A Note From Jay Armstrong Johnson
Executive Producer and Creator of I Put a Spell on You
Dear Reader,
This year I Put a Spell on You celebrates its 10th anniversary! Reflecting on this milestone, I'm filled with gratitude. As a child, Halloween was my favorite night, and Disney's Hocus Pocus allowed me to experience its magic year-round. My secret goal was to be Winifred Sanderson for Halloween (Bette Midler in the film), but voicing that desire would have made my childhood even harder. Like many in the LGBTQIA + community, I faced bullying and ostracization in the public school system. My refuge came from a community of open-minded teachers and mentors at my local arts institutions who nurtured my interests and granted me the ability to study the art forms I so desperately loved despite my family's financial limitations.
While stepping into my queer identity had its challenges, I made it through with the support of my friends, family, and community and can't imagine facing that transition without such crucial backing. The Ali Forney Center addresses the urgent need for safe shelters and supportive services for those LGBTQIA + children who don't share in the same privilege many of us have been afforded.
Our team at "I Put a Spell on You" is proud to continue our partnership with AFC to support their important work as we celebrate community, identity, and the unabashed queer joy of Halloween. Protecting queer youth, in today’s climate especially, feels more necessary and timely than ever.
I hope you will consider joining the magic (and mischief) of our 10th Anniversary celebration. Come... we fly!
With Gratitude,
Jay Armstrong Johnson
Benefiting
The Ali Forney Center was founded in 2002 in memory of Ali Forney, a homeless gender-nonconforming youth who was forced to live on the streets, where they were tragically murdered. Committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ and at-risk young people, our mission is to protect them from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently.
A 24-hour program, The Ali Forney Center never closes its doors. We provide more than just a bed and food for those in need — from initial intake at our drop-in center to transitional housing and job readiness training, we provide homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth a safe, warm, supportive environment to escape the streets.
From our leadership and staff to our youth counselors, we are all committed to helping provide stability, healing, trust and education to young adults so they can ultimately live independently.
To learn more about The Ali Forney Center and their vital work, please visit their website.
Insta: @aliforneycenter
Sponsors
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Todd & Elizabeth Donovan
Sean Cocchia, Katie Crim, Joe Hornberger, Andy Jones, Kiehl's, MIO Partners, Tom Schumacher, Dr. Bronners
Alcone Company, Mindy Dougherty Baiada, Sasaki Design, Christopher Street Financial, Procter & Gamble, Javi Morgado, TEADS, Nestle Nespresso USA, Emily Vacher
The TRC Company, MISTR, Paige Price, VitaCoCo
Strong Roots Accounting, Cason Crane, Martin Gruber, Glenn Gundersen, Grace Jones, Samuel Kantrow, Stephen Mack and Brian Shaefer
With Additional Thanks to Abracadabra NYC, BARRY’S, Big Frog UWS, DKC | O&M, Emursive, Fine Art Imaging NYC, FlySpace NYC, Gibney Dance, Jean’s, Jeffrey Povero, MurphyMade, Normal Ave, Pearl Studios, Red Rooster Harlem, Renaissance Recording, Rise NY | Torch Song, Schmackary’s, Snug Harbor, The Broadway Esthetician, The Drama Book Shop
