Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2013
waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter
THIS ISSUE
1 In Visible Skin explores trans* identity through portraiture 2 Greetings from the Executive Director 3 May Calendar 4 May at a Glance 6 This month in LGBT history 6 Around the center 7 3rd Annual Homecoming Celebration 7 Prove Theres Strength in Numbers on Give OUT Day
The William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.waygay.org (215) 732-2220 info@waygay.org
Staff
Avis Albaladejo, Facilities Coordinator Chris Bartlett, Executive Director Paul Blore, Executive Assistant Eric Bunting, Facilities Assistant Andrea Childs, Front Desk Coordinator Jim Crouch, Maintenance Technician Chris Hart, Facilities Assistant Ed Miller, Senior Programs Coordinator Michael Pomante, Development Director Steve Serafin, Peer Counseling Coordinator Marshall Siegel, Receptionist Candice Thompson, Director of Center Services
Board of Directors
Officers Jeff Sotland, Esq., Co-Chair Laurie Ward, Co-Chair Steve Brando, Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
Jocelyn Block David Cermak Anh Dang Tricia Dressel Chris Durr Rudy Flesher Amber Hikes Adam Hymans Kim Keegan Leon A. King, II, Esq. Kathy McLean Brad Richards Leona Thomas
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.
2
MAY CALENDAR
MAY AT A GLANCE
AIDS Quilt Songbook Saturday, May 11, 7 pm $75 - VIP (Concert plus Reception with artists), $25 Concert only, $15 - Student/ Senior Originally performed at Lincoln Center in 1992, the AIDS Quilt Songbook is the Classical Music worlds response to the AIDS crisis. Contemporary poetry set to music, it is an ever-changing work, with new pieces and new meaning being added with every production. This rendition include six compositions by Phila.- and NYC-based composers being premiered at William Way, with poetry readings performed by Sonia Sanchez, the first poet laureate of Philadelphia, and by the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement. VIP ticketholders have the rare opportunity to mingle with the composers and singers in a post-show reception at the soon-to-open Pennsylvania 6 (114 South 12th Street); includes open beer and wine bar and hors doeuvres. Supported by Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Music Project. Tickets at www.waygay.org or 215-732-2220. Art Gallery: Emily Smith Satis: In Visible Skin On view in the gallery: May 10 June 28 Opening Reception: Friday, May 10, 6-8 pm Please join the art gallery committee of the Center as we celebrate the opening of Emily Smith Satis watercolor series, In Visible Skin: Portraits of Transgender Philadelphia. The project started in 2011 when Satis began to have conversations about gender identity and variance and from it emerged a series of beautiful portraits each with a meaningful story to tell. This wine and cheese reception is free and open to the public and is a great opportunity to hear from the artist about her work. Big Queer Book Sale Sunday, May 12, 12- 4 pm Come and help the Center clear out some of its Library overflow by buying a bag of books, your choice! Hundreds of current titles including everything from Sedaris to Audre Lorde. Works of fiction, 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 overflow items from the Archives will also be available for purchase, vintage magazines, magnets, buttons, etc. BiUnity Friday, May 10, 7 pm (Second Fridays of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. Free. Book Club: Passing for Black by Linda Villarosa Wednesday, May 15, 7-8 pm (Third Wednesdays of the month) Passing for Black is set in the volatile minefield where race and sexual identity collide. It is a sexy, fast-paced urban novel about Angela Wright, a young black magazine writer who throws her orderly life into chaos when she begins a passionate affair with a woman and not just any woman: Her undercover lover, Professor Caitlin Getty, is the provocative Humanities Department nemesis of Angelas fianc, Keith Redfield, a university professor of African-American studies. Boldly probing issues of race, desire, sexuality, family, friendship, religionand hair through seductive storytelling and witty observation, Passing for Black follows Angela as she zigzags between two worlds, but somehow finds a place to be herself. Guys Night Out: First Friday Art Gallery Crawl Friday, May 3, 5:30 pm Its the return of theFirstFridayArt Gallery Crawl in Old City, with 40+ participating galleries!We will meet at the Center at 5:30pm and then walk to Old City (approx. 2 miles), wandering from one art gallery opening to the next.RSVP to cfreeman@ waygay.orgor215-7322220.This diverse group of GBTmenmeets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Sexo On view: April 12 June 12, 2013 The SEXO exhibit blends bathhouse, bedroom, back alley and forum into a threedimensional environment where people ask questions, speak out and create new conversations about sexual realities in their communities. Inspired by a controversial campaigned launched by GALAEI in 1992, the SEXO exhibit, 21 years later, is now the commencement for an ongoing social movement about sex-positivity and community health. SEXO creates conversations and awareness. SEXO creates community and comfort. SEXO creates sex and love. Project Coordinators: Peter Lien, Elicia Gonzales, Rich Wilson, Didier Garcia, Jordan Rockford, Steven Alvarez, and Aaron Stella. Out and Faithful Presents: The Equality Forum Shabbat hosted by Beth Ahavah Friday, May 3, 7:30 pm (the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Phila. PA) Are you looking for a faith community? So are we! Come church shop with your friends by joining Crystal and Candice for our monthly Congregation Crawl. This month, we will join Congregation Beth Ahavah as they present the Equality Forum Shabbat at the Center featuring guest speaker, Stuart Kurlander, President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, D.C. Congregation Beth Ahavah serves Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valleys GLBT Jewish community and welcomes people of all gender and sexual identities. Since 1975, theyve been committed to providing a comfortable place for people of all sexual orientations and religious affiliations to experience Judaism. Please RSVP to Candice atcthompson@ waygay.org A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, May 18, 4-7 pm This guided discussion on all issues which impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women will provide an opportunity to address a variety of topics including but not limited to sexuality, role playing, politics, relationships, etc No subject is off limits! Each question will be written on a 3 by 5 index card and folded in half and cards will be picked randomly by the co-facilitators, Trina Dorman and Yvette Lassiter, MSW, and read to the group at large. FREE. RSVP is required to info@waygay.org or 215-732-2220 as space is limited. PhilaVentures: Cobbs Creek Bike Ride Sunday, May 19, 10 am Get back in shape with this easy bike ride through a largely underused bike path in historic Cobbs Creek. Join us for a leisurely bike ride through the Western most boundary of West Philadelphia along the Cobbs Creek Recreation Path. We will meet at the Laura Sims Skate House at 63rd and Walnut Street and discover one of the best kept secrets in town. For more details, please contact Candice at 215-7322220 or cthompson@waygay. org. RSVP requested. (approx. 7 miles)
On Saturday, April 6, children and adults had a blast at Family Fun Day with Philadelphia Family Pride, Camp Highlight, and the William Way staff.
Queer Writers Collective Saturday, May 25, 4-6 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. SageWorks Introduction Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 pm & Thursday, May 23, 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 Silver Foxes Sunday, May 26, 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, May 1, 7:30 pm Volunteer Orientation is a monthly information session for new volunteers to learn about the Center and the various ways to get involved. Call (215) 732-2220 to register. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, May 21, 7 pm (Every 3rd Tuesday of the month) Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. Its a big job and we need your help! Womens Wednesdays: Kitchen Table Chat Wednesday, May 15, 5:30-7:30 pm Please join us this month for a good old fashioned kitchen table chat. Come share whats on your mind. We can also discuss plans for upcoming Pride events, the recent marriage equality hearings. Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural group for lesbian and transgender women 50+. Light refreshments are served.
RECURRING PROGRAMS
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, 4 pm This is an inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game. 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 - 6 pm, Sun 12 - 6 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. 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. Peer Counseling Mon - Fri, 6 pm - 9 pm One-to-one confidential 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 confidential 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, 5 pm This free group is for both practicing Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism and includes both a discussion and meditation. Rapid HIV Testing (Free) Mondays, 4 - 7 pm Walk-in confidential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 3045 minutes. Results provided during the appointment. 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 benefits including: lowering blood pressure; reducing leg, neck and back pain, etc. All ages and all fitness levels are welcome! TransWay (Free) Thursdays, 7-9pm A weekly social group for the transgender and gender nonconforming community.
The 8th Annual Juried Art Exhibit brought a packed house out for its opening reception on March 15th. An exhibit is in the works for 2014 featuring pieces from the shows winners, Thom Duffy, Gina Giles, and Lance Pawling.
On April 2nd, Executive Assistant Paul Blore welcomed a group of 25 Intercultural Communications students from his alma mater, Juniata College, for a tour of the Center.
Tobin Rothlein and Amanda Miller of Miller Rothlein/MIRO recall subjects of Vuths photos whom they met when the company was working in Cambodia. See May at a Glance for details on the exhibit and related programs.
Remembering people in Lynos photos they met when MIRO was working in Cambodia.
Anna Aagnes is the Executive Director of GO! Athletes, the nations first outreach, support, educational, advocacy and leadership organization for LGBTQ studentathletes. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Penn and received the 2010 LGBT Alumni Association Award. Anna is the District Office Director for PA State Rep Brian Sims and is responsible for managing the offices constituent services, outreach, event planning, and community engagement. She advocates on behalf of LGBTQ homeless and runaway youth through the Connect to Protect and is a vocal advocate for the HIV+ community. Crystal Cheatham is a writer, educator and the Executive Director of the Identity Kit Project, which works to engage and teach youth and young adults the skill of civic dialogue on topics at the intersection of sexuality and religious identity. The Project achieves this through live workshops as well as distribution of ID Kits, sent to youth across the nation as a free tool to guide them through coming out in religious spaces. She continues to teach at The Attic Youth Center, and she was also a 2012 Equality Rider with Soulforce. Sharron L. Cooks is an activist and advocate for the LGBTQ community. At the Center, Sharron wears many important hats, including front desk volunteer, TransWay facilitator, and IndiGoGo Committee member. In 2012, Sharrons appeal video, which was featured at Indigo Ball, inspired hundreds of people to contribute to the Center. Sharron is an Honors Student at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she founded and serves as President of the Gay-Straight Alliance. Sharron has helped to plan the Trans-Health Conference and facilitated a Trans Support Group at The Attic. Samantha Giusti became the Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund in December 2012, with the distinction of being both the youngest person and the first female to hold that position. Prior to taking the position, Sams community involvement included spearheading Stimulus Productions Stimulus Gives Back program, volunteering for Galaeis Alternative Prom, and serving as co-chair of William Ways Resource Development committee. She continues to volunteer her time as an organizer of the Philadelphia Dyke March and as a member of the Allies Caucus of the Elements Organization. Jennifer Leary is a firefighter and founder of the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, which has responded to over 300 incidents and assisted hundreds of animals in six counties, with emergency transport and veterinarian care, temporary foster services, and ongoing medical care. Jennifer is part of the Emergency Services Leadership Committee for the American Red Cross SEPA Chapter and was just elected onto the City of Philadelphias Animal Advisory Committee. Jennifers twin sister, Marion, is a critical care and emergency medicine nurse researcher and the assistant director of clinical research for the Center for Resuscitation Science at Penn. Prior to graduating from Thomas Jefferson University, Marion worked and volunteered for a variety of AIDS service organizations. In 2011, Marion founded Sink or Swim Philadelphia to help uninsured and underinsured people pay for medical expenses using social networking and medical crowd-funding. Sink or Swim has raised over $30,000 for 17 recipients. Bob Skiba has been a tour guide in Philadelphia for over 13 years. Hes the president of theAssociation of Philadelphia Tour Guidesand serves on the Education and Museum Committee atElfreths Alleyand the Advisory Committee forDance USA Philadelphia. Since 2006, Bob has been the volunteer archivist at theCenter, dedicating dozens of hours every week to one of our communitys priceless treasures. He has given many lectures and produced exhibits about Philadelphias gay history. Recently, he was honored with the Founders Award from Men of All Colors Together.
Crystal Cheatham
Sharron L Cooks
Samantha Giusti
Jennifer Leary
Bob Skiba
t/a
The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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 AIDS Quilt Songbook on Saturday, May 11 features 6 World Premiere Songs and a reading by Sonia Sanchez, Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, followed by a VIP reception with the composers and performers. More info on Page 4. Tickets: www.waygay.org or 215-732-2220.
Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year
TAB
TAB
TAB