Activism: Fighting For Transgender Rights In Philadelphia
During the Obama administration, federal guidelines released called on public schools to allow transgender students to be able to choose the bathroom facility according to their self-professed gender identity. On Feb. 22, 2017, President Trump’s administration notified the U.S. Supreme Court that they would be withdrawing this guidance and felt that this was a focus for state-level governments rather […]
Crossroads: What it Means to be Transgendered
The transgendered community is one that has traditionally been overlooked, living in the shadows of mainstream society, and sometimes maligned. Despite the publicity arising from the public transitions of people like Caitlyn Jenner, there remains the question of what it means to live as a transgendered person. The transitioning process can begin with with an individual dressing […]
The Pope In Philly: LGBTQI Coalition Finding a Voice during Papal Visit
Last week, members of the Catholic coalition Equally Blessed came together to introduce members of their pilgrimage to Philadelphia’s World Meeting of Families (WMF). Equally Blessed fights for both recognition and equality for LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) persons and their families within the Catholic church. The coalition consists of the four organizations […]
The Pope In Philly: “My Spiritual Practice Helps me Figure out Where my Place in the Universe is,” says R. Eric Thomas.
R. Eric Thomas is the program director at the William Way LGBT Community Center, which is holding a “Celebration of Inclusive Family” on Sept 26 and 27 during the papal visit. Thomas may be new to the center—he’s been there for two months—but he’s already contributing to the cause. When did the idea of the papal celebration […]
Gayborhood: The Center For The Community
It is not just services, colorful flags and signs that make a visible community, but also an atmosphere that makes people feel celebrated and welcomed. The things that make the Gayborhood a visible community are the cultural organizations, anchor buildings and businesses like the William Way LGBT Community Center, which provides resources and a safe atmosphere for […]
LGBTQI: Community Heroes Making A Difference
The LGBTQI communities have many leaders making a difference in Philadelphia. Here are 5 community heroes you should know. Regarded as a rocket in the Philadelphia lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, Samantha Giusti (above) has taken off. After nine years of working in the communities, Giusti has garnered the reputation of a compassionate powerhouse. Throughout […]
LGBTQI: Understanding Trans-Health in Philadelphia
The annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, a program of the Mazzoni Center, has announced that Samantha Jo Dato has been appointed the conference logistics coordinator. “This conference is not just important for Philadelphia,” said Dato (below). “It’s important to the world.” The 13th annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, a free, three-day event with more than 250 workshops […]
LGBTQI: Seven Places to Know in the Community
Philadelphia’s Gayborhood – the epicenter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) communities – is located west of Washington Square, between 11th and Broad streets. The Gayberhood is internationally recognized for its queer-centric businesses, as well as residential and public spaces. Each year, the communities and their allies come together on the […]