awarded the William Way LGBT Community Center $333,277 to secure, expand, and enhance the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives. This awardthe largest private grant ever received by the Center during its 38 year historyis going to ensure that what many consider the Centers most prized treasure remains safe for many generations to come. Thanks to the project support provided by the William Penn Foundation, by September 30, 2017, the Archives will be expertly preserved, secured, and accessible to those wishing to study the collection. In addition, a preservation maintenance plan will be created and put in place for long-term viability of the collections. Specically, the Center will double the physical space of the Archives, located on the 3rd oor, by expanding into what is now the senior management teams ofce suite. Included in the rebuild will be a state-of-the-art research center, which will be open more regularly for researchers, archivists, students, history acionados, and general visitors. The Center will also install a dedicated HVAC system, an environmental monitoring system, new lighting, and black-out window coverings to prevent any damage to the collections. All materials will be restored in acid-free boxes and sleeves, and PastPerfectthe best collections and content management software on the marketwill be purchased and used by Archivist, Bob Skiba, to catalog existing and new materials and artifacts. The Center would like to thank the William Penn Foundation as well as the staff at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), who conducted a thorough assessment of the Archives and made recommendations to ensure its viability, which in turn served to enhance our proposal for funding. We look forward to working with CCAHA to complete this exciting project. The John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives at the William Way Community Center are a true treasure trove of LGBT history for the City of Philadelphia, the region, and the United States. The William Penn Foundations investment of over $333,000 in the archives will allow us to update our systems so these priceless materials will be available and useful for many generations to come, said Chris Bartlett, Executive Director of the Center. ARCHIVES RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION The William Way LGBT Community Center | 1315 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | www.waygay.org | (215) 732-2220 | info@waygay.org 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. 1 Archives Receives Support from the William Penn Foundation 2 Greetings from the Executive Director 3 June Calendar 4 June At A Glance 6 This Month in LGBT History 6 Around The Center 7 Center Announces September 2014 Dates for OutBeat: Americas First Queer Jazz Festival 7 Homecoming at Our 2nd Home THIS ISSUE JUN 2014 Centers John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives soon to receive major face lift. Photo credit: Scott Drake 2 Dear friends, On Saturday, June 7th at 7:00 PM I invite you to join me and many other friends of the William Way LGBT Community Center for HOMECOMING, our annual celebration of William Way as the central home for everyone in our communities. Were very happy this year to host HOMECOMING at the brand new John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th Street. Well be throwing the party in the gorgeous Anderson Courtyardthe largest enclosed courtyard and garden in Center City Philadelphia. This will be an opportunity for you to see the inside of the beautiful Anderson Apartments complex, celebrate and support William Way, and commit to the wellbeing of our LGBTQ seniors. The delicious food will be provided by Giorgio on Pine, and as usual there will be an open wine and beer bar for the festivities. Please mark your calendar now to join us on Saturday, June 7th for HOMECOMING 2014. You will probably have already read the cover story with our terric news about the three year $333, 277 grant from the William Penn Foundation that will allow us to completely renovate our John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives. The archives are in my mind the great treasure of the community center. They contain our history, our dreams, and so many important stories about the growth of LGBT communities in Philadelphia and nationwide. With this generous William Penn grant, we will be able to bring 21st century technology to bear on the archives to make sure that they are appropriately preserved for the use of current generations and many generations to follow. We will be expanding the archives space in order to create more space for visitors; well update all of the HVAC systems to insure appropriate humidity control; and the collections will be carefully archived and boxed in acid-free containers so that the materials will be safe for future use. Many thanks to Olive Moser, Fred Haas, and our other friends at the William Penn Foundation for their support of our important archives. City Halls Conversation Hall never looked so beautiful as it did on Wednesday, May 7th for the Press Conference announcing William Ways historical OutBeat Jazz Festival, which will take place in Philadelphia from September 18-21, 2014. In my comments, I noted that this festival is the rst time ever in the United States that a jazz festival has focused on the contributions of its LGBT artists. We are truly thrilled to have world- renowned performers such as Andy Bey, Fred Hersch and Patricia Barber. The media coverage following the press conference was terricwith articles in the New York Times as well as the major jazz and LGBT periodicals. You may have heard me interviewed on WHYY, KYW, and WCAU. We were thrilled to get the word out so effectively, and I hope that youll join us in September for this truly historical event. Jazz is a universal artbut Outbeat will show the powerful impact that LGBT composers, arrangers, and performers have had on the artand were thrilled to be hosting this rst-of-its-kind celebration. Many thanks to two key groups in Philadelphias leather communityPhiladelphia Leather Pride and the Philadelphians MC for contributing over $8,000 to support the reconstruction of the marble entryway to the Center. Were so grateful when community groups step up to support the Centerand were especially grateful to Cowboy Jen Vrana and Mike & Jim Kiley-Zufelt for their leadership in bringing so many resources to the Center over the years. Congratulations to three prominent transgender Philadelphians, A. Dionne Stallworth, Charlene Arcila, and Chris Paige for winning the Trans100 awardwhich celebrates major national leaders in the transgender movement. The award sponsored by GLAAD and Lambda Legal, is a great distinction, and its a huge honor for Philadelphia to have three winners this year. Congratulations again to Dionne, Charlene and Chris. You can tell were doing so much at William Way Homecoming, to Jazz, to rebuilding the archives, to renovating the entrance stairway. Please consider a gift this month to help us with all of this important work. Were grateful for your support! With my great appreciation, Chris Bartlett Executive Director STAFF 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 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 GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 3 JUNE CALENDAR 4 ANNOUNCEMENT Out and Faithful Presents Congregation Crawl: On hiatus for the summer! But dont worry, our popular church shopping event will return in the Fall with a robust selection of welcoming congregations to choose from. 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!
ONGOING Art Gallery: 9th Annual Juried Art Exhibit On view in the gallery: May 9 June 27 Opening Reception: Friday, May 9, 6-8 pm The juried art competition brings together LGBTQ artists to exhibit works in the William Way Art Gallery. Out of dozens of submissions, the show was narrowed down to works that will be exhibited in a show celebrating the creative vision and passions of the LGBTQ community. Please join us for the opening reception with the artists. FREE. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: 15th Anniversary of Philly Dyke March On view: May 8 August 29, 2014 Opening Reception: Thursday, May 8, 6-8pm Rich in history throughout the country but especially in Philadelphia, dyke marches are our protest in response to the corporate, traditionally male-dominated Pride events. Year after year, the Philadelphia dyke march (PDM) brings together hundreds of self-identied dykes and allies, nurturing a beautifully diverse, empowering, and dyke- positive space. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we cannot help but reect with deepest gratitude to our community, respect for those who organized and marched before us, and pride for how far weve come. Our radical, grassroots history on display this summer will include photographs from past marches, newspaper articles, video footage, signs, banners, memorabilia, and more. Check out our history, and then join us as we take to the streets on June 7, 2014. 02 JUNE HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and condential) Monday, June 2, 16, 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. 04 JUNE Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, June 4, 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. 06 JUNE Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft Friday, June 6, 20, 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. 07 JUNE Homecoming Saturday, June 7, 7 10 pm @The Courtyard of the John C. Anderson Residences (249 South 13th Street) Join us at the beautiful Courtyard of the John C. Anderson Residences for an enchanted garden party to support your community center and our new senior neighbors around the corner. Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner catered by Giorgio on Pine, open wine and beer bar, specialty cocktails, live entertainment, Phillys favorite silent auction, and the crowning of the 2014 Homecoming Court. $50 General Admission, $35 Student, Senior, or Sober, $500 Homecoming Host. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ wwcchomecoming2014 or contact Michael at 215-732-2220 to purchase tickets or become a host. 10 JUNE SAGEWorks Introduction Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 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 trainer courses. This introduction will provide you with information about the program and how you can become involved. Registration RECURRI NG PROGRAMS JUNE 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 required. For more information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org 13 JUNE Loft23 presents The Game Loft Friday, June 13, 27, 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. 17 JUNE Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, June 17, 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! 18 JUNE Book Club: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith Wednesday, June 18, 7-8 pm The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. In the rst novel in the Ripley series, we get to know the charming Mr. Ripley, a sociopath that will seduce readers into empathizing with him. In the following, stimulating discussion, well explore the characters sexuality as well as bisexual stereotypes and tropes in ction. Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm for a discussion on a variety of diverse, LGBTQIA topics. For more information, contact 215-732-2220. Womens Wednesdays: Movie Night! American Hustle Wednesday, June 18, 5:30 pm 2013 Academy Award Best Picture Starring Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. A ctional lm set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural program for women 50 and over. 21 JUNE A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, June 21, 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. 22 JUNE Silver Foxes Sunday, June 22, 2-4 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. 26 JUNE SAGEWorks Introduction Thursday, June 26, 12 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 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 28 JUNE Queer Writers Collective Saturday, June 28, 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. 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, 3-4:30 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 JUNE, 1972: PHILADELPHIAS COMING OUT PARTY Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love. Sunday, June 11th. The blue sky ecked by only a few small clouds. A perfect day for an outdoor celebration - for a parade - for dancing, singing and laughing in the streets. A gay day indeed! - Lige Clark and Jack Nichols in their New York based newspaper, Gay, July, 1972 In 1972, two years after Philadelphians had participated in the rst Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade in New York, local political groups, including the Gay Activists Alliance, Radica lesbians and the Homophile Action League, formed the citys rst Gay Pride Committee. About noon, on June 11th, several thousand people assembled around a large stage that had been erected in Rittenhouse Square. They cheered as Barbara Gittings, in her graceful, articulate voice, spoke about bar raids, psychiatric mumbo-jumbo and societys injustices against gays. Barbaras partner, Kay Tobin Lahusin, stood nearby on the stage, snapping pictures to record the event. As Barbara nished, Jerry Curtis strode onto the stage, approached the mic and declared the day to be Philadelphias Coming Out Party, where everybody was welcome. More cheers. A few more inspirational speakers and songs, then the parade began - Philadelphias rst Gay Pride parade. The crowd headed north one block, then turned right onto Chestnut Street, their numbers stretching over several blocks as they then marched past the crowded sidewalks east toward Independence Hall. As the parade crossed Sixth Street, they poured onto the same spot in front of Independence Hall where only seven years before, gay men in suits and lesbians in skirts had rst picketed courageously for equal treatment for homosexual Americans. Now young people wearing tank tops, jeans, long hair and beards carried signs that read Gay Power and Freedom for Faggots. A rock band played and men danced with men and women danced with women. The clothes and the attitude had changed dramatically since 1965, but the message was the same: gay Philadelphians were demanding equality. THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY AROUND THE CENTER Dyke March 15th Anniversary exhibit, opening night May 8th Center volunteer Sharron Cooks gives OutBeat a thumbs up! The Centers LGBT library is looking good! Photo credit: Logan Longfeather 7 CENTER ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER 2014 DATES FOR OUTBEAT: AMERICAS FIRST QUEER JAZZ FESTIVAL The William Way LGBT Community Center, with generous support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, is proud to announce OutBeat: Americas First Queer Jazz Festival, set to take place on the nal days of summer Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21. Sure to be a groundbreaking event in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia will play host to a number of critically acclaimed jazz artists across a broad musical spectrum including: Andy Bey, Grammy Award-winning pianist Fred Hersch, Patricia Barber Quartet and drummer Bill Stewart. Additional headliners and further details will be announced throughout the spring. More at: http://www.outbeatjazzfest.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/outbeatjazzfest Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/outbeatjazzfest Twitter: #OutBeat
OutBeat, the rst LGBT jazz festival ever produced in the United States, will include events ranging from public discussions hosted by JazzTimes to intimate performances, to special receptions with the artists, and historic concerts in a variety of spaces. Festival sites will include the William Way LGBT Community Center, The Painted Bride Art Center, and Chris Jazz Caf as well as participation in the Philadelphia Museum of Arts popular Art After 5 series.
Additionally, Union Transfer which Rolling Stone cited as one of the Top 20 Venues in America will be the culminating site for the celebratory daylong closing event featuring numerous headliners. The popular Northern Liberties venue will be transformed into a festival setting with Spring Garden Street blocked off to host Phillys nest food carts, crafters, local musicians, and other merchants. Vendors, surprises and special guests performing in multiple spaces will make this closing day especially memorable.
The festival will serve as the nale for the William Way LGBT Community Centers annual music series and highlight the intersection between sexual orientation and gender identity within the jazz community. OutBeat will feature a vibrant and eclectic mix of world-renowned jazz musicians brought together for a series of once-in-a-lifetime performances and panel discussions. HOMECOMING AT OUR 2ND HOME For the past three years, HomecomingWilliam Ways summer celebration and variety showhas taken place at the Center. Were changing it up this year and taking Homecoming on the roadwell, just down the block. To celebrate our partnership with the John C. Anderson (JCA) Residences the regions rst LGBT-friendly senior living facilitythe Center will be hosting Homecoming in JCAs beautiful, blooming private courtyard (249 S. 13th Street). The event will take place Saturday, June 7, the evening before Philly Pride, and will run from 7:00 10:00 P.M. Please join us for an enchanted garden party, with all proceeds beneting the William Way LGBT Community Center and programs that serve JCA residents. Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner catered by Giorgio on Pine, open wine and beer bar, specialty cocktails, live entertainment, Phillys favorite silent auction, and the crowning of the 2014 Homecoming Court, comprised of some of Phillys nest activists, entertainers, and business leaders: Jasper Liem, Elizabeth Coffey Williams, Jeff Shablin, Lascivious Jane AKA Heather Coutts, Meg Rider, and Eric Ashton. Space is limited, so please buy your tickets today at www.tinyurl.com/ wwcchomecoming2014. $50 general admission tickets and $35 for students and seniors. For $500, you can be a member of the Homecoming Host Committee, a cadre of generous individuals that offset the costs associated with the event so that everyone from our community can participate. Hosts receive two tickets to the event and preceding VIP reception, gift bags, and recognition from the stage and on all promotional materials. Contact Michael at 215-732- 2220 or mpomante@waygay. org for more information. See you on June 7th at our home away from home. Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year T A B T A B T A B The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411 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. t/a @waygay williamwaycc williamway info@waygay.org CONNECT WITH US: RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED