There are few places in America - indeed in the world - where gay culture thrives as it does in New York. A glance at the pages of the Village Voice, where gay theater, gossip and politics share space with more mainstream goings-on, gives a quick inkling.

Socially, lesbians and gay men are fairly visible, and while it's not recommended that you and your partner hold hands in public before checking out the territory, there are neighborhoods in the city where you'll find yourself in a comfortable majority. A strong presence lingers in the vicinity of Christopher Street in the West Village, but it's in Chelsea that gay socializing is most out and open. The other haven is Brooklyn's Park Slope, though perhaps more for women than for men.

Gay media
The following are a selection of outlets with up-to-date listings and insider information on the gay and lesbian scene.

The Advocate   www.advocate.com . National gay and lesbian newsmagazine.

HX Magazine   www.hx.com . Vital homosexual listings mag.

Metrosource Magazine   wwwmetrosource.com . National gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine with a local directory of gay-friendly professionals and businesses.

Out Magazine   www.out.com . A lifestyle magazine covering everything from politics to health.

AIDS/HIV-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) 332 Bleecker St, Suite G5, NY 10014 phone 212/966-4873, www.actupny.org .
The first and most prolific of the direct action groups, ACT UP advocates group empowerment and action, advocating that silence will only equal death. Meets Mon, 7.30pm, at the Center, 208 W 13th St.

AIDS Hotline phone 212/447-8200.
Information, counseling and referrals available seven days a week, 9am-9pm.

AIDS Treatment Data Network (The Network) 611 Broadway, Room 613, NY 10012 phone 212/260-8868 or toll-free 1-800/734-7104, www.aidsinfonyc.org/network .
Not-for-profit community-based organization provides information on treatment, counseling and referral services to people with HIV/AIDS.

EXCLUSIVELY LESBIAN ORGANIZATIONS

Astraea 116 E 16th, 7th floor, NY 10003, #520 (between Park Ave S and Irving Place) phone 212/529-8021, www.astraea.org .
National lesbian foundation offering financial support, education and networking to lesbian organizations and projects.

Center for Anti-Violence Education/Brooklyn Women's Martial Arts 421 5th Ave, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11215 phone 718/788-1775, www.cae-bkln.org .
Self-defense and martial arts classes integrate a political understanding of violence; not-for-profit, feminist and anti-racist.

Social Activities for Lesbians (SAL) PO Box 2270, Church Street Station phone 212/330-6582.
A social group that organizes dinners, parties, cultural excursions, video nights and the like. Call for details and calendar.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) 119 W 24th St (between 6th and 7th aves) phone 212/807-6664, www.gmhc.org .
Despite the name, this organization - the oldest and largest not-for-profit AIDS organization in the world - provides information and referrals to everyone.

HIV/AIDS Legal Service Project 153 Waverly Place, NY 10014 phone 212/243-1313.
Free childcare, discrimination, housing and health planning services for people with AIDS/HIV.

Lesbian and gay resources

General help and advise 

Association of the Bar of the City of New York - Committee on Lesbian & Gay Rights 42 W 44th St, NY 10036 phone 212/382-6600.
The committee recommends legal policies for employers and law schools, and addresses general policy issues regarding lesbian and gay rights.

Bisexual Information and Counseling Services, Inc . 599 West End Ave, Suite 1A, NY 10024 phone 212/595-8002, www.bisexualcounseling.org
Offers help on health and relationship issues; general and professional discussion groups.

Empire State Pride Agenda 647 Hudson St, NY 10014 phone 212/627-0305, www.espany.org .
Political organization lobbies legislature and governor, helps elect gay-supportive candidates through financial/campaign assistance, organizes constituent pressure, educates public about lesbians/gay life.

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline phone 1-888/THE-GLNH or 212/989-0999, www.glnh.org (Mon-Fri 6-10pm, Sat noon-5pm).
Information, help and referrals.

Gay Yellow Pages PO Box 533, Village Station, NY 10014-0533 phone 212/674-0120, www.gayellowpages.com .
Annual directory of gay/lesbian businesses and resources.

GLAAD-NY (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) 150 W 26th St at 7th Ave, Suite 503 phone 212/807-1700, www.glaad.org .
Monitors the portrayal of gays, lesbians and bisexuals in the media, and organizes caucuses and discussion groups on media topics. Volunteers and visitors welcome.

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund 120 Wall St, 15th floor, NY 10005 phone 212/809-8585, www.lambdalegal.org .
Active against discrimination affecting people with AIDS and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; publications, speakers and newsletter.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Services Center 208 W 13th St, NY 10014 (west of 7th Ave) phone 212/620-7310, www.gaycenter.org .
The Center's free paper, Center Voice , is mailed to more than 55,000 households, which should give you an idea of how it's grown since it opened in 1983. The Center also sponsors workshops, dances, movie nights, youth services and lots more.