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The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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With 40 years of history, William Way LGBT Community Center has touched the lives of countless individuals and their families. On June 13 – the day before Philly PRIDE – we will be kicking off our season of celebration, remembering those that have helped provide for that history and honoring those that continue to carry on with that legacy.

Just as many schools around the nation invite their alumni back each year for a Homecoming celebration, so does William Way. We invite all members of the Philadelphia LGBT community (including our wonderful allies) to join us for Homecoming 2015 on June 13, at the John C Anderson Apartment Building for a truly remarkable celebration of the Center’s history.

No Homecoming would be complete without an impressive Homecoming Court, and ours is comprised of individuals that have made significant contributions to the Center and the community at-large throughout the 40-year history of the William Way LGBT Community Center. We will also celebrate with performances from some of Philadelphia’s finest LGBT entertainers, delicious food provided by Giorgio’s on Pine, an open bar provided by many of our community partners, and a silent auction featuring items from businesses and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley.

What began as an event called the “Building Bash,” Homecoming has evolved into a signature event of the PRIDE weekend festivities. Nestled between Dyke March and the Stimulus after party at Voyeur, Homecoming is sure to be the early evening event that welcomes everyone to enjoy a wonderful meal, great entertainment, and

even better company that completes your PRIDE weekend Saturday schedule. Where else can you find a meal and a 4-hour open bar for just $50?

Also at Homecoming, we will be launching the 40th Anniversary project, “40 years with 40 Stories.” This project aims to collect and tell the stories of 40 individuals whose personal connection to the Center has shaped our history and will continue to shape our future. These donors, board members, former staff, and members of the Center will tell their stories in videos and through the written word to be shared with our community and will serve to remind us of the tremendous work the Center has done for the past 40 years and will continue to do for as long as there is work to be done.

The most essential part of the Homecoming celebration is the people that attend, those members of our community that continue to support the work that William Way Community Center does 365 days of the year. We want this celebration of our history to be the largest Homecoming yet, and would love for you to join us for all of the fun.

Tickets to Homecoming are $50.00 for standard tickets and $40.00 for Dyke March participants and students. Purchase your tickets (or make a contribution if you aren’t able to join us) online at waygayhomecoming2015.brownpapertickets.com or you can stop by the Center and purchase tickets in person.

We sincerely hope you will be able to join us on June 13 at 7:00 PM!

HOMECOMING 2015

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 Homecoming 2015

2 Greetings from the Executive Director

3 May Calendar

4 May At A Glance

6 This Month in LGBT History

6 Around the Center

7 Stardust Dance Party & Women’s Field Day

7 SAGEWorks at the Center

THIS ISSUE

MAY2015

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I’m loving the energy of the Center right now. Spring has definitely arrived! And with it has come an even greater energy in our lobby—people engaging with each other and experiencing the power of community. I believe that the power of the Center lies in its ability to bring people together from all sorts of backgrounds to learn about our LGBT culture, to meet friends and family, and to help build a stronger community and city.

In the past month, I’ve seen this happen especially in our archives, as new waves of people show up to volunteer, with support of Archivist John Anderies and Curator Bob Skiba, to explore, categorize, and document the treasures in the John. J. Wilcox Jr. Archives.

A few weeks ago, over twenty archivists from around the region showed up to explore our audio and tape holdings, which were largely undocumented. After three hours of hard work, we discovered more about those items and are now able to more effectively promote them for use by academics, activists, and other community folks. I’m excited by this idea of crowdsourcing our resources--- using experienced volunteer expertise to make the Center’s resources more accessible, visible and understandable.

We had a second crew of volunteers visit the Center to begin to catalogue the Center’s transgender resources, in preparation for a major exhibit to take place at the Center this summer: “Defiant Archives: Trans Histories of Existence, Resistance and Brilliance,” co-curated by Leeway Fellow Ezra Berkely Nepon and William Way Super Volunteer Sharron Cooks. These two have teamed up with well-known oral historians, archivists, and community activists to tell a compelling story of transgender and gender variant history in Philadelphia—including the tale of the

Dewey’s Lunch Counter Sit-in, which was one of the earliest LGBT demonstrations in our City’s history, taking place in 1965. I joined the volunteers for the first curatorial meeting and was inspired by their mission to tell a story both personal and political. I know that through their work they will build upon our earlier transgender exhibit and, through telling this history, help to build community.

Centerlink UpdateI traveled to Dallas, TX as the end of March to participate as co-chair in the Board of Directors meeting of Centerlink, the national umbrella group of LGBT centers. We were hosted by the wonderful LGBT center of Dallas, known as the Resource Center, and I was so impressed by the resources it offers—including daily lunches, a food bank, and health services. Perhaps most inspiring was the fact that they are about to break ground on a new building in the heart of Dallas’s LGBT community—and the new building will give even more space for their wonderful work. My congratulations to my colleague Cece Cox, CEO of the Resource Center, for her vision and energy in making this happen. Seeing the Dallas Center’s plan for growth excited me about our own opportunities for growth in the upcoming years!

Indigo GirlsMany thanks to Joe Sinkus, Manager of Donor Relations at the Kimmel Center, who invited me and a few others to join him for the Indigo Girls concert at the Kimmel. I was raised on the Indigo Girls—their songs (especially Galileo and Closer to Fine) defined some of my early activist years—and it was a night of nostalgia to hear them sing, backed up by the wonderful Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. I sat with Mayor Nutter’s new LGBT Director, Nellie Fitzpatrick, and our state representative, Brian Sims, among others. We were all on our feet cheering for the wonderful music, which has always had an LGBT (or at least lesbian) flair to it.

Eulogy: Finally, a few words of appreciation to two dear friends who passed away in early April: Victor Kearse and Charlene Arcila. Both were mentors to me who were invested deeply in community building and, importantly, the support of young leaders. Victor facilitated the ADODI groups, which focused on black gay leadership. Charlene did so much—but most notably founded the Mazzoni Center’s Trans Health Conference and fought successfully to have gender markers removed from SEPTA transpasses. I could say much more about their achievements—but in my mind their success wasn’t just in what they did—it was also who they were—and that was very loving people who wanted to support their fellow leaders. I thank them for all the support they gave me—and I miss them deeply.

Sincerely, Chris BartlettExecutive Director

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I believe that the power of the Center lies in its ability to bring people together from all sorts of backgrounds to learn about our LGBT culture, to meet friends and family, and to help build a stronger community and city.

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SAGEWORKS AT THE CENTER

Over one hundred job seekers are now registered in our SAGEWorks program thanks to our 2nd annual SAGEWorks Career Fair. Twenty-five leading companies and financial institutions in search of top candidates were on hand. Workshops were filled providing tools like mindfulness meditation in preparing for an interview - A US Department of Labor regional economist provided laser focus on hot jobs in the region while the LinkedIn workshop provided expert tools and tips for getting yourself noticed.

The uniqueness of holding a career fair at the Center allows LGBT people to feel safe and relaxed especially for our transgender SAGEWorks participants. Organizations had their LGBT employee group representatives on hand along with recruiters and managers to provide information and support to community members seeking jobs.

Consider becoming a Community Partner – The SageWorks program is designed to assists LGBT and allies 40+ in heightening their odds of landing a job. Are you a business professional or individual with presentation or workshop experience? Consider providing a Brown Bag workshop or an after-work presentation. Our two most requested supports are for help with practice interviewing and resume review & critique. If you have limited time these might be opportunities that fit your schedule. The resume review is done electronically so the commitment allows you to support the program over the internet. Please contact Ed Miller at emiller@waygay.org to discuss these rewarding opportunities.

STARDUST DANCE PARTY & WOMEN’S FIELD DAYThe William Way Center will host two very special events this May for women in the community: the Stardust Dance Party for mature women on Friday, May 22 from 7-9pm and Women’s Field Day on Saturday, May 2 from 3-10pm (featured in April’s Way Gay Newsletter).

The Stardust Dance Party will be held in the Center’s grand ballroom and will feature music by longtime Dee Jay Sandi Stabler whose extensive resume includes DJing at: Sneakers, Hepburns, Mamzelle’s, Sisters, the Newport Tavern, the DCA Club, and The Cartwheel. Stabler has been getting women on the dance floor at some of the most popular lesbian bars in town for the past 30 years and the Center is thrilled to welcome her to Stardust!

The inaugural event in 2013 welcomed over 80 women to the Center and we are on track to top that with this year’s dance which is just weeks away! The night will feature music, light fare, plus wine and beer along with non-alcoholic beverages. The evening was planned by participant’s from the Center’s monthly recurring women’s social, Women’s Wednesdays, who will be on hand to welcome guests and connect women interested in making new friends.

Tickets are available pre-sale through the Center’s web site at www.waygay.org or by calling the Center during normal business hours at 215-732-2220. Tickets will also be available at the door but the price goes up! Buying ahead is strongly recommended in case we reach capacity. $10/$15 at the door.

Earlier this month, the good folks at the Albatross in Northwest Philadelphia will host the third annual Women’s Field Day event to benefit the Center. There will be outdoor games, delicious BBQ, beverages of all kinds, and most importantly LGBTQI women! For the past two years in a row, dozens of women have turned out for a lovely day

in the sun (and shade), to laugh, drink, connect, and have FUN.

The Albatross is situated on three quarters of an acre of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens that surround a stone terrace (where much of the day’s activities will take place). The mansion was built in 1889 by Joseph Perot and was also home to Dr. Martin Brumbaugh who was superintendent of the Philadelphia schools and Pennsylvania’s 26th governor. (see back page ad for ticket information).

Albatross in Northwest Philadelphia

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MARK SEGALPhiladelphia’s Mark Segal has been at the forefront of LGBT activism for over forty years. He was an early member of the Gay Liberation Front, which formed within weeks of the Stonewall Riots. In the early 70s, he and his Gay Raiders inititated disruptive “zaps” against politicians and media to draw attention to the rights of gay people. In this photo from November 1, 1972 Philadelphia Bulletin, he’s disrupting a Republican dinner, brandishing a Gay Power sign. The next year he’d draw national attention by zapping Walter Cronkite’s CBS Evening News. Segal would go on to disrupt Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and Barbara Walters’ Today Show.

In 1976, Segal began publishing the Philadelphia Gay News. He worked to make the gay press respectable and treated equally with the mainstream media, becoming part of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association only after a 15 year battle for acceptance.

In the late 1970s, he was an early supporter of the Gay Community Center throughout its infancy, organizing benefits at bars and restaurants and arranging for gifts of books to the GCCP Library.

Mark Segal has been a non-stop major force in Philadelphia’s LGBT community since those early radical days. Last year, Segal spearheaded the John C. Anderson LGBT Senior Housing project. The 56 unit building on 13th Street, just around the corner from the William Way Center, stands as a tribute to Segal’s lifelong tenacity and commitment to LGBT rights. Bravo, Mark!

To learn more about Mark Segal and his role in Philadelphia’s LGBT history, visit the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way Community Center.

- Bob Skiba, John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives of Philadelphia, archives@waygay.org.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

March Art Gallery opening night reception for artists Devon Reiffer, Danielle Kyberd, and Eric Anthony Berdis.

Archivists gathered for a volunteer service night tocatalogue the Center’s AV collection.

Stonewall Sports Annual Bar Crawl benefitting theWilliam Way Center.

This April, volunteers from PECO helped to complete the Center’s spring appeal mailing.

AROUND THE CENTER

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STAFFAvis Albaladejo

Facilities Directorr John AnderiesArchivist of the

John J. Wilcox, Jr. ArchiveChris Bartlett

Executive DirectorEric Bunting

Facilities Assistant Leonard Carter

SAGEWorks Associate Jim Crouch

Maintenance TechnicianGary Hines

Interim Development Coordinator Ben Jones

Development DirectorWill JordanBookkeeper

Ed MillerSenior Programs Coordinator

Steve SerafinPeer Counseling Coordinator

Marshall SiegelFront Desk Coordinator

Bob Skiba Curator of the

John J. Wilcox, Jr ArchiveCandice Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERSJeff Sotland, Esq.

Co-ChairLaurie Ward

Co-ChairSteve Brando

SecretaryAnh DangTreasurer

BOARD MEMBERS

Jocelyn Block Tricia Dressel

Chris Durr Rudy Flesher Anna GarrettAmber Hikes

Mandeep JangiRobert Lenahan

Paul SteinkeLeona Thomas

MAY CALENDAR

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

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ONGOINGArt Gallery: 10th Annual Juried Art ExhibitionOn view in the gallery: May 15 - June 26, 2015Opening Reception: Friday, May 15, 6-8pmJoin us for the newest exhibition of work from local and emerging LGBTQ artists. This year’s competition was an open call to all local LGBTQ artists and welcomed juror Rochelle Toner who has actively been involved as a printmaker in the Philadelphia area for over two decades and has shown work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, and more. The show will feature dozens of artists working is various media and winners of the competition will be announced at the opening reception which is free and open to the public.

John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive presents 40 Years, 40 ObjectsApril - June 2015The Center has invited various community members and friends to select artifacts that are meaningful to them from the Center’s extensive archival collection in celebration of our 40th anniversary. Join us for a powerful exhibition documenting the community and the Center’s 40 year history in Philadelphia.

MAY 01Loft 23 presents The Exchange LoftFriday, May 1, 15, 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.

MAY 02Women’s Field Day @ the Albatross (254 W. Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144)Saturday, May 2, 3-10pm, $35 pre-sale (includes WWCC membership!), $40 at the doorJoin over 100 LBTQI women and allies for a fun-filled BBQ and day in the sun. Activities include: Beer pong and flip cup tournaments, a corn hole competition, volleyball and badminton, plenty of beer, lemonade, and iced tea, great picnic food, and of course, great company!

MAY 04HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and confidential)Monday, May 4, 18, 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.

MAY 06Coffee TalkWednesday, May 6, 20, 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 OrientationWednesday, May 6, 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.

MAY 08Loft23 presents The Game LoftFriday, May 8, 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

RECURRING PROGRAMS

MAY AT A GLANCE

Bridge ClubMondays, 1:30 pm“Party” bridge for the experienced player. Reservations suggested. Please call the Center at 215-732-2220.

Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free)Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pmA 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 you’re guaranteed to hone up on those skills you haven’t 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 what’s 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.

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Wii console and PS3 provided within the group space. So come out, join the group and have fun!!!!!! FREE.

MAY 09Big Queer Book Sale!Saturday, May 9, 1-4pmCome 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 Philadelphia’s 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, buttons, etc.

MAY 16A Penny for Your ThoughtsSaturday, May 16, 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 215-732-2220 as space is limited.

MAY 19Volunteer Velada & DinnerTuesday, May 19, 7 pm(Every 3rd Tuesday of the month)Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. It’s a big job and we need your help!

MAY 22Loft23: Tips for Finding Job/internships and discussing workplace non-discriminationFriday, May 22, 6-8 pmLocal company Accenture has partnered with the Loft 23 program at the William Way Community Center and is hosting it’s 4th workshop. This “S2S” event is part of a larger 6 month series focused on developing career & life skills, and provide 1:1 mentorship with Accenture resources. You do not need to have attended previous events to attend. This event will focus on finding jobs/internships & non-discrimination in the workplace. All workshops in this series are free to attend for LGBTQ identified young adults who are in their 20s.

Women’s Wednesdays hosts the 2nd Annual StarDust Dance PartyFriday, May 22, 7-9 pm, $10 in advance, $15 at the doorJoin us for this special evening for mature women in the community. Dance to your favorite songs from back-in-the-day with longtime DJ Sandi Stabler (Sister’s, Hepburn’s, Mamzelle’s, Sneakers, +) and mix and mingle with

new and old friends. Our Women’s Wednesdays group (our social and cultural group for women 50 and over) organized the dance to bring women together to celebrate one another and to have a good time. You don’t want to miss this dance party which will feature goodies including a DJ, beer, wine, and other light refreshments included in your ticket price…….and oh so delicious hors d’oeuvres! Purchase tickets at the Center or online at www.waygay.org Open to ALL women.

MAY 23Queer Writer’s CollectiveSaturday, May 23, 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.

MAY 24Silver FoxesSunday, May 24, 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.

Peer Counseling Mon - Fri, 6 pm - 9 pm One-to-one confidential counseling. We help with issues such as coming out, sexual identity and expression, relationships, family issues, isolation, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, legal issues, health and safety concerns. This is a free and confidential service. 215-732-TALK (8255).

PhilaVentures: Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of the Month, 2 pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths are found along the way, so wear proper footwear and be ready to hike! This groups meets at 2:00 PM at Cosimo’s Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike.

Rainbow Buddhist MeditationSundays, 3-4:30 pmThis 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 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.