The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center Garden Party first began at the Center as a backyard barbeque. Now in its 29th year, Garden Party, which took place on June 18 from 6:00-10:00 p.m., offered a real taste of Pride by featuring booths from 50 of New York's most renowned restaurants and culinary destinations—everything from Benny's Burritos to 16 Handles frozen yogurt—making it the largest LGBT food festival in the country! The Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” Ron Ben-Israel was there as well.
As the sun set over the Pier, at Christopher Street and the Hudson River, we had speeches from New York City Comptroller John C. Liu; Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Roberts Vance, Jr.; Glennda Testone, the Executive Director of the Community Center; and New York City Council Speaker, and maybe next New York City Mayor, Christine C. Quinn.  Among the honorees were members from YES (Youth Enrichment Services).  Members of our community enjoyed a wide variety of food and beverages.  The weather was perfect!