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

org

MAR

2014

PrideFit will be hosting a free full day health summit at the Center on Saturday, March 29! Join in this community wellness event organized by representatives from Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Division of Endocrinology, the William Way LGBT Community Center, LGBT Elder Initiative, Optimal Sport Health Clubs, the Mazzoni Center, and MANNA.

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

Ready for Spring Im sure many of you will agree with me that this was a winter for the record books. Though the Center aims to be open 365 days a year, even we were forced to close for a few of the blizzardy storms that we saw this year. The weather also had impact on our buildingice and melting snow on the roof created a new leak that required emergency attention during one of the worst storms. As I write this, and the temperatures are rising again into the fties, were jumping into repair mode to ght back against the depredations of Mother Nature. A nineteenth century building does not like ice and water! Well keep you up-to-date on the repairs to our wonderful old building. If youre feeling philanthropically inclined, this would be a great time to send a special gift to support us in our efforts to keep our building in tiptop shape. Outbeat Jazz Festival Im thrilled that we have made signicant headway on the Pew-funded Outbeat LGBT Jazz Festival, which will take place from September 18-21, 2014. For the rst time ever in the nation, well be hosting world-famous jazz artists at a terric venuethe Union Transfer at 10 th and Spring Garden Streets. The four-day festival will also include an opening jazz reception at the Philadelphia Museum of Arts Friday night series (with jazz legend Cecil Taylor), and a symposium on LGBT jazz to take place at the Community Center. I really believe that this weekend will play an historic function of establishing the key role that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender artists have played in the creation and propagation of Americas great art formjazz. Please mark your calendars to engage with what is bound to be one of the most exciting cultural events of 2014. MLK Day of Service/Team Bayard deaths do not go unnoticed or unchallenged. She was a key advocate ghting for justice in the death of Nizah Morris; she trained the police department how best to work with the transgender community; and she was a personal mentor to me and many other community leaders.

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

On Martin Luther King Day, Jaci provided vision and action January 20 th, 2014, the Center to our communities for so long hosted the rst ever LGBT I can't even remember when I MLK Day of Service, dubbed rst met her. But from the start, Team Bayard after Martin she said all the things that Luther Kings openly gay needed to be said on behalf deputy, Bayard Rustin. Over of those most impacted by 100 dedicated volunteers homophobia and transphobia, showed up in the centers especially if others weren't lobby for a number of service willing or able to say them. projects, including stufng condom packages (sponsored Tonight, I'm comforted by the by GALAEI), sending letters to thought that she will be as LGBT prisoners (sponsored by powerful an ancestor as she Hearts on a Wire), organizing was an elder. I for one will never and shelving books in the stop hearing her voice in my William Way library, and ear. packing up clothing donations (sponsored by Philly AIDS Sincerely, Thrift). Many thanks to Anna Aagenes of State Chris Bartlett Representative Brian Sims Executive Director ofce, whose terric leadership helped make the day wildly successful. Thanks also to Paul Farber, Scott Drake, Rudy Flesher, SharRon Cooks, and Anthony Fluellen for all of your wonderful organizing energy! In Memory of Jaci Adams I was so sad to hear of the death of the inspirational, unstoppable, visionary Jaci Adams on Saturday, February 15th. Jaci's life reminds me of Proverbs 2:19: Where there is no vision, the people perish. Jaci provided laser vision, and directly as a result of her vision, she helped to build a world where fewer people perish, and when they perish, their

MARCH 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.

MARCH AT A GLANCE
ONGOING
Art Gallery Visit the gallery for a small group exhibition of women artists which will be on view from March 14 through April 25. The opening reception will take place on Friday, March 14 from 6 to 8 pm and will feature light food and refreshments with the artists. For more info, please visit www. waygay.org. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Leather Objects On view: March 13 April 25 The WWCC will again be the site of the Leather Leadership Conference, April 11-13th. Join us in the archives gallery during March and April for an exhibition of leather objects in celebration of the local LGBTQ leather community which has been a vibrant and critical part of the larger movement. We will unearth some rarely seen gems from the collection that have been donated over the years from individuals and private collections. Vintage bar signs, posters, matchbooks, furniture, and more will be on display. 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.

05 MARCH

Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, March 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.

SAGEWorks Introduction Tuesday, March 11, 6:30 pm and March 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 SAGEWorks (SW) March Workshop Schedule Registration required. More info and registration available through www.waygay.org or by calling Ed Miller at sageworks@waygay. org or 215-732-2220. All workshops are FREE for people 40+. SW: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Workshop March 11th at 6:30 pm Presented by Kara L. Markley, Regional Economist, Mid-Atlantic Ofce. This enlightening workshop will provide you with Valuable Data and Research Tools to make informed job search decisions. Topics covered will include: A quick look at the current labor market and economic conditions in Philadelphia, BLS employment projectionswhere BLS predicts the jobs will be over the next 10 yearswhat industries and occupations are growing, the hot jobs, and which are declining, projections based on educational level and training required, and a demonstration of the Occupational Outlook Handbook on the BLS website.

07 MARCH

01 MARCH

Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft Friday, March 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.

NEW: Lego Lunch-n-Build Saturday, March 1, 12-2 pm Join Philadelphia Family Pride and the WWCC at the brand new monthly Lego Lunch-n-Build! Pack a bag lunch and bring the kids (5-105) to the William Way Community Center on Saturday, March 1st from 12-2pm. Socialize with other families and have a chance to build with friends new and old. PFP provides the Legos, William Way provides the space, and YOU provide the creativity! This event will recur on the rst Saturday of every month.

11 MARCH

03 MARCH

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and condential) Monday, March 3, 17, 3-6 pm 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 American in Philadelphia, to

Giovannis Room Oral History Program: Celebrating 40 Years! Tuesday,March 11,7:30 - 9 pm Giovannis Room Bookstore celebrates its 40th Anniversary with gathering of owners past and present to share stories from the stores history. Find out how Giovannis Room became the countrys biggest,best and most beautiful LGBT Bookstore! Participating are Tom Wilson Weinberg and Dan Sherbo, founders; Pat Hill, the second owner; and Arleen Olshan and Ed Hermance who jointly owned the store for many years before Arleen moved on to other projects. Current owner Ed Hermance who recently announced his retirement will give a status report on the stores future. The program, moderated by John Cunningham, will be video recorded byPeter Lienfor the Centers John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives. This program, originally scheduled for January,had to be rescheduled due to weather.

14 MARCH

Loft23 presents The Game Loft Friday, March 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

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.

PS3 provided within the group space. So come out, join the group and have fun!!!!!! FREE. +People Like Us Friday, March 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!

recruiters go to look for candidates, ways to narrow you job search, what you need to know when using social media for your job search.

19 MARCH

15 MARCH

A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, March 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 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.

Book Club: Giovannis Room by James Baldwin Wednesday, March 19, 7-8 pm Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 pm for a stimulating discussion on a variety of diverse, LGBTQIA topics. For more information, contact 215-732-2220. This months selection is James Baldwins Giovannis Room. With this classic, we will pay homage to the recent 40th Anniversary of Philadelphias own Giovannis Room bookstore. In Baldwins poignant novel, an American expat explores desire, morality, and identity in 1950s Paris. Giovannis Room is a unique, yet universal story. Womens Wednesdays: Philly LGBT History Wednesday, March 19, 5:30 pm Chris Bartlett, our Executive Director, will provide a powerful presentation focused on the pioneers who started it all, from the rst gay rights demonstration at Independence Hall with Barbara Gittings, to our current day leaders who continue to advocate for LGBT equality. Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural program for women 50 and over.

Market. Hosted by First Person Arts R. Eric Thomas, this event was also made possible in partnership with The YES! Coalition, The Human Rights Campaign, The Identity Kit Project, First Person Arts, and the Out and Faithful Program of the William Way Community Center. RSVP requested to cthompson@waygay.org or 215732-2220.

22 MARCH

Queer Writers Collective Saturday, March 22, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Saturday of the 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) 732-2220 or info@waygay.org. Free. 23 March Silver Foxes Sunday, March 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.

29 MARCH

18 MARCH

Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, March 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! The Velada is a great way to drop in and support the Center, enjoy the company of other fabulous volunteers, and stay for pizza! SW: Navigating the Online Job Search & Techniques for Acing Interviews Tuesday, March 18, 6:30-7:30 pm Presented by Wells Fargo Recruiter Ryan Paczkowski. Paczkowski will lead an interactive roundtable workshop providing expect tips and practical tools for acing your next Interview. You will receive valuable information on: where the

20 MARCH

Coming Out Together: Stories of LGBTQ Spiritual Acceptance Thursday, March 20th, 6 pm Six LGBTQA storytellers, representing a diversity of faiths, share stories of afrmation within their spiritual communities. Coming out as LGBTQ within your spiritual home can be difcult, but it can also be life changing and truly meaningful for your entire community. These storytellers will talk about how their faith communities and spiritual traditions embraced the journey and continue to nd ways to build upon their commitment to be welcoming to all. Light food and beverage will be offered with support from Yards Brewing Co. and Reading Terminal

PrideFit: Phillys LGBT Health Fair Saturday, March 29, 10 am 4 pm William Way partners with Thomas Jefferson University, Optimal Sport and Health Clubs, LGBT Elder Initiative, Mazzoni Center, and MANNA to bring you the 2nd Annual LGBT Health Fair. The event will focus on metabolic diseases, how they affect the LGBT population, and ways to identify, prevent, and treat disease. More than 30 wellness vendors, tness and nutrition seminars, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and presentations by renowned medical professionals. FREE.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

March 28, 1971: Philadelphia's Homophiles Take Action
In1968, frustrated by the national organization's policies that limited any political action, several members decided to dissolve the Philadelphia chapter of the lesbian "Daughters of Bilitis." Led by Ada Bello and Carole Friedman, they formed a new organization which they called "The Homophile Action League," with a decided accent on "action." They described the group's mission in their newsletter: "This newly formed group, open to both men and women, has adopted the name 'Homophile Action League,' and has as its main purpose to strive to change societys legal, social and scientific attitudes toward the homosexual in order to achieve justified recognition of the homosexual as a first class citizen and a first class human being. We are not a social group." Over the next few years, HAL not only sponsored dances and social functions, but pushed for a citywide gay rights bill and organized demonstrations. Meanwhile, across the river, in Collingswood, NJ., the Rev. Carl McIntire had founded his fundamentalist Bible Presbyterian Church. McIntire had a long history of anti-gay rhetoric and far right wing jingoism. In the 1940s, he had even formed the American Council of Christian Churches as an alternative to the "liberal" National Council of Churches. On March 28, 1971, about 20 members of HAL picketed McIntire's Sunday services, brandishing "Gay is Good" and "Love and Liberation" signs. McIntire countered with a "Saved by the Grace of God" banner. HAL would serve as the main voice for Philadelphia's gay community through the early 70s until it was, in turn, overshadoweded by the even more aggressive Gay Liberation Front. To learn more about HAL or to see more of Kay Lahusen's photos of this early confrontation, visit the John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives at the William Way Center - Bob Skiba

AROUND THE CENTER

The John J. Wilcox, Jr. Lending Library at the Center is organizing a Library Thing Flash Mob in the coming weeks, stay tuned to nd out how you can become involved and help the Center's LGBTQ collection become searchable ONLINE through the Library Thing database. Library Thing is an online platform for organizing and sharing book collections and they have granted us special permission to upload our 10,000 plus library, but we need help, lots of help...to make this happen. Calling all book nerds, tech geeks, benevolent volunteers, and anyone else who is great at data entry and would enjoy being fully engaged with the Center's collection! Please contact Candice at cthompson@waygay.org to be put on this volunteer opportunity's announcement list.

Professor David Halperin speaking on What Is Sex For? at Thats So Gay Event, February 14th.

Despite the bitter cold, MorningsOut had a wonderful group for the January 28th tour of John C. Anderson LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Apartments.

WWCC screened the Devotion Project on Saturday, February 15th. From right to left, lmmaker and creator of the Devotion Project, Antony Osso, Michael Crawford, Director of Online Programs at Freedom To Marry, and Audrey Smaltz and Gail Marquis, one of the married couples featured in the documentary. Photo by Nephi Niven for The Devotion Project

COMING OUT TOGETHER: STORIES OF LGBTQ SPIRITUAL ACCEPTANCE

Support WayGay Arts & Culture

By the time you read this, internationally-acclaimed classical pianist Ching-Yun Hu will have played to a packed house in the Centers ballroom. For the fourth year in a row, she will have delighted more than 150 guests with pieces by Scriabin, Chopin, and other esteemed composers. The Center has truly claimed its rightful spot as a thriving arts and cultural institution situated just steps off the Avenue of the Arts. This seasons series will include a particularly noteworthy event, OutBeat, the countrys rst queer jazz festival, which will include performances, panel discussions, and master classes by jazz legends Fred Hirsch, Andy Bey, Cecil Taylor, Patricia Barber, and many others. The 4-day event will kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 18, with a VIP reception at the Center and culminate on Sunday, Sept. 21, with a fullday festival at Union Transfer. The days in between will feature over a dozen events, from a recital at the PMA to a scholarly discussion about the intersection of jazz and queer identity at Swarthmore College. To continue to grow our arts and culture program, we need your support. We offer tickets to amazing performances at a fraction of the cost of what larger venues in the neighborhood would charge, while providing audience members with intimate experiences and opportunities to interact with performers. Were able to do this, because generous patrons like you are committed to supporting the Center not just on special occasions, but throughout the entire year. Please consider a gift today to continue to make the Center a home and playground for artists to share their talents. Visit www.waygay.org and click the donate button, or call the Center at 215-732-2220.

Join us on Thursday, March 20th at 6 pm as six LGBTQA storytellers, representing a diversity of faiths, share stories of afrmation within their spiritual communities. Coming out as LGBTQ within your spiritual home can be difcult, but it can also be life changing and truly meaningful for your entire community. These storytellers will talk about how their faith communities and spiritual traditions embraced the journey and continue to nd ways to build upon their commitment to be welcoming to all. The evening will be hosted by First Person Arts R. Eric Thomas, a playwright and dramedian who has been called one of the most talented storytellers in Philadelphia by the Philadelphia Weekly. Thomas will guide the evening, and storytellers from Calvary United Methodist Church, Unity Fellowship Church, The Soji Zen Center, Kol Tzedek, Germantown Mennonite Church, and West Chester Seventh-day Adventist will share personal accounts that will engage and inspire you. The evening will give voice to welcoming models that individuals can bring back to their places of worship, provide resources that will allow you to tap into congregations whose doors are open to LGBTQ people and families, and allow the audience to share their own questions, experiences, and insights about LGBTQ acceptance in spiritual spaces. Light food and beverage will be offered with support from Yards Brewing Co. and Reading Terminal Market. This event was also made possible in partnership with The YES! Coalition, The Human Rights Campaign, The Identity Kit Project, First Person Arts, and the Out and Faithful Program of the William Way Community Center. RSVP requested to cthompson@waygay.org or 215-732-2220.

LEATHER OBJECTS ON DISPLAY

In March and April, The William Way Community Center presents an exhibition of rarely seen, provocative objects from the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives relating to the local leather community. This display will invite the viewer to connect with items that have been donated to the collection from individuals and organizations over the years. Much of what will be presented are artifacts from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, including a spanking chair, lockers, bar signs and matchbooks, posters, and club textiles (vests, jackets, and banners). This exhibition will lead up to the National Leather Leadership Conference taking place at the WWCC again this year, April 11 through 13. This will also be the rst time the WWCC will partner with the Chicago Leather Archives to exhibit one of their mobile history booths in conjunction with the exhibition to paint a broader national story.

"We're very excited to lift up these stories through objects. The local leather community has been, and continues to be, a linchpin in the community: organizing elders, 247 Leather Bar Sign. 247 Bar was located raising life saving funds during the worst of times, creating at 247 S 17th Street from 1971-1996. community, and carving out space for a subculture within our subculture. I am inspired by the stories I see emerge from these objects and am even more excited to share them,"says Candice Thompson, Director of Center Services at WWCC. Leather Objects will be on display from March 13 through April 25 and free for the public to view during our gallery hours which are Monday through Friday from 11am to 10pm and Sat/Sun from 12 to 5pm. For more information about the archives or to schedule a tour of the exhibition, please contact cthompson@waygay.org

To my dear departed friends Fred, Larry, and David. Happy Valentines Day--always thinking of you with endless love! - Frank Bingman

Loved and lost: Michael Perricone, BF and dance partner. - Lolly Crawther LaGreca

t/a

The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411

CONNECT WITH US:

@waygay williamwaycc williamway info@waygay.org

To be placed on the Centers discreet mailing list or for more information about this option, please contact us at (215)732-2220 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.

WWCC Executive Director Chris Bartlett at the opening of the Thats So Gay exhibit at the Library Company on February 14th. Bartlett is joined by Library Company President John Van Horne (left), University of Michigan Professor David Halperin (2nd from right) and exhibit curator Connie King (right).

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

TAB

TAB

TAB