The mission of CNY Pride is to serve the Central New York lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and their allies. The annual Pride Parade and Festival brings together about 5,000 supporters and provides a forum to celebrate and affirm individual sexual and gender identity, and to commemorate the community’s rich history and diversity, along with a renewal of the dedication to ending intolerance and achieving equal rights.

Said to be the biggest pride celebration in the world, NYC Pride hosts an ALL-DAY civil rights march, starting on 36th Street and
Fifth Avenue. 

The parade will end with a march down Christopher Street in the West Village.  Dan Savage, Terry Miller, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, and the Imperial Court of New York were the Grand Marshals for the 42nd Annual LGBT Pride March on June 26th, 2011.

In its 18th year, the Original GLBT Expo offers visitors and attendees, two days filled with entertainment, products, events and networking.

Held in March of every year, and organized by RDP Group, this trade show keeps growing and offers the gay community an opportunity to browse gay-owned and gay-friendly offerings. 

GAYFEST NYC, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation, which functions as a clearing house for new GLBT and other minority plays, and encourages and supports playwrights who address our lives, our issues and our concerns. Its 2010 Festival production of the musical ‘This One Girl’s Story,’ book by Bil Wright, music & lyrics by Dionne McClain-Freeney, is the recipient of a 2011 GLAAD Media Award nomination for Best Off-Off Broadway production. 

GAYFEST NYC, Inc. works throughout the year to fund its programs and hosts an annual benefit for the Harvey Milk High School (HMHS).  This event helps to pay for in-school education and mentoring programs at the school and contributes to the scholarship fund for the graduates. The education program, now in its fourth year, provides an accredited playwriting class as part of the school curriculum. GAYFEST NYC, Inc. administers the program and pays two teaching artists throughout the year to facilitate this class. At the end of the second semester each year professional Equity actors (12 this past June) are engaged to read the work developed by the students in class. This is done as an assembly for the entire student body of HMHS. The scholarship program was established in May 2007. Since that time GAYFEST NYC, Inc. has awarded 29 scholarships to graduates of the Harvey Milk High School. 

2011 Ballroom Gala 
This year’s event, which included a wonderful array of silent auction items, headlined such celebrities as Wanda Sykes, Michael Urie, Lance Horne, David Mixner, Cortés Alexander, Emily McNamara, and Justin Vivian Bond, among others. 

Cortés Alexander:  "Thank you for a life- affirming night like no other. I now have inspiration to carry me for a long, long time. If you'll have me, I'd love to be on your roster of talent that you can always count on whenever you need."  

Emily McNamara:  "Thank YOU for having me! It was truly an honor and I hope you feel that it was a success! Please call on me again. I'm always here to help for a good cause." 

Justin Vivian Bond:  "It was my pleasure to be involved in GAYFEST NYC this year.  It's always a privilege to lend service to a worthwhile organization such as the Harvey Milk High School." 

The Community Service Award presented by GAYFEST NYC, Inc., was given to David Mixner. David’s inspiring speech was legendary!... and left the speechless crowd with goosebumps. This Award is presented annually to a courageous visionary, and dedicated individual or organization whose selfless acts of care, sustained commitment and outstanding service have enhanced the
quality of life for members of the LGBT community. 

David Mixner:  "Thank you so much for the wonderful honor and spectacular evening. I was so thrilled to be a part of it." 

The men behind the production 
Congratulations to Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman for all their efforts, hard work, and dedicated community service! Connextions Magazine isn’t the only fan who wishes to applaud this dynamic duo… the Fresh Fruit Festival is also honoring Bruce and Jack as the 2011 recipients of the Harry Wieder Award for Community Service. 

Get involved 
"We will be producing a professional production of a new play in New York City this fall, and encourage your readers to look for us as we guarantee provocative, intelligent new work. We are also producing a major West End production of one of our GAYFEST NYC plays, ‘The Legacy’ by Adam Seigel." - Jack Batman. 

The Loews Regency Hotel has partnered to host next year’s ballroom gala, but in the meantime… get involved! Contributors can either go to the HMHS page on the website or send donations directly to GAYFEST NYC, Inc., One River Place, Suite 917, New York, NY 10036. www.GAYFESTNYC.com

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 3.

In early 2011, Michael Holtz was honored with the Mr. Gay USA 2011 title.

As a very energetic activist, Michael uses his athletic abilities to raise awareness in the LGBT community through sports. In 2010, Compete Magazine named Holtz as gay athlete of the year. Most notably, in 2008, Michael was inspired to swim the English Channel, which led to the implementation of two of the first-ever, open-water, long-distance swims on both the East and West coasts to raise money for LGBT equality. Michael has a resume filled with volunteer work for such organizations as Equality California, The Stonewall Foundation and The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 

Michael states:  "The opportunity to serve as Mr Gay USA 2011 has helped me continue my work in creating a positive impact on, and for, the LGBTQ community and to help protect, develop, and advance our rights. As an open athlete, I am focusing my life on using the medium of athletics to bring the world together to better understand, know about, and interact with the LGBTQ community in a positive light. In turn, the athletic events I produce provide an interactive platform for engagement bringing all types of people working together for a common goal to a better understanding and acknowledgement that the LGBTQ community is full of wonderful, vibrant people who enhance so many parts of our communities, businesses, and lives and also a place with whom everyone can interact on many levels in non-hostile, compassionate, and productive way." 

With Michael’s zest and enthusiasm for life, it is no surprise that he took title as Mr Gay USA and 1st runner-up at the Mr Gay World competition in the Philippines this year! 

Neil Totton took place as 1st runner-up in the Mr. Gay USA competition. Along with a ‘stunning smile, Neil’s talents go far and wide! The singer, producer, and performing artist just released his breakout single "Cuntry Boi," which can be found on youtube. 

Founder of Mr Gay USA, Jarl Haugedal uses social media to aquire candidates and promote the mission of the competition. Jarl plans to host promotional events throughout the year at NYC-JC luxury hotel suites. For all interested candidates, contact info@mrgayworldusa. com. For more information on the organization and/or Michael Holtz, visit: www.facebook.com/MrGayWorldusa & mrgayworlusa.com

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 3.