Hi Shaun:

Two places you might wish to begin networking are the Audre Lorde Project ( www.alp.org/index.php ) and the LGBT Community Center ( gaycenter.org/ ).

Add your name to the Audre Lorde Project's (ALP) e-mail list. They send out announcement of community events at least once weekly (social, entertainment, educational and activist-oriented). The Audre Lorde Project serves GLBT People of Color (Asians, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, African diaspora, Aboriginals, Native Americans, etc.). ALP announces their own events, events sponsored by various gay organizations, book readings/signings submitted by the writers themselves, theater/arts productions submitted by the artists themselves, etc. You'll be able to pick out activities that appeal to you and meet people along the way.

The LGBT Community Center (208 West 13th Street in Manhattan - between 7th Avenue and Greenwich) is a HUGE resource to all LGBT people in NY. Many organizations hold their regularly scheduled meetings there. The Center has regular events of their own. There is a Cyber Center where you can use computers (and receive assistance using computers) for a small hourly fee (This is a fundraising venture and public service - not a profit making venue). Although, you may sign up for e-newsletters from the Center about their many events and the social services they provide, I recommend getting their monthly Center Events magazine. As you'll discover, there are MANY events/services going on that are never announced in the e-newsletter.

People throw the term gay "community" around. I was introduced to the black gay community, Asian gay community (and Men of All Colors) through the LGBT Center. The Audre Lorde Project came into existence during the mid-nineties. Personally, I use the terms "community" and "communities" to refer to organized entities created by gay people for gay people. I don't use those terms to refer to people who frequent the bars, clubs, or dating websites.

Cool?

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have at any time. Just hit me up.



Brightest blessings to you.