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

org

2014

APR

THIS ISSUE
1 Call For Artists:
9th Annual Juried Competition

CALL FOR ARTISTS: 9TH ANNUAL JURIED COMPETITION

The William Way Community Center (WWCC) Art Gallery calls all emerging local artists 18 years of age or older of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer communities to submit their work for the 9th Annual Juried Art Competition. Works must be submitted digitally and submissions are due by midnight on April 7, 2014.

contact Candice Thompson, Director of Center Services, 215-732-2220 or cthompson@waygay. org.

2 Greetings from the

Executive Director

3 April Calendar 4 April At A Glance 6 This Month in

LGBT History

6 Around The Center 7 SPRING INTO ACTION! 7 Career Fair and

Networking Event

Help us go paperless! To receive our newsletter by e-mail, visit www.waygay. org and click on the Go Paperless link, or call (215) 732-2220.

We are happy to announce that our 2014 Juror is Evonne M. Davis. Ms. Davis is a working artist, CoFounder and Artistic Director of Gallery Aferro in Newark, NJ, and she has also served as the Gallery and Education Director for City Without Walls. Evonne Up to 3 artists will be selected for a group exhibition studied at the School of Visual Arts and Cornell at the WWCC during the 2015 calendar year. Selected University. She has worked with youth in many works will be on view contexts, including teaching in the Centers LGBTQ creative writing workshops art gallery from May to LGBT youth, overseeing 9 June 27, 2014. the ArtReach program at City Without Walls, acting as a Accepted formats mentor and serving on the include: 2Arts High School Advisory Dimensional works, Committee. Evonne has drawings, paintings, curated independent and mixed media & afliated exhibitions for the photographs. Works past 14 years in innovative as should be suitably well as traditional settings, framed, wired, & including a vacant lot in Coney ready for gallery Island and the back of a 1978 Gina Giles (photo displayed here) is one of three winners from hanging (hook and Volvo. Other locations include the 8th Annual Juried Competition in 2013 along with Lance nail system) with The Hudson Valley Center for Pawling and Thom Duffy and their works will be displayed overall measurements September 12 through October 31, 2014. Contemporary Art, Valley Arts, not exceeding 50 x 50. Ironworks Gallery, Brooklyn Borough Hall, Studio 411, Red Saw Gallery, Arts Guild of New Jersey, Entrance Fee is $10 for one entry, and $20 for two Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster, NJ, Print entries. No more than 2 entries will be accepted Making Center of NJ, Seton Hall University, and 207 for each artist. All artists who enter the competition Gallery, among many others. Evonne has facilitated will receive an automatic annual membership to the partnerships with Aljira, A Center for Contemporary William Way LGBT Community. Art, Newark Arts Council, The Polish Cultural Institute, Brick City Development Corporation, Camera Club For full submission details, see: http://tinyurl. of New York, The Newark Museum, The Montclair com/waygayartcall. For more information, please Museum and many, many others.

Avis Albaladejo, Facilities Coordinator Chris Bartlett, Executive Director Eric Bunting, Facilities Assistant Jim Crouch, Maintenance Technician Chris Hart, Silver Foxes Coordinator Ed Miller, Senior Programs Coordinator Ezra Nepon, Interim Development Coordinator Michael Pomante, Development Director Steve Seran, Peer Counseling Coordinator Freddy Shelley, Bookkeeper Marshall Siegel, Front Desk Administrative Assistant Candice Thompson, Director of Center Services

STA FF

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When I arrived at William Way in July 2010, I knew that there were some key areas that I wanted to focus on. One area was arts and culture generating new events that would excite audiences and the community. Weve achieved that goal with our classical concerts and our upcoming Outbeat Jazz Festival in September 2014, as well as our exciting gallery exhibitions. I also wanted to use the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives as a tool to get all generations of LGBT people and our allies interested in our LGBT historyand weve accomplished that with innovative archives exhibits and extensive programs planned to celebrate the 2015 ftieth anniversary of the 1965 Reminder Day demonstrations outside of Independence Hall. One other key area I wanted to explore is the LGBTafrming religious and spiritual communities through our wonderful Out and Faithful program, and Im excited to report that in that area too we have had great accomplishments. On March 20 th, we sponsored an evening of storytelling (in partnership with First Person Arts) to encourage LGBT-afrming congregations of all faiths to tell their stories. Congregations included: Calvary United Methodist Church, Unity Fellowship Church, The Soji Zen Center, Kol Tzedek synagogue, Germantown Mennonite Church, and West Chester Seventh-day AdventistChurch. The event was hosted by the always funny and engaging R. Eric Thomas. The common thread between these congregations is that they are doing important work to create a bridge to their LGBT congregantsand the stories shared both their successes and challenges. Ive long believed that, whether we are religious or spiritual or not, its important to

invest in the congregations that welcome LGBT people, since so many LGBT people identify with these religions and nd community there.

BOA RD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS Jeff Sotland, Esq., Co-Chair Laurie Ward, Co-Chair Steve Brando, Secretary Kim Keegan, Treasurer

The ribbon cutting for the John C. Anderson Apartments on Monday, February 24th, 2014 was an historic day and a wonderful celebration. After three years of planning and building, its a delight to see long-time friends of the Center moving into their sparkling new apartments and reporting back how thrilled they are to live in such a welcoming community. William Ways Senior Programs Coordinator Ed Miller has done a terric job getting our programs at John C. Anderson up-and-running and were excited to have the bright and warm community room as a new meeting space for our seniors. Were also eager to make use of the capacious inner garden, which should be coming to life this Spring! I am Wishing you all the best for a happy to take you on a tour of the wonderful Spring! Anderson Apartments if youd like to see themjust drop me a line Chris Bartlett at wwccedir@waygay.org, or Executive Director stop by the Center. Im honored to be one of nineteen speakers who will address the TEDxPhilly event at the Performing Arts Center at Temple on Friday, March 28th, 2014. In past years, Ive been the host of this event, and it will be an interesting experience to be on stage in front of about 1,200 people as a speaker for the rst time. My topic is of interest to William Way members: Im discussing both the Gayborhood and Chinatown, and examining what it takes to make cultural districts like these thrive. I start my talk with an interesting piece of history: When Chinatown leaders organized in the 1980s to make sure that the building of the Pennsylvania Convention Center did not impact Chinatown negatively, a young city worker named William Way was delegated to gure out how affordable housing could be built

for those who were displaced by the Convention Center. William Way successfully brokered the deal so that all housing that was destroyed was replaced and due to his hard work, the Convention Center was built with as little impact on Chinatown as possible (and with no lawsuits). I like to think that William Way, after whom our community center is named, knew the importance of neighborhood and communityand he wanted to support the leaders of Chinatown in their efforts to protect an important and vibrant neighborhood. My talk goes on to explore the history and future of the Gayborhoodand how important it is, in my opinion, for a community and culture to have a place that we can call home (regardless of where we live). When the link to the video of the talk is posted, Ill be sure to share it with all of you in case you want to hear what I had to say.

BOA RD MEMB ERS

Jocelyn Block Anh Dang Tricia Dressel Chris Durr Rudy Flesher Amber Hikes Adam Hymans Mandeep Jangi Robert Lenahan Paul Steinke Leona Thomas

APRIL CALENDAR

RECURRING PROG R A MS
Bridge Club Mondays, 2 pm Party bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Please call the Center at 215-732-2220. Chess Club (Free) Sundays, 2 - 4 pm This is an inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game.Absolutely free, and youre guaranteed to hone up on those skills you havent used in awhile or to learn new ones! Mah-Jongg Thursdays, 12 pm & 7:30 pm For experienced and new players. Mah-jongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and luck for four players. Reservations required call 215-732-2220. LGBT Age 50+ Rap Session Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm This is a unique forum where people can discuss their feelings and experiences related to being LGBT and age 50 + in a casual, open and non-judgmental environment. This new outlet has been created by and for older adults. Stop in to share whats on your mind and to just listen to what others have to say. Library(Free) Mon - Fri 12 - 9 pm Sat 3 - 5 pm, Sun 12 - 5 pm.

David Bohnett Cyber Center Free WiFi in our lobby! $1 per 15 minutes for WWCC computer use.

Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free) Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm A social/educational group for older men with occasional outings, speakers and events. Light refreshments served.

APRIL AT A GLANCE
ONGOING
Art Gallery: Amy Cousins, J. Pasoce, & Elizabeth Coffey Williams Visit the gallery for a group exhibition of women artists which will be on view from March 14 through April 25. The William Way gallery is open during our normal operating hours which are, M-F 11am-10pm and Sat/ Sun 12-5pm. For more info, please visit www. waygay.org. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Leather Objects On view: March 13 April 25 The WWCC will again be the site of the Leather Leadership Conference, April 1113th. Join us in the archives gallery during March and April for an exhibition of leather objects in celebration of the local LGBTQ leather community which has been a vibrant and critical part of the larger movement. We will unearth some rarely seen gems from the collection that have been donated over the years from individuals and private collections. Vintage bar signs, posters, matchbooks, furniture, and more will be on display. it has been clinically proven to help reduce the symptoms of stress and to increase focus and productivity. Relax into Work will give you experience with: Stress reduction techniques to help you in challenging situations, Mindful communication suggestions for interviews and interaction with co-workers. and Mindful techniques for increasing your long-term well being *SW: Taking Charge of Your Future: Planning for a Successful & Rewarding Career Thursday, April 3, 9:30 -12:30 pm Presented by Susan Lonker: Professional Training and Coaching Upon completion of this program, you will be better able to: Know the Best Questions to ask yourself when planning for your Next Job or Long Term Career Goals, Assess your Personal and Work Values, and present yourself as a condent and Qualied Job Candidate at your next interview

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

06 APRIL
Big Queer Book Sale Sunday, April 6, 1-4pm 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. SPRING FLING Pet Appreciation and Adoption Day Sunday, April 6, 1 - 3 pm This free event is for pet owners, those who aspire to be one, and animal lovers of all kinds! If youre looking to start or grow your pet family, Finding Shelter, a no-kill animal foster and adoption organization, will be on hand with scores of animals in need of temporary and forever homes. If youre a proud pet parent, bring your pet, enjoy some complimentary food and beverage, and check out our vendor booths! If youre just an animal lover, stop in and enjoy the energy. Do you have a question about your pets health? Visit the Ask-a-Vet station, featuring Clayton

02 APRIL
Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 pm Volunteer Orientation is a monthly information session for new volunteers to learn about the Center and the various ways to get involved. Call (215) 732-2220 to register.

SAGEWORKS WORKSHOPS
SAGEWorks (SW) April Workshop Schedule Registration required. More info and registration available through www.waygay.org or by calling Ed Miller at sageworks@waygay. org or 215-732-2220. All workshops are FREE for people 40+. *SW: Relax into Work: Reducing Stress to Be at Your Best Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-7:30 pm Presented by Bob Pileggi - Trained through the Jefferson University Mindfulness Institute Mindfulness meditation is being used by corporations, hospitals and schools because

04 APRIL
Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft Friday, April 4, 18, 6-8 pm (1st and 3rd Fridays) This month, join us for casual conversation and mingling at the Center. Loft23 is an inclusive social/support group where LGBTQ individuals between the ages of 21 and 29 can have engaging and constructive experiences that lead to self-improvement and the development of positive connections within the community. FREE.

Peer Counseling Mon - Fri, 6 pm - 9 pm One-to-one condential counseling. We help with issues such as coming out, sexual identity and expression, relationships, family issues, isolation, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, legal issues, health and safety concerns. This is a free and condential service. 215-732TALK (8255).

PhilaVentures: Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of the Month, 2 pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths are found along the way, so wear proper footwear and be ready to hike! This groups meets at 2:00 PM at Cosimos Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike.

Tai Chi Classes (Free) Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of mind-body-spirit health, based on the wisdom of the Tao and the I Ching. You will learn the gentle movements and deep breathing of the Yang Style 37 Postures Form. Tai Chi can have many health benets including: lowering blood pressure; reducing leg, neck and back pain, etc. All ages and all tness levels are welcome!

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Sundays, 3-4:30 pm This free group is for both practicing Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism and includes both a discussion and meditation.

TransWay (Free) Thursdays, 7-9 pm A weekly social group for the transgender and gender nonconforming community.

Veterinary Associates Dr. Michael Anthony, who specializes in holistic treatments. Great rafe prizes, delicious food and wine, and of course, adorable animals in need of homes.

will participate. FREE. RSVP to Ed Miller at emiller@waygay.org.

11 APRIL
Loft23 presents The Game Loft Friday, April 11, 25, 6-8 pm (2nd and 4th Fridays) The game loft is a space geared towards gamers (21-29 years old) within the community and is an opportunity to meet new people, play games, and socialize outside of the bar/ club scene. There will be board games, a Wii console and PS3 provided within the group space. So come out, join the group and have fun!!!!!! FREE. +People Like Us Friday, April 11, 6-8:30 pm +People Like Us is a group of LGBT & LGBTfriendly folks who are HIV+ or have been affected by HIV/AIDS.We gather regularly to share companionship,supportand more. Friends and family are welcome! Our #1 aim is to provide a great social outlet for Poz people to meet, make new friends & have fun! Join us!

07 APRIL
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and condential) Monday, April 7, 21, 3-6 pm The William Way Community Center is partnering with BEBASHI, which was founded in 1985 in response to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African American in Philadelphia, to provide free and condential rapid HIV testing and Hepatitis C testing. Trained counselors will be on-site to provide testing and education. Drop-ins only.

memoir that chronicles Bechdels youth in rural Pennsylvania, focusing on her dysfunctional family life and centered on her complex relationship with her father. This powerful graphic novel-memoir addresses themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, and mental health. Womens Wednesdays Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 pm Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural program for women 50 and over.

19 APRIL
A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, April 19, 2-5 pm This guided discussion on all issues which impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women will provide an opportunity to address a variety of topics including but not limited to sexuality, role playing, politics, relationships, etc No subject is off limits! Each question will be written on a 3 by 5 index card and folded in half and cards will be picked randomly by the co-facilitators, Trina Dorman and Yvette Lassiter, MSW, and read to the group at large. FREE. RSVP is required to info@waygay.org or 215-732-2220 as space is limited.

08 APRIL
SAGEWorks Introduction Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 pm and Thursday, April 24, 12 pm (separate individual sessions) SageWorks is an employment assistance program for LGBT adults (40+) that provides access to online worksearch sites, job coaching, resume building, career workshops and free computer trainer courses. This introduction will provide you with information about the program and how you can become involved. Registration required. For more information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org

15 APRIL
Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, April 15, 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!

22 APRIL
WWCC Public Board Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 7 pm Join Center staff and the Board of Directors to nd out about upcoming news and information.

10 APRIL
SAGE Works Career Fair and Networking Event Thursday, April 10, 1-4pm Throughout the day Job Seekers will be encouraged to visit the Networking Caf where professions will be on hand to assist with career coaching, registering in the SAGEWorks program, online job search tips, resume building and most importantly networking with peers. Twenty local and national employers

16 APRIL
Book Club: Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel Wednesday, April 16, 7-8 pm Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm for a stimulating discussion on a variety of diverse, LGBTQIA topics. For more information, contact 215-732-2220. This months selection is Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel, author of Dykes to Watch Out For. Fun Home is a graphic

26 APRIL
Queer Writers Collective Saturday, April 26, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Saturday of the month) Join this free group for monthly workshops and discussions to develop your unique queer voice via the written word at the Center. Contact Candice for information at (215) 7322220 or info@waygay.org. Free.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

THE FIRST COMMUNITY CENTER FINDS A HOME
On April 23rd, 1976, after two years of meetings, planning and fundraisers, the Gay Community Center of Philadelphia (GCCP) opened with a party, exhibit and dance at its new home at 326 Kater Street, right off South Street, the epicenter of 1970s counter-culture Philadelphia. Countless volunteer hours had gone into making the building, an old warehouse space, usable. The building was gutted; concrete slab oors were jackhammered and re-done. A ramp led up to the second oor which housed a Gay Coffeehouse. Elegant french doors served as windows looking out over Kater Street. It was a home to be proud of. Over the next ve years on Kater Street, the center provided space for a library, Gay Switchboard, art exhibits, performances, meeting spaces, classes, dances - and this being the 70s - gay and lesbian "rap groups." It sponsored appearances by Marxist sociologist Jeffrey Weeks and author Rita Mae Brown. From the beginning, the rst Center set the standard for offering all the services and functions that the William Way Center still provides today, nearly 40 years later.

326 Kater Coffee House

We owe a great debt to those early community leaders who helped create the Center, among them: Bob Stewart, (Coordinator, whose brainchild the center was), Deana Lang,(Coordinator), Arleen Olshan (Program Coordinator), Ed Hermance (rst Treasurer), Connie Leifert, Rusel Silkey (Building Manager and one of the founders of the Archives and Library), Kay Whitlock, Michael Weltmann (Coordinator), Mary Cochran, Evie Litwock and Clint Gould, (Policy Council Member). Please visit the John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives at the William Way Center to learn more about the nearly 40 year history of Philadelphias LGBT Community Center. Special thanks to Ed Hermance for the list of early Community Center leaders. - Bob Skiba

AROUND THE CENTER

Ching-Yun Hu gave a tremendous concert at the Center on February 22nd. Images are video stills, with thanks to Peter Lien for documenting the event.

Wonderful event for the 40th Anniversary of Giovannis Room Bookstore. Current owner Ed Hermance, who recently announced his retirement after 37 years. Photo credit: Scott A. Drake

Panel of Giovannis Room Anniversary are: Tom Wilson Weinberg and Dan Sherbo, founders; Pat Hill, the second owner; Arleen Olshan, who jointly owned the store for many years with Ed Hermance (and of course!) Moderated by John Cunningham. Photo credit: Linda Slodki

SPRING INTO ACTION!

CAREER FAIR AND NETWORKING EVENT

On Thursday, April 10, 2014 the Center will host a Career Fair and Networking event. Up to 20 local and national employers will participate from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. The Career Fair is part of our SAGEWorks program, which is an ongoing work readiness support program for LGBT people 40 and older who need or want to return to the work place. A full day of activities is scheduled to create a space where participants can work with professionals and socialize with other job seekers. Mindfulness meditation at 11:30 am will help improve focus and condence prior to meeting with the hiring managers and recruiters at the Career Fair. Throughout the day, Job Seekers will be encouraged to visit the Networking Caf where professionals will be on hand to assist with career coaching, registering in the SAGEWorks program, online job search tips, resume building, and most importantly networking with peers. Leading up to the Career Fair, in March The Department of Labor Bureau of Labor and Statistics provided an informative presentation looking at job trends and how Philadelphia fares in job growth. Wells Fargo provided a focused workshop on what recruiters look for when they search for applicants, tips on how to get your resume in front of hiring managers and why LinkedIn is important. In early April Bob Peleggi will hold a Mindfulness Communication Class and professional trainer Susan Lonker will conduct a 3-hour workshop Taking Charge of your Future. Local LGBT business owners and allies are working together to become part of the process in helping to get folks back to work. Whether looking for full or part time work everyone will benet from this terric community event.

Spring has nally arrived! It seemed as though it would never come after such a long winter and an especially cold and snowy January and February. But here it isspringglorious spring! The days are longer, the trees lining our citys streets are in bloom, bikers and joggers are out in full force, and kids and families are lling our parks and playgrounds. And with more people out and about, the Centers lobby is bustlinglled from early morning to late at night with visitors admiring our art gallery and archive exhibitions, students studying, old friends catching up, and new friends getting acquainted. And while weve said it before, it cant be emphasized enough that William Way your center is one of only a few LGBT community centers in the country that is open 365 days a year to provide a safe and welcoming space for members of our community to gather, learn from one another, and support each other. The William Way LGBT Community Center is also where, every year, more than 60,000 LGBTQ individuals and allies receive free life-saving and life-afrming services, including skills-building and job preparedness training, peer counseling for individuals in crisis, and vital social and educational programs for our seniors. And while were proud of what we do, we want to do more! From expanding and enhancing Loft23, our young adult program, and developing new programs for residents of the John C. Anderson Apartments to replacing our roof (which was battered by this years brutal winter), we want to do more! From reimagining our beautiful lobby so that it can move into the 21st century while retaining its pre-Civil War era charm to mobilizing community leaders to address violence within and against our community, we want to do more! And we turn youbecause its your support that keeps those doors open, that allows the Center to expand our mission and our reach, and serve more people every year. So, as the temperature rises and we nally bid farewell to all the ice and snow, we ask that you SPRING INTO ACTION and make a generous donation to the William Way LGBT Community Center. Help us to remain strong and steadfast in our mission to advocate for those whose voices arent being heard and to provide comfort, security, safety, and resources for everyone who walks through our doors and calls out for help. Whether its $50, $100, or $1,000, please give today, because everyday more and more LGBTQ individuals and allies seek out the William Way LGBT Community Center for a place to be themselves, receive the help they need, and most importantly, nd hope. To make a gift, visit www.waygay.org and click on the donate button or return the enclosed donation envelope. Thank you!

t/a

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

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

CONNECT WITH US:

@waygay williamwaycc williamway info@waygay.org

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

For more information visit www.leatherleadership.org.

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

TAB

TAB

TAB