Latest news with #SIGBI


Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Where to celebrate NYC Pride 2025 at Moxy Hotels across the city
Moxy Hotels is once again going all in on Pride, with a packed schedule of events this June across all five of its NYC properties. Whether you're looking for rooftop drag shows, burlesque bingo or a vodka soda that literally says Gay Water, this year's programming is loud, proud and refreshingly well thought-out. The headline event is 'Pride for the People,' a post-parade block party hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race alum, Xunami Muse. Taking place at Moxy Chelsea on June 29, the party includes DJ sets, live performances, on-site makeup from Stencil1 and a signature cocktail called Pride Punch. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds benefiting The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI). That partnership with SIGBI goes beyond the party. All five NYC Moxy locations— Chelsea, Times Square, East Village, Lower East Side and Williamsburg —have officially been certified as Safe Spaces through the initiative. "As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I'm thrilled that at Moxy, Pride is more than a month—it's a mindset," Lauren Levin, chief marketing officer at Moxy Hotels / Lightstone, said in a statement. "We're the only hotel brand in NYC to partner with The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, certifying each of our hotels as a designated safe space and training our staff to ensure every guest feels truly welcome." Other standout Pride events include Burlesque Bingo at Moxy East Village on June 23, hosted by The Nuyorican Bombshell and her crew of high-glam performers, plus a free round of Drag Bingo with Sparkle Monster at Moxy Chelsea on June 9. There's also a Pride Salsa class on June 19 at Moxy Chelsea for anyone looking to learn new moves—or show off old ones—in a crowd that knows how to celebrate identity with rhythm. Over in Brooklyn, Strut NYC takes over the rooftop at Moxy Williamsburg on June 26. The party promises sunset views, cocktails and a stacked lineup of performers including Julie J, Markus Kelle and Coach Chris. It's co-presented by Helium Mobile and Sun Cruiser, two brands leaning hard into the queer nightlife space this year. For those who prefer their Pride a little quieter (but still Instagrammable), the lobby of Moxy Chelsea is getting its annual Pride makeover courtesy of Starbright Floral Design. The show-stopping installation, led by artist Nikki Abis, transforms the space into a high-color, high-drama tribute to self-expression and visibility. Also worth noting, the "Moxy's Got Pride" hotel package includes two tickets to NYC's official Pride walking tour, two cans of Gay Water and a rainbow tie-dye bandana. A portion of proceeds go to SIGBI because even mini-fridges should be part of the movement. The full schedule spans June, and most events are either free or low-cost. And while the hotel group is clearly not shy about aligning itself with Pride, the effort feels like more than a marketing play—especially when paired with community partnerships, staff training and events that give back. It's Pride with purpose, and yes, plenty of glitter.


Time Out
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time Out
Brooklyn Brewery is providing $25,000 in grants to the NYC trans community
This year, Pride feels a bit different. While New York will always find reason to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in any regard, this year's festivities call for more than just waving a rainbow flag. In response to a slew of anti-LGBTIA+ legislation from the current presidential administration, much of which targets the trans community, the organizers for NYC Pride announced this year's theme: "Rise up: Pride in Protest." 'The challenges we face today, particularly in this political climate, require us to stand together in solidarity,' said Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride Co-Chair, on their website. 'Pride is not merely a celebration of identity—it is a powerful statement of resistance, affirming that justice and equity will ultimately prevail for those who live and love on the margins.' Brooklyn Brewery is well aware of the fight. In response to Donald Trump's executive order proclaiming the federal government would only recognize two genders, the brewery responded in suit, actively condemning xenophobia, homophobia and division rooted in hatred of any kind. But this type of activism isn't new for the brewhouse: With core values tied to the queer community, the business has long advocated for the cause, providing LGBTIA+ resources and becoming a certified safe space, which has expanded to supporting queer communities across the globe. In regard to Pride, the brewery's The Stonewall Inn IPA—made in partnership with The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI)— has served as the 'Official Beer and Brewery of NYC Pride,' for three years running. But this year, the Brooklyn-based brewery is doing even more to help the most marginalized of the community. For Pride Month 2025, Brooklyn Brewery will be providing direct aid to the trans, non-binary and two spirit community of New York. In partnership with queer Latina activist, actor and Stonewall Inn Gives Back board member Angelica Christina, the brewery will distribute $25,000 in direct support to 25 members of the community—that's $1,000 each, to help cover basic needs such as housing, healthcare, transportation and food. 'The trans, nonbinary and 2 spirit community have been under massive attack these past several months,' says Christina in a press release. 'This current administration is intent on eradicating us while further pushing us into poverty. What Brooklyn Brewery seeks to do is offer monetary support during these precarious times. We hope to uplift the voices of our most vulnerable and at risk when it's needed the most. If you or someone you know is in need, please nominate yourself and/or them.' This program is open to all trans people aged 21-and-over and who are legal residents of New York City. The brewery will contact and select recipients on a rolling basis through December 2025. Findtrans person here.