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

org

APR

2015

Empowering people.
Building community.

THIS ISSUE
1 William Way Celebrates
40th Anniversary in 2015

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 Indigogo
7 The William Way LGBT
Community Center will
host its second annual
WayGay Womens
Field Day this May!

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.

WILLIAM WAY CELEBRATES

40TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2015
In the mid 1970s, when bold and visionary
leaders opened the first Gay Community Center
of Philadelphia at its early location on Kater
Street in Society Hill, those leaders could not
have imagined a building owned outright by the
community and conducting programs 365 days
a year. But their vision and boldness set the
foundation for 40 years of community building that
have led to the fully featured LGBT community
center we know today.
The William Ways Board of Directors got together
for a planning retreat in November, 2014, and
decided that the Center would spend a year
celebrating this key anniversaryintegrating the
40 th year celebration into our programs and events
at every turn.
We began with an introduction of the 40 th
Anniversary Logo at our Annual Meeting and
Cornerstone Brunch. We also screened a video
featuring longtime activist John Cunningham
speaking of the early days of the Center and its
influence on many community efforts to follow.
The key take home of that video was the strong
message that so many community efforts we
take for granted might not have happened if we
hadnt had a community center as a base for our
creativity.
This initial video will be followed by many others,
with key community members speaking about
their experiences at the William Way and how
it has served as a base for their own work in
community. We have always said that the William
Way is the Center of the LGBT Communityand
we will be telling some key stories about what that

has looked like over the past 40 years.

Well obviously tie in our own 40 th anniversary
with this years milestone celebration of 50
years of gay history at the National Constitution
Center exhibit, SPEAKING OUT FOR EQUALITY:
THE CONSTITUTION, GAY RIGHTS, AND THE
SUPREME COURT (see Chris Bartletts letter on
page 2 for more information.) 4th of July will be a
special citywide celebration of LGBT historyand
the William Ways history will be a central piece of
that story.
Well also be celebrating our 40 th Anniversary at
this years Homecoming, our annual celebration
of Pride Weekend, taking place this year again at
the wonderful John C. Anderson Apartments
Courtyard. This years Homecoming Court will
include key leaders from 40 years of the Centers
History. Please plan to join us for food, dancing
and fun at the Anderson Courtyard on Saturday,
June 13th from 7:00-11:00 PM.
The grandest celebration of our 40 th Anniversary
will take place at this years Indigo Ball on
Saturday, October 10 th at the National
Constitution Center on Independence Mall.
Were increasing the size of the event to 450
guestsand well be welcoming both local and
national stars to participate in the festivities and
set the stage for the Centers next decade to
come. You wont want to miss that truly special
event.
For more information about the Centers plans for
our 40 th Year, please see our website at http://
www.waygay.org .

GREETINGS FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tuesday, March 10 th was a wonderful day
at the National Constitution Center
(NCC), as the William Way announced our
exciting new exhibit, SPEAKING OUT FOR
EQUALITY: THE CONSTITUTION, GAY
RIGHTS, AND THE SUPREME COURT,
which will open at the NCC on June 5th and
run through September 7th.
The exhibit will utilize Supreme Court cases,
artifacts and personal stories to chronicle
the decades long debate over gay rightsat
a key moment in LGBT history when those
rights are being energetically discussed in
all segments of American society- including,
currently, at the United States Supreme
Court.
On July 4, 1965 and every July 4th
through 1969, LGBT activists picketed
for justice in front of Philadelphias
Independence Hall. Clad in suits and
dresses to appear normal, they carried
posters that demanded equality for gays
and lesbians in a society that treated
them as criminals and deviant. The public
demonstrations, which were called Annual
Reminder protests and would last until 1969,
were sparked by Frank Kamenys effort
to bring a discrimination case before the
Supreme Court. They would become the first
sustained national effort to focus attention on
the discrimination faced by gay people and
became a catalyst for LGBT Americans to
organize for equality.
The exhibit jumps off from those early
demonstrations and moves on to explore the
trajectory of the LGBT civil rights debate
both in the courts and in our communitiesbetween the 60s and the present. We all
know that the arc of justice has bent in favor
of full equality for LGBT rights, but this exhibit
shows that that arc was not a foregone
conclusion. It was the courage of many
LGBT citizens and our allies putting their lives
and convictions on the line that led to a world
where LGBT civil rights are taken seriously
in the courts, in the legislatures, by our
2

President, and in society at large.

This exhibit is historic for a number
of reasonsIts an acknowledgment of
fifty years of history whose road started in
part here in Philadelphia in front of our own
iconic Independence Hall. The exhibit is
also historic because it is the first time that
an LGBT history exhibit viewed through the
lens of the Constitution has been mounted at
a major national museum on federal ground.
Perhaps most importantly the exhibit is

On July 4, 1965 and every

July 4th through 1969, LGBT
activists picketed for justice
in front of Philadelphias
Independence Hall. Clad in
suits and dresses to appear
normal, they carried posters
that demanded equality
for gays and lesbians in a
society that treated them as
criminals and deviant.
historic because it is being mounted at the
exact time that a landmark case on marriage
equality will be decided by the Supreme
Court at the end of June. In factwere
reserving a blank panel in the exhibit
to include the outcome of the courts
decision after it is handed down!
We had some real stars at the press
conferenceincluding John James,
who marched in the original 1965 Annual
Reminder, and who continues his LGBT
advocacy to this day through the publication
of Age Treatment Newsa periodical
about senior health. Mayor Nutter was also
in attendance and gave what all present
agreed was a marvelous speechabout

Philadelphias important role in LGBT history;

and how those early efforts at Independence
Hall should inspire us to continue to fight
for the rights and freedoms of allincluding
those who have yet to achieve full equality.
There were many tears in the audience as
the Mayor reminded us that there is yet much
work to be done t fulfill upon the promise of
the Annual Reminders.
To finish off the press conference, we had
nine copies of B Prouds landmark book
First Comes Love, with images of LGBT
couples and their stories, which we all signed
to be sent off to the nine justices of the
United States Supreme Court. We expect
at least one of the justices to visit the exhibit
while it is open.
The NCC exhibit will be complemented by
numerous other LGBT exhibits around the
cityincluding at the National Museum of
American Jewish History, the African
American Museum in Philadelphia, the
Independence Visitors Center, the
Pennsylvania Historical Society, and,
were proud to announce, in a special exhibit
at the Liberty Bell Pavilion.
I want to thank the wonderful committee of
volunteers who have shepherded this work to
(almost) fruition: John Cunningham, Tami
Sortman, Scott Barnes, Bob Skiba, Rich
Wilson, and David Acosta.
And I look forward to seeing you this Summer
as we celebrate LGBT history in our City of
Liberty and Freedom. For more information
about the summer of history, visit http://
reminder2015.org.
Sincerely,
Chris Bartlett
Executive Director

APRIL CALENDAR

STA FF

Avis Albaladejo
Facilities Directorr
John Anderies
Archivist of the
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive
Chris Bartlett
Executive Director
Eric Bunting
Facilities Assistant
Leonard Carter
SAGEWorks Associate
Jim Crouch
Maintenance Technician
Gary Hines
Interim Development
Coordinator
Ben Jones
Development Director
Will Jordan
Bookkeeper
Ed Miller
Senior Programs Coordinator
Steve Serafin
Peer Counseling Coordinator
Marshall Siegel
Front Desk Coordinator
Bob Skiba
Curator of the
John J. Wilcox, Jr Archive
Candice Thompson
Chief Operating Officer

BOA R D OF
DIR ECTORS
OFFICERS
Jeff Sotland, Esq.
Co-Chair
Laurie Ward
Co-Chair
Steve Brando
Secretary
Anh Dang
Treasurer

BOA R D
MEMB ERS
Jocelyn Block
Tricia Dressel
Chris Durr
Rudy Flesher
Anna Garrett
Amber Hikes
Mandeep Jangi
Robert Lenahan
Paul Steinke
Leona Thomas

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

APRIL AT A GLANCE
ONGOING
Art Gallery: Eric Anthony Berdis,
Danielle Kyberd, and Devon Reiffer
On view in the gallery: March 13 April 24, 2015
Join the Art Gallery Committee of the
William Way LGBT Community Center
to celebrate our 9th Annual Juried Art
Competition winners. Berdis, Kyberd,
and Reiffer are three local artists
working in various media to tell stories of
community, identity, and empowerment.
Their works were selected by our
2014 juror Evonne Davis along with
members of the art gallery committee
of the Center because of their artistic
excellence and community vision.
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive presents
40 Years, 40 Objects
April - June 2015
The Center has invited various
community members and friends to
select artifacts that are meaningful
to them from the Centers extensive
archival collection in celebration of our
40th anniversary. Join us for a powerful
exhibition documenting the community
and the Centers 40 year history in
Philadelphia.

APRIL 01
NEW: Coffee Talk
Wednesday, April 1, 15, 7pm
(Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Coffee Talk is a social gathering
for people who identify as Trans,
Genderqueer, or Non-Binary, and their

Allies. This is a safe space for all to

discuss about daily life, adventures,
daydreams, and/or realities. Coffee
Talk is an all-inclusive, non-threatening
environment for all to engage in casual
conversation.
Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, April 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.

APRIL 03
Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft
Friday, April 3, 17, 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.

APRIL 06
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free
and confidential)
Monday, April 6, 20, 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 confidential rapid

HIV testing and Hepatitis C testing.

Trained counselors will be on-site to
provide testing and education. Drop-ins
only.

APRIL 10
Loft23 presents The Game Loft
Friday, April 10, 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.

APRIL 16
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive:
Collective Curation
Thursday, April 16, 6:30-9pm or
Monday, April 20, 12:30-3:00pm
The John J. Wilcox Archives will host
an exhibit titled Defiant Archives: Trans
Histories of Existence, Resistance,
and Brilliance from July-September
2015, with a focus on the history
of Philadelphia trans activism. All
transgender and gender nonconforming
community members are invited to
join the curation process by attending
workshops which will offer participants
an overview of the trans history in the
archives, and invite each participant
to choose a piece from the Centers
archives to exhibit in the show, or to
bring a piece of their own trans history

R ECUR RING PROG R A MS

Bridge Club
Mondays, 1:30 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.

to share in the exhibit!

Two dates and times are offered - each
person only needs to attend one event.
Events are free, and dinner is provided.
For questions, more info, or to RSVP,
please contact defiantarchives@
gmail.com

APRIL 18
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Saturday, April 18, 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 215732-2220 as space is limited.

APRIL 20
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive:
Collective Curation
Thursday, April 16, 6:30-9pm or
Monday, April 20, 12:30-3:00pm
The John J. Wilcox Archives will host
an exhibit titled Defiant Archives: Trans
Histories of Existence, Resistance,
and Brilliance from July-September
2015, with a focus on the history
of Philadelphia trans activism. All
transgender and gender nonconforming
community members are invited to

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. 215-732TALK (8255).

join the curation process by attending

workshops which will offer participants
an overview of the trans history in the
archives, and invite each participant
to choose a piece from the Centers
archives to exhibit in the show, or to
bring a piece of their own trans history
to share in the exhibit!
Two dates and times are offered - each
person only needs to attend one event.
Events are free, and dinner is provided.
For questions, more info, or to RSVP,
please contact defiantarchives@
gmail.com

interviews. All sessions are free.

APRIL 21

Silver Foxes
Sunday, April 26, 3-5 pm
(Every 4th Sunday of the month,
except in December)
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 Velada & Dinner

Tuesday, April 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!

APRIL 24
Loft23: Resume Writing Workshop
Friday, April 24, 6-8 pm
Come and participate in this free
workshop that will go over resume
writing tips and techniques hosted
by the Centers community partner,
Accenture. This is the third session in
a series of professional development
opportunities that are being hosted
by the Loft23 program for LGBTQ
individuals who are in their 20s. Other
topics included in this series: job
search, non-discrimination issues at the
workplace, interview techniques, and a
visit to the Accenture offices for mock

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.

APRIL 25
Queer Writers Collective
Saturday, April 25, 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.

APRIL 26

ANNOUNCEMENT
Womens Wednesdays
This monthly social group is on hiatus
while we plan our Womens Spring
Dance Party. To learn more contact Ed
Miller at emiller@waygay.org or 215732-2220.

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, 7-9 pm
A weekly social group for the transgender and
gender nonconforming community.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

ADA BELLO
Longtime LGBT activist Ada Bello moved to the United States from
Cuba in 1959, when the Castro regime began persecuting what
they perceived as threats to society including homosexuals.
She attended college in Louisiana, then, in 1962, moved to the
Philadelphia area, where she still lives. In a 2013 interview with Al
Da, Bello said When I came to the United States from Cuba, I
thought I had arrived in paradise, that Id found a lot of freedom.
Then I saw all the battles that had to be fought, and that led me to
activism.

Photo Credit to Ada Bello

Here, she became a founding member of the Philadelphia chapter

Daughters of Bilitis, a national lesbian organization. In 1968, the
Philadelphia DOB became involved in fighting police raids on the
lesbian bar Rustys on Walnut and Quince Streets (where Moriartys
is now). The unwillingness of the national DOB to sanction political
activism led the Philadelphia chapter to dissolve soon after and
re-form as the more militant Homophile Action League. In 1968 and
1969, Bello participated in the Annual Reminder Day pickets for gay

rights at Independence Hall.

She later worked on the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force and served on the board of the Gay Community Center during the 1980s.
In 1987, Bello helped organize and participated in the first Philadelphia AIDS walk, called From All Walks of Life.
Ada Bello (with sunglasses) is pictured here on Fire Island in the summer of 1969, with her lover at the time, Carole Friedmann. That same
summer, only about 50 miles away, in New York City, street kids, trans people, lesbians and gay men dared to fight back when police raided
the Stonewall Inn.
To learn more about community supporter Ada Bello, the Reminder Day demonstrations and Philadelphia LGBT history, visit the John J.
Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way Center. - Bob Skiba, John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives of Philadelphia, archives@waygay.org.

AROUND THE CENTER

MorningsOut Photos Courtesy of Mark Kleinwichs

Center staffer Leonard Carter helps to staff the registration desk

at the March 12th SAGEWorks job fair which brought in over a
dozen employers and job seekers who are LGBTQA and 40+.
Credit: Candice Thompson

Devon Reiffer installs artwork for the Centers current art exhibit
which runs through April 24. Credit: Candice Thompson

INDIGOGO

THE WILLIAM WAY

LGBT COMMUNITY
CENTER WILL HOST
ITS SECOND ANNUAL
WAYGAY WOMENS
FIELD DAY THIS MAY!
Join over 100 LBTI women and allies
for a fun-filled BBQ and day in the sun.
Activities include an array of outdoor
favorites including: beer pong and
flip cup tournaments, a corn hole
competition, volleyball and badminton,
along with plenty of beer, lemonade,
and iced tea, great picnic food, and of
course, great company!
The event will take place on Saturday,
May 2 from 3-10pm at The Albatross,
formerly the Governors Mansion, in the
Germantown section of Philadelphia.
This lovely mansion was built in 1889
and is situated on an acre of beautifully
manicured lawns and gardens that
surround a stone terrace. A perfect
place for a springtime social.
All proceeds from the event benefit the
William Way LGBT Community Center,
and in addition to an amazing day of
play, food, and drink, all attendees
automatically become members of
the Center. The WayGay membership
entitles you to discounts to over 35
retailers and restaurants in the city and
free admission to Center events.
We look forward to you joining us on
Saturday, May 2nd for whats sure to be
a wild womens outdoor extravaganza.
For more info, or if you have any
questions, please contact bjones@
waygay.org or kate@waygay.org.
Cost: $35 pre-sale; $40 at the door.
Ticketing site coming soon for online
sales, check out www.waygay.org
for updates. You can also call 215732-2220 to purchase tickets over the
phone or in person at the Center during
business hours.

IndiGoGo, an LGBTQ Dance Party to benefit the Center was

held on Saturday, February 21. Photo Credit: Scott Drake
7

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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
MEETS EVERY FRIDAY FROM 6-8PM
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