Hello, Griever.
We are also grieving the death of someone close, too.
We invite you to Death of the Party,
an event series encouraging LGBTQIA+ folks and allies
to creatively explore and express grief in community.
Additionally, we offer funeral ceremony creation,
event management, and end-of-life planning services, providing death literacy learning opportunities
for everyone to honor life and grief.
Upcoming Events
Our in-person events are hosted in New York City
Save the Date for events yet to be announced!
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Death of the Party
Events and “Outings” 2024
Interested in collaborating or hosting a grief event? Want to share a death education or grief inspired event coming up for a potential “Outinng”?
Please reach out!
Past Events
Our Pride “Outing”:
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Trolley tour of Green-Wood “Gay Gothic - Love, Loss, and the Hereafter
Event Passed
Soul Showcase:
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
In partnership with: Green-Wood &
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
Our Second “Outing”:
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Book Launch: The Manicurist's Daughter
by Susan Lieu
Event Passed
Thursday, Feb 22, 2024
6 - 8 pm
Sparrow: A Contemporary Funeral Home
159 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Tickets - sold out
Our First “Outing”:
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Coming Out to Dead People Comedy Show
by Ricky Sims
Event Passed
Thursday, November 9, 2023
6 - 8 pm
Sparrow: A Contemporary Funeral Home
159 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Tickets - sold out
Thursday, June 8, 2023
6 - 8 pm
Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore
116 Suffolk Street New York, NY 10002
Tickets - sold out
About Melanie
Creator of Death of the Party Funeral & Memorial Celebrant
Proving loneliness wrong when it comes to grieving with community. Let’s focus on how we grieve the same rather than differently.
I have experienced several significant deaths over the past five years. My friend and colleague died in 2018 and my dad died in 2019. Since losing them, I've sought out friendships with others who get grief.
I am a certified Life Cycle® Funeral & Memorial Celebrant, crafting personal celebrations of life I am also a host and host trainer for The Dinner Party.
Besides talking about death, I enjoy life by volunteering at a thrift store, being creative, beekeeping, and traveling. My favorite place in NYC is Governor's Island!
Services
In addition to our Death of the Party events, I offer event and end-of-life planning services in person and virtually.
Life-Cycle Celebrant: As a funeral celebrant (think equivalent of “wedding officiant”) I can create any ceremony to honor a unique life. From elaborate celebrations of life to intimate gatherings, traditional funerals to rituals for disposition, I will walk you through the planning and emotional considerations to create a ceremony that embodies your wishes and the life of your person. Any venue, any idea is not too big or small to commemorate someone special.
Event Manager: With 14 years of creative event planning, I am happy to lend my expertise to your event. I have high attention to detail, am a quick problem-solver, and enthusiastically look forward to crafting your unique event.
End-of-Life Planning: By creating an end-of-life plan you not only ease your mind by honoring your life but also preserve a peaceful grieving process for loved ones left behind. I can help you walk through your path of choices, ensuring that your plan reflects what you care about.
Please contact me at DeathofthePartyNYC@gmail.com for information about service considerations and costs.
Press & Media
Contact us for Press Inquires
Get Griefy - Issue 2, Q2 2024
Contact Us
Drop us a ‘hello’ at the below:
@DeathofthePartyNYC
DeathofthePartyNYC@gmail.com
Event Testimonials
Congratulations on a sucessful gathering and thank you for creating this space!
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It was great to be around people who understand how you feel and be free to talk about death and grief.
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I really enjoyed the recent outing to see a [comedy] show with the group. Grief is not something everyone is comfortable talking about, but when you experience a death you sometimes need to talk about it. I enjoyed talking about my experience and hearing others' experiences. In this group, we bond at a deep level, while still having fun.
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This was a lovely experience- I was so brave, so now I'm proud of myself.
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I just wanted to say it was a beautiful event and my walk back home was the most peaceful I have felt
in the past 2 years! Thank you for bringing this experience into the community.
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I love this event! Please host again, I will definitely attend.
Grief and Death Education Resources
Young Adults Who Have Lost Parents - Meetup: New York City and virtually