Internationally acclaimed pianist

Credit: Hanshun Wang/Muzik

Ching-Yun Hu brings her skillful musical air to the Center on January 7, 2012. Purchase tickets at www.waygay.org or 215-732-2220

JAN
2012

waygay
the william way lgbt community center newsletter

Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year

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This Issue
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411
P.2 Greetings from the Executive Director TAB The Culture and History of The Radical Faeries P.3 January Calendar P.4 January at a Glance P.6 Around the Center This month in LGBT history P.7 Gracias! Merci! Grazie! four long-serving Board members rotate off the board

WINNER OF JURIED ART COMPETITION EXHIBITS HERSOLO SHOW AT THE CENTER

William Way visitors with a keen eye may notice that 2012 begins with a familiar nod to 2011. Thats because the opening exhibition of the Art Gallerys 2012 calendar features a solo exhibition by Elise Dodeles, a local artist and painter and the winner of the Centers 2011 Juried Art Competition and Exhibition. Her works were selected by Zoe Strauss, renowned artist and guest juror of the annual competition, which takes place every summer at the Center. (Strauss has her own solo exhibit opening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in January; read Greetings from the Executive Director on the next page for more on that). For this exhibition, Dodeles has focused her attention on the subjectivity often ignored in the objective medium of photography.Dodeles transformsimages found in online archives, books, and family photos into expressionistic meditations on race, sex, gender, and power. By combining disparate imagery, startling colors, and intuitively conceived compositions, the artists paintings allow the photographed subjects to become visceral, emotionally charged beings.Through these latest artworks, which fuse her careers as artist and librarian, Dodeles is animating her desire to see, and have others recognize, the other, who is often unseen in the mainstream and ofcial organs of historical discourse. The artists ofcial entry into the art world took place in 1992 when her work was included in the Part Fantasy exhibits organized by Nicola Tyson. These exhibitions, whose works were shown internationally soon after the NEA was being criticized for its support of Robert Mapplethorpe: the Perfect Moment forged an important direction in Dodeless art. Her desire to depict ignored and controversialsubjects still plays a vital role in her work today. The artists early drawings have been published in Sinister Wisdom, Common Lives Lesbian Lives, and Harmony Hammonds Lesbian Art in America. Her paintings have been exhibited at Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art, in Newark, NJ as part of the Aljira National Five; she has had solo exhibitions at the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum, Reading, PA, and Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters in New Brunswick, NJ. Her work has been included in group shows at Flowers Gallery in New York, Jack Hanley Gallery, San Francisco and Center on Contemporary Art, Seattle. Elise Dodeless work will be on view from January 13th through March 3rd, with the opening reception on Friday, January 13th, from 6 to 8 pm.

The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Remembering Robert Burns

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

YOO HOO! THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF THE RADICAL FAERIES OF PHILADELPHIA
Opening Reception Thursday, January 12, 2012 6:00 PM William Way LGBT Community Center Archives Exhibit Space In mid-January, the Radical Faeries of Philadelphia are hosting a gathering of Radical Faeries who will be coming to Philadelphia from around the world. As part of this gathering, the William Way LGBT Community Center will host its next archives exhibit on the history and culture of the Radical Faeries of Philadelphia. The Radical Faeries, founded by gay liberation activists Harry Hay and Don Kilhefner, seek to explore the unique role of LGBT people in society. Faeries believe that LGBT people have unique skills and characteristics to offer society as a whole, and that, instead of becoming like everyone else, LGBT people should explore and celebrate our differences from the non-LGBT world. The Radical Faeries explore LGBT differences through gatherings, creation of art, heart circles (in which people can speak freely about their experience and be listened to), ritual, and colorful and glittery fun. The opening on January 12th will include the food, music, voices, art, and history of the energetic Radical Faerie circle of Philadelphia. Join us!

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy holidays and New Year to you and your friends and family from all of us at the William Way LGBT Community Center. We wish you all a thriving and energetic 2012!
November and December were whirlwind months at the Center. We opened a new Cybercenter, mounted a fabulous art show, added new lights to the exterior of the building, hosted a pet adoption event, talked about planned giving at a Cornerstone Society brunch, and continued to be lled with all the meetings and events that make the Center buzz every night. We also received grants for Center stafng (from The Sandy River Foundation ), funds for a new program to bridge services between the Attic Youth Center and the William Way (from the Allen Hilles Fund ) and a general operating grant from the Calamus Fund. I have to admit- Im at once exhilarated and a little bushed! But I do think that this level of energy is what we should be generating every month-- our community has so much creativity and enthusiasm that it makes sense to provide a location for entrepreneurship and new ideas and the actual experience of faceto-face community. Have you been by the Center yet to experience this energy? You are welcome. I recommend a visit. Here are some ways that you can dive into the Center in the upcoming weeks: We dont slow down for the holidays, so think about stopping by for our Christmas potluck on December 25th at 3PM-- a chance to have Christmas dinner in our community!

GRACIAS! MERCI! GRAZIE!

Were also hosting a New Years piano concert with world-renowned concert pianist Ching-Yun Hu -Saturday, January 7th in the lobby of the Center. Yamaha Piano and Menchey Music Service are providing the Concert Grand, and youll hear Scriabin, Strauss, Ravel, and Beethoven--- a delightful night of music followed by a reception with the artist. Stop by to visit the brand new David Bohnett Cyber Center and Multimedia Lab. We were very excited to open the new Cybercenter on Thursday, December 15th. A wonderfully energetic crowd listened to the music of DJ Triptronik and the wonderful hostessing of Messapotamia LaFae. Eight new computer workstations were inaugurated, along with a scanner and printer. We are excited that the new Cybercenter is now available for you and your friends and colleagues. Please stop by for a tour, or to use the new technology! Join the William Way at the Philadelphia Museum of Art , with Zoe Strauss! Zoe Strauss marvelous photography documents a magical world-from Mummers, to everyday folks from the streets of Philly, to the neighborhoods in which we live. This year, the Philadelphia Museum of Art features a ten year retrospective of her work, and Zoe herself has welcomed the William Way to organize a group of our members to join us on Friday, February 17th for a tour of her show at the Museum followed by drinks, dessert, and conversation. We want you to join us! This is one tour not to miss, so call the front desk at 215-732-2220 for more details or to reserve a space. Center Kids !! Were kicking off a new program for LGBT families and their allies-- a Saturday morning program for kids of all ages and the families who love them. The rst event will take place on Saturday, February 11th from 9AM-Noon. Well provide games, a dress up box (for the sartorially adventurous child), activities, food and drink, and an opportunity to meet other LGBT and allied parents. Spread the word to those who would like to meet with other LGBT families (and their allies) for a morning of kids and family fun. Thanks to Amber Dorko Stopper and Lisa Myers for helping envision and plan the program, and to Philadelphia Family Pride, for co-sponsoring this event. December is also the time of year for us to ask you to consider giving generously to the Center among your end-of-year contributions. You have probably received your end-of-year appeal letter, and perhaps seen our appeal video-- you can contribute the old fashioned way (by returning your check in one of our contribution envelopes), or give on-line at http:// tinyurl.com/williamway. We hope that at a time when the Center is growing in energy and resources, you will consider giving as much as you can to support our work. We thank you and very much appreciate the involvement and investment of our community.

The William Way is sad to see four of its long-serving Board members rotate off the board at the end of the year. They have all served with distinction.
Both Deb Francesco and Eric Ashton have completed three two-year terms--- the most amount of time a board member can serve before rotating off. The community center has beneted strongly from their contributions. Deb Francesco, a grants manager at the Sandy River Foundation, dove into service immediately on the board, and was Board Co-Chair in 2008. She brought in tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from foundations and individuals. Her philanthropic skills led to the replacement of the oor in the Philadelphia Room, and the hiring of much needed development staff. She also helped the Center create new programs including, most recently, our very popular Pet Adoption event (in collaboration with Finding Shelter). Deb has also served as chair of the Resource Development Committee of the Center, and co-chair of the Cornerstone Society, which plans events and programs for our Cornerstone members. Deb will continue work with the Center in helping to plan our next Pet Adoption event, and in continued work with the Cornerstone Society. Eric Ashton, the Senior Associate Director of the Nonprot/NGO Leadership Program at Penn, has also been a force to be reckoned with on the WWCC Board. Eric has jumped into numerous leadership roles, and has most recently served as the chair of the planning committee for our annual Homecoming event, and chair of the Boards Nominations Committee. Eric also has a unique ability to bring humor and wisdom to challenging conversations, and he will be missed as a calm voice in the midst of deliberations. Eric will continue serving on the Boards Nominations Committee as well as continue to take leadershipin the creation of our next Homecoming Event. Joseph Doughertyand Matt OMalley have had shorter terms of service, but also have made major contributions to our work. Joe Dougherty, Senior Director of Human Resources and Support Services at The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, has served as chair of the William Ways Human Resources Committee, where he helped organize new personnel policies, helped to think through the organizations staff evaluation process, and gave key advice in helping to resolve personnel challenges. Well miss his very focused but calming work on the Board. Matt OMalley,Director, Professional Services at Penn Medicine, has served as Secretary of the William Way Community Center, and in that role served on the Executive Committee. Prior to thatservice he had been co-chair of the Centers ad hoc Senior Housing Committee. He has also been a key leader in the Centers strategic planning effort, to which he will continue to consult. We will miss Matt, Joe, Eric and Deb-- and thank them all for the huge difference they made for William Way! Mark your Calendars: Cornerstone Brunch and Annual Meeting Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 21st for the Cornerstone Brunch and Annual Meeting. Well be presenting the State of the Center and answering all of your questions about our work over the next year. The Cornerstone Brunch begins at 11AM and the Annual Meeting, where we elect new board members, starts at 1PM. Please RSVP at 215-732-2220 and look for your election ballots in the mail in early January.

REMEMBERING ROBERT BURNS

Robert Burns, the Executive Director of Colours and a nationally recognized leader in HIV/AIDS education, treatment, and gay mens health work, died on Thursday, December 8th at the age of 36. Burns was a key leader in a new generation of men and women who have been building and strengthening organizations to serve LGBT people of color, some of those most impacted by HIV/AIDS and other health challenges. Burns was known for his warmth, dedication, and service to so many in our communities. He was also a mentor to many men and women who sought him out for advice and direction. As the Executive Director of the House of Blahnik, alongside Damon Humes, he helped to create an organization that has had national reach in providing leadership development for young LGBT people. Robert Burns had a huge smile and was available to other community leaders who valued his good coaching and suggestions about how to improve our work in the city of Philadelphia. He was also a fantastic DJ who spun tunes that created community through dance. The William Way LGBT Community Center sends out its condolences to Roberts friends and family, the Colours Organization, and the House of Blahnik. 7

Chris Bartlett Executive Director

AROUND THE CENTER

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

JANUARY CALENDAR

Hostess Messapotamia Lefae, Chris Bartlett and Marquise Lee revel in the success of the exciting Grand Opening of the brand-new David Bohnett CyberCenter and Multimedia Lab on December 15.

WHO WAS WILLIAM WAY?

January 8, 2012 markes the 24th anniversary of the death of William Way, Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and LGBT activist. Bill was recognized by his colleagues as a doer, an organizer and a leader. Mayor Goode said of him, Bill had a passion for Philadelphias neighborhoods and their problems. He personied the words public servant. Bill also became deeply involved with Philadelphias LGBT community. In 1985, after the Lesbian & Gay Community Center at 222 S Camac St. closed, he joined the New Center Project Committee which was conducting surveys and planning for a future building. Bill helped to keep the Center alive as the co-chair of Penguin Place, the Community Center without Walls, creating fundraisers, events and programs even though the Center had no physical building. He hosted committee meetings every Tuesday at his home; his organizational skills really got Penguin Place off the ground and kept it alive. When Bill Way was diagnosed with AIDS, he was adamant about being open about it. He was furious that newspapers at the time were not reporting deaths as being related to AIDS. In the fall of 1987, even though he was ill himself, he volunteered two hours a day to the rst AIDS Walk, which Penguin Place sponsored. He died at Graduate Hospital on January 7, 1988 at the age of 45. His memorial service at Saint Lukes was thronged with friends, neighbors, activists and colleagues. After his death, the Committee voted to name the future center after Bill when a building was found. On July 1, 1997, 1315 Spruce St. opened as the William Way Community Center; Bills dedication, skills and tireless optimism had helped give the community center a new home. Tom Wilson Weinberg, Melissa Kolczynski and the Attic Youth Centers Ibrahim Vicks entertain a sold-out Cabaret Crime on November 12.

Special thanks to Herb Tapper and Frank Mueller for lending a beautifully decorated tree to the Center each holiday season. This years theme: Under the Sea.

Volunteer Orientation Wed, January 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) 7322220 to register. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, January 17, 7 pm (Every 3rd Tues of the month) Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. Its a big job and we need -your help!

you? A Pastoral Counseling volunteer is available, at no cost to you, to listen andhelp you on your journey to clarity and joy. Sessions are by appointment only. (There is an 8-session maximum per client.) For more info, or to schedule an appointment, please email Scott at wwcounselingintern@ gmail.com or call the Center at215-732-2220 to leave a message for Scott. Peer Counseling Monday - Friday, 6:00-9:00 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 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 condential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 30- 45 minutes. Results provided during the appointment.

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 nonjudgmental 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. Pastoral Care Counseling Saturdays, 12-3pm Do you frequently feel lost, stuck, confused, anxious, blue, or without purpose? Do some of your most important relationships feel unhealthy to

People and pets enjoyed the festive Homes for the Holidays Pet Adoption Open House on Sunday, December 11. Credit: Liz Reasey.

JANUARY AT A GLANCE
Annual Cornerstone Brunch Saturday, January 21, 11:00 am All Cornerstone members are invited to join us at the Center for brunch -celebrating a year full of accomplishments -and encouraged to stay for the Annual Membership Meeting. Please RSVP to info@ waygay.org or 215-732-2220. Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, January 21, 1:00 pm As a member of the community Center, you are invited to the 2011 Annual Meeting held at the Center Saturday, January 1, 2012, at 1 PM. During this important meeting, members of the Center will learn about the Centers future and direction as well as vote on candidates running for the Board of Directors. All members are invited and encouraged to attend! Art Gallery: Works by Elise Dodeles On display January 13 March 3, 2012 Opening Reception: Friday, January 13, 6-8pm This January and February the William Way LGBT Community Centers Art Gallery will feature a solo exhibition by local artist and painter, Elise Dodeles, winner of the 2011 Juried Art Competition and Exhibition at the Center. Her works were selected by guest juror, Zoe Strauss, to be featured as the Centers opening exhibition of the 2012 calendar year. Dodeles transformsimages found in online archives, books, and family photos into expressionistic meditations on race, sex, gender, and power. By combining disparate imagery, startling colors, and intuitively conceived compositions, the artists paintings allow the photographed subjects to become visceral, emotionally charged beings.Through these latest artworks, which fuse her careers as artist and librarian, Dodeles is animating her desire to see, and have others recognize, the other, who is often unseen in the mainstream and ofcial organs of historical discourse.FREE. BiUnity Friday, January 13, 7 pm (Second Fridays of every other month) Philadelphias only social and support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends. Free. Book Club: Nightwood by Djuna Barnes Wednesday, January 18, 7 8 pm Nightwood focuses on Robin Vote, a woman in constant search of secure torment. Robins story begins in Europe, where she meets, and marries the false Baron Felix Volkbein, who wants nothing more than an heir to carry on his family name and uphold the traditions of old European nobility. The birth of their son, Guido, causes Robin to realize that she does not wish to carry on this life. She moves to America, where she begins a romantic relationship with Nora Flood. Nightwood is notable because it is one of the earliest novels written by a wellknown novelist to portray explicit homosexuality. It is also notable for its intense, gothic prose style. Classical Piano Concert by Ching-Yun Hu Saturday, January 7, 7 pm Ms. Hu returns to Philadelphia for a reprise of her January 2010 concert, with proceeds again beneting William Way LGBT Community Center. Winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, Ms. Hu has played a host of international engagements on ve continents. Ms. Hu is a Yamaha artist and she has selected the late Beethoven Sonata Op. 101, Nocturne and Impromptu by gay composer Scriabin, the ferocious Gaspard de la Nuit, and ending with the brilliant transcription of the Blue Danube rhapsody. Join us at the Center for this special program, hors doeuvres and drinks. Members $25, Non-Members $30. Please contact pblore@waygay.org or 215-732-2220 to purchase tickets or go online to www.waygay.org. Guys Night Out: Moore College of Art & Design Friday, January 27, 5:30 pm Well meet at the Center at 5:30pm, then take the bus to Moore College (20th & the Parkway) for the opening reception of 3 new exhibits: Philagraka: Doing Time/ Depth of Surface; A Circumstantial Assembly; and the works of Shizuko Kimura (learn more atwww. thegalleriesatmoore.org).Bring a SEPTA token or $2 for the bus! RSVPtopblore@waygay.orgor215732-2220. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Library & Archives: Yoo Hoo! The Radical Faeries of Philadelphia. January 12 March 25, 2012 Join us for the opening of this rich history display on Thursday, January 12 at 6pm to discover the magical world of the Radical Faeries of Philadelphia. We are wo/men who believe that Queer people play a unique role. Here we show what that special Queer role is, each in our own fabulous and colorful ways. Faeries maximize the fabulousness of the LGBT Community. We have special abilities, perspectives, and glitter that benet us as a whole (and even you). Some have said we create sanctuaries for those who are shedding the frog skin of hetero imitation. We gather with our sisters, brothers and others throughout the neighborhoods of Philadelphia to talk, sing, go camping, be campy, cook, eat, cry, be absurd, play drums, dance around and make love. We invite you to join us on the 12th of January to participate in our community. A Penny for Your Thoughts Saturday, January 21, 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: Skiing and Snow Tubing at Blue Mt. Ski Area Saturday, February 4, 12:30pm5pm Join us for a day of snow tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area (just above Allentown, Pa). Or use a different slice of the mountain for easy to moderate downhill skiing. From 12:30pm till about 5pm, with carpooling arrangements also possible. Ski lift tickets, 12:30 to 5 PM, $52. (Equipment rental $35);Tubing tickets, 12:30 to 5PM, $25. No equipment necessary.Contact Bert G. at Bert12345@comcast.net, 215-2718822 for more details. Queer Writers Collective Saturday, January 14 & 28, 46 pm (Every 2nd & 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. Silver Foxes Sunday, January 22, 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. Theatre OUTing: The Scottsboro Boys at the Philadelphia Theatre Company Sunday, January 29, 3pm This is a terric musical written by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman, among others) and originally directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman (The Producers). This version will recreate the Broadway production nominated for 12 Tony awards last year. It tells the true story of 9 young African-American men arrested while riding in a boxcar in Alabama in 1931 and falsely accused of a crime they did not commit. Their ordeal, including many courtroom trials and a long imprisonment, is powerfully depicted in the form of a minstrel show. There will be a talkback with John Kander (composer), Susan Stroman (original director and choreographer), and David Thompson (book) after the show. Tickets are $34.00 (regularly $69.00). For tickets, call the WWCC at 215732-2220 during normal business hours. Limited number of tickets available. Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, January 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. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tuesday, January 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! WeXist Sundays, January 8 & 22, 2-4 pm NEW MEETING DAY (Every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. Free. Womens Wednesdays: New Cyber Center Launch Wednesday, January 18, 5:30pm 7:30pm Please join us in our new stateof-the art Cyber Center. This beautifully refurbished room houses our new computers and lots more. Soon training and educational opportunities will be available specically designed for the forty plus crowd. Womens Wednesdays is a monthly social and educational gathering for women 50 and over. Light refreshments served.