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: First Came Marriage, Now Adoption for Many Couples
For years, same-sex couples struggled for the opportunity to express and protect their love in the same way that a heterosexual couple inherently could. So when on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal across the nation, a sea of change was set in motion. “It was a big deal,” said Carrie Edwards (above, […]
Center City: qFLIX Philadelphia Revives LGBTQ Film Scene with Festival
Philadelphia’s lone LGBTQ film festival evolved from necessity. “We put qFLIX Philadelphia together for one main reason — the previous festival was abandoned,” director and co-producer James Duggan (above) said. Founded in 2014 by Duggan and fellow director and co-producer Thom Cardwell (below), the festival provides a platform for the LGBTQ community to share their stories in […]
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 […]