LGBT Network To Kick-Off Summer Season With Edie’s Backyard BBQ And Cocktail Party

Over Memorial Day weekend, join LGBT Network for twice the holiday weekend excitement as they host back-to-back Hamptons soirees.

“The LGBT Network is proud to once again offer a fun ‘event duo’ on Saturday, May 27th for the LGBT community and its allies to kick-off the summer season in the Hamptons!” shared Robert Vitelli, MA, LGBT Network Chief Operating Officer. “We’re grateful to LGBT civil rights trailblazer Edie Windsor for once again hosting Edie’s Backyard BBQ in Southampton to continue a decades-long tradition. In the evening, the Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Reception returns to the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club for beachside cocktails and stunning ocean views, and an extensive silent auction.”

The East End extravaganza will begin with Edie’s Backyard BBQ, a time-honored Memorial Day weekend tradition. From 2 to 6 p.m., partygoers will nosh on classic BBQ fare, sip on poolside cocktails, and catch up with old pals during the relaxed gathering at the beautiful home of Edie Windsor. Edie’s Backyard BBQ will also feature special guest Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the landmark civil rights case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which overturned Baker and requires all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions.

Later in the evening, from 6 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy picturesque, Instagram worthy views, an open bar, light fare, and a silent auction during the Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Reception at Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club (231 Mid Ocean Drive, Bridgehampton).

“Both events benefit the LGBT Network’s Hamptons Center in Sag Harbor, and our work throughout the five East End towns, including our flagship Safe Schools Initiative that delivers a range of anti-bullying and youth leadership programs in schools,” noted Vitelli. “This includes anti-bullying workshops for students, training for teachers, support for after-school gay-straight alliance (GSA) clubs, awareness campaigns, and an ‘Upstander Training’ that empowers youth to intervene when they see bullying.”

The LGBT Network is an association of non-profit organizations – Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), The Long Island LGBT Community Center (The Center), Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders – Long Island (SAGE-LI), and the Queens LGBT Community Center (Q Center) – that serves the LGBT community of Long Island and Queens. Founded in 1993 as LIGALY, The LGBT Network is nationally recognized for its work with LGBT youth in the areas of education, advocacy, youth leadership and development and support. In 2005, The Center, SAGE-LI, and the Network joined forces to unite these non-profits to provide more efficient, widespread services to the LGBT community.

Tickets to Edie’s Backyard BBQ begin at $90. Tickets to the Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Reception begin at $325.

For tickets, or more information, call 516-323-0011 or visit lgbtnetwork.org.