I know we are all reeling from the insanity of this indescribably horrific tragedy in Orlando, and we all feel the pain. It is terrible and hard to fathom. But I am a big believer in celebrating life, particularly in the face of something like this. If we lose our hearts, if we forget the celebrate the beauty of the world and of coming together, then we have truly lost. With that in mind, I ask you all to bring some joy with you along with the hurt I know is echoed in each of us. Think about how much love and support have been given so freely and genuinely by Americans everywhere in this time of grief. It is clear that the people of our nation have grown so much in recent years and that LGBT Americans are finding greater and greater acceptance and respect. It is impossible to not feel moved by the outpouring of love and inclusiveness by all Americans, gay, straight, all skin tones, all cultures, all religions.
Thank you for all your hard work.
So, to brighten the spirits, we have arranged for a festive meal from the fantastic Il Cortile restaurant on Mulberry Street – you are in for a treat, so don’t eat dinner before. And as always, you can count on quality desserts in the form of mini-pastries from Brooklyn’s Monteleone’s Bakery in Carroll Gardens. Bring your appetites, bring your love for those we have lost, and bring your joy for what we have accomplished and will do in the years ahead.
I hope we will see you Tuesday, June 28 at 60 Centre Street, 6pm, for what I am certain will be a meaningful event.
Marc Levine
President of the Alliance
– the Gay/Straight Alliance of the New York State Courts