From the archives of Mayor Giuliani's Press Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, June 11, 2001 Release # 200-01
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958
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MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS MONTH OF JUNE LESBIAN AND GAY PRIDE AND HISTORY MONTH; Hosts Gracie Mansion Reception in Honor of New York City's Lesbian and Gay Community
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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of New York City's diverse lesbian and gay community and proclaimed June Lesbian and Gay Pride and History Month. "It would be impossible to imagine modern New York without the enormous contributions gays and lesbians have made to every aspect of life in our City," the Mayor said. "New York would not be the Capital of the World -- the top city for business, technology, academia, fashion, theater, the culinary arts, the visual arts and a whole range of other human pursuits -- without the presence of our gay and lesbian community. The talent and energy of this community will be an essential element of our City's continued growth."
The Mayor also presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Gay Men's Chorus, which performed at the reception. The Gay Men's Chorus is celebrating their 21st Anniversary. The New York City Gay Men's Chorus was established in 1979 by former San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus member Edward Dryer Weaver.
The group rehearsed at Washington Square United Methodist Church, and gave its formal debut in the Great Hall of Cooper Union on December 19, 1980.
The 32nd Lesbian and Gay Pride March will take place on Sunday, June 24, 2001 in Manhattan. The theme of this year's celebration is: "What part of equal don't you understand?" The parade steps off at Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street and follows six gigantic rainbow balloon arches down Fifth Avenue.
