About the Second Tuesday Lecture Series

The Second Tuesday Lecture Series is a is the oldest and longest running cultural event of The LGBT Community Center (GayCenter.org) in New York City.

Since 1985, the series has presented over 140 noted speakers in the arts, academia, and politics in lectures, discussions, and readings. Speakers representing every major cultural award in America, including the Pulitzer Prize, the Grammy Award (Grammys), the Academy Award (The Oscars), Broadway's Tony Awards, the Lambda Literary Award, the National Book Award, and the British Man Booker award, have made presentations.

It was through this program that Larry Kramer (a last minute replacement speaker) in March 1987 spoke about the devastating plight of the AIDS Crisis. Critical of the organized community's response to the disease, what began as a speech led to an intense discussion and the decision to meet again the following week to see what could be done. This was the beginning of ACT-UP (The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), which became one of the largest direct action AIDS organizations in the world.

Unless noted otherwise, Second Tuesday programs start at 7:00pm, often with a reception before the presentation. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center recommends a donation of $10, although all donations are voluntary and all proceeds go to The Center.

Upcoming Speakers

 February 15 : Reception at 6:30pm. Presentation at 7:00pm

Simon Doonan, author of "Gay Men Don't Get Fat"

Join us for a Special Second Tuesday on the Second Wednesday with the witty, clever and fabulous Simon Doonan. He will read from his new book Gay Men Don't Get Fat.

Simon Doonan knows that when it comes to style, the gays are the chosen people. A second anthropological truth comes to him midway through a turkey burger with no bun, at an otherwise hetero barbecue: Do the straight people have any idea how many calories are in the guacamole?

In this hilarious discourse on and guide to the well-lived life, Doonan goes far beyond the secrets to eating like the French -- he proves that gay men really are French women, from their delight in fashion, to their brilliant choices in accessories and décor, to their awe-inspiring ability to limit calorie intake. A Gucci-wearing Margaret Mead at heart, Doonan offers his own inimitable life experiences and uncanny insights into what makes gay people driven to live every day feeling their best, and proves that they have just as much --and possibly better-- wisdom, advice, and inspiration beyond the same old diet and exercise tips.

So put down that bag of Pirate's Booty and pick up this fierce and fabulous book. From slimming jaunts through Capri in the evening to an intrepid "Bear" hunt, Gay Men Don't Get Fat is the ultimate approach to a glamorous lifestyle -- plus, you are guaranteed to laugh away the pounds!

Full information about the evening here.

 March 13: Reception at 6:30pm. Presentation at 7:00pm

To be announced

Check back for more information.

 April 10: Reception at 6:30pm. Presentation at 7:00pm

Gran Fury gallery show and artists on "Art in AIDS Activism"

Gran Fury was founded in 1988 as an artists' collective to serve as the unofficial propaganda ministry for ACT-UP. Originally appearing in the New Museum's installation entitled "Let the Record Show," the collective's most famous work includes the neon "Silence = Death" logo. Other posters used the same strategies as advertising to reach a wider audience.

This presentation will coincide with the opening of the Gran Fury show at The LGBT Center. Check back for the full list of participants and events around this opening.

Second Tuesday Home (top)  . .  Next Presentation  . .  Past Second Tuesday Speakers  . .  Contact Second Tuesday