LGBTQ: Serving the LGBT Community as a Unified City
An anonymous letter landed on the Philadelphia District Attorney’s desk in 2012. It described an experience from a member of the Philadelphia Police Department. Two police officers on the job, away from three individuals — a male defendant, a trans woman and another male complainant — making misgendered statements and slurs. “They [the trans woman] […]
LGBTQ: Shedding Light on City, State Hate Crime Laws
The brutal 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard put LGBT issues in the national spotlight. Here in Philadelphia, the 2014 beating of a gay couple brought the issues closer to home — and served as a wake-up call to many city residents. “I had one student attacked while having a homophobic slur carved into his […]
LGBTQ: Philadelphia Helps Lead Anti-Discrimination Effort, But Will Rest of State Follow?
Philadelphia sits among 32 municipalities and two counties that have legislation in place to protect the rights of its LGBT residents from discrimination in the workplace. But in a state where there are 67 counties and more than 2,500 municipalities, there is still a lot of work to be done. “We have protections like this in Philadelphia for […]
LGBTQ: Mauckingbird Theatre Company Presents Classic Plays With a Twist
A recent production by Mauckingbird Theatre Company was set in the 17th century, complete with all the attire, mannerisms and dialogue of the day — and a cell phone. It’s that type of modern twist on classic plays that reflects the origin and mission of the group. “Mauckingbird Theatre Company produces innovative, affordable gay-themed theatre,” said Peter Reynolds, the artistic director of […]
Southwest Philadelphia: Morris Home Provides Trans-Affirming Residency For Rehabilitation
Morris Home, located in Southwest Philadelphia, is a haven for individuals seeking refuge. The three-floored residence maintains a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility specifically for transgender individuals. Started in 2011, the organization’s growth reflects the increasing strength and resilience demonstrated by its residents. “We [Morris Home] offer short- and long-term rehab in a residential and […]
LGBTQ: Drew By Day, Drag By Night
When the sun goes down, the transformation of Drew Gaver begins. “I started drag, in earnest, about three years ago,” said Gaver, who performs as BEV. “I dabbled around with just kind of goofing off with friends for about a year or two before that, but in terms of actually performing and being here in […]
LGBTQ: Five Welcoming Places for the Community
Intersecting at 13th and Locust streets, the rainbow crosswalk represents more than lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and queers. It embodies the boundaries and obstacles crossed and overcome by the LGBTQ community in Philadelphia. In neighborhoods across the city, there are LGBTQ facilities that provide affordable medical treatments and education, encourage the exploration of self-expression, and promote a confident life. […]
LGBTQ: Q&A with Anthony Leon, Advocate for Latino Community
Anthony Leon is the co-producer of “Gran Varones,” a documentary film featuring the stories of gay and queer Latino men. Leon captured and assembled stories with co-producer Louie Ortiz-Fonesca and video editor Sean Laughlin. The film premiered in September 2014 at the Crane, a Philadelphia event venue. The producers of “Gran Varones” hope to continue the project […]