Ann Northrop celebrated at farewell party after 30 years of ‘Gay USA’

Friends, colleagues, and elected officials gathered at Julius' Bar on Aug. 4 to celebrate Ann Northrop for her 30 years of work on the TV show "Gay USA" alongside Gay City News contributor Andy Humm. As previously reported by Gay City News, Northrop recorded her final show on July 29. The crowd at the event — which also served as a fundraiser for "Gay USA" — was filled with longtime activists, including members of ACT UP, as well as Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Tony Simone, who each presented Northrop with glowing proclamations. Former State Senator and Councilmember Thomas Duane also attended the event. Loyal viewers who had never met Northrop also joined the event to wish her well. To benefit "Gay USA," prints of Saskia Scheffer’s iconic photo of Northrop being arrested and carried off by multiple police officers in 1997 were auctioned off. T-shirts bearing the photo and Northrop's favorite response, “exactly” sold out quickly. The festivities were organized by Ivy Kwan Arce, Robert Monteleone, Jay W. Walker, Andy Humm, and Saskia Scheffer. Hosted by Julius owner Helen Buford, the event represented a warm tribute to a dedicated community icon. See photos of the event below, followed by the latest episode of "Gay USA," which features footage of Northrop delivering remarks at the event. [caption id="attachment_64585" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Andy Humm and Ann Northrop.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64586" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ann Northrop holds a framed photo of her 1997 arrest.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64587" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Manhattan borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal shows a proclamation declaring Aug. 4 "Ann Northrop Appreciation Day" in Manhattan.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64588" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Manhattan Assemblymember Tony Simone.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64589" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ivy Arce, Ann Northrop, Robert Monteleone, Jason Rosenberg, and Helen Buford.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64590" align="aligncenter" width="700"] David France and Robert Monteleone.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64591" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Photographer Saskia Scheffer and Ann Northrop.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_64592" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Virginia Vitzthum, Tricia Cook, and Alexandra Woods.Donna Aceto[/caption]