The William Way LGBT Community Center | 1315 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | www.waygay.org | (215) 732-2220 | info@waygay.

org

2014

FEB

Image from upcoming Thats So Gay exhibit. Credit: Library Company of Philadelphia

THIS ISSUE
1 William Way partners
with the Library Company of Philadelphia for Thats So Gay: Outing Early America.

WILLIAM WAY PARTNERS WITH THE LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA FOR THATS SO GAY: OUTING EARLY AMERICA.
Opening lecture with scholar David Halperin at 7PM on February 14th at the William Way.
In November 2012, a good friend of the William Way LGBT Community Center, Richard Snowden, met with William Ways Executive Director Chris Bartlett to discuss the programs of the Center. When Snowden heard that the Center was planning a year of events about LGBT history in 2014-15, he immediately said, You should get the Library Company of Philadelphia involved. Snowden serves on the Board of Trustees of the Library Company, which is the nations oldest library and cultural institutionfounded by Benjamin Franklin. He agreed to set up a meeting between Bartlett and John Van Horne, Director of the Library Company, and Exhibition Curator Connie King. In a long-ranging conversation over lunch at the Philadelphia Club, Bartlett, Snowden, Van Horne, and King discussed initiating the year-long series of LGBT historical events at the Library Company, with a focus on LGBT themes in the collections of this distinguished and venerable library. Library Company Curator Connie King immediately began pulling fascinating books from the Librarys collections -- of course looking at the well-known works of Camden resident Walt Whitman, but also exploring the works of Harriet Hosmer, Oscar Wilde, and images of same-sex affection in cartoons, valentines, and photographs. The exhibition does not try to say denitively whether a person who lived in the past would be considered gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender in todays terms. Rather it looks at individuals who took part in same-sex relationships, wrote poems and novels celebrating such relationships, deviated from gender norms, and suffered for transgressive behavior in well-documented ways. The exhibition runs from February 10-October 17, 2014 and is open Monday-Friday, 9 AM- 4:45 PM. The exhibit is free and open to the public. We hope youll stop by to see the treasures within! We invite you in particular to join us for the opening night on Friday, February 14, 2014. Well be viewing the exhibition from 5:30 PM, and then will come to the William Way LGBT Center for a lecture by David Halperin, the W.H. Auden Distinguished University Professor of History and Theory of Sexuality at the University of Michigan. His talk, entitled What is Sex For?, will be a wonderful inauguration to the exhibit. We are very grateful for the support of the Library Company of Philadelphia and their terric staff, especially John Van Horne, Connie King, Alison McMenamin, and Molly Roth, who also organized the support for the project from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Bowman Properties, Lois & Julian Brodsky, John Alchin & Hal Marryatt, Mel Heiftz, David Deutsch, Robby Brown, the Dolnger-McMahon Foundaiton, and Visit Philadelphia. More information about the exhibit is available at www.librarycompany. org.

2 Greetings from the

Executive Director

3 February Calendar 4 February At A Glance 6 January 2014 Exhibitions 6 Around The Center 7 Pianist Ching-Yun Hu
returns to the William Way Saturday, February 22nd

7 Say I Do to William Way

Help us go paperless! To receive our newsletter by e-mail, visit www.waygay. org and click on the Go Paperless link, or call (215) 732-2220.

Avis Albaladejo, Facilities Coordinator Chris Bartlett, Executive Director Eric Bunting, Facilities Assistant Jim Crouch, Maintenance Technician Chris Hart, Silver Foxes Coordinator Ed Miller, Senior Programs Coordinator Ezra Nepon, Interim Development Coordinator Michael Pomante, Development Director Steve Seran, Peer Counseling Coordinator Freddy Shelley, Bookkeeper Marshall Siegel, Front Desk Administrative Assistant Candice Thompson, Director of Center Services

STA FF

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Were thrilled that the doors to the John C. Anderson Apartments have opened on 13th Street, and that seniors have begun to move into the apartments. On my rst tour of the building, I was moved by its beautywe have truly provided the best and most attractive housing for those seniors who helped to create our LGBT communities. The ground oor includes a beautiful public meeting space, as well as a huge outdoor courtyard that no doubt will be one of the most lovely event spaces in Center City. If you havent had a chance to come see the building on the inside, dont hesitate to give me a ring at the Center (or shoot me an email) and Ill be happy to arrange a tour. Im perhaps most thrilled that many dear friends of the Center have moved into apartments, and were very excited to have these folks as new neighbors. On Sunday, December 15th, I was honored to attend the memorial service for Dick Ihrig, a dear friend of the William Way and former facilitator of our very successful Mornings Out LGBT Senior group. I wanted to share with you all how moved I was at Ihrigs serviceboth by the obvious love felt for him by the community who attended, and by the obvious love he had for the Center. Eulogies were given by members of Ihrigs family, and in each case they acknowledged the second home that Dick had found among the participants of Mornings Out at William Way. Dicks partner Phyllis Schnell reported that Dick had lost many close friends (including a lover) during the AIDS epidemic, and that he didnt know that others of his generation had survived the AIDS onslaught. When he came to Mornings Out, he discovered many other men

who had not only survived the AIDS epidemicbut are thriving. He found inspiration and energy in this group. During each eulogy for Dick, I was reminded that the William Way LGBT Community Center does indeed give hope and sustenance to many men and women who are reminded of the power of community. Community reminds us that we are not alone, that others have shared our experiences, and that others have gured out creative activities that dissipate isolation. Dick not only served us as a seniorhe continues to serve us as ancestorhe remembered the Center in his legacy and asked friends to contribute to the Center as a way of acknowledging our work. Thanks Dickwere forever grateful.

$19,000 each year to spend on Center programming, while also building a nest-egg for the future generations who will use the Center. Were always grateful to Jack Wilcox, Ellis Ginsberg, and others who contribute to our community centers endowment. Finally, I want to take a moment to thank dear friends of the Center Paul Blore, Marquise Lee, and Ben Waxman who organized a wonderful fundraiser for the Centers Out and Faithful program, which builds and strengthens LGBTafrming religion and spirituality (as well as congregations) throughout the region. The event, which took place at the Pen and Pencil Club, the nations oldest journalistsclub, attracted over a hundred guests of all ages, and raised close to $500.00 to support Out and Faithful. The funds will be designated to support an event in March, which will provide the opportunity for LGBT-afrming congregations to tell their stories. Thanks Paul, Marquise and Ben!

BOA RD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS Jeff Sotland, Esq., Co-Chair Laurie Ward, Co-Chair Steve Brando, Secretary Kim Keegan, Treasurer

BOA RD MEMB ERS

Jocelyn Block Anh Dang Tricia Dressel Chris Durr Rudy Flesher Amber Hikes Adam Hymans Mandeep Jangi Robert Lenahan Paul Steinke Leona Thomas

February 22nd will see the wonderful and world-renowned musician Ching-Yun Hu return to the ballroom of the William Way Community Center for a performance of delightful classical music. If youve heard one of Hus past three concerts, youll know that she is With gratitude, a virtuoso and a musical force Chris of nature. I cant recommend too much this great evening Chris Bartlett which will also include a VIP Executive Director reception prior to the concert. More details are available elsewhere in this newsletter, but I do hope that youll be able to join us. Endowment Update: The William Way has built a signicant endowment due to the generous contributions of donors both in life and in bequests/legacies. The John J. Wilcox, Jr. Endowment, named for one of the Centers greatest angels, currently contains $194,106.30. The second endowment, named for another great angel, Ellis Ginsberg, contains $193,210.69. Our total endowment of $387,317 brings income of approximately

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

RECURRING PROG R A MS
Bridge Club Mondays, 2 pm Party bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Please call the Center at 215-732-2220. Chess Club (Free) Sundays, 2 - 4 pm This is an inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game.Absolutely free, and youre guaranteed to hone up on those skills you havent used in awhile or to learn new ones! Mah-Jongg Thursdays, 12 pm & 7:30 pm For experienced and new players. Mah-jongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and luck for four players. Reservations required call 215-732-2220. LGBT Age 50+ Rap Session Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm This is a unique forum where people can discuss their feelings and experiences related to being LGBT and age 50 + in a casual, open and non-judgmental environment. This new outlet has been created by and for older adults. Stop in to share whats on your mind and to just listen to what others have to say. Library(Free) Mon - Fri 12 - 9 pm Sat 3 - 5 pm, Sun 12 - 5 pm.

David Bohnett Cyber Center Free WiFi in our lobby! $1 per 15 minutes for WWCC computer use.

Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free) Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm A social/educational group for older men with occasional outings, speakers and events. Light refreshments served.

FEBRUARY AT A GLANCE
ONGOING
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: The Devotion Project by Tony Osso On view: January 10 February 28 Special Screening: Saturday, February 15, 3-5pm The Devotion Project is a six-part series of short documentary portraits featuring LGBTQ couples and families, celebrating their commitment and love. Segments from the lms along with still photographs form the project will be on view in the archives gallery with a special screening and discussion with the lmmaker and select participants from the lms on Saturday, February 15 from 3-5pm. Osso was recently named to the OUT 100 list by Out Magazine this past November. Art Gallery: Love Comes First by B. Proud On view in the gallery: January 10 February 28 The Center welcomes beautiful black and white photographic portraits of LGBTQ couples in long-term committed relationships to the gallery in time for National Freedom to Marry Day in February. Local artist B. Proud was fueled to do this project after the passing of Proposition 8 in California as a way to celebrate queer relationships and families. B. Proud is an award winning artist whose works has been exhibited internationally. She divides her time between commercial assignments, ne art projects, and teaching at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. American in Philadelphia, to provide free and condential rapid HIV testing and Hepatitis C testing. Trained counselors will be on-site to provide testing and education. Drop-ins only.

14 FEBRUARY

05 FEBRUARY

Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 pm Volunteer Orientation is a monthly information session for new volunteers to learn about the Center and the various ways to get involved. Call (215) 732-2220 to register.

+People Like Us Friday, February 14, 6-8:30 pm +People Like Us is a group of LGBT & LGBTfriendly folks who are HIV+ or have been affected by HIV/AIDS.We gather regularly to share companionship,supportand more. Friends and family are welcome! Our #1 aim is to provide a great social outlet for Poz people to meet, make new friends & have fun! Join us! Loft23 presents The Game Loft Friday, February 14, 28, 6-8 pm (2nd and 4th Fridays) The game loft is a space geared towards gamers (21-29 years old) within the community and is an opportunity to meet new people, play games, and socialize outside of the bar/club scene. There will be board games, a Wii console and PS3 provided within the group space. So come out, join the group and have fun!!!!!! FREE. Opening night of Thats So Gay: Outing Early America. Friday, February 14, 5:30pm Exhibit opening at Library Company (1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia) followed by 7:00 PM lecture at William Way LGBT Center by David Halperin, W.H. Auden Distinguished University Professor of History and Theory of Sexuality at the University of Michigan. His talk is entitled What is Sex For?.

07 FEBRUARY

Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft Friday, February 7, 21, 6-8 pm (1st and 3rd Fridays) This month, join us for casual conversation and mingling at the Center. Loft23 is an inclusive social/support group where LGBTQ individuals between the ages of 21 and 29 can have engaging and constructive experiences that lead to self-improvement and the development of positive connections within the community. FREE.

11 FEBRUARY

03 FEBRUARY

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and condential) Monday, February 3, 24, 3-6pm The William Way Community Center is partnering with BEBASHI, which was founded in 1985 in response to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African

SageWorks Introduction Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 pm and February 27, 12 pm (separate individual sessions) SageWorks is an employment assistance program for LGBT adults (40+) that provides access to online worksearch sites, job coaching, resume building, career workshops and free computer trainer courses. This introduction will provide you with information about the program and how you can become involved. Registration required. For more information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay. org

15 FEBRUARY

A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, February 15, 2-5 pm This guided discussion on all issues which impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women will provide an opportunity to address a variety of topics including but not limited to sexuality, role playing, politics, relationships, etc No subject is off limits! Each question

Peer Counseling Mon - Fri, 6 pm - 9 pm One-to-one condential counseling. We help with issues such as coming out, sexual identity and expression, relationships, family issues, isolation, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, legal issues, health and safety concerns. This is a free and condential service. 215-732TALK (8255).

PhilaVentures: Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of the Month, 2 pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths are found along the way, so wear proper footwear and be ready to hike! This groups meets at 2:00 PM at Cosimos Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike.

Tai Chi Classes (Free) Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of mind-body-spirit health, based on the wisdom of the Tao and the I Ching. You will learn the gentle movements and deep breathing of the Yang Style 37 Postures Form. Tai Chi can have many health benets including: lowering blood pressure; reducing leg, neck and back pain, etc. All ages and all tness levels are welcome!

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Sundays, 3-4:30 pm This free group is for both practicing Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism and includes both a discussion and meditation.

TransWay (Free) Thursdays, 7-9 pm A weekly social group for the transgender and gender nonconforming community.

will be written on a 3 by 5 index card and folded in half and cards will be picked randomly by the co-facilitators, Trina Dorman and Yvette Lassiter, MSW, and read to the group at large. FREE. RSVP is required to info@waygay.org or 215-732-2220 as space is limited.

- and is relatable to all. Her honest account isnt for the faint-hearted (trigger warning.) Bornsteinbravely dives head-rst into the often deeply painful, but ultimately uplifting in this powerful memoir. For more information, contact 215-732-2220.

23 FEBRUARY

18 FEBRUARY

22 FEBRUARY

Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, February 18, 7 pm (Every 3rd Tuesday of the month) Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. Its a big job and we need your help!

19 FEBRUARY

Womens Wednesdays: John C. Anderson Apartments Tour Wednesday, February 19, 5:30 pm The John C. Anderson Apartments, an LGBT Friendly community opened its doors to new residents in January. The Nations second housing property of its kind is just around the corner and we are thrilled to be providing Supportive Services and Programs. Join us for a tour of this lovely new senior housing property. We will leave from the Center promptly at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by 2/10/2014 to emiller@waygay.org or 215-732-2220. Book Club: Kate Bornsteins A Queer and Pleasant Danger Wednesday, February 19, 7-8 pm Help us breathe new life into the William Way Book Club. Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm for a stimulating discussion on a variety of diverse, LGBTQIA topics. This months selection is Kate Bornsteins A Queer and Pleasant Danger. It is the true story of a nice Jewish boy who joins the Church of Scientology and leaves 12 years later to become the lovely lady she is today. It exists at the intersection of a great many things - paradoxes included

Queer Writers Collective Saturday, February 22, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Saturday of the month, except this month) Join this free group for monthly workshops and discussions to develop your unique queer voice via the written word at the Center. Contact Candice for information at (215) 7322220 or info@waygay.org. Free. Ching-Yun Hu Piano Concert Saturday, February 22, VIP reception - 7 pm, Concert - 8 pm Ching-Yun Hu returns to the William Way! The program will include Scriabin, Sonata No. 2 in f-sharp minor, Op. 19 (Sonata-Fantasy), the Granados Los Requeibros, from Goyescas (Flattery), the Granados Oriental, and Andaluza from Danza Espanolas, the Albeniz Triana, from Iberia, and the marvelous Chopin Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 35. VIP tickets (including wine and hors doeuvres reception with the artist) are $50.00, with general admission tickets (concert only) priced at $25.00 . Purchase tickets on-line at www.waygay.org, or at the front desk of the Community Center. Ching-Yun Hu is a Taiwanese born classical pianist, winner of the 2008 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition, Founder and Artistic Director of the Yun-Hsiang International Music Festival in Taipei and Winner of the 2012 Golden Melody Award for Best Classical Album.

Out and Faithful Presents Congregation Crawl: Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion Sunday, February 23, 11 am (2110 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103) Are you looking for a faith community? So are we! Come church shop with your friends by joining Crystal and Candice for our monthly Congregation Crawl. All are welcome, no matter what your spiritual journey or interests look like! You will nd it to be a truly enriching experience. This month we visit the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, which is a Reconciled in Christ congregation, which means that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are welcome and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the congregation. We will join the congregation for their regularly scheduled 11am Sunday worship. If you intend to join us, please RSVP to Candice at cthompson@waygay.org and arrive outside of the entrance 10 minutes prior to the start so we can all meet and sit as a group. Silver Foxes Sunday, February 23, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Sunday of the month) For LGBT 50+ folks. A monthly social and discussion group at the Center. Light refreshments will be served and feel welcome to bring other food.

JANUARY 2014 EXHIBITIONS

THE DEVOTION PROJECT SCREENING WITH FILMMAKER
This January and February, the Center is proud to host the rst ever exhibition of Antony Osso's The Devotion Project, a six part series of documentary portraits celebrating the commitment and love of LGBTQ couples and families. In March of 2013, Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage equality nationwide, commissioned The Devotion Project to create shorter edits of three of the lms for use in educating the public, the resulting segments of the project along with beautiful framed stills of the featured couples will be on view in the John J. Wilcox, Jr. archives gallery through the end of February. What started out as one short lm about a 54-year love story between two men became a series of portraits, available for free online, telling six diverse stories of LGBTQ love. Love as it's being lived now. Love that's missing from the landscape of stereotypes, comic relief and victims. Couples who, in their casual bravery and inspiring self-acceptance, give voice to what is real and true about LGBTQ people today. -Antony Osso. The Center will also host a special screening of the entirety of Osso's The Devotion Project on Saturday, February 15 at 3pm followed by a Q&A with Osso, several of the people highlighted through the project, and moderated by Freedom To Marry. Join us for this vibrant post-Valentine's Day event exploring the ways in which LGBTQ couples forge long-lasting, loving relationships. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is requested to cthompson@ waygay.org or 215-732-2220 by Wednesday, February 12.

Images courtesy of Nephi Niven/Antony Osso

AROUND THE CENTER

Wonderful crowd at the January 10th gallery opening for B. Prouds First Comes Love photo exhibit.

January 9ths Happy Hour Benet at Pen & Pencil Club raised almost $500 for funds for the Centers Out & Faithful program.

The rst annual WWCC Latin Carols event was a hit! Photo credit: Scott A. Drake

Photo credit: E. Nepon

PIANIST CHING-YUN HU RETURNS TO THE WILLIAM WAY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND

We are thrilled that pianist Ching-Yun Hu will return to the William Way on Saturday, February 22nd for a concert of Scriabin, Grandos, Albeniz and Chopin. The evening will start at 7PM with a VIP reception, with the concert itself starting at 8PM. Im thrilled with the partnership Ive built with the William Way, said Ching-Yun Hu. I love that the Center has become a dedicated venue for classical music, and Im thrilled to present a new concert in February to the William Ways wonderful audience. Ching-Yun Hu is a Taiwanese born classical pianist, winner of the 2008 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition, Founder and Artistic Director of the Yun-Hsiang International Music Festival in Taipei and Winner of the 2012 Golden Melody Award for Best Classical Album. Ching-Yun returns for her fourth concert at the William Way, following upon her earlier stunning concerts of music of worldrenowned lesbian composer Jennifer Higdon and other great composers from the classical repertoire. The program on February 22nd will include Scriabin, Sonata No. 2 in f-sharp minor, Op. 19 (Sonata-Fantasy), the Granados Los Requeibros, from Goyescas (Flattery), the Granados Oriental, and Andaluza from Danza Espanolas, the Albeniz Triana, from Iberia, and the marvelous Chopin Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 35. VIP tickets (including wine and hors doeuvres reception with the artist) are $50, with general admission tickets (concert only) priced at $25. Purchase tickets on-line at www.waygay.org, or at the front desk of the community center at 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. William Ways Executive Director Chris Bartlett said, Ching-Yun Hu is a world-class pianist with a real dedication to her adopted city of Philadelphia. Were honored to have her perform in our ballroom, and we know that February 22nd will be a concert not to be missed.

SAY I DO TO WILLIAM WAY

Do you start looking forward to Valentines Day the second you take off your New Years Eve party hat? Or, do you spend most of the lovers holiday tweeting about bad breakups and the wiliness of greeting card manufacturers? Regardless of how you feel about cupids busiest day, please take a moment this February 14th to make a commitment to the William Way LGBT Community Center. Please say I do when asked to support your community center and the more than 60,000 LGBT friends and allies each year that benefit from the life-saving and life-affirming services the Center offers. Are you planning on lavishing that special someone with a fancy dinner, owers, and chocolates? According to a February 2013 Art Floral magazine article, a dozen roses cost the average American consumer over $100 on Valentines Day. This year, consider sharing your love for your sweetheart with your love for the Center. Give that special someone a half dozen roses, and donate the $50 you saved to make a profound difference in the life of an LGBT senior, who without the Center, may be isolated and alonecut off from the warmth and support of our vibrant and diverse community. No partner, sig-o, date, or love interest this year? Well, youre wrong! The William Way LGBT Community Center loves you, and were pretty sure the feelings mutual. And were not coy when it comes to asking for a treat this Valentines Day. Please use the enclosed return envelope or visit www.waygay.org and click donate to make our Valentines wishes come true!

Photo credit: Liz Reasey

Photo credit: Liz Reasey On Saturday, January 11th, 2014, the Center hosted its Cornerstone Brunch and annual meeting. Over sixty Cornerstone Donors attended to hear the State of the Center presentation offered by Executive Director Chris Bartlett, Board Member Anh Dang, Director of Center Services Candice Thompson, and Development Director Michael Pomante. The State of the Center presentation highlighted the key achievements of 2013, and laid out the Centers plan for the upcoming year. The Center also acknowledged the deaths of long-time Cornerstone Members Dick Ihrig, Jim Gallagher, and Jay Nathan. At the Annual Meeting, WWCC Board Members Steve Brando, Anh Dang, Tricia Dressel and Rudy Flesher were elected for their second two-year term. Mandeep Jangi, Robert Lenahan and Paul Steinke were newly appointed to the Board.

Anyone who gives a gift this February 14th will receive a personalized thank you card from a special someone at the Center. P.S. Valentines Day is the perfect day to celebrate someone you love or honor someone youve loved and lost. Consider a gift in commemoration of someone special in your life or remember a loved one who has passed. All tribute gifts will be printed in the March 2014 newsletter.

Photo credit: Scott A. Drake

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