Kaufman Astoria Studios sign (Kaufman Astoria Studios)
Jan. 15, 2021 By Allie Griffin
A long-standing nonprofit serving the LGBTQ community has found a new home at the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios.
The LGBT Network, a 28-year-old nonprofit that has been based in Long Island City, moved into a new space within the Studio’s main building at 34-12 36th St. last month.
The new space will act as a community center where members of the LGBTQ community can receive vital health and human services, including arts and cultural programs.
“We are so excited to open up our new Queens LGBT Center in the heart of the arts district in the borough of Queens,” said David Kilmnick, President and CEO of the LGBT Network. “The new Queens LGBT Center will continue to be a place where the entire community will have a home to be their true authentic selves and find the support, encouragement and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
Currently, the LGBT Network’s programming is all virtual due to COVID-19, but the organization hopes to provide programming and services at its new Astoria Studios location when the pandemic is over.
The LGBT Network delivers dozens of health, education, leadership and advocacy programs for LGBTQ and allied people. It also leads anti-bullying and leadership development programs in more than 300 schools, as well as economic development programs to support businesses throughout the region.
The organization also operates two community centers on Long Island and will open a 75-unit LGBT/LGBT-friendly affordable housing complex and community center in Bay Shore this spring.
Kaufman Astoria Studios — which opened its doors in 1920 and helped establish the neighborhood’s art district – welcomed the LGBT Network to its building.
“The organization serves as a needed resource to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and has for over two decades,” said Kaufman Astoria Studios Vice President Tracy Capune.
“We are thrilled to keep the LGBT Network here in the neighborhood and are glad we can play a small part in helping David Kilmnick and his team continue their work from right here in the Astoria community, and from our historic studios.”
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