The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 t/a

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

OCT
2011

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This Issue
p2. Greetings from the Exec Director
Will You Leave a Legacy?

Celebrating LGBT History every October and year-round

Since 1994, October has been celebrated as LGBT History Month in the United States, thanks in large part to one Missouri high school history teacher. The teacher, Rodney Wilson, chose the month because National Coming Out Day was already a wellestablished event, taking place every year on October 11. Dozens of early adopters gave momentum to Wilsons notion and infused it with the strength to carry on, as it still does to this day. Here at the Center, were proud of our own role in celebrating LGBT history. Ever since the Gay Community Center of Philadelphia was founded 35 years ago, the Center has maintained a library and archives. The project was begun by Rusel Silkey, using his own collection of LGBT material, and he continued to oversee the Library through the 70s. As the Center moved from location to location over the decades, the archives moved with it, growing in the process. Silkeys original collection laid the groundwork for what is now one of the largest collection of LGBT publications and ephemera in America. Today, Bob Skiba serves as the Centers volunteer archivist, poring over photographs, magazines, newspaper clippings and more. Skiba has begun working with the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts. Over the next year, the Conservation Center will assess the William Ways collections and its needs, making suggestions for their maintenance and preservation. This assessment will be critical for securing funding in the future. Renamed in 2009 the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library & Archives, in honor of the longtime Center supporter, the Archives are a national treasure. Several times a month, Skiba is contacted by media and other archives from all over the country, as well as students from grade school through grad school. As for future plans, volunteers will continue the long process of cataloging the collection, eventually creating a searchable database. Pieces will also be digitized, reducing stress on the original documents and making them available to distant researchers. Like all archives, the Center will have to address the matter of born digital content, such as online articles and blogs. Hes quick to point out, Archives are not just for headline news. They are things that document individual lives. Its like guring out someones life, piecing together the history of the city. Like its people, the citys history and its LGBT history are not to be separated, which is why Skiba is also working to give the Archives even more of a presence in mainstream Philadelphia.

Join us October 22 as we welcome back Transylvanian Nipple Productions, Philadelphias Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, as they host an evening of Rocky Horror performed live, in front of the screen! Costumes are strongly encouraged.

p3. October Calendar p4. October at a Glance p6. Around the Center Upcoming Events p7. RIP Ellis Ginsberg LGBT History Resources New Membership Perks This Month In LGBT History

Here at the Center, were proud of our own role in celebrating LGBT history

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

Will You Leave a Legacy?

Michael Pomante As a fundraising professional, one of the more difcult subjects to broach with a donor is planned giving. Theres just something off-putting about discussing even the prospect of ones passing with someone Im trying so hard to keep happy and engaged. On the other hand, what I really love about planned giving is that it connects me with some of the most altruistic and visionary people in the philanthropic world. What a gift! Just the other day, in preparation for an upcoming planned giving seminar that the Centers hosting later this year, I sat down with a William Way member to nd out what exactly prompted her to include the Center in her will. She responded, Its comforting to know that even after Im gone, Ill be helping the Center to reach its potential as a vibrant meeting space, where everyone feels welcome. Its a legacy to be proud of. Just this year, we lost a cherished member of the William Way family, Jack Wilcox. His love for the Center was known throughout the city, and his commitment to its future was unsurpassed. His generous bequest was a touching testament not only to his admiration for the Center and the community it serves, but also to his shared vision for the Center to continue to expand its scope and services to meet the unique needs of our diverse community. In honor of Jacks memory, please take a moment to consider remembering William Way, your community center, when planning your estate. A gift tomorrow will help to ensure that the William Way LGBT Community Center will be around to serve future generations for years to come. Please dont hesitate to contact me at (215) 732-2220 or mpomante@waygay. org to discuss planned giving in more detail. Also, keep your eyes peeled for information regarding upcoming estate planning seminars hosted by William Way.

Greetings from the Executive Director

Last month, I wrote to acknowledge the wonderful work of Ellis Ginsberg, who created the Centers endowment with a generous gift, helped found the Silver Foxes Group, and organized the Centers Bridge Club.
I spent time with Ellis last month letting him know that his contribution to the Center made a powerful difference, and that we were grateful for his service. At the end of August, Ellis passed away. When we lose a stalwart volunteer like Ellis (and I had a similar experience when Jack Wilcox died last year), I am left with a deep sense of appreciation that a great generation of LGBT seniors have stepped up (and continue to step up) to support our work. If you are inspired by Ellis, Jack, or others who invest in the Center and want to step up your own level of involvement, please do give me a ring. We have many opportunities for service every day at the Center. The Center of High Tech: We were very grateful last month to receive a commitment from the David Bohnett Foundation for $15,000 worth of new equipment to upgrade our CyberCenter. Our wonderful facilities staff are working currently to map out a space for the expanded CyberCenter, which will include eight terminals, a color printer, and a high resolution scanner. One of my personal goals is to make sure that the value of technological tools is available to all members of our community, and an expanded CyberCenter will aid us in reaching this goal. Centerlink: Next week, Im heading off to Milwaukee for the annual meeting of CenterLink, the national association of LGBT Community Centers. This is a very important meeting for me, because I get to hear what our sister centers around the country are doingand every year there are examples of exciting innovation. Ill be bringing along the Centers video fundraising campaigns, examples from our archives exhibits, and sharing our visions for renovations of the Center. Undoubtedly, Ill get great feedback from my national colleagues. Stay tuned for a report back next month! Senior Housing: I know that some of you will be happy that we decided not to move forward with building senior housing at the site of the Center; others of you will be disappointed or neutral. I did want to say that I am proud of the work we did over the past year to prepare for the possibility of senior housing and this work will have two ongoing benets: 1) the work reafrmed our commitment to programs for seniors and for supporting the senior housing program when it is built elsewhere and 2) the extensive work that we did in documenting the needs for renovation of the Center have positioned us to begin work immediately to focus on immediate and urgent renovation needs, as well as more long term design of a building to meet the needs of the growing and adapting LGBT community in our region. Last month, I participated as a SAGE (Senior Action in the Gay Environment) Afliate on a conference call where I presented our progress in senior housing in Philadelphia, and reported that the site had been moved from the William Way to a new location to be determined. We heard from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago (where senior housing is either built or in the planning stage) and other cities that are focusing on NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities). The overall sense I got from the call is that in Philadelphia and elsewhere, we have reached a tipping point: senior housing is going to be built for those men and women who were the creators of LGBT liberation and who created gay communities in so many cities. Im glad that Philadelphia continues to lead in that effort. An exciting wedding: I was thrilled to be a guest at the recent nuptials of Gloria Casarez, LGBT Director for Mayor Michael Nutter, and her partner Tricia Dressel, who is a long-time activist in our communities. The evening was moving and magical for many reasons, but especially so because Mayor Nutter conducted his rst LGBT wedding in front of the crowd. This was an historic moment, and all of us at the William Way congratulate Gloria and Tricia (both who are members of the Center) and wish them a lifetime of happiness together (building upon their terric rst decade!)

In last months newsletter, Chris Bartlett wished a happy birthday to Ellis Ginsberg, who reached 80 on July 31st. It is with deep regret that we must announce that on Saturday, August 27th, Ellis passed away. Ellis was raised in Philadelphia, graduated in the class of 1949 from Central High School, and served in the United States Army. He was a long-time resident of the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, and commuted to New York City for much of his work life.Ellis developed a wide circle of friends at the Center, and out of his participation in the 40+ Club in the 1990s, he had an idea for a program called the Silver Foxes. Along with Betty Long and Jim Gallagher, Ginsberg helped grow the group at the William Way, which would serve as a monthly group for interesting discussion among LGBT seniors and have hundreds of members over the years.In August, Chris Bartlett presented Ellis with a plaque commemorating ten years of Silver Foxes programs. Bartlett gives credit to Ellis for being one of the key visionaries who made senior programs happen at the William Way. The Silver Foxes held their 10th Year Anniversary Party on September 25th. Ginsberg also worked the Saturday morning front desk shift, where he was a well-known greeter of the weekend visitors to the Center. He also founded the Centers Party Bridge card group, which continues to meet each Monday. In a great act of generosity, Ginsberg helped kick-start the William Way LGBT Community Centers endowment campaign with a gift of $10,000. The endowment fund has since grown to $110,000, and Ellis gift continues to yield an annual contribution to the Centers mission and programs. A memorial service was held for Ellis at the Center on Saturday, September 17th, 2011. Contributions in Ellis honor can be made to the William Way LBGT Community Center, Ellis Ginsberg Endowment Fund, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA19107 in order to build upon his visionary contribution.

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Here are some resources for learning more about LGBT history
lgbthistorymonth.com Since 2006, Philadelphias own Equality Forumhas celebratedthe achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons, featuring one for each day of October. This year, the site added a search engine so that Icons from the past six years can be found by name,featured year, or keyword tag. gayhistory.wikispaces.com Our own Executive Directors pet project is a wiki page that collects the histories of gay men and their allies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA between 1960 and the present. It is intended to document the organizations, bars, culture and social networks created by these men. Chris Bartlett began assembling the page in 2007.

New membership perks

Members of William Way LGBT Community Center can soon look for some added benets to their support of our work. Later in October, all members will receive a membership card, which can be used to get discounts or other benets at certain area businesses. Some of your favorite Gayborhood establishments have already pledged to support this program, but the business backing extends to other parts of the city. Fifteen businesses are on board so far, and more will be added to the list as time goes on. Check your mailbox for your membership card and a full list of businesses and the discounts they offer William Way members!! Heres the list so far: 12th Street Gym, Baums Dancewear Inc, Big Green Earth Store, Caf Twelve, Eye Candy Vision, Fat Jacks Comicrypt, Giovannis Room, Millesime, Optimal Gym, Optimal Sport Health Club, Pure Fare, PYT, Tabu, The Velvet Lily, Yards Brewing Company

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

How a 1987 March on Washington gave Philadelphia a Gayborhood October 11ths National Coming Out Day began in 1988 as an event marking the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In 1991 Philadelphia activist Frannie Price turned the event into a neighborhoodwide event called Outfest, which we still celebrate. It was the next year, in 1992, that then City Paper editor David Warner penned an article about the event, proclaiming It was a beautiful day in the Gayborhood! The name caught on and what had been simply the gay ghetto was reborn as The Gayborhood. Thank you, March on Washington, thank you, Frannie Price, and thank you, David Warner.

Chris Bartlett Executive Director

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Around the Center

October Calendar

Gay Community Day at the Philadelphia Phillies, August 26th.

September 11, National Day of Service and Remembrance. William Way took part in a Civic Engagement Expo on Independence Mall, where various Philadelphia nonprots shared information on their programs and volunteer opportunities. Peer Counselor Tom McCoy and inter Katie Briggs both volunteered to staff the resource table, and had a photo-op with Mayor Nutter!

GET READY FOR THESE FABULOUS EVENTS COMING TO THE CENTER

Cabaret Crime
Saturday, November 12 8pm Starring Melissa Kolczynski and Tom Wilson Weinberg Benetting the Trevor Project and the William Way Community Center For more information, visit www. tomwilsonweinberg.com 6 Coming in December (date, TBA) The Center partners with Foodrulez. com to determine who has the greatest Christmas Cookies in the city-- and youre the judge! Its a battle of the best-ofthe-best bakeries. Check back to www. waygay.org for more details.

Christmas Cookie Reviewz

Classical Piano Concert

January 7, 2012 Last Januarys popular piano concert returns!!! Ching-Yun Hu, winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, joins Chris Bartlett once again this time at the Center!

Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, October 5, 7:30pm 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, October 18, 7pm (Every 3rd Tues of the month Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. Its a big job and we need your help! Way Gay U: Course Listing: To sign up for one or more go to www.waygay.org

Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund, addresses a packed house at the opening reception of 1981-Until Its Over, an exhibit of the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives. The exhibit with be on display through the end of 2011.

Recurring Programs
Bridge Club (FREE) Mondays, 2-5pm Party Bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Call (215) 732-2220 to RSVP. Chess Club Sundays, 4-6pm This is a new inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game. (Free) 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.

October at a Glance
Art Gallery: Men Unwrapped by Joe Bowman On display Sep 8 Oct 28, 2011 Bowman perceives a natural sense of time and place unique to the image. His photos reect a comfortable rapport with his subjects and his ne art nudes possess a sculptural, erotic design. Bowman will be displaying new works as part of this exhibition. His body of work currently consists of portraiture, fashion lifestyles and ne art. FREE. Book Club: The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon by Tom Spanbauer Wed, October 19, 7 8pm The Man Who Fell in Love with the Moonis a beautifully told, mythic tale that is as well a profound meditation on sexuality, race and mans relationship to himself and the natural world. A novel huge in its imaginative scope and daring in its themes. The narrator is Shed, or Duivichi-un-Dua, a half-breed bisexual boy who makes his living at the Indian Head Hotel in the little turn-of-the-century town of Excellent, Idaho. Free. LGBT Cancer Support Group Mon, October 3, RSVP for time (1st Mondays through December) 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 Gay Community Day at the Philadelphia Zoo Sat, October 15, 11am-5pm Come join the pride at the Philadelphia Zoo for a day of fun for all ages, including live music from The Broozers, puppetry and storytelling. And of course, not to be missed: the animals! Tickets are $13. Go to www.waygay.org for more information. Guys Night Out: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts opening reception Fri, October 21, 6-8pm Join the guys for a night out at PAFA for the opening reception of *here.* This exhibition considers how place is not simply the geographic locality where an artist lives and works but also the juice of lived experiencethe subject matter, material, concepts and freedoms that this space provides. Recognizing how place inuences and inltrates each artists work in diverse and complicated ways, *here.* explores how a sense of place exists in the work of artists from six particular regions Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, Detroit and Kansas City. Well meet at the Center at 6pm then walk to PAFA (0.8 miles) for this special reception. RSVP is required to pblore@waygay.org or 215-732-2220. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. Indigo Ball Sat, October 1, 6pm-9:30pm William Ways annual gala and fundraiser takes place this year at the gorgeous and newly renovated Arts Ballroom in the Arts Condominium Tower located at 1324 Locust St. Catered by Stephen STARR Events with music from the Philadelphia Freedom Band, the evening is sure to be a magical experience. Individual tickets with unassigned seating may be purchased at http://www. waygay.org/events/ib2011.asp or 215-732-2220, M-F, 9am-5pm. Cornerstone members may contact mpomante@waygay.org to receive 2 complimentary tickets. All guests receive complimentary admission to IndiGoGo Dance Party immediately following the Ball. IndiGoGo Sat, October 1, 9pm-2am Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St William Way LGBT Community Center is proud to announce the rst annual IndiGoGo Dance Party!!! Come one, come all to our massive 5-hour dance party with DJ Chip Dish and performances from Dumpsta Players & Liberty City Kings. $15 advanced (or $20 at the door), or new members may sign up for a $35 annual William Way Membership and receive two free tickets to IndiGoGo. All guest receive after-party admission to Voyeur Nightclub at 1221 St. James St. Get your tickets at http:// indigogo.waygay.org or 215-7322220, M-F, 9am-5pm. Proceeds benet the Center!! John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library & Archives: 1981-Until Its Over On view Sep 15 Dec 31, 2011 2011 marks the 30th year of the AIDS epidemic, as well as the 25th annual AIDS Walk Philly, scheduled for October 16th. To help commemorate these signicant milestones, the Center has partnered with the AIDS Fund which has developed a multimedia display of pictures, newspaper clippings, personal stories, videos, and artwork titled 1981-Until Its Over The scope of this project goes beyond AIDS Funds history to encompass the history of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia and the U.S. The exhibition will be on display from September-December and is free and open to the public. A Penny for Your Thoughts Sat, October 15, 4-7pm 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: Edgar Allen Poe house Sun, October 16, 11am Meet at the Center for a mile stroll to Poes house to explore his literary work and his Philadelphia home, which is located at 7th and Spring Garden. Did you know that the most productive years of Poes life were spent in Philly? Come join this all-inclusive group lead by longtime WWCC volunteer Pearlette Toussant. FREE. Rsvp to info@ waygay.org. PhilaVenutres: Lehigh Valley Gorge Fall Foliage Bike Ride with Outbike New Jersey Sat, October 15th, 10am This is an opportunity for a days ride through the fall leaves along the rail trails of the Poconos. The Lehigh Valley Gorge is accessible just north of Jim Thorpe. Outbike New Jersey will be doing the ride, so this is a chance to meet some notquite-local cyclists. The park is the starting point for the rail trail. The Lehigh Valley Gorge Trail runs 25 miles up a gentle 2% grade to White Haven for a total distance of 50 miles round trip. The ride will start in the parking area within Glen Onoco Park. We will ride the Lehigh Valley Gorge Trail to White Haven for lunch at a restaurant before the trip back downhill. This ride is for mountain bikes and hybrids, not road bikes. The trails are loose gravel and cinders, with some hard-packed earth portions. Bike Rental Only $27.95 p.p. Lehigh Gorge Shuttle Only - $17.50 p.p. Bike Rental & Lehigh Gorge Shuttle - $39.95 p.p. Cost: lunch, gas + tolls (+$17.50 for the van option). Contact Jim Gerhard at 215-625-0521 or email him at jegerhard@verizon.net. PhilaVentures: Pinnacle Hike Sat, October 15, 8am Back by popular demand, we will head up toward Hamburg, Pennsylvania to the Pinnacle which is the along the Lehigh Valley portion of the Appalachian Trail. The fall foliage should be at its peak! We will meet at the William Way Community Center at 8 a.m. sharp.This is a wonderful hike with a strong uphill climb at the beginning of the day hike (with a few large rocks and boulders), and mostly at thereafter, along a mountain ridge with several great views of the surrounding valley below us. (Plan on bringing lunch and water.) Cost is carpool expenses for gas and tolls $10 -15 per person. Dinner costs, if you stay, will be under $20. Drivers are needed for car pooling. Contact Bert for more info and to make a reservation and traveling arrangements. He can be reached at bert12345@comcast.net or by phone at 215-271-8822. Queer Writers Collective Sat, October 8 & 22, 46 pm (Every 2nd & 4th Sat of the month) Join this free group for a monthly workshop and discussion to develop your unique queer voice via the written word at the Center. Contact Candice for information at 215-7322220 or info@waygay.org. FREE. Rocky Horror Picture Show Film Screening: Live with Cast! Sat, October 22, 7pm Join us as we welcome back Transylvanian Nipple Productions, Philadelphias Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, as they host an evening of Rocky Horror performed live, in front of the screen! $10 for members/$12 for non-members. Costumes are strongly encouraged. 215-732-2220 to register or online at www.waygay.org Silver Foxes Sun, October 23, 3-5pm (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. WeXist Fri, October 14 & 28, 7 pm (Every 2nd & 4th Fri of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. FREE. Womens Wednesdays: Dr. Mat Wed, October 19, 5:30 -7:30 pm Dr. Mathew Wolfson, a well known Chiropractor in the neighborhood (11th & Spruce) will join us at 6:00pm. Dr. Mat will provide information on improving overall health and wellness, stress management, and the importance of posture. Please tell a friend and take this opportunity to learn more about how to stay healthy. Womens Wednesdays is a senior social for women 50 and over. Light refreshments served.

Pastoral Care Saturdays, 12-3pm Do you frequently feel lost, stuck, confused, anxious, blue, or without purpose? Do some of your most important relationships feel unhealthy to you?The William Way Community Center has a Pastoral Counseling volunteer available, at no cost to you, to listen andhelp you on your journey to clarity and joy. Pastoral Counseling will be available at the Center starting in September. Please call for an appointment or drop-in to the Center during those hours (drop-in sessions are on an as available basis). (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 at215732-2220 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. 215732-TALK (8255). PhilaVentures Wissahickon Hike Last Sunday 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.