GAYLETTER

As a Harlem resident, you are constantly reminded that only 10 years ago it probably wouldn’t have been as cool to don full drag and skip merrily down 125th St. But times are a-changing and now that the young gays have been priced out of Brooklyn they are setting up homes in Harlem where the wheels of gentrification are already in motion, for better or worse. And while we all know that more gay parties in Manhattan could only be a good thing, there are certain stone-wielding churchgoers who apparently disagree.

 
Atlah Worldwide Church on 123rd St. made headlines around the country earlier this year for several inflammatory signs attacking ‘sodomites.’ Shit really went down when they posted a “Jesus Would Stone Homos” sign outside the church — prompting outrage, pro-gay vandalism and now grass-roots action from the community. Acknowledging that public calls for murder are not cool, Harlem resident Stacy Parker Le Melle galvanized her community and has put together a fundraiser tonight in support of the Ali Forney Center for LGBT homeless youth.

 
No Time For Hate will feature two panels of local activists and clergy discussing the needs of LGBTQ youth and what the Harlem community can do to help. Aside from fascinating discussions there’ll be performances from local artists, the Harlem Dance Club, a set by DJ Lady DM at the reception afterwards and delicious catering from local eateries Barawine and Settepani.

 
If you can’t make it along tonight but have a little cash to support the Ali Forney Center, you can contribute online. They’ve already exceeded their $10,000 aim, and it would be great to go even further.

 
No Time To Hate: a Benefit For the Ali Forney Center at Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Ave. 7:00PM, May 20th. For more information and to donate, visit Harlem AgainstViolence & Homophobia.