"I think my friend/cousin/mom/dad/brother/sister/favorite bartender might be gay. How can I talk about it with him or her? What are the right questions to ask anyway? What's so different about everyday gay* life from everyday straight life? What kinds of equal rights and gay* specific organizations are there in NYC (and nationally) that I can support, and how? And what about sex? < ! > Can we talk about that?"

This class will run two-fold: (1) We share resources + knowledge re: how to be a great ally. You leave with a one pager on GLAAD's Top 10 + my own research on where/how you can be more involved in the gay* community. (2) You steer class conversation based on what you want to learn.

Through candid conversation, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and even experience a real, live gay* fundraiser hosted by The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP). Yes, in taking your first steps toward being a great ally, included in the price of this class is a ticket to FUSION, AVP's annual Pride Fundraiser. Our class will run from 5-6pm, with FUSION following from 6-9pm. The event features an open bar, treats, music by DJ Randy Bettis, and lots of gay* people with their allies.

Prerequisities: Open heart, open mind. Or at least one ready to be rocked open.

Note: Please come with questions and bring any materials you’ll need to write down your thoughts/ideas. This class is open everyone and their mom - whether you are straight, gay, or anywhere in between. I imagine this will be one of the most ridiculously fun, highly educational nights of your life.

Event Sponsor: The Stonewall Inn

The Stonewall Inn was the site of the Stonewall riots of 1969, which are widely considered to be the single most important events leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for gay and lesbian rights in the United States.

Event Beneficiary: The New York City Anti-Violence Project

The New York City Anti-Violence Project is dedicated to eliminating hate violence, sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities through counseling, advocacy, organizing, and public education.

*Sometimes I use "gay" when I mean LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) because not enough people know what LGBT means. Like Friendfactor, "We're starting with what's familiar to most Americans so we reach as many folks as possible."

Final note: If you're one of the un-lucky ones and can't attend our 5-6pm class, you are encouraged to buy a ticket to FUSION and join us for the evening festivities. And if you're really un-lucky and can't make both - you can always make a donation to AVP or any other LGBT organization that inspires you. It's Pride Month. Show it, spread it.