By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter
SALEM–On September 29, from 7-10 p.m., the North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth will be hosting the fourth annual nAGLY Fundraiser Event. This event is open to everyone.
nAGLY’s event will showcase entertainment, a silent auction, fun and inspiration all from the Historic Hawthorne Hotel’s Grand Ballroom at 18 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970. The evening’s emcee will be Boston’s own Fast Freddy from CBS RadioWBMX mix, and will feature an assortment of savory and sweet refreshments and cash bar. Other entertainment will include: DJ Marc Anthony, Jazz singer, Athene Wilson, Comedy Centrals, Jim Lauletta, The Upasana Indian Classical Dancers and nAGLY youth presentations and awards ceremony.
nAGLY’s President, of the Board of Directors, Kirsten Freni explains that “nAGLY is the North Shore gathering place that welcomes all GLBTQ youth, ages 14 to 3. Meetings provide a safe, open and affirming atmosphere, where teens explore positive examples of GLBTQ identity, peer support, safe relationships and workshops on health and wellness.”
Boston-born comedian/actor Jim Lauletta speaks about the significance of having organizations like nAGLY.
“When I was a teenager, there was nothing like this around and I feel that it is something very helpful to our gay youth today in order to find self-acceptance early on in their development as young adults,” he said. “True happiness begins with loving one’s self first.”
For Lauletta, performing at the event required little thought.
“It was fate, really. I did a show for an animal shelter fundraiser at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA and was asked on the spot by Coco Cuizon-Alinsug if I would be interested in doing a show for NAGLY,” Lauletta said. “I was so flattered to be asked and said ‘yes!’ on the spot.”
Freni stressed the importance for youth to know that they are not alone and that they have a safe place and family available to them, regardless of where they are in their lives.
This event is considered to be an integral part in reaching out to others who may not know nAGLY exists.
“I am proud to be part of hardworking and dedicated team which includes our youth, board and many volunteers who strive to make a difference,” she said. “This is our 4th Annual Event, and each year it grows bigger, and I am so grateful to all who have made this night a success.”
nAGLY has been around for 19 years and has offered 19 years of support services to youth, according to Coco Alinsug, the organization’s Executive Director.
“nAGLY has reached over ,000 North Shore GLBT Youth,” said Alinsug. “More than 40% of youth are youth of color. Many youth [that nAGLY has served through the years] are now in their 30’s and 40’s.”
Health and fitness guru Scott Herman has also dedicated himself to the organization and urges others to get involved too.
“I was bullied as a kid and when Coco told me that this was an organization that helped kids who were bullied just for being themselves, I was on board in an instant,” Herman said. “Supporting nAGLY is very important to me because our youth holds the keys to our future and these kids need to be able to establish themselves in a positive way in our everyday society.”
Today, 50-60 youth gather weekly. Advance tickets for the event can be purchased for $35.00 at www.nagly.com via PayPal, via e-mail at naglyleaders@gmail.com with the subject line of “Tickets,” or by calling 781-913-3747. Ticket price at the door will be $40.00. All proceeds from the event will go to support NAGLY youth programs and outreach.
You can also find nAGLY via the organization’s FaceBook page at:
www.facebook.com/northshoreglbtyouth
