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WayGay - December 2012
WayGay - December 2012
DEC
2012
waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter
On J a n u a r y 1 2 , t w o a c c l a i m e d musicians return to the Center. Internationally reno w n p i a n i s t C h i n g -Yu n H u and Philadelphia Orchestra violist Judy Geist will play t h e w o r k s o f P h i l a d e l p h i a-based composer Jennifer Higdon , who will also be in a t t e n d a n c e . Ti c k e t s a v a ilable soon. Made possible with support from the Pew C e n t e r f o r A r t s & H e r i t a g e through the Philadelphia Music Project.
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411
P.2 Greetings from the Executive Director TAB P.3 December Calendar P.4 December at a Glance P.6 Around the Center This Month in LGBT History P.7 Tony Pinto, 1965-2012 A Future For Our History
The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
September brought us the first in a series of Congregation Crawls, a program developed by the Centers Out and Faithful Committee, for participants to visit and explore welcoming and inclusive churches, synagogues and other houses of worship. October and November were jam-packed! Indigo Ball 2012, held at the Franklin Institute, was a huge success. With 300 people in attendance, the evening was described by many as the best Indigo Ball ever. The Center also hosted Queer Fear Cabaret, the first in a series of music performances funded by Pews Philadelphia Music Project. Tony Award nominated Justin Vivian Bond took the stage with the Bearded Ladies Cabaret to delight the sell-out crowd with story, song, and a gender-bending ray gun!
TAB TAB
And this month, in partnership with Finding Shelter, were delighted to bring you Whisker Wonderland, a pet resource fair and adoption event. These incredible programs are only a snapshot of the hundreds of activities the Center hosts every year. From Peer Counseling to Way Gay U, we provide over 70 programs a month that serve the regions LGBT community. And we couldnt do any of it without youour friends, donors, and volunteers. From all of us, thank you for your ongoing and unwavering support of the Center and our vibrant and diverse community. As 2012 comes to a close, please continue to be generous as this article is a testament to how much good can be done when people work together.
To be placed on the Centers discreet mailing list or for more information about this option, please contact us at (215)732-2220 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.
The William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.waygay.org (215) 732-2220 [email protected]
In July and August, the Center hosted Crawl Space, an art exhibit featuring works by youth from The Attic Youth Center. We also partnered with LocalArtsLive to bring three drastically different classical music ensemblesBeta Test Music, Murmuration, and The Laughing Birdtogether for one evening of avantgarde entertainment.
STAFF
Avis Albaladejo, Facilities Coordinator Chris Bartlett, Executive Director Paul Blore, Executive Assistant Eric Bunting, Facilities Assistant Andrea Childs, Front Desk Coordinator Phil Cochetti, Bookkeeper 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 Stephanie Gross, Co-Chair Jeff Sotland, Esq., Co-Chair Ann Butchart, Treasurer Steve Brando, Secretary
Board Members
Jocelyn Block Tricia Dressel Rudy Flesher Ted Greenberg, Esq. Moira Mulroney Hatch Amber Hikes Adam Hymans Leon A. King, II, Esq. Kathy McLean Brad Richards Jeff Sotland Laurie Ward
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.
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DECEMBER CALENDAR
Artist Tuesday Smillie with Emmett Ramstad, a William Way volunteer who curated Tuesdays exhibit, Free Our Siblings Free Ourselves, and the accompanying exhibit, Trans | Post. (Credit: Kjerstin Rossi)
Tony Award nominee Mx. Justin Vivian Bond was a hit at Queer Fear Cabaret on Friday, October 26.
Rainbow flags flew high on a gorgeous, 65-degree day at Pride Day at the Philadelphia Zoo, on Sunday, November 11 6
The Broozers filled the Zoos Peacock Pavilion with music, while patrons socialized, took advantage of the free face-painting, and perused the LGBT Resource Fair. (Credit: Liz Reasey) 3
DECEMBER AT A GLANCE
Art Gallery: Tuesday Smillie: Free Our Siblings Free Ourselves Accompanied by a special exhibition: Trans | Post On view in the gallery: November 9 December 28, 2012 This November and December the William Way LGBT Community Centers Art Gallery will celebrate transgender and gender nonconforming community through two special exhibitions curated by Emmet Ramstead featuring the works of artist Tuesday Smillie in a solo exhibition entitled Free Our Siblings Free Ourselves and a community created postcard show featuring works from around the country called Trans | Post. FREE.
performed by students at Curtis, one of the worlds leading music conservatories. Well meet at William Way, leaving promptly at 7:30 for the Field Concert Hall (1726 Locust St). RSVP to pblore@ waygay.org or 215732-2220. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. Holiday Potluck Tuesday, December 25, 2-4 pm Join us for the 9th annual Holiday 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. Somethingfor-everyone is the flavor 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. LGBT Cancer Support Group Mon, December 3, RSVP for time 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. 6781 or ilana. [email protected] Out and Faithful Presents: Congregation Crawl: Church of the Holy Trinity Rittenhouse Sunday, December 2, 11 am (1904 Walnut 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 Congregation Crawl. This month, we will visit the kind folks at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square. The worship of God is at the very heart of our life together as a Church community. The Church of the Holy Trinity was founded as part of the historical low church movement, but it has embraced its current home in the broad center of the spectrum of Anglican worship. Its members take pride in continuing a long tradition of outreach and service, excellence in preaching, and support for music and the arts. RSVP is requested to Candice at cthompson@waygay. org or 215-732-2220. We will meet at 10:50am sharp outside of the entrance. For directions and info on parking, please visit http:// www.htrit.org/ A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, December 15, 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 [email protected] or 215-732-2220 as space is limited. Queer Writers Collective Saturday, December 22, 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, December 11, 6 pm 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
The Queer Fear Costume Shop, courtesy of Philly AIDS Thrift, and the Queer Fear Cabaret, featuring the Bearded Ladies (pictured) and Mx. Justin Vivian Bond, drew a packed house on Friday, October 26, kicking off Halloween weekend. (Credit: Elicia Gonzales) 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: A Special Invitation Tuesday, December 25, 2-4 pm (Every 4th Sunday of the month) This month the Silver Foxes are cordially invited attend the Centers Annual Holiday Potluck. To RSVP, please call the front desk at 215-732-2220 to let us know what you will be bringing to share! 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. Tai Chi Classes Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm (Dec 4, 11, 18) (no meeting Dec. 25) Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of mind-bodyspirit 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. For this pilot workshop, all ages and all fitness levels are welcome! Instructor, Zak Zaklad, PhD has been a practitioner of Tai Chi for 17 years and is affiliated with the Patience Tai Chi Association of New York City. FREE. Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, December 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. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, December 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! Way Gay U: Loving Openly: Navigating Open Relationships Successful open relationships can intensify and expand the boundaries of romantic and sexual love. Join us for a facilitated discussion that will include how to determine if loving openly is for you. If you already know you want to be open, come and learn some new and important communication skills. We will delve into strategies for battling the green eyed monster of jealousy, and describe different relationship models. Whether or not you are in an open relationship, you will leave this workshop with new ways to communicate openly with all your partners. Presented by Screwsmart, a sex education collaborative. ScrewSmart facilitates a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities. Tuesday, 7-9pm (December 4), $30 members/ $35 non-members, Min. registrants 3, Max. registrants 40, Registration Deadline: November 27. WeXist Sundays, December 9, 2-4 pm (no meeting Dec. 23) (Every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-tomale (FTM) transsexuals. Free. Whisker Wonderland: Pet Resource and Adoption Fair Saturday, December 8, 1-4 pm This event is for pet owners and those who aspire to be one! If youre looking to start or grow your pet family, Finding Shelter (www.findingshelter.org), an 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, and visit the Ask-a-Vet station or have your furry family portrait taken with Santa (yes, Santa is coming!). No matter what you are, you are welcome to enjoy light refreshments and the chance to win great raffle prizes! RSVP to [email protected] or 215-7322220. Women Against Abuse: Help Create Holiday Memories! Sat, December 15, 11 am3 pm The WWCC will host The Women Against Abuse Gift Drive which will happen at the Center. For women and children made homeless as a result of domestic violence, a gift to open for the holiday season is a simple reminder that we care! For more info and to learn about this gift drive, contact Megan at mslattery@womenagainstabuse. org Womens Wednesdays: Holiday White Elephant Wed, December 19, 5:30-7:30 pm Join us for this fun holiday party game. Look in a closet and find that crazy scarf you never wore or a piece of costume jewelry thats not your style. Anything goes, just wrap it up and come join in the fun. Please, only gifts valued at $10 or below. Well have holiday music and light refreshments. Womens Wednesdays is a senior social for women 50 and over. Light refreshments served.
Recurring Programs
Bridge Club (Free) Mondays, 2-5pm Party Bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Call (215) 732-2220 to RSVP. Chess Club (Free) Sundays, 4-6pm This is a new inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game. LGBT Age 50+ Rap Session Thursdays, 1-2pm This is a unique forum where people can discuss their feelings and experiences related to being LGBT and age 50 + in a casual, open and 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. Peer Counseling Monday - Friday, 6:00-9:00 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. 215732-TALK (8255). PhilaVentures Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of Each Month, 2pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT people who like fresh air and exercise. Some ups/downs and uneven paths. Meet at former Borders Books in Chestnut Hill. TransWay (Free) Thursdays, 7-9pm A weekly social group for the transgender and genderqueer community. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation (Free) Sundays, 5pm For Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism. Meditation and discussion. Rapid HIV Testing (Free) Mondays, 4-7pm Walk-in confidential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 30- 45 minutes. Results provided during the appointment.
Big Queer Book Sale Sunday, December 16, 124 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, January 11, 7 pm (2nd Fridays of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. Free. Book Club: Does this baby make me look straight? by Dan Bucatinsky Wednesday, December 19, 7-8 pm In 2005, Dan Bucatinsky and his partner, Don Roos, found themselves in an L.A. delivery room, decked out in disposable scrubs from shower cap to booties, to welcome their adopted baby girllaunching their frantic yet memorable adventures into fatherhood. Bucatinskys soulbaring and honest stories tap into that all-encompassing, and very human, hunger to be a parent and the life-changing and often ridiculous road to getting there. Guys Night Out: Curtis Institute of Music Recital Wed, December 12, 7:30pm Join the Guys for a FREE recital 4