other Notices of Interest

Candy Samples' Sample This!
Astoria’s podcasting drag queen, Candy Samples has just released her first musical CD entitled Sample This! The 5-song EP contains her unique original tunes (co-penned by fellow Astorians Alan Parker and Jesse Sklar) such as “Green Bean Casserole”, “Boy Crazy” -- a hit at this year’s Queens Pride and “Slow Dance”, the poignant ballad that debuted in Astoria at the Athens Park Marriage Equality Rally.

Astoria audiences will remember Candy from her days at Albatross Bar as the original hostess of Friday Night Karaoke and more recently her summer with Lavish Lounge. Her podcast, The Candy Show, is in its third year as a free download on iTunes. She frequently interviews local Astorians and keeps us all ‘in the know’, with her political, entertainment and fashion reports.

Sample This! is available on iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon and is a great deal this holiday season --- under $5 for the digital download.

Candy is a gal who shows no signs of slowing down and we are proud to have her as a member of the Out Astoria community. Sample This! will definitely satisfy YOUR sweet tooth! www.samplemycandy.com

Candy, Alan, and Jesse are all members of Out Astoria!



St. Andrew's Center Appeal for Holidays
St. Andrew's Center is a new shelter program partnership between the Ali Forney Center (AFC) and the Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (ECS). ECS and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island put over $200K into renovating the space to enable AFC to offer safe and dignified shelter at the site. The opening ceremony will celebrate the kindness and generosity that ECS and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island have shown to the LGBT community through this gesture, as well as AFC's accomplishments in protecting and serving homeless LGBT youth.

It officially opened on 21 November on 31st Ave and 46th St, and for the holidays there are 16 residents.

It is a particularly difficult time for the teen residents at the center, perhaps the most marginalized of all the homeless. In a season often associated with family it is easy to see why young people would have feelings stirred up. The Center is asking for gift cards in only ten and twenty dollar denominations to McDonald's, Target and CVS only. They want to limit gifts to these three places so teen jealousy does not appear. These gift cards will give these teens some buying power that they do not usually experience. Please send out an email to your family and friends asking for help as well.

Gift cards can be sent to Michael Meaney c/o Zion Episcopal Church 243-01 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11363. It would be best if donations could be received early, before December 15th, so we know what we have to work with.

Additionally, training is available at through the Ali Forney Center for those who may be interested in volunteering with these LGBT youth at the Center.




Lavish Lounge Announces New Weekly Line-Up
Lavish Lounge contacted Out Astoria and asked that we share their new line-up. You can join their mailing list at http://groups.google.com/group/lavishloungenyc.


Monday, November 23, 2009

November 2009 News Letter, Volume 2

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

Mixer at Lavish Lounge, 27 Nov, 8pm-11pm - 34-04 36th Avenue - FREE - Lavish Website
Out Astoria returns to Lavish Lounge for the late November mixer. 2-4-1 cocktails. Lavish is doing some changes - walls are gone, DJs are moved, and there is a new stage for the go-go boys.

RSVP on Facebook

Dinner at JJ's Asian Fusion, 9 Dec, 7pm-9pm - 37-05 31st Avenue - JJ's Asian Fusion Website
This will be our first time at JJ's Asian Fusion, but probably not your last. As you can see by their website's menu there is a wide variety of Asian fusion cuisine to choose from. Please let us know if you are able to come or not, as there is limited seating. We ask that you please only RSVP Yes if you are really coming, so that we do not have to turn down others only to the people who said they were coming not show up.

RSVP on Facebook


SAVE THE DATE
Out in Astoria Holiday Party, 18 Dec, 8pm-11pm - TBA

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, or nothing at all, you're sure to enjoy our annual Holiday Party. We are reviewing suggestions and offers for a venue, and will announce it shortly. Regardless, SAVE THE DATE!


Other Events of Interest

Ali Forney Center and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island LGBT Shelter Opening in Astoria, 23 Nov 2009, 6:30pm, 4609 31st Ave

The Ali Forney Center would like to invite you to an opening ceremony to celebrate the launch of their newest shelter at the Church of St. Andrew's in Astoria, Queens (4609 31st Ave.) on Monday November 23rd at 6:30pm.

This new shelter program is a partnership between AFC and the Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (ECS). ECS and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island put over $200K into renovating the space to enable AFC to offer safe and dignified shelter at the site. The opening ceremony will celebrate the kindness and generosity that ECS and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island have shown to the LGBT community through this gesture, as well as AFC's accomplishments in protecting and serving homeless LGBT youth. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

"Carmen's Place", Documentary Screening at Queens International Film Festival 13 Nov 2009, 1:30pm at Holiday Inn Manhattan View, 39-05 29th St
"Carmen's Place is an intimate portrayal of life at a transgender friendly shelter for teenagers run by an Episcopal priest in Astoria, NY. For many of the residents, life at Carmen’s Place is the first real home they’ve ever experienced. Through spiritual guidance, community building and his philosophy of radical acceptance, Father Braxton teaches residents how to become self-sufficient adults who accept themselves and their gender identities.

More details available at the Documentary's Website.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

November 2009 News Letter, Volume 1

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

Mixer at Albatross Bar, 7 Nov, 8pm-10pm - 36-19 24th Avenue - FREE - Albatross Website

Out in Astoria returns to Albatross for a Friday night of drink specials (2-4-1 cocktails) and lots of fun. Following the mixer you are invited to attend their Tranny Party "Sexpot".

RSVP on Facebook


Dinner at Blackbirds Bar & Restaurant, 11 Nov, 7pm-9pm - 41-19 30th Avenue - Blackbirds Website
This is one of the first times Out in Astoria has gone to Blackbirds, and we know it will be well worth it. The food is amazing, so don't let "bar" deceive you. This will be great!

RSVP on Facebook


Mixer at Lavish Lounge, 27 Nov, 8pm-11pm - 34-04 36th Avenue - FREE - Lavish Website
Out in Astoria returns to Lavish Lounge for the late November mixer. 2-4-1 cocktails. Lavish is doing some changes - walls are gone, DJs are moved, and there is a new stage for the go-go boys.

RSVP on Facebook


SAVE THE DATE
Out in Astoria Holiday Party, 18 Dec, 8pm-11pm - TBA

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, Yule, or nothing at all, you're sure to enjoy our annual Holiday Party. We are reviewing suggestions and offers for a venue, and will announce it shortly. Regardless, SAVE THE DATE!



Other Events of Interest

Astoria Performing Arts Center presents "The Pillowman" 5 Nov - 21 Nov at Good Shepherd UMC, Crescent & 30th Rd - $$ Discount for Out in Astoria $$

Once again the gracious people at the Astoria Performing Arts Center have given us a discount for their fall production of Martin McDonagh's "The Pillowman". You can purchase tickets on line via their website to take advantage of this offer. Just head over to http://www.apacny.org/

When you choose the performance you want, just enter the promotional code: TPMOUTASTORIA
That will give you access to $10 tickets (regularly priced at $15). The code is good for any performance you wish to attend! That's the best deal they've given us yet.


"Carmen's Place", Documentary Screening at Queens International Film Festival 13 Nov 2009, 1:30pm at Holiday Inn Manhattan View, 39-05 29th St

"Carmen's Place is an intimate portrayal of life at a transgender friendly shelter for teenagers run by an Episcopal priest in Astoria, NY. For many of the residents, life at Carmen’s Place is the first real home they’ve ever experienced. Through spiritual guidance, community building and his philosophy of radical acceptance, Father Braxton teaches residents how to become self-sufficient adults who accept themselves and their gender identities.

More details available at the Documentary's Website.

Friday, October 02, 2009

October 2009 News Letter, Volume 1

OUT Astoria welcomes the 3rd gay bar to Astoria.  The management have told us they will have food and  drink specials, especially for us.  Come join us at this fabulous new establishment.

RSVP on Facebook


Dinner at Vesta Trattoria, 14 Oct, 7pm-9pm - 21-02 30th Avenue - Vesta Trattoria Website
OUT Astoria will be going to Vesta for our October dinner. This will be a real treat, and our first time at this establishment.You should really check out their menu.  Vesta is a neighborhood restaurant. They are inspired by Italy, the local green market and a commitment to a menu with out boundaries. They welcome you to enjoy their wines by the shot, glass or bottle.

RSVP on Facebook


Mixer at Lavish Lounge, 23 Oct, 8pm-11pm - 34-04 36th Avenue - FREE - Lavish Website
OUT Astoria returns to Lavish Lounge for a spooky mixer.  Lavish has undergone some renovations, and the place is looking really hot!  More details will follow in the Mid-October News Letter.


Brunch at Locale, 31 Oct, 2pm-4pm - 33-02 34th Avenue - Locale Website
It's Halloween, so come get your spook on at one of the best places for Brunch in the neighborhood.  Costumes are optional ;-).  More details will follow in the Mid-October News Letter.


OUT Astoria Launches New Website! - www.outastoria.com
Rob Zukowski did a major re-haul of the OUT Astoria Website.  It is AMAZING, and YOU should check it out.  If you have any questions or suggestions for the website, please contact Rob at rob@outastoria.com.



Other Events of Interest

QLGPC October Mixer at Bar Los Recuerdos, 15 Oct, 7pm-9pm - 79-15 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights - FREE
Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee is hosting their monthly mixer at Bar Los Recuerdos.  Club Planet says this about Los Recuerdos:

Queens Hottest Gay Latin Bar located in the heart of Jackson Heights! A place where Diversity is always welcome! Whether you are Gay/Straight/Bisexual/Bi-Curious/Transgender/TransSexual/Lesbian/ MetroSexual ETC, this is a place where you can just be yourself! Awesome staff with weekly events! Drink Specials! Great Music based on the current Theme Night Event! Some nights Latin, Some nights Latin American! A cool place to meet amazing people of all race & gender!


Jihad for Love Film Screening - Dates/Location Below (Film Website) - FREE

The Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee is sponsoring the screening of Jihad for Love on two nights in October.

Sunday, October 18, 2009, 5 PM
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning - 161-04 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11432

Saturday, October 24, 2009, 3 PM
Langston Hughes Library - 100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona, New York 11368


Call for volunteers: QLGPC will need several people to help during "set up" immediately before each screening.  If interested and available--and QLGPC hopes you are, please contact Board Member Ari Gershman at pennsmile@yahoo.com.


ACQC Gifts of Love Auction & Luncheon at Terrace on the Park, 19 Oct, 12pm - 52-11 111th Street Flushing Meadow Park, Flushing, NY - $75.00
Join the AIDS Center of Queens County as it celebrates its 17th Annual Gifts of Love Auction & Luncheon. The event includes keynote speakers, and wonderful raffles, silent & live auction prizes. Support by purchasing a ticket, or by donating.
Contact: Executive Assistant to ED, 718-896-2500 ext. 1803 | ACQC@aol.com
There are two forums in the NYC area that will be discussing the violent hate-crimes that have recently happened, especially towards transgender people in our community.

Transgender Hate Crimes: Victims, Their Families and Advocates Speak Out!
Wednesday, October 7th, 7:00 PM - Brooklyn Law School’s Forchelli Conference Center - 205 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Queens Transgender Rights Forum
Tuesday, October 13th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM - Queens Pride House - 76-11 37th Avenue. Suite 206, Jackson Heights, New York
Directed by OUT Astoria's very own Keri Seymour, Stop Kiss reflects the deepest parts of love and compassion, by delving into the ideas of identity and sexuality.
October 8th – 24th, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
All Performances at 8:00 PM  ***Except Saturday, October 10th at 7:00 PM
For Reservations: Email reservations@cinderblocktheatre.com or call 646-575-9531
To purchase tickets in advance please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84791



Do you have Announcements?
To get an announcement in the OUT Astoria News Letter, please send your information to chap@outastoria.com by the 1st and 16th of each month.  Announcements should be LGBT in nature and/or be related to Astoria, New York.

Join our Facebook Group Here.
Join our Why Leave Astoria Group Here.
Visit our Website at www.outastoria.com

For general information about OUT Astoria or suggestions, please email info@outastoria.com.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Dinner at Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar - 14 Oct 2009, 7pm-10pm

Location:
Street:
 21-02 30th Avenue

OUT Astoria will be going to Vesta for our October dinner.  This will be a real treat, and our first time at this establishment. You should really check out their menu.
Vesta is a neighborhood restaurant. They are inspired by Italy, the local green market and a commitment to a menu with out boundaries. They welcome you to enjoy their wines by the shot, glass or bottle.

 RSVP on Facebook

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Transgender Rights Forums

There are two forums in the NYC area that will be discussing the violent hate-crimes that have recently happened, especially towards transgender people in our community.
Transgender Hate Crimes: Victims, Their Families and Advocates Speak Out!
Wednesday October 7th, 7:00 PM
Brooklyn Law School’s Forchelli Conference Center
205 State Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201


Queens Transgender Rights Forum:
Tuesday October 13th
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Queens Pride House
76-11 37th Avenue. Suite 206
Jackson Heights, New York

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Mixer at Mix Cafe & Lounge - 2 Oct 2009, 8pm-11pm

Location:
Street:
 40-17 30th Avenue

Out Astoria is thrilled that Astoria now has a third gay bar/lounge: Mix Cafe and Lounge, just off 30th Avenue and Steinway.

Join us this Friday in welcoming the newest kid on the block at this special mixer. Enjoy drink specials, hors d'oeuvres/snack food, and more. Come early, stay late!
 RSVP on Facebook

March on Washington Bus Fundraiser, Monday 28 Sep 2009, 8pm-11pm

Where: Albatross (36-19 24th Ave)

Brandon Brock has asked us to send this out. We were so hyped, we decided to co-sponsor the Fundraiser! Note, there will be a Raffle now too, details below!

Facebook Invite
Online Donations: www.firstgiving.com/brandonbrock

The deadline to raise the $1800 for a bus is Tuesday, September 29th. Let's spread this and get it covered and make a presence.
Please read this message from Brandon Brock, I think it says it best:


"Brandon, what is this about a fundraiser?"

I love my neighborhood. I'm attending the National Equality March in DC but I've noticed that few of my neighbors are going to DC to march. I'm fundraising to secure an entire 57-seat bus to send Western Queens residents to the March and back for free, leaving from Astoria. With the bus secure through your donation, we'll be able to send 57 people to the DC March with MENY for free.

Don't forget the "Help send Astoria to the Gay March on Washington!" fundraiser tomorrow at the Albatross Bar at 24th ave and 37th st in Astoria. We'll be there from 8-11. Please come and bring your friends if possible.

I'll be accepting cash donations at the fundraising event along with any First Giving donations.

Thanks to your help of generous donations, I've managed to raise $345.00 so far for the FREE Astoria National Equality March bus fundraiser.

Once I've reached the $1,800 goal, we'll be able to send 57 more people to the March for FREE.

There will be a raffle for:

  • a $50 drink tab at Albatross Bar
  • or a deluxe Headshot/Portrait Print Package by local Astoria resident Rob Zukowski of www.eyespyimaging.com (a $145 value!)
Raffle tickets are $50 each. Tickets will be drawn at random at 10:15.

The National Equality March will be amazing and I hope you can go (maybe on our free Astoria bus?), but if you can't attend please consider a donation to help me reach the goal a bit easier.

And don't forget to tell all your friends about this effort. www.firstgiving.com/brandonbrock

A HUGE thanks to my friends, my family and the generous strangers who've helped this fundraiser along the way.

With much love, appreciation and hope for equality,

Brandon Brock
brandon@meny.us

Friday, September 25, 2009

National Equality March


The National Equality March is an important event to show support for full equality on the door step of those who can make that happen: the Congress of the United States. It will be held October 10-11, 2009 in Washington, DC.

National Equality March Promotional Video


www.nationalequalitymarch.org

Thursday, September 24, 2009

STOP KISS at WoW Theatre - 8 Oct - 24 Oct (Thur, Fri Sat) 8pm

Cinder Block Theatre Company presents "STOP KISS" at WoW Theatre 59-61 E. 4th St, New York, NY - $15

Directed by OUT Astoria's very own Keri Seymour, Stop Kiss by Diana Son reflects the deepest parts of love and compassion, by delving into the ideas of identity and sexuality.
October 8th – 24th, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
All Performances at 8:00 PM  ***Except Saturday, October 10th at 7:00 PM 
Directed by Keri Seymour
Set/Lighting by Annie Arthur
Costume Design by Nicolette Dixson
Stage Managed by John Hague
Featuring Erin Hadley, Katharine Hyde, Yury Lomakin, Nathan Rodriquez, Jillian Snow Harris & BJ Watkins
For Reservations: Email reservations@cinderblocktheatre.com or call 646-575-9531
To purchase tickets in advance please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84791


Monday, June 08, 2009