Awards, Pride Fill Room During LGBT Event At Queens Borough Hall

A mere five days after same-sex marriage became legal in New York State, Queens politicians and residents took part in a “Toast and Celebration of Marriage Equality for All” event at Queens Borough Hall on Wednesday night.

Openly gay City Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Woodside/Sunnyside) and Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) honored local activists within the LGBT community, the jam-packed event had an enthusiastic, triumphant feel.

“You don’t have to be gay to enjoy this moment,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Whitestone), who had voted for the bill.

Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Bayside) reported casting his ballot for same-sex marriage as: “The proudest vote I’ve ever taken.”

Part of LGBT Pride Month, this event honored the following activists and groups: the William Cullen Bryant High School Gay Straight Alliance; Chad Gilkison and Scott Parrish; Chris Wisniewski, Deputy Director for Education of the Museum of the Moving Image; DJ Sparrow; Gail Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College; Joseph Palicka Jr., an organizer of the annual Queens Pride parade; Lt. Dan Choi from U.S. Department of the Army; Mercedes S. Cano, an immigrant rights advocate; and Scott A. Kramer. 

For more information, please see the accompanying photos and captions.