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Thousands Protest for LGBT Rights at Stonewall Inn

Yesterday, thousands gathered around Stonewall Inn to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community and other marginalized groups whose civil rights are currently being threatened by President Donald Trump’s administration.

In the few weeks following President Trump’s inauguration, dozens of protests have erupted around the globe in a collaborative effort to combat the leader’s oppressive executive orders. Now, New Yorkers are flooding the streets of the West Village in a vibrant sea of rainbow to support the LGBT community and urge for a peaceful call to action.

“I am a student. I am queer,” said Bonnie, 21. “I am very opposed to the Trump administration and I think it’s important for us to stand in solidarity with other communities that have faced oppression.”

“We are facing a fascist regime that has taken political power,” said Steve, a member of the non-profit, RefuseFascism.org. “We cannot allow this regime to consolidate any more political power.”

“I’m a woman. I’m gay. I’m intersex. I’m trans and I’m a disabled veteran. Trump and his program go against me on more levels than I can count,” said Danie. “He is an extremely dangerous man, but he is a man of a very frail ego. Protests really bother him. The more bothered and unhinged he is, the more obvious it will be that he needs to be removed.”

February, 7
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Holiday Nostalgia Train

The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Holiday “Nostalgia” Train is another reminder of the holiday spirit in the city. The train rolls down on the tracks between Second Avenue and Queens Plaza along the M line every Sunday through Christmas (November 27th, December 4th, 11th , 18th ). The train is made up of eight R1/9 subway cars that were in service from 1932 until 1977. With a swipe of your MetroCard ($2.75), passengers are able to get on the train and take a trip back in time. You will find ceiling fans, padded seats and incandescent light bulbs among other vintage decor in the facilities on the train.

The public has expressed mixed feelings towards these old trains. Some people are excited because it is their first time to take the “Nostalgia” train, and will have a distinctively different experience in these trains compared to modern subways.

However, for others, the train brings them back to their childhood in the 1930s. For example, Vino Vinehaus, a man in his late sixties, remembers the old train well. He recalls how the conductor needed to be outside to stand between cars on rainy and snowy days to lock the chains. He says that he appreciates that the MTA has made special efforts to bring back the nostalgia train, and to allow us to “once again go inside the train that we used to get in when we were very young.”

Passengers are encouraged to dress up from the 20s, 30s, and 40s for the journey on the M line. Many people dressed in period costumes, including items like jackets from World War II in the 1940s, tilt hats, and Shanghai Qipao dresses from the 1920s. It is interesting to see how their clothing matches with the old train, and how their clothing reflects the various cultures in the city. People can not only experience the “Nostalgia” train, but also reminisce about the old days through exploration of past fashion trends.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” subway train, which was made up of eight vintage subway cars, is running from lower Manhattan to Queen every Sunday from Nov.27 through Dec. 18, 2016 in New York. It costs a normal swipe of the MetroCard ($2.75) for the ride. (Yue Wang)

A man leans on the window and takes a nap in a holiday vintage subway train on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) runs the old train that was made up of eight R1/9 subway cars and was in service from 1932 until 1977. (Yue Wang)

A father and his son sit in the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” train on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City. The vintage train, comprising of eight subway cars from the 1930s-1970s, runs along the M line from Second Avenue to Queens Plaza on each Sunday from Nov.27 through Dec. 18, 2016. (Yue Wang)

Penny Zhao, who has been living in Queens for 24 years, takes photos inside the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” train by her point-and-shoot camera on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City. She says it is excited to see the ceiling fans and padded seats in the car that was once in service during the 1930s. (Yue Wang)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) provides riders with the holiday “Nostalgia” train from lower Manhattan to Queens every Sunday from Nov.27 through Dec. 18, 2016. The train was made up of eight R1/9 subway cars that were in service from 1932 until 1977. There are ceiling fans, padded seats and incandescent light bulbs in the car. (Yue Wang)

Louis Mendes, on the right, wears period costume and rides on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” vintage subway train on Dec.11, 2016 in New York City. He is holding a press camera made in 1940. Each instant print costs people 20 dollars. (Yue Wang)

With the help of her father, a one-year old girl is trying to hold the handles above her in the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” subway train on Dec.11, 2016 in New York City. The annual vintage subway train is running along Second Avenue and Queens Plaza every Sunday until the week before Christmas. (Yue Wang)

Camilla Hsiung, who is a model, photo and film director, dresses herself according to the 1974 movie, “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three”, on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City. She is the organizer of a group shooting on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” train. (Yue Wang)

A woman in period costume has her picture taken in a holiday “Nostalgia” vintage subway train while standing by a subway door at Second Avenue station on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City. The annual vintage subway train is running along Second Avenue and Queens Plaza every Sunday until the week before Christmas. (Yue Wang)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” train starts to run at 10 a.m. on Dec.4, 2016 in New York City, but it is broken and stops working at the Second Avenue station around 1 p.m. People in vintage costumes still wait for the vintage train to depart from the station. (Yue Wang)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) holiday “Nostalgia” subway train is approaching the Second Avenue station on Dec.11, 2016 in New York City. The train was made up of eight vintage subway cars that were in service from the 1930s to the 1970s. It is running from lower Manhattan to Queens every Sunday from Nov.27 through Dec. 18, 2016. (Yue Wang)

January, 31
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Guns Don’t Run : Punk Addicts And Soccer Fanatics

Guns Don’t Run is a five-man punk-rock band that came into being four years ago. It happened when three men decided to combine their fandom for a European soccer club, Arsenal, and their passion for hardcore punk. The men have been friends for more than a decade and punk-rock lovers for a lifetime. They come from different walks of life, have different day jobs and wildly different personalities. They have one common bond – Arsenal, a team they worship utterly and unequivocally.

Guitarists Henry ‘Jamie’ Behar and Austin Williams, Drummer Daniel ‘DJ’ Jaryniewich, Vocalist Ron Treasure and Bassist Justin Miran

make up “the A-team, but actually more like the B-squad,” according to the latter.

Bassist Justin Miran, 35, at a rehearsal spot in Brooklyn, New York. “It’s really kind of life-changing, being able to go up on stage at 35 and see people dancing to something you created, jumping up and down to it. It enriches my life,” Miran says.

Austin Williams, guitarist at Guns Don’t Run taking a break from rehearsal in Brooklyn on Nov. 29. “Austin is like our little ounk fashionista,” says Miran, bassist.

Guitarist Austin Williams, 34. “Austin is like our little punk fashionista,” says band-mate Miran.

Daniel Jaryniewichor plays drums as punk-rock band, Guns Don’t Run rehearse in Brooklyn on Nov. 29, 2016. “He’s our wonder kid on drums,” says Guns Don’t Run bassist, Justin Miran.

Drummer Daniel ‘DJ’ Jaryniewich. “He’s our wonder kid on drums,” says band-mate Miran.

Henry (Jamie) Behar, OB/GYN by day and puck rocker by night rehearses with his band Guns Don’t Run in Brookyn on Nov. 29, 2016. “Ive been in bands my entire life. I’ll probably keep playing till, I don’t know, my hands fall off,” Behar says.

Guitarist Henry (Jamie) Behar, 40. OB/GYN by day and punk rocker by night, Behar says, “Ive been in bands my entire life. I’ll probably keep playing till, I don’t know, my hands fall off.”

Vocalist Ron Treasure, 44, dances after an Arsenal victory at the designated Arsenal bar, O’Hanlons in Manhattan. “He’s our front man, our comedic relief. He’s our everything,” says band-mate Miran.

Austin Williams with his guitar at rehearsal in Brooklyn. “Say I screw up, and I jump to the next part, they already have guessed that I messed up and they’re ready to jump with me. We have bonded at that level,” says band-mate Jaryniewich. “If I give you a look, you gotta understand what it means. Everyone is starting to get that same unspoken bond.”

From left to right – Austin Williams, Jamie Behar decked up in the Arsenal colors,red and white, while watching a game at O’Hanlons Bar in Manhattan. “Arsenal is the thing that impassion us and gives a center to hold onto,” Williams says. “It fits.”

Austin Williams (left) and Daniel Jaryniewichor DJ (right) goof off during rehearsal in Brooklyn on Nov. 29, 2016. “We’re hyperactive guys and it’s great to see ‘Oh, you’re scatterbrained. Great, so am I,” Williams says about his friendship with DJ.

From left to right – Austin Williams, Daniel ‘DJ’ Jaryniewich during rehearsal in Brooklyn. “We’re hyperactive guys and it’s great to see ‘Oh, you’re scatterbrained. Great, so am I,” says Williams about his friendship with Jaryniewich.

Guns Don’t Run reherasal in Broklyn on Nov. 29, 2016. “There’s such a mature approach to our band, it’s great. There’s immaturity only in our jokes, not in our music,” says Daniel Jaryniewichor, drummer.

From left to right : Henry ‘Jamie’ Behar, Austin Williams, Ron Treasure. “There’s immaturity only in our jokes, not in our music,” says band-mate Jaryniewich.

Ron Treausre (left), vocalist at Guns Don’t Run talks to Henry (Jamie) Behar (right), guitarist at Guns Don’t Run at O’hanlons Bar in Manhattan after a European soccer club, Arsenal game. They have known each other for more than 10 years through Arsenal, which led to Treasure’s inculcation into the punk rock band in 2015.

Left to right – Ron Treasure, Henry (Jamie) Behar after an Arsenal game at O’Hanlons Bar in Manhattan. Treasure, who was inculcated into the band a year ago says, “After every (Arsenal) game, they said we’re (members of Guns Don’t Run) going to go practice. I always wanted to go. I don’t know what motivated me to tag along that one day, but the rest is history.”

“A lot of people work 9-5 jobs, then they dress up, be in a band, do something crazy for that occasion. I feel way f**king more like the person who has a band, who does weird things, and then I just happen to have this shit day job,” Williams says about his life oscillating between an insurance investgator and a punk-rock musician outside O’Hanlons Bar in Manhattan.

Austin Williams, outside O’Hanlons Bar in Manhattan. “A lot of people work 9-5 jobs, then they dress up, be in a band, do something crazy for that occasion.
I feel way f**king more like the person who has a band, who does weird things, and then I just happen to have this sh*t day job,” Williams says about his life oscillating between being an insurance investigator and a punk-rock musician.

Punk-rock band, Guns Don’t Run, practice in Brooklyn on Nov.29, 2015. From left to right - Austin WIlliams (Insurance), Justin Miran (Finance), Daniel Jaryniewichor (Food Industry), Ron Treasure (Insurance), Henry (Jamie) Behar (Gynaecology). “We’re friends. This is our hobby, our card game. We do everything we love, drinking and watching football (soccer),” Mirans says about Guns Don’t Run.

From left to right – Austin WIlliams, Justin Miran, Daniel ‘DJ’ Jaryniewich, Ron Treasure , Henry ‘Jamie’ Behar practice in Brooklyn.

“We’re friends. This is our hobby, our card game,” bassist Miran says. “We do everything we love – drinking, watching football (soccer), and playing music.”

December, 23
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Not Just For Kicks – Professional Women’s Soccer Is Here To Stay

The third attempt at starting a National Women’s Soccer League in the United States began in 2013. Unlike the previous efforts, the NWSL successfully progressed into its fourth year, a feat that had never been accomplished before. This time around, there are sponsors, television coverage, and most importantly, fans.

Sky Blue Football Club, the only professional women’s soccer club in the tri-state area has witnessed the rise of an enthusiastic team with big names like Christy Rampone and Natasha Kai as players. They have also enjoyed unwavering support from their supporters’ club, Cloud 9.

Christy Rampone, 41 and former captain of the United States Women’s National Team is about to kick the ball in training with her Sky Blue FC teammates on their training ground at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Natasha Kai, 33 and another United States Women’s National Team player, in training at Georgian Court University. According to Sky Blue FC fans, Kai has brought character to the team. She is particularly loved for her hashtags on social media ‘#boombam’ and ‘#madafaka’.

A still from Sky Blue FC’s training. The women fight to train everyday in freezing temperatures, for a salary averaging $15,000 per annum.

Nikki Stanton, 26, midfielder for Sky Blue FC gave up years of competitive Irish dancing so she could “push people over on the soccer field.”

Heather Lamb, 29 sports a Cloud 9 jersey, the official supporters’ club for Sky Blue FC. Cloud 9 members come to the city to watch games and cheer their team on in the Football Factory of Legends Bar at 6 W 33rd St, New York, NY.

Antony Lin, 31, signs his Cloud 9 membership renewal form in the Football Factory of Legends Bar at 6 W 33rd St, New York, NY. Amidst fandom that predominantly compromises of soccer moms and teenage fangirls, Cloud 9 is trying to appeal to members who not only follow soccer, but yell, chant and go berserk over it. Lin is one of them.

Heather Lamb, 26, waits for the start of Sky Blue FC vs Washington Spirit at Sky Blue’s home turf, Rutgers University. She is the ‘Hype Girl’ – a snare-drum-carrying, loudly-chanting, ruthlessly-bantering part of Cloud 9 Supporters’ Group.

Only a small section of the bleachers, Section 9 filled with 15-20 supporters, is abundant with Sky Blue paraphernalia.

Middle – Jennifer Muller, 40, considers Cloud 9 her brainchild. She will resort to threats to get people to come to the game. “Whatever it takes,” she says.

Heather Lamb, 26, on her way, snare-drum in hand, to try and get the quiet crowd riled up for their “Jersey Girls.”

Squirtle, age unknown, is a key member of Cloud 9, according to owner Francesca Duarte, a proud Cloud 9 member.

Heather Lamb, 26, talks to a captivated audience and tries to convince them to come along for the ride as she moves between sections of the bleachers at Rutgers University.

Danny ‘Chico’ Prada, chant coordinator for Cloud 9, engages in playful banter with the supporters’ group of the rival team, Washington Spirit by holding up a scarf that says “Jersey Girls Ain’t Nuthin Ta Mess Wit”.

Christy Rampone, 41 engages in conversation with a fan after the game at Rutgers University.

December, 23
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Closer Look: Cabin Fever

In April the Associated Press published a brief story about a New York man who traveled to Alaska to build a cabin in the wilderness, but when things weren’t as he expected, the situation quickly turned into a battle for survival. In the premiere episode of the Closer Look podcast, Brittnye Jones and Jeffrey Kopp interview Vladimir Yakushin, for a look inside his big adventure.

July, 28
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The Body Positive Runway Show

Smart Glamour, a fashion brand that creates clothing for women of various heights and sizes, held a runway show on February 19th in the West Village area. By representing many ethnicities, body shapes and sizes on the runway, Smart Glamour sets itself apart from other brands in today`s fashion industry.

July, 5
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Many Fish In The Sea

This year, Chinese New Year fell on the eve of Valentine’s Day, and in New York City it was shockingly cold. Trying to keep my fingers warm while they clutched my camera, I stumbled into an open-air fish market in Chinatown. What follows is a short photo-essay, playing on the saying single people hear a lot: “There are many fish in the sea.”

June, 16
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The Anti-Piano Man

New York City is known for its characters, and Colin Huggins is one of my favorites. It is a rare day in Washington Square when his piano music isn’t permeating the park; his grand piano is an ostentatious, out-of-place surprise that endears tourists and locals alike. The top three song requests are also the three songs Colin refuses to play: Moonlight Sonata, Don’t Stop Believing, and, of course, The Piano Man by Billy Joel.

June, 16
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Lens to Loisaida – Photo Poetry Slideshow

Photos of the East Village neighborhood “Loisaida” set to a poem by Bimbo Rivas. Photos by Tara Seewack. Voice over by Bosco Ballve.

Bittman “Bimbo” Rivas was born on November 11^th, 1939 and helped pioneer the Nuyorican Movement in New York City. He coined the community’s name based on the Puerto Rican pronunciation of “Lower East Side” in his famous 1974 poem titled “Loisaida.” In true Nuyorican form, the poem alternated between Spanish and English and was soon adapted as the neighborhood’s cultural anthem. Rivas was a community activist, director, poet and actor who worked tirelessly to have the struggles, culture and talent of the Puerto Rican community acknowledged. Avenue C became known as Loisaida Avenue on May 27, 1992 to pay homage to Rivas’ contributions to the community and to show appreciation for his activism. Rivas passed away on May 21, 1992 of a heart attack at the age of 52, leaving six children behind.