As we've seen in the recent spate of hate crimes in New York City - and not just LGBT folks - there's still a lot of work to do around preventing violence based on arbitrary prejudices. The NYC Anti-Violence Project has been working on the issue for years, but it's a never ending job unfortunately. You can support them by attending the 13th Annual Courage Awards fundraiser next week.
The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) will hold its 13th Annual Courage Awards on Monday, November 9, 2009 at the W New York Ballroom at 541 Lexington Avenue, New York. The evening includes cocktails and a chefs' tasting and a program featuring the award presentation.
At this year's event, AVP has the privilege of honoring Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tony Kushner, author of Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes and The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism With a Key to the Scriptures, for his truthful and cutting edge political writing and analysis; Weblog creators Bil Browning (The Bilerico Project), Joe Jervis (Joe.My.God.), Pam Spaulding (Pam's House Blend) and Andy Towle (Towleroad), in recognition of the impact of LGBTQH weblogs have made in the fight for civil rights and against violence in our communities; and Clifford Chance US LLP, for their commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) rights and extensive work on behalf of the communities AVP serves.
I'm honored to be included in such an all-star lineup of bloggers. We've chosen Pam to do the acceptance speechifying for us, but we'll all be attending the ceremony. If you've ever wanted to meet any or all of us, this is your chance. Purchase your Courage Awards tickets here.
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8 Comments
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Really?!?
I'm in NYC already and would love to meet both you and Pam Spaulding, but cannot afford to even spend more than this minute it is taking me to write this post to think about the AVP awards let alone come up with $150-$5,000, the range for tickets for the ceremony, the prices posted on the page you link to above.
You must be kidding. Right? I can't pay any of my bills, loans, utilities...I am barely keeping a roof over my head and only eat b/c I have food stamps. And I live very modestly and work freelance. My health insurance laspses the first of the year and...well, need I go on.
I think your post is ridiculous and assumes a hellavua lot. That anyone, particularly queer people, have discretionary income in this economy, enough money to pay $150-plus for a night out, even for a good cause, which I am also not convinced about...
...Okay, I've spent more time than I wanted on the AVP and the assumptions of the blogger about the availability of money in readers' pockets in November of 2009 in the midst of a deep recession/depression that has NO signs of abating no matter what our government mouthpieces are spouting.
Stephanie | November 2, 2009 2:22 PM
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wow, nothing in this post was about you at all.
Phil Reese | November 2, 2009 4:42 PM
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So don't come. It's a fundraiser. They're asking for money to continue their work. It's that simple.
I think your bitching is ridiculous. Just because you can't afford it, doesn't mean others cant - and the event wasn't planned with only you in mind.
Put another way, if you'd just said you couldn't afford to go but really wanted to attend, I'm sure I or other organizers could have arranged to get you in, but after your snide comment I don't have the time to think about it.
You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
Bil Browning | November 3, 2009 12:14 PM
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Congrats, Bil! You deserve it!
Phil Reese | November 2, 2009 3:50 PM
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Non-profits are struggling too. In fact they're closing. Forever. And all of the people they help are left without the critical services they provide. Certainly none of us can afford to contribute every time we're asked, but I don't think that was Bil's assumption when he wrote this. I kind of feel like ANY non-profit ask for donations is a general sort of broadcast to see who CAN help, not find out who CAN'T. Its a little ridiculous to take offense to READING an ask for cash for a good cause for whatever reason.
A lot of folk are struggling. You're having a tough time--so am I. Things are tough all over. That should in no way mean that non-profits should just throw up their hands and say, "So-and-so's having a tough month. Don't send out the fund-raising ask this month. We wouldn't want to offend her." Lots of folk are worse of than you right now. You have an internet connection and electricity. I know 50 people off the top of my head who already are worse off. Each of them would have likely had a 'congratulations, Bil,' first reaction, rather than a 'what about me' first reaction.
Bil and Pam are getting recognized for all the good work that they do for the community, and Bil is using this as an opportunity to turn around and do MORE good work. What's offensive about this post is that the first comment is some self-centered reader turned around and made it all about herself, when it very clearly had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Phil Reese | November 2, 2009 4:41 PM
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I want to go and meet everyone! I admit the $150 stopped me for a moment; my credit cards are maxed. Wah! But I'll figure something out.
Dr. Jillian T. Weiss | November 3, 2009 8:46 AM
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Bil - I am SOOOOO proud of you!!!! I can't go to New York, but my thoughts will be with you! I hope you have a Fabulous time!!!! Also, if you get a chance, get yourself a slice of Real New York Pizza! It's the best!!!!
Annette | November 3, 2009 2:39 PM
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I think it's wonderful that your hard work is being recognized. I wish I could be there to cheer long and loud, but I'll have to do it here. I raise a glass to all of you.
Betty Greene Salwak | November 3, 2009 8:13 PM
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