Thanks to a generous grant from initial funder Time Warner Inc., LGBT@NYPL is expanding its outreach to LGBTQ teens with a series of workshops, talks, and discussion groups at branches in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The programs range from panels on love and dating to hands-on workshops where participants can create their own graphic novels. Watch these pages for posts of upcoming activities.

UP NEXT: Two panels on dating and sexual identity.

Questions and Answers with Midwest Teen Sex Show Host Nikol Hasler

Nikol Hasler

Midwest Teen Sex Show host Nikol Hasler has been offering videocasts on the topics that are on everybody’s mind: sex, love, LGBT issues, STDs. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and share your thoughts. The Midwest Teen Sex Show has free monthly videocasts and has over 65,000 subscribers on iTunes. For ages 12 to 18.

March 30th, Bronx Library Center, 4 p.m.

March 31st, Teen Central at the Columbus Branch,  5 p.m.

April 1st, Mott Haven Branch, 5 p.m. April 2nd,

Epiphany Branch, 4 p.m.

How do you identify?

 You have a wide choice in how you name yourself, or you might choose no label at all. But just to start you thinking, here are a few: Gay / Lesbian / Trans / Bisexual / Straight / On the Down Low/ / Queer / Same Sex Oriented / Questioning / Same gender loving /Heteroflexible / Butch / Femme / Bi-curious. Mara Gottlieb will answer questions about discovering your identity, creating safe spaces, and finding support. For ages 12 to 18.

Mara Gottlieb

Mara Gottlieb is is a social worker and trainer on sexual health, sexual orientation, and cultural awareness, who focuses on adolescents and adults. April 1st, Bronx Library Center, 4 p.m.April 2nd, Tompkins Square Branch , 4 p.m.April 9th, Wakefield Branch, 4 p.m.April 22nd, Countee Cullen Branch, 4 p.m.April 30th, Morningside Heights Branch, 4 p.m.

Illustration by Ivan Velez, Jr.

This year’s Anti-Prom, held on June 5th, was a tremendous success. Over 200 teens rocked the Library’s Astor Hall to the sounds of DJ Johnny Dynell who played everything from the saucy Reggaeton standard “Gasolina” to hardcore punk. Chi Chi Valenti and the Jackie Factory provided dancers costumed like characters from Japanese manga and  anime—space-age samurai and geisha—in line with this year’s theme: The CosProm. The guest of honor this year was Simon Doonan who gave uplifting fashion advice to the crowd from his new book Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You.  The event received beautiful coverage by Brett Berk, author of the Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting, in Vanity Fair,  as well as in Next Magazine. A video of the event is now available on iTunes.

The Anti-Prom provides an alternative, safe space for all teens who may not feel welcome at official school proms and dances because of their sexual orientation, the way they dress, or any other reason. The Anti-Prom has been recognized for excellence by the American Library Association’s Young Adult Library Services Association. The event is organized by the Library’s Teen Central. In the fall, the Library will be expanding outreach to LGBT teens thanks to the support of Time Warner, Inc. which has provided initial funding for LGBT@NYPL.

Pictured above are James St. James, original club kid and YA author; Megan Honig, Young Adult Librarian at the Seward Park Branch; and Hillias J. Martin, Assistant Coordinator of Young Adult Services, at last year’s Anti-Prom held at the Donnell Library Center.  The Anti-Prom provides an alternative, safe-space for LGBTQ teens, who may not feel welcome at official school proms or dances, as well as many other teens. This year’s Anti-Prom will be held at the Humanities and Social Sciences Library at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue the evening of June 5th. We are gearing up for a major event. Save the date!