Billed as “America’s Best Gay Bar” Boxers has redefined what makes a “sports bar” and gave members of the LGBT community who want to watch their favorite sporting event with equally rabid and devoted fans a space to grab a cocktail and cheer on your team. (And the cocktails, poured by the continuously gorgeous roster of bartenders, remain equal parts potent and delicious). As Boxers celebrates ten years, Boxers has released their 2020 calendar, in association with Smirnoff Vodka.
“This year’s calendar is significant because 2020 marks the ten-year anniversary of Boxers,” says owner Bob Fluet, who opened the first location in Chelsea in 2010 with Rob Hynds. “In those ten years, the community has made tremendous strides including the military repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, nationwide marriage equality, increased awareness of trans rights and the first WorldPride hosted in the USA right here in NYC. The fight is not over yet but we are well on our way”!
Photographed by the the always visionary Andrew Werner, Boxers teamed up with LGBTQ ally, Smirnoff Vodka, for the 2020 calendar (“Their generous sponsorship made this year’s project possible,” says Rob Hynds) and proceeds from the calendar will benefit Out My Closet, a nonprofit organization that empowers displaced and under resourced LGBTQ youth with clothing grants, counseling services and other outreach and educational programs.
Photographed by photographic visionary Andrew Werner, Boxers teamed up with LGBTQ ally, Smirnoff Vodka, for the 2020 calendar (“Their generous sponsorship made this year’s project possible,” says Rob Hynds). Proceeds from the calendar benefit Out My Closet, a nonprofit organization that empowers displaced and under resourced LGBTQ youth with clothing grants, counseling services and other outreach and educational programs. Each of the models featured in the calendar graciously volunteered their time (and bodies!) to help shine the spotlight on both LGBTQ youth and Out My Closet.
Boxers has always had the keen ability to stay ahead of the curve, and this calendar is no exception. To emphasize the community’s latest concentration on gender equality, Boxers chose to include, for the first time ever, a female in the 2020 calendar. “It was important to include Kelly in the calendar,” says Director of Programming and Operations, George Maestre. “Not only because she is an integral part of our team, but because we have an eclectic clientele at Boxers and we want our staff to reflect that diversity.
Times are changing and gay bars need to become inclusive of everyone” Maestre went on to say “We are proud to be leading the change.”
The Boxers 2020 Calendar is available for free, while supplies last, at all three Boxers locations. Visit boxersnyc.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ boxersnyc and @boxersnycwahi. For information about Out My Closet, visit: www.outmycloset.org
All Photography Courtesy of Andrew Werner
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