BGHV Weekend, Feb 18th: “Falsettos” Heats Up, GayGamers Unite & Big Gay Giveaways

Welcome to another edition of BGHV Weekend! With just over 30 days until the official start of Spring, we’re in the home stretch folks! Hang in there – winter is almost over.

This coming weekend is the final one for Falsettos at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, and with shows on Friday at 8pm, followed by a special benefit performance for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center on Saturday at 7pm, and finally a matinee on Sunday at 3pm, there is no reason to miss the spectacular show.

A few other items of note:
BGHV is proud to announce that it is partnering with Dutchess and Ulster County Tourism to help promote our region as a LGBTQ travel destination at the GLBT Expo in NYC on March 20 and 21. We are currently looking for businesses interested in attracting gay consumers to join us in this cooperative marketing opportunity. Interested in learning more? Check it out here.

BGHV and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center are working together to bring excitement to the Hudson Valley PRIDE March and Festival on Sunday, June 6th with the creation of the BIG GAY Cup! While we cannot tell you all the details yet, we can tell you that we are looking for float captains for each and every Hudson Valley community from White Plains to Hudson. Interested? Please let us know, as we’d love to speak with you.

While not quite local, we here at BGHV were thrilled to learn that out elected official, Philip LaTessa, a successful business owner and two-term Syracuse City Auditor, today announced that he is running for New York State Assembly. While he is running in Central NY, it is always great news to hear that another LGBTQ candidate is running for political office in the Empire State.

Last but not least, mark your calendars for Friday, May 28th, for the second annual BGHV Pride Preview Party at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. The party starts at 5pm and goes until midnight. Last year more than 500 people joined us for the party of the summer! Plan to start your Memorial Day Weekend with your Hudson Valley LGBTQ family and friends!

And now, on with the listings!

Thursday, February 18th

Sanctuary @ Memorial United Methodist Church, White Plains @ 6:30p
Sanctuary is a spiritual gathering devoted to and expressly for the LGBTQ community and supporters, and in a contemplative atmosphere that draws on the wisdom of many spiritual traditions.

Men’s Group Meeting @ The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, Kingston @ 7p
The (very active) Men’s Group will be meeting for a discussion night at the Center. Their topic: Is there such a thing as “thinking straight” or “thinking gay”?

LOFT Movie Nite @ LOFT Community Center, White Plains @ 7:30p
This week’s movie, Ma Vie en Rose (My Life In Pink) is the story of Ludovic, a little girl born in a little boy’s body. For him, nothing is more natural than to change his gender. As a hopeful and sensitive child, he truly believes that a miracle is going to happen.

Truly Tipsy @ Trumans, New Paltz @ 8p
Start the weekend early with Thursday night lounge. Prephab spins, Evan pours and drinks & apps are served up at half price. $5 at the door after 10p, so get there early!

LIVE.LOVE.LEBLON Carnaval on the Hudson @ Shadows, Poughkeepsie @ 10p
Celebrate the Brazilian tradition in authentic style with samba dancers, a live band, fresh fruit caipirinha bars and more. 21+ only.

Friday, February 19th

NonCon 10 Comics & Gaming Conference @ Vassar, Poughkeepsie @ All Weekend
ATTENTION ALL GAY GAMERS!!! Vassar’s annual comics & gaming conference is back featuring lectures from award-winning game developers, webcomic & fantasy authors and more. Nerds rule and this is your conference.

Teen Dance Party @ The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center, Kingston @ 7p
We’ve all been there. You get all dolled up to go out, just to be turned away at the door because you’re too young to get in. This party is for you guys! Come on up to the Center and join GLSEN & DJ John Martin and beat the Winter Blues.

A Night of Diamonds @ Primetime, Highland @ 10pm
Join Lady Black Diamonds as she returns to the Primetime stage to perform “RUDE BOY “by Rhianna..Watch me as I vogue,walk the runway,and prance on The RUNWAY…Join me February 19th as we hail Diamonds return…A NIGHT OF DIAMONDS…

Saturday, February 20th

Voices of Diversity, Black History Month Celebration @ LGBTQ Center, Kingston @ 12pm
Civil rights attorney Alphonso David will speak at 12:00 noon as part of the celebration hosted by the Center’s Voices of Diversity group. His talk, “Civil Rights Related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community,” will focus on current cases. The Black History Month celebration will also feature Lorraine M. Roberts, retired educator and local historian, discussing “Black History in the Hudson Valley, The Education of Blacks before 1900 in Poughkeepsie, New York.” For more information on the group or this event, contact group facilitator Anibal Garcia at voicesdiversity@aol.com.

“Lumina” Opening Reception @ Catskill Gallery, Catskill @ 5p to 7p
Regional artist Steve Crohn curates “Lumina”, a new photographic exhibition in Greene County. Drop into their opening reception and catch a glimpse of the works on display.

“Falsettos” @ the CENTER for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck @ 7p
The famed gay-themed musical is hosting a benefit showing for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center and BGHV is giving away tickets – Click Here to find out how you can win! Doors open at 6p with a reception following the show with the cast & crew.

Nikita Starr’s Freakshow @ Primetime, Highland @ 10p
The Diamond Princess Nikita Starr is turning Primetime into a circus for the night – bearded ladies, reptile men, psycho clowns and more.

Sunday, February 21st

West Coast Swing/California Mix Dance @ White Eagle Hall, Kingston @ 5:30p
Dance workshops in swing and mix dance for beginners up through advanced training. No need to bring a partner!

Monday, February 22nd

Pride Coalition of Rockland County Meeting @ VCS Gay Pride Rockland, New City @ 3:30p
This new group is working to centralize the LGBT initiative in the lower Hudson Valley to help them coordinate their efforts and make the most of their resources. Join them and get involved in your community today!

Tuesday, February 23rd

Marriage Equality Day @ The State Capital, Albany @ All Day
Marriage Equality New York’s (MENY) long promoted day has arrived. They’ll be spending the day in the state capital meeting with legislators and giving them face-to-face accounts of why marriage equality is such an important initiative in the Empire State. Registration has formally closed, but it’s not too late to chip in your volunteer time or make a donation to this amazing cause.

Hineini: Coming Out In A Jewish High School @ VCS Gay Pride Rockland, Spring Valley @ 6:30p
Hineini (Hebrew for “Here I Am”) chronicles the story of one student’s courageous fight to establish a gay-straight alliance at a Jewish high school in the Boston area and the transformative impact of her campaign on her entire community. Join the lower Hudson Valley’s LGBT community as they share this powerful film.