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Empowering people.

Building community.

In the mid 1970s, when bold and visionaryleaders opened the first Gay Community Centerof Philadelphia at its early location on KaterStreet in Society Hill, those leaders could nothave imagined a building owned outright by thecommunity and conducting programs 365 daysa year. But their vision and boldness set thefoundation for 40 years of community building that

have led to the fully featured LGBT communitycenter we know today.

The William Way’s Board of Directors got togetherfor a planning retreat in November, 2014, anddecided that the Center would spend a yearcelebrating this key anniversary—integrating the40th year celebration into our programs and eventsat every turn.

We began with an introduction of the 40th Anniversary Logo at our Annual Meeting andCornerstone Brunch. We also screened a videofeaturing longtime activist John Cunningham 

speaking of the early days of the Center and itsinfluence on many community efforts to follow.The key take home of that video was the strongmessage that so many community efforts wetake for granted might not have happened if wehadn’t had a community center as a base for ourcreativity.

This initial video will be followed by many others,with key community members speaking abouttheir experiences at the William Way and howit has served as a base for their own work incommunity. We have always said that the WilliamWay is the Center of the LGBT Community—and

we will be telling some key stories about what that

has looked like over the past 40 years.

We’ll obviously tie in our own 40th anniversarywith this year’s milestone celebration of 50years of gay history at the National ConstitutionCenter exhibit, SPEAKING OUT FOR EQUALITTHE CONSTITUTION, GAY RIGHTS, AND THE

SUPREME COURT  (  see Chris Bar tlett ’s letter on

 page 2 for more information.) 4th of July will be  special citywide celebration of LGBT history—a

the William Way’s history will be a central piece

that story.

We’ll also be celebrating our 40 th Anniversary athis year’s Homecoming, our annual celebratioof Pride Weekend, taking place this year again athe wonderful John C. Anderson ApartmentsCourtyard. This year’s Homecoming Court willinclude key leaders from 40 years of the CenterHistory. Please plan to join us for food, dancingand fun at the Anderson Courtyard on SaturdayJune 13th from 7:00-11:00 PM.

The grandest celebration of our 40th Anniversarwill take place at this year’s Indigo Ball onSaturday, October 10th at the National

Constitution Center on Independence Mall.We’re increasing the size of the event to 450guests—and we’ll be welcoming both local andnational stars to participate in the festivities andset the stage for the Center’s next decade tocome. You won’t want to miss that truly speciaevent.

For more information about the Center’s plans four 40th Year, please see our website at http://www.waygay.org .

WILLIAM WAY CELEBRATES40TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2015

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

Help us go paperless! To

eceive our newsletter by

-mail, visit www.waygay.

org and click on the ‘Go

Paperless’ link, or call (215)

32-2220.

  William Way Celebrates

40th Anniversary in 2015

2  Greetings from theExecutive Director

3  April Calendar

4  April At A Glance

6  This Month inLGBT History

6  Around the Center

7  Indigogo

7  The William Way LGBTCommunity Center will

host its second annual

WayGay Women’sField Day this May!

THIS ISSUE

 APR201

http://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/mailto:info@waygay.orghttp://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/mailto:info@waygay.orghttp://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/

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uesday, March 10th was a wonderful dayt the National Constitution Center NCC), as the William Way announced ourxciting new exhibit, SPEAKING OUT FOR

EQUALITY: THE CONSTITUTION, GAY

RIGHTS, AND THE SUPREME COURT, 

which will open at the NCC on June 5th

 andun through September 7th.

he exhibit will utilize Supreme Court cases,rtifacts and personal stories to chroniclehe decades long debate over gay rights—atkey moment in LGBT history when thoseghts are being energetically discussed inll segments of American society- including,urrently, at the United States Supreme

Court.

On July 4, 1965 and every July 4 th 

hrough 1969, LGBT activists picketed

or justice in front of Philadelphia’sndependence Hall. Clad in suits andresses to appear ‘normal,’ they carriedosters that demanded equality for gaysnd lesbians in a society that treatedhem as criminals and deviant. The publicemonstrations, which were called Annual

Reminder protests and would last until 1969,were sparked by Frank Kameny’s efforto bring a discrimination case before the

Supreme Court. They would become the firstustained national effort to focus attention onhe discrimination faced by gay people andecame a catalyst for LGBT Americans to

rganize for equality.

he exhibit jumps off from those earlyemonstrations and moves on to explore the

rajectory of the LGBT civil rights debate—oth in the courts and in our communities-etween the 60s and the present. We allnow that the arc of justice has bent in favorf full equality for LGBT rights, but this exhibithows that that arc was not a foregoneonclusion. It was the courage of manyGBT citizens and our allies putting their livesnd convictions on the line that led to a world

where LGBT civil rights are taken seriously

n the courts, in the legislatures, by our

President, and in society at large.

This exhibit is historic for a number

of reasons—It’s an acknowledgment offifty years of history whose road started inpart here in Philadelphia in front of our own

iconic Independence Hall. The exhibit isalso historic because it is the first time thatan LGBT history exhibit viewed through thelens of the Constitution has been mounted ata major national museum on federal ground.Perhaps most importantly the exhibit is

historic because it is being mounted at theexact time that a landmark case on marriage

equality will be decided by the SupremeCourt at the end of June. In fact—we’rereserving a blank panel in the exhibit

to include the outcome of the court’s

decision after it is handed down!

We had some real stars at the pressconference—including John James,who marched in the original 1965 AnnualReminder, and who continues his LGBTadvocacy to this day through the publicationof “Age Treatment News”—a periodicalabout senior health. Mayor Nutter was alsoin attendance and gave what all present

agreed was a marvelous speech—about

Philadelphia’s important role in LGBT hisand how those early efforts at IndependeHall should inspire us to continue to fightfor the rights and freedoms of all—includthose who have yet to achieve full equalitThere were many tears in the audience a

the Mayor reminded us that there is yet mwork to be done t fulfill upon the promisethe Annual Reminders.

To finish off the press conference, we hadnine copies of B Proud’s landmark bookFirst Comes Love, with images of LGBTcouples and their stories, which we all sigto be sent off to the nine justices of theUnited States Supreme Court. We expecat least one of the justices to visit the exhwhile it is open.

The NCC exhibit will be complemented b

numerous other LGBT exhibits around thcity—including at the National MuseumAmerican Jewish History, the Africa

American Museum in Philadelphia, t

Independence Visitors Center, the

Pennsylvania Historical Society, andwe’re proud to announce, in a special exat the Liberty Bell Pavilion.

I want to thank the wonderful committee volunteers who have shepherded this wo(almost) fruition: John Cunningham, TaSortman, Scott Barnes, Bob Skiba, R

 Wilson, and David Acosta.

 And I look forward to seeing you this Sumas we celebrate LGBT history in our City Liberty and Freedom. For more informatabout the summer of history, visit http://reminder2015.org .

Sincerely,

Chris BartlettExecutive Director

GREETINGS FROM THEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On July 4, 1965 and every

July 4th through 1969, LGBT

activists picketed for justice

in front of Philadelphia’s

Independence Hall. Clad insuits and dresses to appear

‘normal,’ they carried posters

that demanded equality

for gays and lesbians in a

society that treated them as

criminals and deviant.

http://reminder2015.org/http://reminder2015.org/http://reminder2015.org/http://reminder2015.org/

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STAFF Avis Albaladejo

Facilities Directorr

John Anderies Archivist of the

 John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive

Chris BartlettExecutive Director 

Eric BuntingFacilities Assistant

Leonard CarterSAGEWorks AssociateJim Crouch

Maintenance Technician

Gary HinesInterim Development

Coordinator

Ben JonesDevelopment Director 

Will JordanBookkeeper 

Ed MillerSenior Programs Coordinat

Steve Serafin

Peer Counseling CoordinatMarshall SiegelFront Desk Coordinator 

Bob Skiba Curator of the

 John J. Wilcox, Jr Archive

Candice ThompsonChief Operating Officer 

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Jeff Sotland, Esq.

Co-Chair 

Laurie Ward

Co-Chair 

Steve Brando

Secretary 

 Anh Dang

Treasurer 

BOARDMEMBERS

Jocelyn Block

Tricia DresselChris Durr

Rudy Flesher Anna Garret t Amber Hikes

Mandeep JangiRobert Lenahan

Paul SteinkeLeona Thomas

APRIL CALENDAR

he William Way LGBT Community Center is a not-for-progit, 501(c)3 organizationerving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communites of Greater Philadelphia.

Indicates a new program

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ONGOING

Art Gallery: Eric Anthony Berdis,Danielle Kyberd, and Devon Reiffer

On view in the gallery: March 13 -April 24, 2015

oin the Art Gallery Committee of theWilliam Way LGBT Community Centero celebrate our 9th Annual Juried Art

Competition winners. Berdis, Kyberd,nd Reiffer are three local artists

working in various media to tell stories ofommunity, identity, and empowerment.

Their works were selected by our014 juror Evonne Davis along with

members of the art gallery committeeof the Center because of their ar tisticxcellence and community vision.

ohn J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive presents

40 Years, 40 ObjectsApril - June 2015

The Center has invited variousommunity members and friends toelect artifacts that are meaningfulo them from the Center’s extensiverchival collection in celebration of our0th anniversary. Join us for a powerfulxhibition documenting the communitynd the Center’s 40 year history in

Philadelphia.

APRIL 01

NEW: Coffee Talk

Wednesday, April 1, 15, 7pmEvery 1st and 3rd Wednesday)

Coffee Talk is a social gatheringor people who identify as Trans,Genderqueer, or Non-Binary, and their

 Allies. This is a safe space for all todiscuss about daily life, adventures,daydreams, and/or realities. CoffeeTalk is an all-inclusive, non-threateningenvironment for all to engage in casualconversation.

 Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, April 1, 7:30 pm

Volunteer Orientation is a monthlyinformation session for new volunteersto learn about the Center and thevarious ways to get involved. Call (215)732-2220 to register.

 APRIL 03

Loft 23 presents The Exchange LoftFriday, April 3, 17, 6-8 pm(1st and 3rd Fridays)

This month, join us for casualconversation and mingling at the

Center. Loft23 is an inclusive social/support group where LGBTQ individualsbetween the ages of 21 and 29 can haveengaging and constructive experiencesthat lead to self-improvement and thedevelopment of positive connectionswithin the community. FREE.

 APRIL 06

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free

and confidential)Monday, April 6, 20, 3-6 pm

The William Way Community Centeris partnering with BEBASHI, foundedin 1985 in response to the increasingincidence 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 toprovide testing and education. Droponly.

 APRIL 10

Loft23 presents The Game Loft

Friday, April 10, 6-8 pm

(2nd and 4th Fridays)The game loft is a space gearedtowards gamers (21-29 years old) withe community and is an opportunityto meet new people, play games,and socialize outside of the bar/clubscene. There will be board games, aWii console and PS3 provided withinthe group space. So come out, join tgroup and have fun!!!!!! FREE.

 APRIL 16

John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive:Collective CurationThursday, April 16, 6:30-9pm orMonday, April 20, 12:30-3:00pm

The John J. Wilcox Archives will hosan exhibit titled Defiant Archives: TraHistories of Existence, Resistance,and Brilliance from July-September2015, with a focus on the historyof Philadelphia trans activism. Alltransgender and gender nonconformcommunity members are invited to join the curation process by attendin

workshops which will offer participaan overview of the trans history in tharchives, and invite each participantto choose a piece from the Center’sarchives to exhibit in the show, or tobring a piece of their own trans histo

RECURRING PROGRAMS

APRIL AT A GLANCE

Bridge Club

Mondays, 1:30 pm“Party” bridge for the experienced player.

Reservations required. Please call the Center

at 215-732-2220.

Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free)

Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

 A social/educational group for older men wi

occasional outings, speakers and events.Light refreshments served.

Chess Club (Free) 

Sundays, 2 - 4 pm

This is an inclusive group seeking playersof all skill levels interested in socializing and

working on their game. Absolutely free, and

you’re guaranteed to hone up on those sk ills

you haven’t used in awhile or to learn newones!

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. Thisnew 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 pmSat 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, s trategy, calculation, and

luck for four players. Reservations requiredcall 215-732-2220.

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o share in the exhibit!Two dates and times are offered - each

person only needs to attend one event.Events are free, and dinner is provided.

For questions, more info, or to RSVP,please contact defiantarchives@gmail.com

APRIL 18

A Penny for Your Thoughts

Saturday, April 18, 2-5 pm

This guided discussion on all issueswhich impact lesbian, bisexual and

uestioning women will provide anopportunity to address a varietyof topics including but not limitedo sexuality, role playing, politics,elationships, etc… No subject is offmits! Each question will be written on 3 by 5 index card, folded in half. Theards are then picked randomly by the

acilitator, Yvette Lassiter, MSW, andead to the group at large. FREE. RSVPs required to info@waygay.org or 215-32-2220 as space is limited.

APRIL 20

ohn J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive:

Collective CurationThursday, April 16, 6:30-9pm orMonday, April 20, 12:30-3:00pm

The John J. Wilcox Archives will hostn exhibit titled Defiant Archives: Trans

Histories of Existence, Resistance,nd Brilliance from July-September015, with a focus on the history

of Philadelphia trans activism. Allransgender and gender nonconformingommunity members are invited to

 join the curation process by attendingworkshops which will offer participantsan overview of the trans history in thearchives, and invite each participantto choose a piece from the Center’sarchives to exhibit in the show, or tobring a piece of their own trans historyto share in the exhibit!Two dates and times are offered - each

 person only needs to attend one event.Events are free, and dinner is provided.

For questions, more info, or to RSVP, please contact defiantarchives@gmail.com

 APRIL 21

 Volunteer Velada & DinnerTuesday, April 21, 7 pm(Every 3rd Tuesday of the month)

Help us fold and assemble our monthlymailing. It’s a big job and we need your

help!

 APRIL 24

Loft23: Resume Writing WorkshopFriday, April 24, 6-8 pm

Come and participate in this freeworkshop that will go over resumewriting tips and techniques hostedby the Center’s community partner, Accenture. This is the third session ina series of professional developmentopportunities that are being hosted

by the Loft23 program for LGBTQindividuals who are in their 20s. Othertopics included in this series: jobsearch, non-discrimination issues at theworkplace, interview techniques, and avisit to the Accenture offices for mock

interviews. All sessions are free.

 APRIL 25

Queer Writer’s CollectiveSaturday, April 25, 3-5 pm

(Every 4th Saturday of the monthJoin this free group for monthlyworkshops and discussions to devel

your unique queer voice via the writtword at the Center. Contact Candiceinformation at (215) 732-2220 or infowaygay.org. Free.

 APRIL 26

Silver FoxesSunday, April 26, 3-5 pm(Every 4th Sunday of the month,

except in December)For LGBT 50+ folks. A monthly sociaand discussion group at the Center.

Light refreshments will be served anfeel welcome to bring other food.

 ANNOUNCEMENT

 Women’s WednesdaysThis monthly social group is on hiatuwhile we plan our Women’s SpringDance Party. To learn more contact Miller at emiller@waygay.org or 21732-2220.

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, familyissues, 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 oppor tunity for walking at a moderate pace

with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like

fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downsand 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’sPizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem

Pike.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation

Sundays, 3-4:30 pm

This free group is for both practicingBuddhists and those interested in Buddhism

and includes both a discussion and

meditation.

Tai Chi Classes (Free)

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pmTai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system

mind-body-spirit health, based on the wisdo

of the Tao and the I Ching. You will learn thegentle movements and deep breathing of th

 Yang Style 37 Postures Form. Tai Chi can

have many health benefits including: loweriblood pressure; reducing leg, neck and bac

pain, etc. All ages and all fitness levels are

welcome!

TransWay (Free)

Thursdays, 7-9 pm A weekly social group for the transgender a

gender nonconforming community.

mailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:emiller@waygay.orgmailto:emiller@waygay.orgmailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:defiantarchives@gmail.commailto:defiantarchives@gmail.com

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 ADA BELLOLongtime LGBT activist Ada Bello moved to the United States froCuba in 1959, when the Castro regime began persecuting whatthey perceived as threats to society – including homosexuals.She attended college in Louisiana, then, in 1962, moved to thePhiladelphia area, where she still lives. In a 2013 interview with ADía, Bello said “When I came to the United States from Cuba, Ithought I had arrived in paradise, that I’d found a lot of freedom.Then I saw all the battles that had to be fought, and that led me tactivism.”

Here, she became a founding member of the Philadelphia chapDaughters of Bilitis, a national lesbian organization. In 1968, thePhiladelphia DOB became involved in fighting police raids on thlesbian bar Rusty’s on Walnut and Quince Streets (where Moriais now). The unwillingness of the national DOB to sanction politiactivism led the Philadelphia chapter to dissolve soon after andre-form as the more militant Homophile Action League. In 1968 1969, Bello participated in the Annual Reminder Day pickets for

ghts at Independence Hall.

She later worked on the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force and served on the board of the Gay Community Center during the 1980n 1987, Bello helped organize and participated in the first Philadelphia AIDS walk, called “From All Walks of Life.”

Ada Bello (with sunglasses) is pictured here on Fire Island in the summer of 1969, with her lover at the time, Carole Friedmann. That samummer, only about 50 miles away, in New York City, street kids, trans people, lesbians and gay men dared to fight back when police raidhe Stonewall Inn.

o learn more about community supporter Ada Bello, the Reminder Day demonstrations and Philadelphia LGBT history, visit the John J.Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way Center. - Bob Skiba, John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives of Philadelphia, archives@waygay.org.

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY 

MorningsOut Photos Courtesy of Mark Kle

Devon Reiffer installs artwork for the Center’s current art

which runs through April 24. Credit: Candice Thompson

Center staffer Leonard Carter helps to staff the registration deskat the March 12th SAGEWorks job fair which brought in over adozen employers and job seekers who are LGBTQA and 40+.

Credit: Candice Thompson

AROUND THE CENTER

Photo Credit to Ada Bello

mailto:archives@waygay.orgmailto:archives@waygay.org

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IndiGoGo, an LGBTQ Dance Party to benefit the Center washeld on Saturday, February 21. Photo Credit: Scott Drake

NDIGOGO THE WILLIAM WAYLGBT COMMUNITYCENTER WILL HOSTITS SECOND ANNUAWAYGAY WOMEN’SFIELD DAY THIS MAY

Join over 100 LBTI women and alliesfor a fun-filled BBQ and day in the su

 Activities include an array of outdoor

favorites including: beer pong and

flip cup tournaments, a corn hole

competition, volleyball and badminto

along with plenty of beer, lemonade,

and iced tea, great picnic food, and o

course, great company!

The event will take place on Saturday

May 2 from 3-10pm at The Albatross,

formerly the Governor’s Mansion, in t

Germantown section of Philadelphia.This lovely mansion was built in 1889

and is situated on an acre of beautifu

manicured lawns and gardens that

surround a stone terrace. A perfect

place for a springtime social.

 All proceeds from the event benefit th

William Way LGBT Community Cente

and in addition to an amazing day of

play, food, and drink, all attendees

automatically become members of

the Center. The WayGay membership

entitles you to discounts to over 35retailers and restaurants in the city an

free admission to Center events.

We look forward to you joining us on

Saturday, May 2nd for what’s sure to

a wild women’s outdoor extravaganza

For more info, or if you have any

questions, please contact bjones@

waygay.org or kate@waygay.org.

Cost: $35 pre-sale; $40 at the door.

Ticketing site coming soon for online

sales, check out www.waygay.org 

for updates. You can also call 215-

732-2220 to purchase tickets over the

phone or in person at the Center duri

business hours.

mailto:bjones@waygay.orgmailto:bjones@waygay.orgmailto:kate@waygay.orghttp://www.waygay.org/http://www.waygay.org/mailto:kate@waygay.orgmailto:bjones@waygay.orgmailto:bjones@waygay.org

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

NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPHILADELPHIA, PAPERMIT NO. 5411

To be placed on the Center’s discreetmailing list or for more informationabout this option, please contact us at(215)732-2220 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.

t/a

  @waygay

  williamwaycc

williamway

info@waygay.org

CONNECT WITH US:

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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 positiv

connections within the community. FREE

MEETS EVERY FRIDAY FROM 6-8PM

mailto:info@waygay.orgmailto:info@waygay.org