Fort Greene And Clinton Hill React To SCOTUS Ruling On Gay Marriage With Rainbow Flags And Support Services

Heather Chin -
Photo via Putnam’s Pub and Cooker.

Jubilant — that was one word to describe the atmosphere in New York City following last Friday’s Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of legalizing marriage between same-sex couples in all 50 states. Here in Brooklyn, including Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, the mood was no less enthusiastic.

“We celebrate love today!! We give thanks that the Supreme Court has written an inspired decision respecting the dignity of every loving couple in this country!” exclaimed the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew (520 Clinton Avenue) on its Facebook page.

“Love wins. Today will be remembered as a day when America lived up to its Constitution and the principle that all people, regardless of who they love, are born with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “There is no more gay marriage or straight marriage in America. There is just marriage.”

“This powerful and significant ruling is a reminder that we continue to evolve and progress as a people and as a nation. We will not stop fighting for the right to live in a land that promotes equality for all,” added Councilmember Laurie Cumbo. “It is essential that we continue to teach our young and mature folks that discrimination has no place in our communities.”

Businesses also joined in the celebration.

“[We are] now taking reservations for gay marriages in our private party room,” announced Putnam’s Pub & Cooker (419 Myrtle Avenue) on their social media accounts, where they also joked/advised people to “book before June 30th and get a 50% discount on your gay divorce party, which, lets face it, would probably be a better party. 🌈”

Image via Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office.

Putnam’s announcement turned out to be just one of many ways that local businesses and other organizations continue to show their solidarity with and support for all residents, including those in the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) communities.

As noted within the pages of Comptroller Scott Stringer’s LGBTQ Guide of Services and Resources, there are over 40 groups in Brooklyn alone — the second largest concentration outside of Manhattan — that provide services that address this community’s needs, whether it be “community organizations and health care facilities to counseling and support groups, recreational clubs, and much more.”

Locally, the following groups are included in the list:

COMMUNITY CENTERS (gathering space, rehabilitation services, cultural events, and more)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS & AIDS SERVICES

OTHER SERVICES