Where to NYXT? Splash by Callen-Lorde

Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ healthcare, we talked with their Senior Director of Development and Communications, Donnie Roberts, and you can enjoy their videos at nyxt/nyc/callenlorde. On August 25th they are throwing a party in the Fire Island Pines. Learn about Splash and show up!

NYXT: What is Splash?

DONNIE: Splash is one of Callen-Lorde’s favorite summer events as we get the chance to bring together supporters on the idyllic shores of the Fire Island Pines to celebrate the life-saving work of Callen-Lorde. It’s a super fun pool party with music by New York City nightlife DJ Frankie Sharp and a special performance by Kink HAŰS, which is one of the shows that will be opening the new season at La Mama Theater this September. Lots of our supporters make a day of it, by getting to the island early for some beach time, then sticking around after Splash for the Pines’ legendary Low Tea at the Blue Whale.

NYXT: Why is important to participate in this type of activities?

DONNIE: Proceeds from all of our special events help Callen-Lorde meet its mission of providing sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay. In the past year alone, Callen-Lorde provided more than $5 million in care for the uninsured.

NYXT: What are the main goals that Callen-Lorde currently has?

DONNIE: Right now we working to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. Our capacity in Chelsea is still limited, which is why we are working diligently to prepare for our expansion to Brooklyn in 2020. When we open there, we expect we’ll be able to provide care for another 12,000 New Yorkers. Additionally, Callen-Lorde Bronx just increased its hours to four evenings a week and a full day Saturday, with more walk-in availability, to help meet the community need. We also are continuing our advocacy efforts to change or enhance policies on the local, state and federal level to better meet the healthcare needs of LGBTQ people.

NYXT: What is next for Callen-Lorde and how can people get involved?

DONNIE: In a moment when so many services and programs serving underserved and LGBTQ communities are being dismantled, we are so proud of building more capacity in Brooklyn. There are so many ways to get involved with Callen-Lorde and supporting our work. More information about how to do that can be found on our website at callen-lorde.org.