Dot429 Brunch

Thank you to Dot429 for letting me join today's brunch mixer. Dot 429 is a professional network for the LGBT community and I had the pleasure of meeting many of the city's movers and shakers this morning at their event.

From Jamey Rodemeyer to Tyler Clementi, young people exploring their sexuality often face major hardships from their peers. The issue of bullying has been all too present in the LGBT community over recent years. The journey to self discovery and happiness is a personal one and it pains me that so many people feel the need to hurt those who are only trying to understand and accept themselves.

By the end of the event, as the guests trickled out, I found myself conversing with an impressive young woman who advocates for the Transsexual community. In the 30 minutes that followed she enlightened me to a side of our culture with which I was admittedly not terribly familiar. Right off the bat she clarified the difference between Transsexual and Transgender: Transsexual is someone who feels they were born in the wrong body/anatomy, while Transgender is one who explores the concept of gender role (think Drag culture.) I had a friend in college who underwent a gender change so have experienced the physical transition that some individuals undergo in order to match their externals to their inner self. This woman continued to explain how the loose and joking use of the word "tranny" in pop LGB culture is offensive and derogatory to those of the Transsexual community, since their gender struggle is hardly a laughing matter. I thought of all the times I heard that term thrown around on shows like Ru Paul's Drag Race and among my friends in the theater world. This seem to be a section of our culture that has not received major recognition or understanding from the mainstream world.

My passion to end bullying comes from a belief that being different is not a bad thing. Learning from those who come from an alternative perspective can leave all of us wiser. I am glad I met a woman who could enlighten me on this issue, as I hope this knowledge will assist me in better helping students throughout New York to navigate their journey to adulthood.

New York took a step forward by legalizing gay marriage this year. Let's hope we continue to create acceptance and support for all people, no matter how "different" their life may seem.

Ben Bay Kiwanis Dinner Gala

Tonight I joined more members of the Brooklyn Kiwanis family when I attended the Ben Bay Kiwanis Dinner Gala. I was invited by Brian Baslin who I met at last week's Kiwanis dinner. Brian is a valued supporter of my Children's Miracle Network fundraising and is personally involved in supporting several major children's health organizations.

This evening honored several members of this chapter for their excellence in generosity and community support, and awarded over $200,000 in charitable support to local organizations.

As we danced and dined (I ate two whole lobsters during happy hour and am praying that heaven uses the same caterers,) I learned about the many philanthropic efforts with which each man is involved. Several I recognized as regular supporters of the USO. During the evening they showed a video of a young boy from Italy who was told he would never walk. In the video, we watched him slowly walk himself down a hallway with a smile splashed wide across his face. This is the kind of magic that these men are facilitating through their generosity, and the whole state can take pride in the work these men do for not only their own community, but children and people around the world.

It was an honor to meet and join them and I wish them all the best in the coming year!

Meeting with Commission on Human Rights

This morning I sat down with the NYC Commission on Human Rights to talk about what they are doing to tackle bullying in the big apple.

The NYC Human Rights law is among the most comprehensive in the country and in addition to protecting against discrimination in employment and city services, now includes protection against bias-related harassment online. Yes, that means cyber bullying. The organization is quickly educating its staff on the issue of cyber bullying and has begun a 6 workshop series that they offer to schools free of charge.

We discussed several possible projects. But you know me, no spoilers! I'm excited to work with them and will keep you posted on our continued efforts to make bullying a focal point in their work over the coming year.

Gracie Mansion for Columbus Day Reception

Always a pleasure to bump elbows with some of New York's finest Italians, and Mayor Bloomberg let me do just that when I attended the Italian Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion. Joining other fine Italian Americans, we enjoyed treats from some of the cities best Italian eateries and honored the impact that Italians have made on the New York City area.

I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of energy this city puts into Columbus Day festivities; particularly their focus on Italian heritage. As a young person in today's society I think I often take our nation's diversity for granted. We are lucky. Lots of people worked hard to make this place for us in America. When we hold cultural prejudice against a group or culture, we are denying ourselves the opportunity to explore and learn from their world. What is different is not always bad. Whether it is where you are from or how you dress in school...difference is what colors our world. I am so proud of the work my Italian predecessors have done to enrich this nation, and thrilled to celebrate that in one of the most diverse cities in the world! Just hop on any given subway car and you will see proof!

Thank you to Mayor Boomberg, his staff, and all those who came out to show support. I'm excited to continue the party this week at the 67th Annual NYC Columbus Day Parade!!

Staten Island Columbus Day Parade

The second of three Columbus Day Parade's in which I will appear this month, Staten Island turned it out in their usual fashion for an all-American celebration. This borough has no shortage of energy when it comes to community celebrations.

I was in good company, including FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a number of local representatives from Albany. This parade was the first in 20 years to include representatives from Staten Island's LGBT community with members of Staten Island Pride Events joining the lineup. I was proud to hear applause as they marched by the crowds! The cheers continued as marching bands, dancers, floats, and a fleet of red convertibles flooded the street in celebration.

That's right, I even got some military friends to crack a smile for the camera. I have been working with our military for three years now and can say that getting them to smile in pictures borders on being the most challenging task known to man. Fascinating, eh? They are all smiles until the camera pops out, but it's always nice to capture the memory of them enjoying themselves!

After thoroughly inspecting under the hood of the convertible upon which I would perch for the ride (actually, he was showing me some killer etched art detailing on the engine) I jumped on and we were off. Block after block of people cheering! This was the highest energy I have seen of any crowd this year, causing me to blow more kisses than I think is legally allowed.

Thank you to the Staten Island community for the warm reception and for letting me be part of today's festivities! As always, thank you to Borough President Molinaro for keeping the spirit of Staten Island so wildly alive all year. See you next week, Staten Island, when I come back for the Cabaret!

Howard Beach Columbus Day Feast

Tonight I was brought back to Howard Beach to continue the Columbus Day festivities with their awards gala. Tonight we honored Italian American members of the Howard Beach community who have achieved excellence in maintaining and promoting Italian heritage. The honorees ranged from political figures to language instructors and each made their passion for their roots clear. It was a beautiful night and an honor to give my support!

I cannot thank the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation enough for letting me take part in this weeks events.

Fitting for Beauty Queens Forever Foundation Gala

A perk of this job that will never stop exciting me is the wardrobe opportunities. Today I got fitted for a gown to wear at the upcoming Beauty Queens Forever Foundation Gala where I will be keynote speaker. The dress is killer and so is the cause. No spoilers, be there or be square!