See Yale Varsity Line-up and more of Elise Dodeles works in her solo exhibit, at the Center through

March 3rd.

FEB
2012

waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

t/a

Daddy Tattoo, Philadelphia, appears in Zoe Strauss: Ten Years

This Issue
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411
P.2 Greetings from the Executive Director TAB Meet and Greet with Jay Michaelson P.3 February Calendar P.4 February at a Glance P.6 Around the Center This month in LGBT history P.7 Keep it Brewin At The Center Member Benets

ARTS AT THE CENTER

The Center has long played an important role in Philadelphias arts and culture landscape, as a place where local and emerging LGBT artists can have their works exhibited publicly, whether in the annual Juried Arts Competition, or in the ve other exhibits mounted each year. To build on the success of its visual arts programming, and to live up to the potential of our location (just footsteps away from the Avenue of the Arts), William Way has a slate of live arts events in the works this year. The rst such event a classical piano concert took place on Saturday, January 7. The Centers lobby was transformed into a recital hall in which acclaimed pianist Ching-Yun Hu astonished a packed house with her mastery of the instrument. Though Hu does not identify as LGBT, she is certainly a friend to the community and to the Center. This is the second concert she has performed to benet the Center, the rst taking place last year at the Ethical Society. As if the mere success of the event wasnt enough, William Way was delighted to be featured on page 2 of the Sunday Inquirer the very next day, followed by a positive review of the concert a few days later (those articles can be found at these web addresses, respectively: http://bit.ly/zH9IL7 and http://bit.ly/x1vbRE). The best part? Theres still so much more to come. February brings a behind-the-scenes tour of renowned photographer Zoe Strausss exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As this newsletter goes to print the day before the Zoe Strauss: Ten Years exhibition opens the buzz is palpable, with mentions in every Philly paper, an article in the New York Times, and a piece on NPR. You may have even seen one of the 54 billboards throughout Philadelphia, each bearing a different Strauss photograph. Strauss will lead an exclusive tour of the exhibit on February 17, followed by a reception and opportunity to converse with the artist and other culture vultures. On May 14 at 7:00 P.M., another live classical performance takes over the Center. E n S em B Le M, a global chamber music consortium of artists and patrons united to present events in the spirit of the Salon gives us The Androgynous Zone, a duel presentation of chamber music paired with a show of paintings and photos by Judy Geist, a Philadelphia Orchestra violist and founder of the ensemble.

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MEET AND GREET WITH JAY MICHAELSON

Author of Godvs.Gay? The Religious Case for Equality February 15, 2012 7:00 8:30 P.M. The myth that the Bible forbids homosexualitythe myth of GodversusGay is behind the most divisive and painful conicts of our time. In his new bookGodvs.Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, JayMichaelson shows that not only does the Bible not prohibit same-sex intimacy,it honors the values of love, justice, diversity, and compassion that equality forsexual minorities brings about. Michaelson says that religious people shouldsupport equality for gays and lesbians not despite their religion, but becauseof it. Jay Michaelson is a writer, scholar, and activist whose work addresses the intersections of religion, sexuality, spirituality, and law. He is the author of three other books and over 200 articles, essays, and works of ction.He is the Associate Editor of Religion Dispatches, a Contributing Editor to the Forward newspaper, and Founding Editor of Zeek magazine. His work on behalf of sexual minorities in religious communities has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, and NPR. Join us in the Mark Segal Ballroom on February 15 at 7:00 P.M. to meet Michaelson and hear him discuss his own personal journey of acceptance and afrmation, and how the overwhelming majority of our religious values support inclusion of LGBT people. Plenty of time will be allowed for questions and conversation.

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WELCOME TO 2012!

Though I was sad to miss my usual irtation with the Mummers on Broad Street, I spent New Years weekend in Provincetown, MA , one of my favorite places in the world. Especially off-season, it is peaceful and quintessentially gay. When I walk down Commercial Street, I can feel the decades of gay history that imbue this wonderful Cape Cod shing village. P-town is an LGBT utopia, reminding me what its like to reside in a community where LGBT people can pretty much take for granted safety, equality, and celebration of our culture. When I enter the colorful town, I feel a weight come off my shouldersas if I am arriving in a place where I can let down my guard, fully be myself, and have a very strong sense of LGBT community. I often leave P-town thinking about what parts of that small-town LGBT intimacy could be brought to big-city Philadelphia. While I feel that Philly has come very far in the 45 years that I have lived here, Im constantly reminded of work yet to be done. Though I feel that the Gayborhood is our territory , Im still aware of being careful to avoid potential homophobic and transphobic violence. Though Philadelphias media set a tone of tolerance for and occasional celebration of LGBT culture and history, I sometimes feel that we are still educating the media about the value that our community provides the City. And though our Mayor and City Council have consistently headed in the right direction of providing full equality for LGBT citizens in Philly, Im aware that for students avoiding bullying, transpeople needing health insurance, and LGBT

KEEP IT BREWIN AT THE CENTER

I cant put my nger on it, but theres something really big and exciting brewing here at the Center. Thats what I heard from an attendee of the Ching-Yun Hu piano concert, which took place on Saturday evening, January 7, in front of a sell-out crowd in the William Ways lobby.
Ive been hearing comments like this since Homecoming 2011, when over 250 guests packed the Mark Segal Ballroom to enjoy good food, drink, and entertainment, and to see the Mxtress of Ceremoniesthe Notorious OMGhonor each member of the communitys Homecoming Court. A few months later, the Center hosted the rst of what is sure to be many IndiGoGo Dance Parties, where a diverse gathering of over 500 guests were wowed by the theatrical antics of Phillys very own Tammy Faymous, the Dumpsta Players, and Liberty City Kings, and then danced the night away with dancers from Gunner Clarks BODYBAG to lively tracks spun by DJ Chip Dish. These eventscombined with ever-changing gallery shows by both established and emerging LGBT artists and archive exhibits featuring particular events, experiences, and individuals vital to LGBT historycertainly are creating a buzz in the air about the Center, and all of us at William Way are excited to see it continue. Thats why we already have a jam-packed season of events planned for you: the Elise Dodeles solo exhibit on view in our lobby through March 3; Yoo Hoo! The Radical Faeries of Philadelphia interactive exhibit accessible in our rst oor archive space through March 25, and The Androgyny Factor, music, paintings, photos, and a presentation by violist and artist, Judy Geist, on May 14. Outside the Centers walls, on February 17, well be hosting a behindthe-scenes tour of the work of renowned artist, Zoe Strauss, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are few people who havent noticed the great changes happening at the Center: enhanced art programming, increased media attention (just see page 2 of the January 8th edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer), more sell-out events inside and outside the Center, a signicantly more diverse group of members and participants accessing our programs and services, and just more peoplein the news, face-to-face, and onlinetalking about the good work that were doing. Were incredibly grateful for the praise, and we invite everyone who loves what were doing, to support our efforts by contributing to the Center in some way in the next thirty days. Consider it a challenge! But, listen to how easy it is. One way to contribute to the Center is nancially, and there are even several ways to do that. If you havent already done so, become a member and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Memberships start as low as $35 and include deep discounts to over twenty local businesses. Aim high and become a Cornerstone member. Cornerstone memberships start at $1,000, but can be paid monthly. For $84 per month (less than the average American pays for coffee), you can become one of the Centers ercest supporters, and enjoy free tickets to Indigo Ball, IndiGoGo, and other fabulous events throughout the year. You can give through United Way or your employers giving campaign, and also please consider including the William Way LGBT Community Center when planning your estate. Are you part of a band, dance troupe, or community theater? Perhaps, consider hosting a fundraiser and naming William Way as the beneciary. Do you own or work for a small business and need to the get the word out about your products and services to the local LGBT community? Take out an ad in one of our program books or join our member benets program by offering William Way members discounts at your location. Contact Development Director, Michael Pomante, at mpomante@waygay. org or 610-733-9331 for more information about any of these options. As you can see, there are dozens of ways to help the Center, especially during this very exciting time of growth and new opportunities. I hope youll take on the challenge and pick one way to support the Center this month and be part of the energy thats propelling the Center into the future.

MEMBER BENEFITS
William Way launched its new benets program in December, with branded keytags being sent to all WWCC members and a list of participating businesses. The word is spreading - whether through word-of-mouth, through enthusiastic members posts to Facebook, or write-ups in PGN or G Philly and more businesses want to join the fray. Well let you know about new additions and changes as they come. Here are this months:
New Benets Dannys Leather, Adult and Novelty Shop 133 S. 13th Street Philadelphia,PA 19107215.925.5041 dannysbooks@verizon.net 10% Off total purchase Excludes previously discounted items Nationwide Insurance John Carroll Agency Philadelphia & Allentown Ofces 215.779.4846 carroj2@nationwide.com Free quote comparison when WWCC members contact John Carroll www.johncarrollagency.com Corrections In an initial mailing, we incorrectly listed the phone number for Optimal Sport Health Clubs location in Newtown, PA. The correct information is as follows: Optimal Sport Health Club 2132 S Eagle Rd Newtown, PA 18940 215.579.7600 www.optimalsporthealthclubs.com Never an enrollment fee. Receive a complete tness assessment and 4 weeks of unlimited group personal training.

seniors who feel invisible, we have a long way to go to create a City where LGBT people are supported in all of our diversity and beauty. Im not aiming to create Ptown on the Delaware, because I think that Philadelphias cosmopolitan beauty comes from its great diversity and from the fact that LGBT people are just a part of the Citys fabric. But I do think that LGBT people havent claimed all we deserve from being morethan-full participants in the growth and success of the City. Whether you are seeing Zoe Strausss exhibit at the PMA, listening to Yannick Nzet-Sguin conduct the Orchestra, watching Sean Bufngton transform U of Arts as its President, or Gloria Casarez working every day to represent us in City Hall, its clear that LGBT Philadelphians are stepping up into full leadership roles, and we deserve to be acknowledged for this signicant contribution. With all of the focused work that our political opponents do to demonize us, its important that we at the Center be a voice for our assets and strengths to constantly remind ourselves and the City that LGBT people are huge contributors to Phillys success, and that in return for our many contributions, we expect full citizenship, full celebration of our culture, and fair distribution of the Citys resources. With due respect to my beloved Provincetown, we are a much greater and inuential City, and the Citys greatness and inuence will only be enhanced by creating more of the LGBTfriendly and supportive efforts that P-town citizens take for granted.

Please join the Center in taking leadership in creating a City that is more welcoming, celebratory, and acknowledging of her LGBT citizens. Come to the Museum with me! On Friday, February 17th at 6:00 PM, please join me and an intimate group of friends of the Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of Zoe Strausss ten-year retrospective of fantastic photography. Ive known Zoe for twenty years, and Im honored that shes offered to lead this unique tour to see her art and hear about her career. The ticket includes admission to the museum, the tour with Zoe, and dessert and drinks afterwards. We hope youll be one of the lucky ones who joins us for this very special tour. Thank you! I personally want to thank each of you who contributed to our endof-year appeal. We were gratied by the warm response by so many of our generous donors. We were also inspired by many new folks who gave for the rst time. Your investment really does make a differenceboth in allowing us to fulll upon our mission as a Centerbut also to help create the City I described abovea City more welcoming, celebratory, and acknowledging of our terric LGBT communities.

Chris Bartlett Executive Director

AROUND THE CENTER

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Over 50 people turned out for the annual Holiday Potluck on Christmas Day.

BARBARA GITTINGS
This month we honor Barbara Gittings, who died on February 18, 2007. Barbara and her partner, Kay Tobin Lahusen, who now lives in Kennett Square, were some of the rst organizers for LGBT rights in America. In 1958, Barbara organized the New York chapter of the early lesbian organization, The Daughters of Bilitis and from 1963 to 1966 she edited their national magazine The Ladder. During the 60s, she worked tirelessly along side Frank Kameny as part of ECHO the East Coast Homophile Organization. Each year, from 1965 to 1969, Barbara was part of the 4th of July Reminder Day Demonstrations for gay rights at Independence Hall. She also worked with the American Library Association to promote positive literature about homosexuality in American libraries and fought to have the American Psychiatric Association drop the denition of homosexuality as a mental illness in 1972. In an era when being gay was socially unacceptable at best and criminal at worst, Barbara was a proud, outspoken, openly gay woman. We owe Barbara an enormous debt for the freedoms she won for LGBT people today. The John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives is home to a large repository of papers, correspondence and periodicals donated by Barbara and Kay. Visit us at the Center to learn more about Barbara Gittings and the early gay rights movement. Bob Skiba John J Wilcox Jr Archives Faeries don the ve-person dress featured in the current Archives exhibit as Elise Dodeles Wrestlers with boys, 2011 looks on. The John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives exhibition space has been transformed into an interactive display and lounge. On view through March 25. Credit: Jeff Stroud

Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, February 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) 7322220 to register. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, February 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!

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Gay News/Karen Cornell

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 nonjudgmental 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. Pastoral Care Counseling Saturdays, 12-3pm Do you frequently feel lost, stuck, confused, anxious, blue, or without purpose? Do

Chris Bartlett practices Samuel Barber for the Piano Concert, January 7. Ching-Yun Hu played to a packed house of over 100 that night, and we are so grateful to her and to Linda Gerson (right) for bringing us such a successful event

some of your most important relationships feel unhealthy to you? A Pastoral Counseling volunteer is available, at no cost to you, to listen andhelp you on your journey to clarity and joy. Sessions are by appointment only. (There is an 8-session maximum per client.) For more info, or to schedule an appointment, please email Scott at wwcounselingintern@ gmail.com or call the Center at215-732-2220 to leave a message for Scott. 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. 215-732-TALK (8255). 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.

FEBRUARY AT A GLANCE
Author Talks: Jay Michaelsons God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality Wed, February 15, 7-8:30 pm Join the Centers Out and Faithful Committee and the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library for an evening with author Jay Michaelson to discuss his newly published book from Beacon Press. The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality the myth of God versus Gay is behind the most divisive and painful conicts of our time. In his new book God vs Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, scholar and activist JayMichaelson shows that not only does the Bible not prohibit same-sex intimacy,it honors the values of love, justice, diversity, and compassion that equality forsexual minorities brings about. Michaelson says that religious people shouldsupport equality for gays and lesbians not despite their religion but becauseof it. FREE. Art Gallery: Works by Elise Dodeles On display Jan 13 Mar 3, 2012 This February and February the William Way LGBT Community Centers Art Gallery will feature a solo exhibition by local artist and painter, Elise Dodeles, winner of the 2011 Juried Art Competition and Exhibition at the Center. Her works were selected by guest juror, Zoe Strauss, to be featured as the Centers opening exhibition of the 2012 calendar year. Dodeles transformsimages found in online archives, books, and family photos into expressionistic meditations on race, sex, gender, and power. By combining disparate imagery, startling colors, and intuitively conceived compositions, the artists paintings allow the photographed subjects to become visceral, emotionally charged beings.Through these latest artworks, which fuse her careers as artist and librarian, Dodeles is animating her desire to see, and have others recognize, the other, who is often unseen in the mainstream and ofcial organs of historical discourse.FREE. BiUnity Friday, March 9, 7 pm (2nd Fri of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. FREE. Book Club: Jumpstart the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde Wed, February 15, 7 8 pm Elle is a loner. She doesnt need people. Which is a good thing, because shes on her own: she had to move into her own apartment so her mothers boyfriend wont have to deal with her. Then she meets Frank, the guy who lives next door. Hes older and has a girlfriend, but Elle cant stop thinking about him. Frank isnt like anyone Elle has ever met. He listens to her. Hes gentle. And Elle is falling for him, hard. But Frank is different in a way that Elle was never prepared for: hes transgender. And when Elle learns the truth, her world is turned upside down. Now shell have to search inside herself to nd not only the true meaning of friendship but her own role in jumpstarting the world. Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Zoe Strauss: Ten Years. A Behind-theScenes Tour with you, Zoe, and a group of other William Way friends Friday, February 17th, 6 pm Zoe Strauss marvelous photography captures contemporary America, often in poignant, striking portraits of everyday people. Her works have been displayed in New York, Prague... and also under a stretch of I-95, once every May for ten years. Thus,Zoe Strauss: Ten Yearsbrings amid-career retrospective of her work to the PMA. Take an exclusive tour with the renowned photographer, then enjoy drinks, dessert and conversation with Zoe and other culture vultures about her powerful and gripping photos. $45 MEMBERS, $50 NON-MEMBERS. Limited tickets available. To purchase, go towww.waygay.orgor call215732-2220. Family Play Day at the William Way Sat, February 11, 9 am-12 pm LGBTQ parents can connect and network with each other while their children have lots of fun with others their age! A baby space is provided for those under 3-years old; and we provide age-appropriate organized play activities for older kids; nally, theres a chat room for parents! For more information, contact WWCC Executive Director Chris Bartlett at wwccedir@waygay.org. Guys Night Out: Open Studio Night @ PAFA Friday, February 10, 5:30pm Well meet at the Center at 5:30pm, then walk to Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (0.8 miles), where roughly200 studentsof Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and Drawingwill open their studios to the public. See works in progress, meet the students and get a sneak peak of the Annual Student Exhibition in May. RSVP to pblore@waygay. org or 215-732-2220. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. FREE. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library & Archives: Yoo Hoo! The Radical Faeries of Philadelphia. On view Jan 12 Mar 25, 2012 This exhibition explores the magical world of the Philadelphia Radical Faeries. We are wo/men who believe that Queer people play a unique role. Here we show what that special Queer role is, each in our own fabulous and colorful ways. Faeries maximize the fabulousness of the LGBT Community. We have special abilities, perspectives, and glitter that benet us as a whole (and even you). Some have said we create sanctuaries for those who are shedding the frog skin of hetero imitation. We gather with our sisters, brothers and others throughout the neighborhoods of Philadelphia to talk, sing, go camping, be campy, cook, eat, cry, be absurd, play drums, dance around and make love. A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, February 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. Queer Writers Collective Saturday, February 11 & 25, 46 pm (Every 2nd & 4th Sat 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. PhilaVentures: Skiing and Snow Tubing at Blue Mt. Ski Area Sat, February 4, 12:30-5pm Join us for a day of snow tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area (just above Allentown, Pa). Or use a different slice of the mountain for easy to moderate downhill skiing. From 12:30pm till about 5pm, with carpooling arrangements also possible. Ski lift tickets, 12:30 to 5 PM, $52. (EQUIPMENT RENTAL $35); TUBING TICKETS, 12:30 TO 5PM, $25. No equipment necessary. Contact Bert G. at Bert12345@comcast. net, 215-271-8822 for more details. Silver Foxes Sunday, February 26, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Sun 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. WeXist Sun, February 12 & 26, 2-4 pm NEW MEETING DAY (Every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-tomale (FTM) transsexuals. FREE. Womens Wednesdays: Create a Sun Catcher Wed, Feb 15, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm This month we are getting together to catch-up with one another and to have fun creating sun catchers. Well have a selection of sun catchers to choose from along with glass paint and supplies. $5.00 DONATION requested not required. Womens Wednesdays is a social and educational gathering for LBT women 50 +. Great snacks!