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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored five New York City leaders, including screen legend Charles Busch, at the Comptroller's annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Celebration on Thursday, June 9, 2005.  The event was cosponsored with the Empire State Pride Agenda and the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his 2005 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride celebration at The Center in Manhattan on June 9. Pictured (back, l to r) are: Clarence Patton, Acting Executive Director, New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project; Florent Morellet, Owner, Restaurant Florent; Alan Van Capelle, Executive Director, Empire State Pride Agenda; (front, l to r) Pat Bumgardner, Pastor, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches; Paisley Currah, Executive Director, Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, Brooklyn College, City University of New York; Thompson; Charles Busch, Actor, Playwright, Novelist, and Screenwriter; and, Emil Wilbekin, V.P of Brand Development, Marc Ecko, and Former Editor-in-Chief, Vibe Magazine.

“In working towards equal rights, we know that we have a long way to go,” Thompson said in addressing a standing-room only crowd of 150 people at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in Manhattan .

“As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from those in the past who stood up for justice and equal opportunity. Let us draw wisdom from all quarters, and build alliances that make us stronger. Let us continue the work we do, in our communities, in our cities, in our nation, with grace and persistence.”

Thompson presented his Creative Artist Image Award to Charles Busch, who authored and starred in Psycho Beach Party, Times Square Angel , and Die, Mommie, Die. He also won the Outer Critics Circle's John Gassner Award for Playwriting for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife .

“Charles Busch has delighted and moved audiences with his imagination, his insight, his way with words - and his way with wigs - on both stage and screen,” Thompson said.

Thompson presented the next honor to community leader Florent Morellet, owner of Restaurant Florent. “In addition to running the restaurant, Mr. Morellet has been an effective community leader on a wide range of issues, from AIDS to abortion rights to architectural preservation,” Thompson said. “He has provided outstanding community leadership.”

The next honoree was Paisley Currah, Executive Director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, City University of New York, and Associate Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College .

Thompson noted that Currah has provided legislation and policy advice to transgender activists throughout the country, and in New York , has helped to develop best practice guidelines for the transgender clients and employees of the Human Resources Administration.

“Paisley Currah has worked tirelessly to give voice to, and protect the rights of, a community that has been traditionally under-recognized and under-served,” Thompson said.

The Comptroller presented the next award to Eleanor Cooper, former Executive Director, Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Cooper received a standing ovation from many audience members when she entered the ceremony.

Thompson lauded the longtime advocate for women's and lesbian rights, saying: “Eleanor Cooper has made tremendous contributions to the life of our city, state, and nation, and has helped the LGBT community in countless ways.”

Emil Wilbekin, Vice-President of Brand Development for Marc Ecko, and former Editor, Vibe magazine, received the final award. Thompson noted Wilbekin's involvement in a number of organizations, including the Black AIDS Institute, the American Society of Magazine Editors, and the group 24 Hours for Life.

“Emil Wilbekin has risen to great heights in his field, and has been a leader and a role model to many,” the Comptroller said.

Under the direction of Executive Director David Edelman and Artistic Director Jeffrey Maynard, the Youth Pride Chorus, a collaboration of the LGBT Center 's YES program and the New York City Gay Men's Chorus, performed at the event. The Reverend Pat Bumgardner of Metropolitan Community Church , delivered the Invocation and Benediction.

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