The Ali Forney Center opened its new LGBTQ youth homeless residence – the Bea Arthur Residence.
In attendance for he opening of the 18-room facility in the Lower East Side of New York City, was the late actress’s son, Matthew Saks, and her grandson, Brody Saks.
The Golden Girls‘ actress was a big supporter of the LGBTQ community during her life, with a benefit performance of her one-woman show, Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends, bringing in $40,000 for the center in ’05.
Arthur willed $300,000 to the shelter and it received an additional $3.3 million from the city to renovate the property. Arthur said before she died,
“These kids at the Ali Forney Center are literally dumped by their families because of the fact that they are lesbian, gay or transgender. This organization really is saving lives.”
Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center said,
“We are proud to dedicate this residence in her honor, and humbled to celebrate this momentous occasion alongside Bea Arthur’s son and grandson.
The Bea Arthur Residence marks an important shift in the way that we are able to house and care for young people who have been discarded by their families simply because of who they are. Pending city approvals, we hope to begin housing young people here within the next few weeks.”
Plus November 30 was officially declared Bea Arthur Day in New York City by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“My administration is committed to supporting New York’s thriving and diverse LGBTQ community. Critical to this mission are community organizations like the Ali Forney Center that are working to uplift and empower homeless LGBTQ youth across our city.”
She WAS and IS our Golden Girl. Thank you for being a true friend to the LGBT community.
(via LGBTQ Nation)
