The Centers LGBTQ Art Gallery welcomes three

powerful shows in November and December to

celebrate the wonderful , diverse, creative, and
inspiring loves and lives of the Transgender/
Gender Non-Conforming/Gender Queer
community. The exhibition
will open with a wine and
cheese reception with the
artists on Friday, November
14 from 6-8pm. We hope
you will stop by.
Through Trans|Post,
individuals were invited to
put their hearts, minds, and
visions to paper for display
in the Centers annual
postcard exhibition. Over
the past several years,
this open call has brought
in dozens of postcards
from around the world
and the archive of the
collection was recently
on loan to the MU gallery in the Netherlands.
Political statements, personal musings, group
empowerment have all been subject matter for
these brief but beautiful art pieces.
This collection will be displayed alongside two
phenomenal solo artists, Annie Mok and Ketch
Wehr who will display a small collection of their
current works.
Mok studied at the Minneapolis College of Art
and Design and lives in West Philadelphia. The
Leeway Foundation awarded her a 2013 Art and
Change Grant. She makes comics both solo, and
collaboratively with artists such as Emily Carroll
and Dawson Walker. Her client list includes Seven
Stories Press, DC/Vertigo, and the Red Umbrella
Project, and American Illustration selected her
work for its Archive in 2012 and 2013. Annie sings
in the pop group See-Through
Girls, and costars in the sci-
movie Phaesporia. She spoke
at the University of Winnipeg
and tours transnationally with
her curated series of comics
readings.
Wehr will exhibit works from his
series Split + Growing which is
a new, highly personal exhibit
of work from this transfeminist
painter and illustrator. Primarily
illustrative gouache paintings,
Wehrs show explores his
personal understanding of his
gender and queerness from
an early age through the lens
of synesthesia. Synesthesia is
a condition which, in his case, lends colors and
avors to all letters and words that he perceives.
Split + Growing is the visual display of an evolving
queer selfhood through the colors Wehr knew to
be part of his identity before he had the words to
describe it.
This annual celebratory exhibition is in its 4th
year at the Center and is meant to coincide with
Trans Awareness week and the International
Transgender Day of Remembrance. (see page
6). The exhibition will be on view in the gallery
November 14 through December 26, 2014
IN THE GALLERY: TRANS|POST,
ANNIE MOK AND KETCH WEHR
The William Way LGBT Community Center | 1315 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | www.waygay.org | (215) 732-2220 | info@waygay.org
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1 In the Gallery:
Trans|Post, Annie Mok
and Ketch Wehr
2 Greetings from the
Executive Director
3 November Calendar
4 November At A Glance
6 This Month in
LGBT History
THIS ISSUE
NOV
2014
Credit: Ketch Wehr
Credit: Annie Mok
2
Greetings from Durham, North Carolina,
where I am attending Part II of a Non-
Prot Executive Certicate Course at Duke
Universitys Fuqua School of Business. My
participation is sponsored by the Victory
Fund, an organization that invests in LGBT
leadership throughout the country and
around the world. Its exciting to join 24 peer
directors from non-prots around the country
to examine the latest trends in management
and leadership. Ive enjoyed sharing insights
and learning with other cutting-edge
organizations and Ill return home energized
to work with our Board, other volunteers,
and you to continue growing our Center to
have the greatest impact possible both in our
community and the region at large.
The most recent example of this kind of
impact is the OutBeat Jazz Festival, which
received broad media coverage (and very
positive reviews). I want to say thanks to all
the staff and volunteers who helped to make
the four-day festival a huge success. Each
of the events brought together marvelous
artists to create beautiful jazz, but I wanted
to mention one event in particular: the <Lush
Life> concert on Friday, September 19th,
2014. Through a terric partnership with the
Philadelphia Jazz Project and its director
Homer Jackson, we helped to organize
a wonderful evening of jazz and other
performance to celebrate the life of black gay
jazz great Billy Strayhorn. The event was truly
magicalbut it was especially wonderful in
bringing together the LGBT and jazz worlds
of Philadelphia for the rst time to explore
the LGBT contributions to jazz. The synergy
was effective and powerfuland I want to
thank PJP and Homer Jackson for working
to create such a special evening. The whole
festival had that kind of magicand well be
working now to create a book to document
the music and experiences of OutBeat.
Thanks again to the Pew Center for Arts &
Heritage for funding the festival.
The recent gay bashing of members of
our community on 16th Street has raised
understandable anger and concern. Growing
out of our recent anti-violence town hall, the
staff at William Way are thinking about ways
of investing in a program that would provide
ongoing education and advocacy to combat
violence against LGBT people in our City and
region. Many large cities have developed
anti-violence programs to work with the
community itself, police departments, school
districts, and politicians to create an ongoing
effort to educate and empower our LGBT
citizens with the tools available to us to avoid
and deescalate violent situations. Stay
tuned as we develop this effort further, and
dont hesitate to drop me a line if you have
any ideas or would like to help.
Im excited to announce that we have hired
long-time volunteer archivist Bob Skiba as
the new Curator of the John J. Wilcox LGBT
Archives at the William Way. Bob has been
a fantastic asset to the Centerdedicating
many years to the improvement of our
nationally-known archives. With the receipt
of a three-year grant from the William Penn
Foundation, we are now able to hire Bob to
do the work that he has done so ably as a
volunteer. Bobs also playing a leadership
role in the development of the exhibits for
next Springs Reminder2015 project. Bob
thank you for all you do and were thrilled to
welcome you to the staff team!
William Way staff marched in the Trans*
March on Saturday, October 11th and we
were energized by the excitement and energy
of the Trans Community marching down
Broad Street. Thanks to all of the Trans*
community leadership who made it happen.
Please mark the evening of November 20th
on your calendar for the next Transgender
Day of Remembrance at the Community
Center. Its one of the most moving events
we have the Center, and I recommend that all
attend to acknowledge the contributions of
trans* leaders both past, present and future.
I also wanted to thank Franny Price and the
wonderful volunteers of OutFest for all that
you do to create community through bringing
us together to celebrate. Community
building is always the most important thing,
in my opinion, and nobody does it with a
bigger heart than you do. Thanks Franny!
Finally, I wish all of you a very happy
Thanksgiving. Weve had quite a year for our
communitiesand I think there is much to be
thankful for.
With appreciation,
Chris Bartlett
Executive Director
GREETINGS FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
3
STAFF
Avis Albaladejo
Facilities Coordinator
Chris Bartlett
Executive Director
Eric Bunting
Facilities Assistant
Jim Crouch
Maintenance Technician
Ed Miller
Senior Programs Coordinator
Larry Mungin
Bookkeeper
Ezra Nepon
Interim Development
Coordinator
Michael Pomante
Development Director
Steve Seran
Peer Counseling Coordinator
Marshall Siegel
Front Desk Coordinator
Karen Smith
Outbeat Coordinator
Candice Thompson
Director of Center Services
BOARD OF
DI RECTORS
OFFICERS
Jeff Sotland, Esq.
Co-Chair
Laurie Ward
Co-Chair
Steve Brando
Secretary
Kim Keegan
Treasurer
BOARD
MEMBERS
Jocelyn Block
Anh Dang
Tricia Dressel
Chris Durr
Rudy Flesher
Amber Hikes
Adam Hymans
Mandeep Jangi
Robert Lenahan
Paul Steinke
Leona Thomas
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
The William Way LGBT Community Center is a not-for-progit, 501(c)3 organization
serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communites of Greater Philadelphia.
* Indicates a new program
4
ONGOING
Art Gallery: Trans|Post with special solo
exhibitions by Annie Mok and Ketch Wehr
On view in the gallery: November 14 -
December 26, 2014
Opening Reception: Friday, November 14, 6-8pm
Join the Art Gallery Committee for a dynamic
show exhibiting works from the Trans*/Gender
Non-Conforming/Gender Queer community.
Through Trans|Post individuals were invited to
put their hearts, minds, and visions to paper
for display in the Centers annual postcard
exhibition. This wonderful collection will be
displayed alongside two phenominal artists,
Annie Mok and Ketch Wehr who will display
a small collection of their current works. Mok
studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and
Design and lives in West Philadelphia. The
Leeway Foundation awarded her a 2013 Art and
Change Grant. She makes comics both solo, and
collaboratively with artists such as Emily Carroll
and Dawson Walker. Her client list includes Seven
Stories Press, DC/Vertigo, and the Red Umbrella
Project, and American Illustration selected her
work for its Archive in 2012 and 2013. Wehr will
exhibit works from his series Split + Growing
which is a new, highly personal exhibit of work
from this transfeminist painter and illustrator.
Primarily illustrative gouache paintings, Wehrs
show explores his personal understanding of
his gender and queerness from an early age
through the lens of synesthesia. Synesthesia is
a condition which, in his case, lends colors and
avors to all letters and words that he perceives.
Please join the artists for the opening night
reception by RSVPing to cthompson@waygay.org
or 215-732-2220.
03 NOVEMBER
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and
condential)
Monday, November 3, 17, 3-6 pm
The William Way Community Center is partnering
with BEBASHI, founded in 1985 in response
to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the
African American communities 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.
04 NOVEMBER
SAGEWorks Introduction
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 (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 training courses. This introduction will
provide you with information about the program
and how you can become involved. Registration
required. Take the rst step and Register at http://
sage.business-access.com/sage. Once you
register online please call the Center to attend
one of our introduction sessions. For more
information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at
215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org
05 NOVEMBER
Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, November 5, 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.
07 NOVEMBER
Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft
Friday, November 7, 21, 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.
13 NOVEMBER
SAGEWorks Introduction
Thursday, Nov. 13, 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 training courses. This introduction will
provide you with information about the program
and how you can become involved. Registration
required. Take the rst step and Register at http://
sage.business-access.com/sage. Once you
register online please call the Center to attend
one of our introduction sessions. For more
information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at
215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org
14 NOVEMBER
Loft23 presents The Game Loft
Friday, November 14, 6-8 pm
(2nd and 4th Fridays) (no game group on
Nov. 28 due to the holiday weekend)
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.
15 NOVEMBER
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Saturday, November 15, 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, folded in half. The cards are then
picked randomly by the facilitator, 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.
RECURRI NG PROGRAMS
NOVEMBER AT A GLANCE
Bridge Club
Mondays, 2 pm
Party bridge for the experienced player.
Reservations required. Please call the Center
at 215-732-2220.
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.
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!
David Bohnett Cyber Center
Free WiFi in our lobby!
$1 per 15 minutes for WWCC computer use. 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.
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.
5
16 NOVEMBER
Out and Faithful Presents Congregation
Crawl: Arch Street Friends Meeting
Sunday, November 16, 10:30 am (4th and
Arch, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
Whether you are looking for a spiritual home or
are interested in experiencing spiritual traditions
and rituals other than your own, this is a great
way to tap into the local LGBTQ OUT and faithful
community! Each month we visit a different
congregation, this month we visit the Arch Street
Friends Meeting. From their web site We gather
in worshipful silence, intending to open ourselves
wholly to the Divine Spirit, which we believe is
within and beyond each person. Our worship
has no human leader and no planned program.
Sometimes no words are spoken; sometimes a
person is led to minister vocally. Each person
present contributes to the depth of worship we
reach as a group. The meeting is ended, usually
after about an hour, by shaking of hands initiated
by persons appointed to do so. See more at
their web site at http://www.archstreetfriends.
org/ The meeting will be followed by a brief tour
of the historic meeting house for our group by a
longtime member of the meeting. Please RSVP to
Candice at cthompson@waygay.org if you intend
to join us.
17 NOVEMBER
Volunteer Velada & Dinner
Tuesday, November 18, 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!
19 NOVEMBER
Book Club: Closer by Dennis Cooper
Wednesday, November 19, 7-8pm
In this brief novel, Coopers lyrical prose assaults
the senses. The rst of a ve-book cycle, this
novel has been described as a look at gay youth
that is disturbing, nightmarish, horric and
beautiful. While short in length, Closer makes a
lasting impression.The Book Club at the WWCC
meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month
at 7pm for a discussion on a variety of diverse,
LGBTQIA topics.
Womens Wednesdays: Craft Night!
Wednesday, November 19, 5:30 pm
Join us for an evening of crafting and gift making.
Well have crafting supplies to create bracelets
and earring sets for holiday gift giving. Or use
you talents to decorate mason jars or create
festive holiday ornaments. Dont forget to mark
your calendar for our 12/17/2014 Womens
Wednesdays holiday party and gift exchange.
Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural
program for women 50 and over. RSVP to Ed
Miller 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org for
more info.
20 NOVEMBER
International Transgender Day of
Remembrance: A Time for Reection, Trans
Progression and Community Connection,
Thursday, November 20, 7 pm
Please join us for the International Transgender
Day of Remembrance. We honor this day
with a multi-faith, multi cultural, and spiritual
memorial experience for those we have lost due
to Transphobia and violence. Come join us in
remembering, celebrating and networking. All are
Welcome. Refreshments with be served.
22 NOVEMBER
Queer Writers Collective
Saturday, November 22, 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) 732-2220 or
info@waygay.org. Free.
A State of Young Philly Event: Were
Here, Were Queer, Were Used to it: A
Conversation About the Future of LGBT
Spaces
Saturday, November 22, 12-1:30 pm
With marriage equality winning one victory after
another and President Obamas Executive Order
on non-discrimination for LGBT employees of
federal contractors, we are closer than ever to
LGBT civil equality. Simultaneously, we are
seeing shifting priorities from LGBT non-prots,
and the loss of spaces such as Sisters and the
Giovannis Room bookstore. This event seeks
to get the pulse of young LGBT people and nd
out what their needs are (and arent) as our
community continues to evolve. Register online
at http://the-william-way-lgbt-community-center.
ticketleap.com/queerspaces/
23 NOVEMBER
Silver Foxes
Sunday, November 23, 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.
27 NOVEMBER
Holiday Potluck
Thursday, November 27, 3 - 5 pm
Join us for the 10th annual Thanksgiving Day
Potluck Dinner. Get to know some new people
and enjoy some great food. The cost of admission
is simply bringing part of the meal to share
with everyone. Something-for-everyone is the
avor choice, be it a turkey, dessert, vegan, or
vegetarian dish. Please RSVP to 215-732-2220
and indicate what item you plan to bring to the
potluck.
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. 215-732-
TALK (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.
Rainbow Buddhist Meditation
Sundays, 4-5 pm
This free group is for both practicing
Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism
and includes both a discussion and
meditation.
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!
TransWay (Free)
Thursdays, 7-9 pm
A weekly social group for the transgender and
gender nonconforming community.
6
Florence Gray/John McConnell: A Gender Variant Story of the 1920s
This month, we go all the way back to the Philadelphia of 1922 to
salute early 20th century trans person, Florence Gray. 21 year old
Florence drove a team of work horses, won a professional boxing
match, led a street gang, performed a high wire act and won the
love of three girlswhile dressed in male clothing and identied as
John McConnell. Florence was following a long tradition of passing
women in Philadelphia, who lived, dressed and often identied as
men.
Florence told how as a child in Ohio, she was raised by her grandfather
who let her dress as a boy. She could swim and ght like a boy and
was fascinated by machinery. When the pair moved to Philadelphia,
she assumed the identity of John McConnell. McConnell was known
to swing a mean st, and sported a tattoo that read J. McC. John
became the leader of a rough street gang when they dared him to
swim the Delaware River from Philadelphia to New Jersey and back.
John did ittwicecoming out as fresh as a daisy, earning their
respect and the nickname Battlin Jack.
Jack was only forced to reveal his biological identity when he was
dragged into court and accused of fathering a child. Not guilty, your
honor! said Jack, because I am a girl.
Later, Florence stated I tried to conduct myself as a gentleman
should, and the girls appreciated it. I never used intoxicating liquors,
but I smoked and I swore. I made a rather good looking boy, better
looking than I am as a girl and they fell for me. Jack had courted and
become engaged to Lettie Harrison, also 21, of Green St., who was
disappointed to nd out that Jack was a girl.
Florence/Jack is on the left and Lettie is on the right in this photo that
appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer in the fall of 1922. Visit the John
J. Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way Center to learn more about
the history of gender variance in Philadelphia.
- Bob Skiba
THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY
Chris Bartlett got dunked for a good cause at the
Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party, September 27th
Staff and volunteers tabling at OutFest!
Credit: Freedom G Photography
MorningsOut Second Annual Franklin Bridge
Walk, September 23rd
MorningsOut at the PCA Senior Strut, October 7th
7
The concert underscored Strayhorns
inuence on jazz artists and as a gay icon
to this generation of GLBTQ performers.
The concert featured new jazz artists, and
established stars like premier trumpeter Terrell
Stafford, Broadway star Ty Stephens, who
sang in the original cast of Sophisticated
Ladies, legendary pianist Raymond A. King
(doing a brilliant Strayhorn improv) and blue
re guitarist Monette Sudler. - Hufngton Post
This was her Money Jungle project, an
ode to Ellington, Max Roach and Charles
Mingus project by the same name from
1962. When the groove of the title track
came in, carried primarily by that badass
bassist, it hit like a ton of bricks. It gives
me notes of Medeski, Martin and Wood, an
acid jazz trio I worshipped in my early 20s.
So damn funky. - Philadelphia Weekly Re:
Terri Lyne Carringtons performance at Chris
Jazz Caf:
Bill Stewart of the Bill Stewart Quartet performs at
the OutBeat concert at the Painted Bride. Photo
credit: Sammy Munsch
Local jazz artists, Dena Underwood and Jaye
Sanders, kick off OutBeat in style at the Opening
Reception. Photo credit: Sammy Munsch
6-time Grammy nominee, Fred Hersch, delights a full house at
the PMAs Art After 5 series. Photo credit: Ryan Collerd
OutBeat partners with the Philadelphia Jazz Project to produce
Lush Life, a moving tribute to Billy Strayhorn.
Photo credit: Ryan Collerd
From Strayhorn to Cecil: Jazz Innovation in
America featuring David Hajdu, John Szwed, and
Orrin Evans in conversation with Jazztimes John
Murph. Photo credit: Sammy Munsch
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