Stop in and stay for awhile! Enjoy our newest furniture, donated by TD Bank Group.

MAR
2012

waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

t/a

This Issue
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411
P.2 Greetings from the Executive Director TAB WAYGAY U: Old School Meets New School P.3 March Calendar P.4 March at a Glance P.6 Around the Center P.7 Fresh Faces at William Way This month in LGBT history Member Benets

SHAGGING: NEW TEXTILES WORKS BY K. PANNEPACKER (& COMMUNITY)

This March and April, about 40 locations all over Philadelphia will become temporary homes to installations of ber and textile art from both renowned and emerging artists in the eld. William Way LGBT Community Center will be one such venue, as it takes part in FiberPhiladelphia, an international biennial and regional festival, to exhibit the works of K. Pannepacker with a show entitled, Shagging. Pannepacker is both a textile artist and a painter, whose work is informed by her philosophy of art-for-all and peace-for-all. The recipient of the 2011 Leeway Foundation Transformation Award, Pannepacker is, in her own words, committed to the transformative power of art in peoples lives and the sustainability of such transformation by involving the community. A perfect example of her community-based work comes from 2010, when K. Pannepacker took on the stigmatization of homelessness by leading weaving workshops at Philadelphia shelters and other public sites. The workshops were supported by the Mural Arts Program, and brought together participants with homes and without to create a woven canvas for the mural, Finding Home. The mural can be seen on St. John the Evangelist Church at 13th and Ludlow Streets, not far from the William Way. Pannepacker has certainly left an impression on the city of Philadelphia, with another mural that she painted at Girard and Belmont Avenues. The 7 x 500 mural is called Wall of Rugs: the global language of textiles and features the textiles of 43 countries. Meanwhile, chain-link fences on abandoned lots all over the city have fabric designs woven into them, thanks to something she calls shag tags. Says Pannepacker, I am interested in the gestural quality of the woven line, and the juxtaposition of antique motifs alongside of pop-up materials. Pannepacker has also left an impression on the Center. One of her works is already among the Centers permanent art collection; you may have noticed it in the 1st oor hallway. When this exhibit has come and gone, another lasting impression will be left behind, with a brand-new work being donated to the Center a piece that will be created with the help of our community. From the very beginning, the exhibit will include new works of Pannepackers, including shag tags, as well as works created in other community-driven projects. However, an entirely new creation, called the Community Knot Project, will begin on Thursday, March 15th. From 7-8:30pm that night, Kathryn will lead a free workshop introducing the public to the project and shagtagging. A pipe loom will be installed for the remainder of the exhibit and any community member who wishes to will be able to nd instructions and add knots to the work. The result will be a new work of art, evolving right in the Centers lobby, leading nally to a dedication and reception with Kathryn on Thursday, April 19th, 7-8:30pm. The Community Knot Project will then become part of the Centers permanent art collection. Shagging opens at the Center with a reception on Friday, March 9th, 6-8 p.m, and is on view through April 27th. Through the exhibit, and the Project, join the community and leave an impression on the Center. Learn more about Kathryn and follow her blog at www. kpannepacker.com.

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

TAB TAB

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.

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

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Unity in Community Building: WAY GAY U: OLD SCHOOL MEETS NEW SCHOOL
March may not seem like the typical time of year to hear lots of Back to School buzz, but then again theres never been anything typical about Way Gay U and thats not about to change this semester. If you didnt know, Way Gay U is a set of life-enrichment courses offered every Spring and Fall at William Way LGBT Community Center, from oneday workshops to 8-week courses in diverse subjects and skill sets. The Spring 2012 semester of Way Gay U takes the best of past semesters and throws in new classes, new instructors and new energy. Members and non-members alike will be given an opportunity to learn about Way Gay Us entire slate of course offeringsin a way thats guaranteed to make learning fun! Come to Gay is the new Geek!, a free sneak peak of courses and their multi-talented instructors. The special preview will take the format of a variety show, with a little something for everyone. Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar is hosting the preview (and happy hour) on March 14th, from 6pm-8pm. See the calendar on Page 3 for courses beginning the last week in March (indicated by WGU); even more classes will be offered starting in April. Go to www.waygay.org and click on the Way Gay U icon to learn more and register, or call the Front Desk at (215) 732-2220.
In my opinion, an LGBT community center serves not only as a home for communities: it should also be building them. So how do we build communities? As I shared at the Annual Meeting in January, Im aiming to provide two types of programs at the Center: focused programming for specic communities (seniors, women, and trans people, to name a few), while also providing overarching programs that encourage us all to come together across our differences. Im most excited by these overarching programs (town halls, receptions, dances, and public speeches) that allow us all to coexist across our difference. At a time when political forces seek to divide us, I think that community building and community centers must do what we can to bring us together. Fair Housing Meeting at the William Way: On Friday, February 3rd, 2012, the William Way LGBT Community Center was honored to host the United States Assistant Secretary of Fair Housing, John Trasvina, for a community leaders LGBT housing roundtable in our ballroom. Assistant Secretary Trasvina shared the successes of the Obama administration in making housing more accessible to LGBT citizens. He was especially eager to share new regulations ensuring that the ofce of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)s core housing programs are open to all eligible persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We appreciate the efforts of Judge Ida Chen and our own treasurer Judge Ann Butchart in securing the visit of Assistant Secretary Trasvina. Annual Meeting and Cornerstone Brunch: I was thrilled that over sixty Cornerstone Members weathered snow and ice to attend the 2012 Cornerstone Brunch. My State of the Center presentation highlighted the key achievements of the past year, and also outlined our plans for the upcoming year. Some of the key strategies moving forward include leveraging the Centers space and location to have a highly visible presence and be a place that draws people in and together; continuing to partner with other organizations through a variety of arrangements in order to extend the Centers offerings (we are especially excited about our strategic alliance with the Attic Youth Center ), and continuing to provide high prole, inventive offerings (such as our expanded David Bohnett CyberCenter and Multimedia Lab) so that the Center will be known as a pioneer in generating innovative ideas in LGBT community building. I especially want to welcome and congratulate our new board members, Jocelyn Block, Tricia Dressel, and Rudy Flesher, who were brought on to the board at the Annual Meeting in January. Their biographies and pictures are featured on page 7. I also welcome back (and thank for their service) board members Leon King and Steve Brando, who were reelected to the Board at the Annual Meeting. We always have lots of folks to thank, but I especially want to thank TD Bank, who not only made a generous grant to our general operating fund (always a welcome gift), but also provided ten new chairs and three tables for our lobby. The new furniture really brightens our lobby, and (I can share from experience) is very comfortable. We hope that you will stop into the lobby to lounge and try out our new furniture! Family Play Day at the William Way: On Saturday, February 11th, 2012, we partnered with Philadelphia Family Pride to host our rst family day in the Ballroom of the Center. Participating families took part in crafts, storytelling, games, and Wii (an electronic game), and we are excited to offer more family programs in the future. If you wish to help with the planning or implementation of Family programs, please dont hesitate to drop me a line. Special thanks to Stephanie Haynes for her great leadership of Philadelphia Family Pride, and for helping to strengthen our partnership. Annual Report: Have you seen the Centers 2011 Annual Report? If you havent, I must say that it is informative and gorgeous (and designed by Marketing/PR Committee Member Ed Hall, who also designs this newsletter). If youd like to see the annual report, which tells the story of a very exciting year at the William Way, you can get the PDF on our website at http://www. waygay.org. As always, I wish you the best for the upcoming month.

FRESH FACES AT WILLIAM WAY

The Center is delighted to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors.

MEMBER BENEFITS
Here are this months additions and adjustments to the Benets Program, available to all WWCC members. Additions: Almeidas Floral Designs 1200 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 215.545.5555 www.almeidasdesigns.com 15% off total purchase

J. Rudy Flesher is an actor, activist, author, and artist. Rudy currently sits on the Centers Fundraising Committee, and has been instrumental to the success of Homecoming and the IndiGoGo dance event. In addition to his contributions to the Center, Rudy is involved with Equality Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, and sits on the Board of Young Involved Philadelphia.

Tricia Dressel is Director of HR & Organizational Effectiveness with Solutions for Progress. Prior to her current role, Tricia served as Director of Community Prevention and Education with Mazzoni Center. She is a founding Board Member of both the House of Blahnik and the Philadelphia Crystal Meth Task Force, and served as the Chair of the Nominations Committee for the Philadelphia HIV Prevention Community Planning Group.

Jocelyn Block is a member and past president of Beth Ahavah, a congregation that serves Greater Philadelphias LGBT Jewish community. Jocelyn was instrumental in afliating Beth Ahavah with Congregation Rodeph Shalom in 2007, insuring that Beth Ahavah retained its unique congregational identity. Prior to her work with Beth Ahavah, Jocelyn was the Assistant Deputy Public Defender in Camden, NJ.

Bistro St. Tropez At the Marketplace Design Center 2400 Market St., 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.569.9269 www.bistrosttropez.com 10% off total purchase Not valid during Restaurant Week, holidays or specially priced dinners. Freedom Pages 202 S. 12th Street Philadelphia, PA, 19107 215.732.9973 www.thefreedompages.com 10% off total ad purchases H.H. Tapper Associates, Inc. 118 S. 21st Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.990.2851 10% off Interior Design Consultation Keller Williams Realty, Center City Brian K. Byers 1619 Walnut Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.514.9762 bbyers@kw.com www.shopphillyhomes.com WWCC Members will see their broker service fee donated to the Center, courtesy of Brian K. Byers. Contact Brian for details. The Sweet Spot 1040 N. 2nd Street, Suite 601 Philadelphia, PA 19123 267.639.9588 www.cafesweetspot.com Free cookie with latte purchase; Free cupcake with Siphon coffee purchase Adjustments Keller Williams Realty, Center City Jack Barry Group 1619 Walnut Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 267.238.5772 jackbarry01@gmail.com www.shortsalephila.com Up to $1,000 commission rebate for each closed transaction. Rebate can be donated to the William Way Center, fully or in-part, in an amount of the members choosing. Contact Jack Barry for details; Certain exclusions apply. 7

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

1968: POLICE RAIDS ON RUSTYS
This month, we honor Womens History Month while also remembering a key moment in LGBT history. On the south side of Walnut St., opposite the Forrest Theatre is Moriartys Irish Pub and Restaurant. Around the corner, through the side door on Quince and up a ight of stairs is what was Rustys, the most popular lesbian bar in Philadelphia in the 50s,60s and early 70s. Although back then the sign on Walnut St. identied the bar as Barones Variety Room, women in the city knew it as Rustys, after Rusty Parisi, the tough, butch, no-nonsense lesbian manager. On the night of March 8, 1968, Rustys suddenly found the jukebox unplugged and the house lights brought up. It was a police raid, an all too common occurrence for gay and lesbian bars under then Police Commissioner Rizzo. Many of the women were verbally abused; police accused them of being drunk and disorderly. Some were booked and held overnight, then brought before a magistrate the next day, but all charges were dropped. It was a clear-cut case of harassment. The local chapter of D.O.B. editorialized against the raid. D.O.B., the Daughters of Bilitis, was a national lesbian social and support organization with a policy of political non-involvement. The Philadelphia chapter was one of the exceptions. A few nights later, when there was another raid on Rustys, local activists Ada Bello, Lourdes Alvarez and Barbara Gittings were present. When asked for her I.D., Gittings ashed her ACLU card and the police moved on. In May, the D.O.B. arranged a meeting with the Philadelphia Police Inspector and they brought along an ACLU observer. The D.O.B. let the Inspector know that they represented the community and that they were not afraid to protest violations. The police issued a statement that homosexuals have been, are now, and will be treated equally with heterosexuals. Because of their active support in the incident, membership in the Philadelphia D.O.B. increased dramatically. A year before the Stonewall riots, the raid on Rustys and the reaction of local lesbians was a clear success story for gay rights. You can learn more about LGBT political activism in Philadelphia in Marc Steins book, City of Sisterly and Brotherly Loves and by visiting the John J. Wilcox Jr. GLBT Archives at the William Way Center. Bob Skiba John J Wilcox Jr Archives

Chris Bartlett Executive Director

AROUND THE CENTER

MARCH CALENDAR

Philadelphia Family Pride co-sponsored the rst Family Day with William Way on Saturday, February 11th. The event included storytelling, crafts, games, and Wii. Here Mia and Tracy Levesque work make valentines for their daughter Josephine along with Center executive director Chris Bartlett.

One visitor to the Centers Family Day celebrates a victory in Wii boxing.

At the Annual Meeting held January 21st, Chris Bartlett addresses a packed house of members who came out despite inclement weather. Credit: Liz Reasey

WWCC hosted the ImFromDriftwood.coms Black LGBT Community Spotlight event on February 2nd. The Spotlight featured the stories of 4 prominent gures in LGBT Philadelphia, including (from left to right) Shara Howard (1st), Tyrone Smith (4th), Amber Hikes (5th) and Gary Hines (not pictured). Credit: Philadelphia Gay News/Scott Drake

Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, March 7, 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, March 20, 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!

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.

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 some of your most important

Friday, February 3, WWCC hosted an LGBT Fair Housing Leadership Roundable. 30+ community leaders met with federal and local representatives of HUD.

Attendees included Judge Ida Chen, First Judicial District; Mark Segal, PGN Publisher; Assistant Secretary John Trasvina, US Ofce of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Gloria Casarez, Director, Mayors Ofce of LGBT Affairs; Rue Landau, Esq., Exec. Dir., Phila. Commission on Human Relations.

MARCH AT A GLANCE
Art Gallery: Shagging... new textile works by K. Pannepacker (& community) On display March 9th-April 27th, 2012 Please join the art gallery committee as we celebrate news works by K. Pannepacker with an opening reception on Friday, March 9th from 6-8 pm. Pannepackers work will be on display as part of FiberPhiladelphia 2012, an international biennial and regional festival for innovative ber/ textile art. Pannepacker is a 2011 Leeway Transformation Award recipient. Art Gallery: Community Knot Project with K. Pannepacker Thursday, March 15th, 7-8:30 pm Join artist K. Pannepacker for this exciting opportunity to collaborate on a textile art project. No experience necessary and all supplies will be provided. The end result will be on display in the gallery so that folks can work on it throughout the run of the show. FREE. BiUnity Friday, March 9, 7 pm (Second Fridays of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. FREE. Book Club: Spring Hiatus The WWCC book club will be enjoying a spring hiatus this month. If you are interested in learning how you can help out by volunteering for the book club or if you are interested in suggesting titles for upcoming book club discussions, please email them to Candice at cthompson@ waygay.org. The WWCC book club is an inclusive discussion group focusing on contemporary works relevant to the LGBTQ community that meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Gay is the new Geek Happy Hour, Variety Show & Way Gay U preview Wednesday, March 14, 6-8 pm Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar 200 South 12th Street Join us for this FREE preview, showcasing the talents and know-how of this semesters Way Gay U course instructors, including dancers, comedians, cabaret performers, and storytellers. Happy hour specials 6-7pm, and the opportunity to register for Way Gay U courses at a discounted rate. Check www. waygay.org for the course catalog and forthcoming details on this event. Get In, Get Tested Fridays, March 9 & 23, 8-10 pm Walk-in condential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 20- 30 minutes. Results provided during the appointment. Reduced admission to iCandy that night with test. A joint initiative through Action AIDS, GALAEI, and the William Way Community Center. Guys Night Out: Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art Thursday, March 29, 5:30pm This month, were heading to the opening reception of The New Sacred: Ritual Textiles by Rachel Kanter, part of FiberPhiladelphia2012. Well meet at the Center at 5:30pm then take the subway (so bring $2 or a token!) to PMJA located at Congregation Rodeph Shalom (615 N. Broad St). RSVPto pblore@waygay.orgor215-7322220. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library & Archives: Yoo Hoo! The Radical Faeries of Philadelphia. On view January 12 March 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, March 17, 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, March 10 & 24, 46 pm (Every 2nd & 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. PhilaVentures: Spruce Hill Tour Saturday, March 31, Time TBA On March 31st we will be taking a walking tour that is an introduction to West Philadelphias historic University City district. Join local scholar and guide Mark Silber on a stroll through the districtsSpruce Hill neighborhood, where every style of 19th Century Victorian domestic architecture is on display: Queen Anne, Italianate, Second Empire, Flemish Revival, Arts and Crafts, etc. We will amble into the Woodlands Cemetery to admire the 1789 Federal style Hamilton mansion and see the monuments of this Victorian garden cemetery where many famous people were laid to rest. Afterwards, participants may want to have lunch at the nearby Gold Standard Cafe which is operated by our friends Roger and Vincent. Silver Foxes Sunday, March 25, 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. Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, March 7, 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, March 20, 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, Mar 11 & 25, 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: Movie Night! The Help Wednesday, March 21, 5:30 pm The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project - one that breaks societys rules and puts them at risk. The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change. Ensemble cast led by Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Bryce Dallas. Womens Wednesdays is a social and educational gathering for LBT women 50 +. Light refreshments are served.

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.