QCH Partners with Assembly Member Cruz to Host First "OutFest" in Jackson Heights

On September 24, Queens Community House (QCH) partnered with Assembly Member Catalina Cruz to host our first “Autumn OutFest,” a day-long block party in Jackson Heights. QCH was led by its two LGBTQ+ programs, Generation Q and the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. Throughout the day, Queens residents of all ages gathered for live music, a Drag Story Hour, a fun bounce house, a comedy show, food, games, and resource tables for individuals and families.


The event was a partnership with Chhaya, a Jackson Heights-based organization addressing housing and economic needs of low-income South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers, who held its annual Chatpati Mela celebration on the other end of the block. “We’re grateful to Chhaya for helping us create a very Jackson Heights event, with neighbors of diverse backgrounds intermingling and truly appreciating each other,” said QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases.


Assembly Member Cruz spoke in support of the LGBTQ+ community, at the same time referencing a small group of protesters heckling during the event. “We wanted to make people feel supported and loved and won’t let the homophobic hate protesters who showed up change that,” said Assembly Member Cruz.


In addition to Cruz, elected officials in attendance included State Senator Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, and former Councilmember Danny Dromm. All joined in voicing their support for the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of the event.


“Being the first Black man to serve as the Borough President of Queens, I understand the importance of ensuring communities that have been historically underrepresented, as well as voices that have been locked out of the room, are at the table, and that includes the LGTBQ community,” said Richards. “I want to congratulate Queens Community House for doing a phenomenal job at opening their doors for everyone in need of assistance.”


“Time and time again, the entire community of Queens consistently proves that love is louder than hate, and Autumn OutFest was a demonstration of that,” said Julia Peitzer, Generation Q Assistant Director. “The block party succeeded in creating a space where people can be themselves and are accepted.”

QCH is Borough Anchor for NYC's First-Ever Citywide Participatory Budgeting Process

This month, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) held a kick-off event of "The People's Money", NYC's first-ever citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process. The process will allow all New Yorkers age 11 and up to have a voice in deciding how to spend $5 million of mayoral expense funding.


QCH was selected as the Queens borough anchor for the campaign. As anchor, we will be hosting Idea Generation Sessions across the borough where neighbors can brainstorm ideas for creative projects that meet the needs of Queens' communities. Projects will then be developed into ballot proposals, which will be voted on by residents in each borough in early 2023.


On September 14, QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases was invited to speak at the process's kick-off event in the Bronx. "This participatory democracy helps further QCH's mission of building healthy and inclusive communities across Queens," said Thomases. "When ordinary community members have a direct say in how their tax money is spent, everyone benefits."

QCH's Annual Gala Returns on October 12 to the Museum of the Moving Image


Every October, we host an annual Strengthening Neighborhoods, Inspiring Change Gala. This event is a chance for members of our community to come together and celebrate the ways that they have supported our work.


This year, we are honoring Queens changemakers Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College, and Meyhem Lauren, an entertainer and former QCH participant. The event will be on October 12 at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria.


The night will feature a cocktail reception, new video presentations, tarot readers, and a photo booth! This night is sure to remind us all of what makes Queens such a vibrant community. 


Reserve your tickets here!

Meet Your Neighbor: Arden Boyle, QCH Volunteer of Friendly Visiting Program


"I’ve been matched with my friendly visitor for almost two years now, and I am so grateful to know her. Not only did I get the best match (I really did!), but I have built a close relationship with someone I probably wouldn’t have run into without the Friendly Visiting program. QCH has not only encouraged me to continually appreciate my city and the people who have lived here longer than I have, but also has given me a very dear friend."


Our Friendly Visiting program pairs kindhearted individuals with homebound older adults in need of companionship. Through regular visits in our participants' own homes, these unique relationships quickly grow into lasting friendships.


If you're interested in becoming a compassionate volunteer for this program, email volunteer@qchnyc.org!

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Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.