Tony Award Winning Actor, Playwright and Champion for Civil Rights Harvey Fierstein and LGBT leaders honored for advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community

New York, NY- Speaker Christine C. Quinn, the City Council LGBT Caucus, LGBT leaders and New Yorkers today celebrated LGBT Pride at the City Council’s June Pride Celebration honoring the year’s leaders in LGBT advocacy.

Hosted by Tony award winning Actor, Playwright and Champion for Civil Rights, Harvey Fierstein, honorees included former New York State Senator Tom Duane, New York Dream Act activist Katherine Tabares, Athlete Ally’s Executive Director Hudson Taylor, Madeline Mardiks, a junior high school student who collected nearly 250 books for the City Council’s LGBT Book Drive, and Marjorie J. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

The Pride Celebration also featured a musical performance by Broadway actor Tituss Burgess.

“It is such an honor to have the Tony award winning Harvey Fierstein come host the Council Pride event after ‘Kinky Boots’ was named ‘Best Musical’ last night at the Tony Awards, said Speaker Quinn. “This is such a great event to laud the accomplishments and contributions of the LBGT community. I thank Harvey Fierstein, our 2013 honorees and all of those who have worked tirelessly to make a lasting and positive impact in this city.”

“Each year we come together to honor New York City’s most prominent LGBT leaders who have bravely fought for justice and equality for all,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. “As a member of the New York City Council’s LGBT Caucus I am proud that we pause every year to acknowledge the progress we have made while understanding that there is still much to be done as we seek full equality in our city and nation.”

2013 has been a momentous year for the LGBT community, with hard-fought marriage equality victories won across the country. In recent weeks, 2013 has been tarnished by a wave of hate crimes that have plagued the City. A moment of silence was observed for those that have been affected by hate crimes.

“It is important that we honor those individuals who work so hard to make the LGBT community strong especially in light of the recent hate crimes that have been perpetrated against LGBT people,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm. “I congratulate all the honorees and thank them for their outstanding efforts to make our city a safer more supportive place for LGBT people.”

“I am delighted that Harvey Fierstein is hosting this year’s Council Pride event,” Council Member Rosie Mendez said. “His advocacy and tireless work for LGBT community inspires us all.”

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