LGBT activists honored June 12th at Cooper Union

City Hall, NY-Speaker Christine C. Quinn and LGBT Caucus Members Daniel Dromm, Rosie Mendez, and Jimmy Van Bramer announced that star of stage and screen, Whoopi Goldberg, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Council’s Celebration of Pride next month.

Goldberg is an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winner and the co-host of ABC’s ‘The View.’ On June 12th at Cooper Union’s Great Hall, Goldberg and the Council will honor LGBT activists for their work to bring justice and equality to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of New York City.

“The great Whoopi Goldberg will make this year’s Council Pride Celebration the best we’ve ever had,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Whoopi is an exemplary talent in the entertainment industry and she’s a fighter for equality. We could not ask for a better Master of Cerermonies.”

“I am thrilled to celebrate our diversity and honor New Yorkers for their commitment to equality,” said Whoopi Goldberg. “I want to thank Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council for including me in the Council’s Pride celebration. Each of us can play a role in the fight to achieve complete equality and I’m proud to participate in this effort.”

“How fabulous,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm. “Having Whoopi Goldberg as the emcee for this year’s NYC Council LGBT Pride Event, makes it even gayer than ever before! I love Whoopi and the community does, too. She’s a wonderful choice.”

“This year’s Pride Celebration comes a time of so much hope as so many friends are planning weddings,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. “I am thrilled that Whoopi Goldberg, a dear friend of the LGBT community for decades will be joining us at Cooper Union. She’ll bring her amazing humor and wit to this special event. Whoopee for Whoopi!”

“I am delighted that Whoopi Goldberg will be hosting this year’s Council Pride event,” Council Member Rosie Mendez said. “Her advocacy and tireless work for LGBT community inspires us all,”

The Pride Celebration will feature a live performance by the cast of the Broadway musical sensation, Sister Act. The Council will honor filmmaker Dee Rees, the director of the Sundance Film Festival’s award winning film, Pariah. The Council will recognize the advocacy and accomplishments of NYPD LGBT Advisory Panel. The Council will also salute Hermes Mallea and Carey Maloney, the leaders of “LGBT @ NYPL” for their work to expand the number of LGBT books at the New York Public Library. There will be a book drive to increase the number of LGBT books in schools and libraries. For more information about the LGBT Book Drive and all Pride events please visit: http://www.council.nyc.gov/LGBT.

Admission is free, the program begins at 5:30pm, doors open at 4:45pm. To RSVP please go to: www.council.nyc.gov/events or call 212-442- 1649.

###