Join us for Gay Community Day at the Phillies on Tuesday, August 28, 7pm. Get your tickets at www.waygay.

org or by calling 215-732-2220.

AUG
2012

waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

t/a

Photo courtesy PGN, photo by Scott A. Drake

This Issue
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411
P.2 Greetings from the Executive Director Vital Support from William Ways Peer Counseling Program P.3 August Calendar P.4 August at a Glance P.6 Around the Center This Month in LGBT History P.7 Crawlspace: The Attic Experience Zoo on Wheels Comes to Family Play Day at William Way TAB

COMING SOON: THE BEST INDIGO BALL EVER!

Do you remember what happened last year on October 1st? Well, if you attended Indigo Ball, you certainly remember, because it was the best darn party this city has ever seen! And guess what? Its right around the corner, and this years galaas hard as it may be to believeis going to blow last years event right out of the water. So, join us on Saturday, October 6, from 6:00 10:00 P.M. for an evening of enchantment and revelry at the Franklin Institute, one of the most captivating spaces in the city. Celebrate the William Way LGBT Community Center and the diverse and vibrant community it serves with over 300 guests and honorees. This year, the Center will pay tribute to Deb Francesco with our Lifetime Achievement Award for her six years of exceptional service on the Centers Board including her term as co-chair, and her clear vision for a stronger and more vibrant LGBT community in the region. We are also excited to honor Al BesseHumanitarian of the Yearfor his many years of dedicated service to William Way and dozens of other LGBT organizations, his generous philanthropy, and numerous investments in LGBT community growth. Finally, the Center will recognize Optimal Sport Health Clubs as Community Partner of the Year. Through member discounts, sponsorships, and supporting Weigh It Forward, a weight loss program for employees of local LGBT nonprots and businesses, owners Jeff Shablin and Yul Giraldo have pledged their ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of Philadelphias LGBT community. Indigo Ballalways a sell-out eventwill include a magnicent four course dinner in the Benjamin Franklin Memorial Hall preceded by butlered hors doeuvres and a four hour open bar in the Giant Heart, Electricity, and Changing Earth Exhibits. With no one but your friends around, let your inner child out on this special night and explore the exhibits, which will be open to the public during the entire affair. And if that isnt amazing enough, all Indigo Ball attendees will receive free admittance to the IndiGoGo Dance Extravaganza, an after-party at Voyeur Nightclub from 10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. that will feature music and performances by Philadelphias renowned deejays and drag queens. This evening will truly be a night to remember and one you wont want to miss. Individual tickets are $225. More than half of the seats have already been sold, so call Michael today at 215-732-2220 to reserve your spot or for more information about sponsorship opportunities. And keep your eyes peeled for Septembers newsletter, in which well announce our extra special celebrity keynote speaker.

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

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

VITAL SUPPORT FROM WILLIAM WAYS PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM

Did you know that the William Way LGBT Community Center provided free counseling to over 550 Philadelphians in 2011? The Centers Peer Counseling program is the only one of its kind in the region. Requiring no health insurance or payment from clients, mandating no waiting list or time for treatment, and allowing participants to remain anonymous, Peer Counseling is designed for those individuals who lack the resources to access clinical therapy or who do not wish to disclose their sexual orientation or HIV status to insurance carriers or employers. The Peer Counseling program is a necessary service for our community, providing individuals with vital tools for survival. In 2009, 384 participants turned to the Centers Peer Counseling program. In 2011, that number grew to 551. Some were not yet open about their sexual orientation, some were confronting a positive HIV diagnosis, and others were dealing with substance or physical abuse. All came to the Center seeking help to lead successful, healthier lives. While the program is hugely successfulwith client numbers growing every yearthe costs associated with running the program also continue to rise. As such, the Center depends on support from individuals like you to keep this vital service available to those who need it most. To ensure that all members have access to vital mental health services, regardless of community afliation or their ability to pay, please make a contribution to the Center today by visiting http://www.waygay.org/ support/ or calling 215732-2220. 2

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On Sunday, July 15th, 2012, I celebrated my second anniversary as Executive Director at the William Way LGBT Community Center. I wanted to take a moment to thank my staff colleagues, the volunteers (including our wonderful Board of Directors), and so many members of our diverse communities who have helped us over the last two years to continue to energize and grow our wonderful Center. I am grateful for your support! In my third year, Ill be focusing on three areas: 1) increasing innovative programming, 2) strengthening nancial support from individuals, foundations and government, and 3) laying the groundwork for the renovation of our historic building. I need your help for all three goals. Please give me a ring at 215-7322220 to let me know what you can do to support your Center. ________________________ In June, I was honored to participate in the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestras I-Conduct event, which welcomed regular Joes like me to conduct this wonderful ensemble. Maestra Jeri Lynn Johnson invited me to the stage to conduct the opening of Beethovens Fifth Symphony. (You can get a taste of my conducting abilities here: http://tinyurl. com/chrisconduct.) I had a marvelous timeand I left the stage thinking that a community center is like an orchestra, and that my job as Director is somewhat like that of a conductor. The community center, like an orchestra, creates something out of the actions and participation of many individuals, and it is the role of the conductor to make sure that the individuals get to express themselves within the harmony and melody of the entire group. Each musician the Philadelphia Vigil for Lesbians assaulted in Texas. I expressed my concern at the ways that all women, and lesbians in particular, have become Without extending the the target of hatred from metaphor too far (or too homophobes and misogynists. painfully), I do think that we The shootings in Texas needed have a nice sound going on at a rm response to say that the William Way. Many groups we will not tolerate or stand have taken up our challenge silent when our people are to bring their work within the murdered. Closer to home, we walls of the Center, and as need to organize to confront a result we have had steady the violence in our own streets 100% occupancy in our space and homes- and to push for rentals, and the building is safer communities for all. consistently abuzz with the music of LGBT people and Finally, weve been thrilled allies of all ages. Whether it is to have the QFEST 2012 the Bridge Club on Mondays LGBT lm festival selling or a group from the Attic tickets in our lobbythe Youth Center showing their art foot trafc of cinephiles in our gallery, the Community has been strongand its Center is open 365 days a great to partner with another year for you to make your organization that is committed music. to our communities cultures. Thanks to Thom Cardwell Philadelphia FIGHTs AIDS and the great folks at QFEST Education Month once for another great festival! again delivered a wonderful series of events highlighting Sincerely, the progress we have made (and the challenges we face) Chris Bartlett in preventing the spread of Executive Director HIV and supporting friends and family who are living with HIV. I co-moderated a panel with Gloria Casarez on the history of the epidemic in Philadelphia, and also presented on a panel about the history of AIDS activism in this city. I emerged from both events with a strong sense that the community center should take a much more active role in supporting the efforts to promote the health of our community and ght AIDS, now. The epidemic continues to impact every generation, and a healthy future for our community will require our continued commitment and attention for HIV prevention and care. can express her or himself through an instrument, but the beauty of the effort comes in the ways that the individuals come together in one sound. On Friday, June 29th, I attended and briey spoke at Love Park at

CRAWL SPACE: THE ATTIC EXPERIENCE

July 13 August 31, 2012 Join us as we celebrate what has become a much beloved annual exhibit in the William Way Community Centers (WWCC) Art Gallery. In July and August, the gallery shines a light in the crawlspace and exhibits works from The Attic, Philadelphias LGBTQ youth center. The show reveals the passions that drive a generation of queer youth in Philadelphia, and features projects from across a range of mediums including photography, ber arts, mixed media, and screen printing. The gallerys mission is to support local, emerging LGBTQ artists and I cant think of a better way to embody that mission than through exhibitions such as this, says Candice Thompson, programming director at the WWCC. Its also one of a handful of opportunities that the youth have to showcase their artistic talent in a gallery setting its something that everyone can look forward to during the year. This show is diverse, ranging from a quilt created by the Attics Stitch and Bitch group, to a stunning body map that explores gender identity. A selection of photography featuring the Pop Rocks, the Attics premiere dance group, will be shown alongside the banners that the Attic made and then carried in the citys Pride parade last month. The Attics Art and Mythology group has created works that you will have to see to believe, and Attic Grafx, the Attics screen printing and design group, will be revealing their latest projects. Some of these pieces were collaborative efforts and some were completed by a single individual who came back to the Attic again and again to see it to completion. Philadelphia has a wealth of talented, young, LGBTQ artists, and the Attic has provided them with the resources and opportunities to meaningfully express themselves through their ever-growing list of arts programming. This show isnt simply a collection of art, its a curation of the hopes and aspirations of an entire youth center. To close the exhibition, the Center will co-host a showcase on Friday, August 24th at 6pm featuring performance art by The Attic youth followed by a dance party throughout the Centers rst oor. This is a rst for the Centers art gallery and it is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to cthompson@ waygay.org if you intend to join us. The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. The Attic is proud to be Philadelphias only independent LGBTQ youth center. The William Way Art Gallery, located in the lobby of the William Way Community Center, is open Monday Friday 9:00 am 10:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am 7:00 pm.

ZOO ON WHEELS COMES TO FAMILY PLAY DAY AT WILLIAM WAY

Discover the excitement of the Philadelphia Zoo at the Center! On Saturday, September 22, from 11am to 1pm, wildlife experts from the nations oldest zoo will bring an interactive, educational and engaging experience with live animals to the youth and adults who attend the third Family Play Day of the year at the Center. From sea turtles to polar bears, many animals call the United States home. Children and their parents will explore a variety of local habitats and learn how their choices can help protect these fascinating places and the creatures that share our home. In addition to learning about different habitats and interacting with the mammals, reptiles, and insects that call America home, families will have access to all the fun activities that make Family Play Day at the Center so special and exciting. From video games and arts and crafts to movies and story time, there are activities for kids of all ages. In celebration of the Philadelphia Zoos visit to the Center, the storyteller will be reading And Tango Makes Three, based on the true story of Roy and Silo, two male Chinstrap Penguins in New Yorks Central Park Zoo, that became a couple and nurtured an egg together until it hatched! To register for Septembers Family Fun Day at the Center, call 215-732-2220. Please let us know how many kids and adults youll be bringing. The event is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

1963: THE FIRST HOMOPHILE CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA
In January of 1963, four early homophile organizations, the Mattachine Society of New York, Mattachine Washington D.C., the Daughters of Bilitis New York, and the Janus Society of Philadelphia, came together to form ECHO: East Coast Homophile Organizations. Over the next few years ECHO would sponsor planned demonstrations in all three cities, including the annual Reminder Day demonstrations at Independence Park from 1965 to 1969. Over the Labor Day weekend in August of 1963, ECHO held its rst conference at the Drake Hotel at 1512 Spruce Street. ECHO had previously booked the Adelphia, but that hotel backed out only a few weeks before the convention. When the Drake also tried to back out, Clark Polak and the Janus Society threatened legal action. In keeping with the homophile movements bid for repectability, topics over the weekend included homosexuality and the law and homosexuality and religion. One of the speakers at the convention was prominent psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis, who proceeded to tell his audience that exclusive homosexuals were, indeed, mentally ill psychotics. The strong reaction to Ellis was one of the beginnings of a ten year struggle, under the leadership of activists Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny, to persuade the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. The rst ECHO conference, held in 1963. Courtesy of the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives. Visit the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way Center to learn more about Philadelphias important role in the struggle for LGBT rights in America.

AUGUST CALENDAR

AROUND THE CENTER

The Philadelphia Obama team volunteered on Sunday, July 8, sprucing up the lobby with a fresh paint job, just in time for Crawl Space: The Attic Experience.

Beta Test performs at the LocalArtsLive/William Way Classical Music Showcase on Thursday, July 12. Guests were treated to a program of wildly diverse performances, including Beta Tests geek-inspired numbers, early vocals from The Laughing Bird, and improvised classical from Murmuration.

On Thursday, July 12, students from Bartram High Schools Multicultural Youth Exchange engage with a group from Attic Youth Center in a discussion of discrimination, homophobia, and coming out.

Attic youth install Crawl Space: The Attic Experience, which opened July 13.

Recurring Programs
Bridge Club (Free) Mondays, 2-5pm Party Bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Call (215) 732-2220 to RSVP. Chess Club (Free) Sundays, 4-6pm This is a new inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game. LGBT Age 50+ Rap Session Thursdays, 1-2pm 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 See Calendar on pg 3 for hours Over 10,000 LGBT themed books and DVDs available for check out. (Free) Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free) Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm A social/educational group for older men with occasional outings, speakers and events. Light refreshments served. Mah-jongg (Free) Thursdays, 12pm & 7:30pm 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. PV: Valley Forge Fitness Walk Wednesdays, 5:45 pm Recharge mid-week with a fast paced walk at the Valley Forge National Park along the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. In order to accommodate the parks vacancy by sunset, the group meets at 5:30pm for a 5:45pm sharp departure form the lower parking lot near the restrooms at the main visitors center for the park (entrance at Rt. 23 and N. Outerline Rd.). A brisk pace is maintained to cover 5.5 miles of light to moderate terrain in 1.5 hours. The walk passes 3 restrooms with water fountains and its recommended that you wear comfortable shoes. Leashed dogs allowed, but note that the trail is shared with cyclists. Heavy rain cancels.For info call Jaye atjayeberman@ gmail.com or 484-919-8615

Peer Counseling Monday - Friday, 6:00-9:00 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. 215732-TALK (8255).

Gloria Casarez, Philadelphias Director of LGBT Affairs, was joined by Chris Bartlett in facilitating a panel of experts in discussion of the history and present state of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia. Wilma Theater hosted the panel on Monday, June 25th, which included C. Denise Pressley, David Fair, Nurit Shein, and Waheedah ShabazzEl. (Photo courtesy PGN, photo by Scott A. Drake)

Friends gather at the annual Fourth of July potluck.

AUGUST AT A GLANCE
Art Gallery: Crawl Space: The Attic Experience On view in the gallery: July 13 August 31, 2012 **Closing Reception: August 24, 6 pm Join the Center as we exhibit works by LGBTQ youth who participate in a wide array of ongoing art programming at The Attic Youth Center that includes photography, printmaking, and media arts. Come and see what inspires them to be creative and how that shines through in their art! Free and open to the public. Big Queer Book Sale Saturday, August 4, 11 am3 pm Come and help the Center clear out some of its Library overow by buying a bag of books, your choice! Hundreds of current titles including everything from Sedaris to Audre Lorde. Works of ction, poetry, art books, books on LGBT/Queer history, etc. are all for sale to help support Philadelphias only LGBTQ lending Library. $5 per bag this one day only. Select overow items from the Archives will also be available for purchase, vintage magazines, magnets, buttons, etc. BiUnity Friday, September 14, 7 pm (Second Fri of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. Free. Book Club: Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyal Wednesday, August 15, 7-8 pm Blue Boy covers a few months in the life of Kiran Sharma, a twelve year old gay Indian American boy whose parents immigrated to Cincinnati from India. The fact that he doesnt just act different, but looks different, and lives in Middle America with parents from an unfamiliar culture (Punjabi), adds to the boys separateness and confusion. Kiran is remarkably observant, has an intelligent and witty mind, and nds an afnity with the religious story of the ute-playing, crown-wearing, blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna. Gay Community Night at the Phillies Tuesday, August 28, 7pm Join Center staff and members as we witness the Philadelphia Phillies defeat the New York Mets. Cheer on the home team and have a great evening with friends while soaking up the stadium atmosphere on a warm summer evening. $22 for members/$24 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at www.waygay.org or by calling 215732-2220 during regular business hours. Guys Night Out: The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later presented at GayFest! Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 pm, $16 Tectonic Theatre Projects followup to their powerful docu-drama about the Matthew Shepard murder. Returning to Laramie, Wyoming ten years after the murder, they interview a wide variety of people (including the murderers). Bold, must-see theater. This is the preview performance of Laramie... presented in GayFest! by Quince Productions (www.quinceproductions.com). Well leave the Center promptly at 6:30pm and walk to Plays & Players Theater (0.4m, 1714 Delancey Place). RSVP to pblore@waygay.org or 215-7322220 and arrange payment of $16/ ticket (reduced from $20) by Monday, August 6, 12pm. PLEASE NOTE: Plays & Players is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Attendees will use the stairs to get to the 3rd oor studio. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Gender Inclusion Added to the 2002 Fair Practices Ordinance: 10 Years Later On view currently through August Visit the Community Center to explore our most recent LGBTQ history exhibit documenting the 10 year anniversary of Gender Identity inclusion in Philadelphias Fair Practices ordinance. LGBT Cancer Support Group Monday, August 6, RSVP for time This group is in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and will provide LGBT cancer patients, families and friends in the Greater Philadelphia region with opportunities to share experiences, exchange information, gain support, information, education and networking at the Center. The group is facilitated by Kelly Harris, MSS, LCSW. For more information and to register, please contact Ilana Benyosef, LSW 610-238-0360 ext. 232 or ilana.benyosef@lls.org A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, August 18, 4-7 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. PhilaVentures: Cobbs Creek Bike Ride Sunday, August 5, 10 am Get back in shape with this easy bike ride through a largely underused bike trail in historic Cobbs Creek. Join us for a leisurely bike ride through the Western most boundary of West Philadelphia along the Cobbs Creek Recreation Path. We will meet at the Laura Sims Skate House at 63rd and Walnut Street and discover one of the best kept secrets in town. For more details, please contact Candice at 215-732-2220 or cthompson@ waygay.org. RSVP requested. PhilaVentures: Hidden River Trail Saturday, August 11, 11 am Schuylkill means hidden in Dutch. Come and explore with us the latest segment of the Schuylkill River that has come out of hiding! On a short walk through the relatively new Penn Park and along rarely used paths, well arrive at the new Grays Ferry Crescent portion of the Schuylkill River Trail. Well see the Schuylkill from new vantage points as we pass through meadows where geese, ospreys, and herons sometimes ock and where whimsical bicycle sculptures serve as bike racks. Well meet at the Locust Street entrance to the Schuylkill Banks at 25th & Locust. Bring lunch to eat on the patio overlooking the Schuylkill where the Grays Ferry Crescent ends. For further information or to RSVP, contact Hal at tarrhal@yahoo.com before 4:45 PM on Aug. 10 or at 215772-0455. Event will be canceled in case of rain. Queer Writers Collective Saturday, August 25, 46 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. SageWorks Introduction Tuesday, August 14, 6 pm & Thursday, August 23, 12 pm (separate individual sessions) SageWorks is an employment assistance program for lgbt adults (40+) that provides access to online worksearch sites, job coaching, resumes 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, 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org Silver Foxes Sunday, August 26, 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. Theatre OUTing: Much Ado About Nothing Thursday, August 16, 6pm Reception, 7pm Showtime The Center is thrilled to team up with the Mauckingbird Theatre Company to offer discounted tickets for the August 2012 production of Shakespeares MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Sexy, sweet and sincere, Phillys Best Gay Theatre Company (Philadelphia Weekly) turns a gay lens to Shakespeares timeless comedy about love, jealousy and rumors. We will meet at the Center at 6pm for a discussion and light refreshments and we will meet with Peter Reynolds, Artistic Director of the Mauckingbid Theatre Company. Peter has graciously agreed to spend time with our group to discuss the show and to share his vision for the Mauckingbird Theatre Co. After the reception, our group will walk to the theater at 17th and Sansom Sts. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.waygay. org or by calling the Center during business hours at 215-732-2220. RSVP deadline is Thur, August 9. Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, August 1, 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. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, August 21, 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! WeXist Sundays, August 12 & 26, 2-4 pm (Every 2nd & 4th Sun of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. Free. Womens Wednesdays: Crafting! Wednesday, August 15, 5:30-7:30 pm Come in - talk, laugh, repurpose a cigar box into a handy storage container! Huh? Thats right, decorating a plain box will give you the opportunity to show some creative air while making a handy storage container for photos, les, trinkets, even your jewelry. If you have a fun shaped box or cigar box, paper, fabric or any materials you would like to use, bring them with you. The Center will supply boxes and supplies as well. Womens Wednesdays is a senior social group for women 50 +. Light refreshments served.

PhilaVentures Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of Each Month, 2pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT people who like fresh air and exercise. Some ups/downs and uneven paths. Meet at former Borders Books in Chestnut Hill. TransWay (Free) Thursdays, 7-9pm A weekly social group for the transgender and genderqueer community. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation (Free) Sundays, 5pm For Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism. Meditation and discussion. Rapid HIV Testing (Free) Mondays, 4-7pm Walk-in condential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 30- 45 minutes. Results provided during the appointment.