New York. The Big Apple. The Capital of the world, for some. A city that shelters hundreds of cultures and nationalities, built and made not only by American citizens, but also by immigrants of all origins who found their safe-haven in there. And that reflects on boroughs and neighborhoods, like Chinatown, a center of Chinese culture in the middle of the city that never sleeps. And there are others, like the Italian quarter-world famous little Italy so much for Guido's, the Spanish quarter and the Latin quarter... different places where different cultures interactively mingle with the great urban center that so- characterizes New York. Sure, it would be naivety to think that there's none conflict or discrepancy between them. Many people of those different cultures are exploited, or not fairly treated, especially since 9/11. But still classified as convergence of the world over. And, if there's a place for everyone, there's a place for homosexuality - New York has a big concentration of gay men and lesbians and a strong gay scene, despite bigotry and the usual harassment of cosmopolitan centers.

One good example is the celebration of Gay Pride, an awesome fanfare of every year that attracts thousands flocking over. But, to get to that place, the Big Apple had to take a few steps first. Since the first employer that offered domestic partner benefits to lesbian and gay employees appeared, things changed a lot. The Human Right's Law prohibited sexual orientation discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations, the highest court in the city qualified a same-sex partner as "family", the New York State gave spousal benefits to gay partners of 9/11 victims and enacts legislation outlawing gay discrimination - among other important gay achievements.

Now, fighting to legalize gay marriage. An old issue re-appeared strongly lately, since some forward places already did it. Apparently, there will take further effort to get accomplished. In spite of recent violent acts against homosexuals - a crime that has raised slowly but surely - the city is renowned by its great rapport with its gays and lesbians citizens. A parade of gay awareness to instances a few, seeing that even public servants and civil right groups take pride in (police, fire brigade...) joining parades strutting their stuff. After all, if the Big Apple grew enough to accommodate that many cultures, certainly there's a place for each sexual stride.

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