Voting in NY, upcoming events, plus saying farewell to Miss Major
Voting in NY, upcoming events, plus saying farewell to Miss Major
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Center Happenings
Updates from The NYC LGBT Community Center
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A Word from Vladimir Martinez, Managing Director of Government and Community Affairs
To all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers,
As someone who works every day at the intersection of policy and community, I get to see, firsthand, how the decisions made by our elected officials impact the lives of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. From funding for our community centers, to passing laws that protect transgender and gender-nonconforming people from discrimination, to ensuring safe housing and healthcare access for all—what happens at the ballot box shapes the resources and protections our communities depend on.
The stakes are higher than ever for LGBTQ+ communities. Our rights are being challenged across the country, and in New York City—the birthplace of the modern queer rights movement—we cannot take our accomplishments for granted. At this crucial moment, one important way to defend and strengthen what we've built is to vote and to encourage our friends, families, and networks to do the same.
Your vote is your voice, and together we can send a clear message that LGBTQ+ rights are not negotiable in our city. Make your plan, show up, and help keep New York a place where we can all live openly, safely, and with pride. Learn more about voting in New York < [link removed] > .
Key Dates:
- Saturday, October 25: First day of early voting
- Monday, November 4: Last day to postmark ballot (mail)
- Tuesday, November 4: Election Day
Requesting Absentee Ballot:
- Final day to request via mail: Saturday, October 25
- Final day to request in person (at local Board of Elections office): Monday, November 3
The Center is an official polling site! Find your designated polling site at vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site.
The Center is a non-partisan 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Check out our voter guide! < [link removed] >
**Coming up at The Center
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[Image alt text: Headshot of Miss Major] < [link removed] >
Honoring the life and legacy of Miss Major
The Center joins the LGBTQ+ community nationwide in mourning the passing of beloved author, activist, leader, mother, and friend Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. A proud Black and transgender woman born in Chicago, Miss Major was a legendary and adored champion for our community. We will forever be grateful to her for fighting tirelessly for our community and her eternal legacy. Thank you, Miss Major! You will be dearly missed.
[Image alt text: Film photo of Miss Major with text that reads "MAJOR! A free community documentary screening."] < [link removed] >
Major! Documentary Community Viewing
Saturday, Oct. 25 | Doors at 6:30 PM
In honor of Miss Major’s birthday and in celebration of her life, join Ryan Grippi and The Center for a free community screening of the award-winning documentary MAJOR!, celebrating the life, legacy, and revolutionary spirit of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.
Register to attend < [link removed] >
[Image alt text: Two people and their baby huddled around a laptop while smiling] < [link removed] >
National Estate Planning Awareness Week
Oct. 20–26, 2025
National Estate Planning Awareness Week offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy you want to leave and ensure your wishes are protected. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone! Taking the time now brings peace of mind for the future. Visit gaycenter.org/legacy for our one-stop shop with guidance on writing your will for free, go-to language to include The Center in your plans, and more.
Learn more < [link removed] >
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Be part of the all new Cycle for the Cause
Join us for the all new Cycle for the Cause! Registration for the ride for LGBTQ+ lives is now open and in 2026 we’re giving you a new route and ride format so that everyone can be part of our cycling fundraiser.
Learn more and register < [link removed] >
[Image alt text: Two people in costume.] < [link removed] >
HalloQueer Youth Halloween Party
Friday, Oct. 31 | 5–7 PM
Join us for a scare if you DARE at our annual Halloween party! Come get your spook on and show off your fabulous Halloween costume! Food, Music, Candy, Costume Contest and more! For youth and young adults ages 13–22.
Register to attend < [link removed] >
[Image alt text: 2025 Activist in Residence fellows posing together] < [link removed] >
Activist in Residence Fellowship Open Studio
Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6–8 PM
Join us as our Activist-in-Residence Fellows share their progress on cutting-edge projects for improving the lives of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers! The Activist-in-Residence Fellowship empowers BIPOC LGBTQ+ activists with bold ideas to advance LGBTQ+ rights in NY. Refreshments will be provided!
Register to attend < [link removed] >
[Image alt text: People in an office smiling and shaking hands.] < [link removed] >
Health Coverage Made Easy
Saturday, Nov. 8 | 12–4 PM
Whether you’re enrolling in health insurance for the first time, renewing your coverage, or exploring new options, this is your opportunity to get personalized help in a supportive and affirming space.
Register to attend < [link removed] >
[Image alt text: Jens running and holding up peace signs] < [link removed] >
Shout Out: Center Members Making a Difference!
Saturday, Nov. 8 | 12–4 PM
Thanks to our friend, Jens, for going the distance (26.2 miles, in fact!) by running in the Berlin Marathon last month, and fundraising over $6,700 to support The Center’s life-saving programs! Do you love long-distance running and have the drive to support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers? Lace up those sneakers and turn your energy into action with our fundraising toolkit!
Get started now < [link removed] >
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011
gaycenter.org < [link removed] >
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