DOCSLIB.ORG

Walking Tours of Philadelphia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Walking Tours of Philadelphia 1.) City Hall; Macy’s Grand Court Raffles in the 1980s. Hosting an ever-popular piano bar, people and Wanamaker Organ come here to hang out and have a good time. While more low-key than some of the other bars found in Gayborhood, U Bar is the GAYBORHOOD Broad and Market Streets place to be if you’re looking for a smaller environment and laid- City Hall was the tallest building in Philadelphia until Liberty back atmosphere with good conversation. Place was built (you can ride the elevator to the top of the tower for a great view). The embellished architectural style is called 5.) Philadelphia Fight French Second Empire, and was somewhat controversial in this 1233 Locust Street city of Quaker austerity. Right next to City Hall is the Wanamaker Building in which Macy’s is now located. Inside Macy’s Grand Philadelphia Fight on the 5th floor of 1233 Locust is a consortium Court, you’ll find the world’s largest operational pipe organ, the of physicians and people living with HIV who test potential WALKING Wanamaker Organ, which is played daily. treatments for HIV/AIDS and provide services to HIV-affected individuals. TOURS OF 2.) The Mazzoni Center, The GALAEI Project, TIP, and Equality Pennsylvania 6.) Woody’s PHILADELPHIA 21 S. 12th Street, 1207 and 1211 Chestnut Street 202 S. 13th Street The Mazzoni Center on the 2nd floor of 1201 Chestnut offers Since its opening in 1980, Woody’s has remained an iconic social services to sexual minorities and other high-risk groups as gay bar in Philadelphia that attracts a diverse crowd with its well as legal services. The GALAEI Project (Gay and Lesbian Latino various theme nights and always lively dance floor. Its “18 To AIDS Education Initiative) is an education program serving the Enter” Wednesday nights are a draw to all college students in OVERVIEW: needs of Latinos and TIP (Trans-Health Information Project) is Philadelphia. also in the building. Founded in 1996, Equality Pennsylvania is a This tour encompasses the Washington network of individuals and organizations whose goal is to achieve 7.) The AIDS Fund West “Gayborhood,” the heart of the lesbian, equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through education, policy, and 1315 Spruce Street, #4 legislation reform. gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) The AIDS Fund is an organization that supports HIV/AIDS community. It features nightclubs, sidewalk education, prevention, and services in the Delaware Valley by 3.) “Gay Cosi”; 12th Street Gym; Café Twelve; raising money and promoting awareness about HIV through a cafes, theaters and community centers. Some Knock; Washington West Project; wide range of events, such as monthly GayBINGO and the say the LGBTQ rights movement began in More Than Just Ice Cream annual AIDS Walk Philly to be held this year on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Philadelphia on July 4, 1965, when outside of 1128 Walnut Street, 204 S. 12th Street, 212 S. 12th Independence Hall, the first “Annual Reminder” Street, 225 S. 12th Street, 1201 Locust Street, and 8.) William Way Community Center and (the 50th anniversary of which is being 1119 Locust Street Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts celebrated in July 2015) was held protesting This restaurant chain site has been dubbed the “Gay Cosi” because 1315 Spruce Street and 300 S. Broad Street America’s treatment of gays and lesbians. of its location as it is largely patronized by the gay community. Since then, the LGBTQ community has Serving the Philadelphia community for 18 years, 12th Street Gym The William Way Community Center is the home to various boasts a primarily LGBTQ clientele, and has a 22-station circuit and social, political, and support groups for the LGBTQ community. become integrated with the entire city, but this over 60 quality group fitness classes a week. Stop by Café Twelve Opened in 1997,WilliamWay sponsors many activities such as neighborhood remains its most vital scene. for its coffee and pastries while hanging out with locals and meeting Buddhist meditation, intergenerational activities, and discussion new people. Just down the street, unlike the more lively bars near groups, and also offers a gallery space for artists and a 10,000-plus it in Gayborhood, Knock is a restaurant and bar that serves patrons volume library and archive. While on the tour, be on the look-out WHY YOU SHOULD RETURN: who are looking for a more upscale atmosphere to relax in. § The for the Pride and Progress mural located on the west wall! As for the Kimmel Center, this architectural masterpiece is the home This lively street scene is active year-round, so Washington West Project, located at 1201 Locust, is a collaborative health-promotion effort among ActionAIDS, the Mazzoni Center, of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as Philadanco, the famous you should visit often and support the many SafeGuards, BEBASHI, and the GALAEI Project. To get a dining African American ballet company. Watch hip hop dancing, hear LGBTQ-run businesses. The Gayborhood is experience above the ordinary, sweet-toothed locals go to More classical, world, and jazz music, or attend one of the many free usually identified as being located between Than Just Ice Cream, a delightful, gay-friendly restaurant and ice concerts throughout the year. Chestnut and Pine streets (north and south) and cream parlor. 9.) The Church of St. Luke & the Epiphany between 9th and Broad streets (east and west). 4.) I-Candy; Tavern on Camac; U Bar 330 S. 13th Street Just look for the rainbow stripe on the bottom of 254 S. 12th Street, 243 S. Camac Street, This Episcopal Church is home to various LGBTQ-oriented the street signs. 1220 Locust Street groups, including Dignity Philadelphia (for Catholics), ACT-UP, I-Candy is a popular nightclub that attracts a younger crowd and the Pinks and Blues (a peer-run support group for sexual and Take the Market-Frankford El to looking for a night of dancing. On Fridays, the club is open to ages gender minorities living with mental illness), and was the first 18 and up. Tavern on Camac has a long history in Gayborhood – it home of ActionAIDS, now Pennsylvania’s largest HIV/AIDS 13th Street Stop or the Green Line was originally a rowhouse built in the early 1800s and was then service organization. Trolley to Juniper Street stop. converted into a bar known as Maxine’s in the 1920s and then 10.) Cobblestone streets Camac Street between Spruce and Pine Streets Take a walk on the cobblestone streets in Philadelphia that add charm to the city and date back to the 1800s. 11.) Giovanni’s Room 345 S. 12th Street Since 1973, Giovanni’s Room has been the biggest and best source for books, periodicals, and information by, for, and about the LGBT and women’s communities. Though closed for business in May 2014, it is hoped that Giovanni’s Room will re-open under new ownership soon. Of additional interest: From http://philadelphia.about.com/od/gayandlesbian Gay Bingo: The wildly popular bingo fundraiser takes place almost every month and benefits the AIDS Fund Philadelphia. Equality Forum: This event is one of the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender symposia and festivals held in late spring. 1 LGBT Pride Parade & Festival: Each June, Philadelphians show their pride with a parade through Center City. 2 Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Theatre Festival: This annual event provides a showcase for new plays, musicals, cabaret, and other performances. QFest: Held each July, it is the largest gay film festival on the East Coast. 3 6 OutFest Weekend: OutFest, the National Coming Out Day Festival, 5 4 300 S. Broad Street has grown over the past 14 years into the largest such celebration in the world. 8 7 11 See www.phillygaycalendar.com and www.aroundphilly.com for more events information. 9 10 To get back to Penn, take the #21 or #42 bus, or the Green Line from Market Street to 37th and Spruce streets. Tour developed by Penn’s LGBT Center GAYBORHOOD.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • LGBT Sign-On Letter in Support of the October 5 National Day of Dignity and Respect for Humane Immigration Reform
    LGBT Sign-on Letter in Support of the October 5 National Day of Dignity and Respect for Humane Immigration Reform An Open Letter in Support of the National Day of Dignity and Respect for Humane Immigration Reform The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and allied organizations listed below strongly support the October 5 National Day of Dignity and Respect for Humane Immigration Reform. Our broken immigration system causes great harm and suffering to hundreds of thousands of LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants and aspiring citizens. We urge the House of Representatives to act quickly and urgently to pass humane immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship and protection for vulnerable LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants, asylum seekers, and detainees. We will stand with a broad spectrum of organizations and individuals on October 5 to tell Congress: Act NOW to pass humane immigration reform. This year, the LGBT community has celebrated a tremendous victory in the fight for equality and justice for LGBT immigrant families. While we celebrate, we remain committed to humane immigration reform to ensure no LGBT immigrant – or any immigrant – is left behind. Our community and families have been excluded from our nation’s immigration laws for decades. Lesbian and gay immigrants were banned from immigrating to the United States until 1990, HIV-positive immigrants were banned from immigrating until 2010, and shockingly, the immigration ban on LGBT families continued until June 26 of this year when the Supreme Court overturned part of the Defense of Marriage Act. After decades of discrimination and exclusion, LGBT family ties are finally recognized in our country’s immigration system, allowing us to now sponsor our spouses for green cards.
    [Show full text]
  • Organizations Endorsing the Equality Act
    647 ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSING THE EQUALITY ACT National Organizations 9to5, National Association of Working Women Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC A Better Balance Asian American Federation A. Philip Randolph Institute Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) ACRIA Association of Flight Attendants – CWA ADAP Advocacy Association Association of Title IX Administrators - ATIXA Advocates for Youth Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists AFGE Athlete Ally AFL-CIO Auburn Seminary African American Ministers In Action Autistic Self Advocacy Network The AIDS Institute Avodah AIDS United BALM Ministries Alan and Leslie Chambers Foundation Bayard Rustin Liberation Initiative American Academy of HIV Medicine Bend the Arc Jewish Action American Academy of Pediatrics Black and Pink American Association for Access, EQuity and Diversity BPFNA ~ Bautistas por la PaZ American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests American Association of University Women (AAUW) Caring Across Generations American Atheists Catholics for Choice American Bar Association Center for American Progress American Civil Liberties Union Center for Black Equity American Conference of Cantors Center for Disability Rights American Counseling Association Center for Inclusivity American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Center for Inquiry Employees (AFSCME) Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies American Federation of Teachers CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers American Heart Association Central Conference
    [Show full text]
  • Supreme Court of the United States
    No. 19-123 IN THE Supreme Court of the United States SHARONELL FULTON, ET AL., Petitioners, v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, ET AL., Respondents. On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit BRIEF OF GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS AND 27 OTHER LGBTQ ADVOCACY GROUPS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS J. ANTHONY DOWNS MARY L. BONAUTO GOODWIN PROCTER LLP Counsel of Record 100 Northern Ave. GARY D. BUSECK Boston, MA 00210 PATIENCE CROZIER (617) 570-1929 GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES [email protected] & DEFENDERS 18 Tremont Street, Suite 950 Boston, MA 02108 (617) 426-1350 [email protected] Counsel for Amici Curiae August 20, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTEREST OF THE AMICI CURIAE ...................... 1 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT .................................... 2 ARGUMENT .............................................................. 4 I. The Petitioners’ Proposed Religious Exemption Would Create “Classes Among Citizens” By Denying The “Full Promise” Of Liberty And Equality To LGBTQ People. .............................................. 4 A. Judicial Rulings And Changes Through The Democratic Process Have Moved LGBTQ People Closer To Equal Citizenship In This Country. ................................................... 4 B. The Proposed Exemption Would Undermine Legal Equality For LGBT People In The Near “Limitless … Transactions And Endeavors That Constitute Ordinary Civic Life In A Free Society.” ................................................. 10 C. The Exemption Sought Here Is Unwarranted; Our Democracy Has Long Proved Capable Of Addressing These Issues. ...................... 24 CONCLUSION ......................................................... 32 TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Page(s) Cases: Barrett v. Fontbonne Acad., No. NOCV2014-751, 2015 WL 9682042 (Mass. Super. Ct. Dec. 16, 2015) ...................... 13 Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020) ................................... 9, 29 Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Municipal Equality Index, Which Youngstown Becoming Their 16Th
    TABLE OF CONTENTS Frequently Asked Questions An Introduction WHERE CAN I GET MORE DID YOU KNOW THAT ISN’T CAN ONLY CITIES IN STATES 4 Letter from Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation INFORMATION ABOUT THE A CITY? WITH GOOD LAWS GET GOOD 5 Letter from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of the Equality Federation Institute CITIES RATED? Yes. A few of the places rated in the SCORES? 6 Letter from Richard Florida, “Enduring Growth for Cities is Driven by Diversity” This booklet contains only a summary MEI are “census-designated places” Definitely not. The MEI was 7 Why Cities Should Invest in Equality of the scorecards for each of the 506 which are not incorporated as cities. specifically designed to measure the cities rated on the 2017 MEI. The In that case, we rated the local laws and policies of the municipality, full scorecards are available online at incorporated government that actually not the state. While state law might How It Works www.hrc.org/mei. serves that census-designated place, add to a city’s score, positive state which is usually the county. This is law is not necessary for a city 12 Executive Summary HOW WERE THESE CITIES explained further on page 17. to score 100 points. In fact, 27 17 City Selection CHOSEN? cities in states without statewide 18 2017 MEI Scorecard This year, the cities rated are: the 50 HOW ARE THE SCORES nondiscrimination laws for LGBTQ 21 Scoring Criteria Parts I-V state capitals, the 200 largest cities CALCULATED? people scored 100 points in 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • May 9, 2018 the Honorable Charles Grassley Chairman Senate Committee on the Judiciary 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washing
    May 9, 2018 The Honorable Charles Grassley Chairman Senate Committee on the Judiciary 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Ranking Member Senate Committee on the Judiciary 152 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 RE: 32 LGBT Groups Oppose Confirmation of Ryan Bounds Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein: We, the undersigned 32 national, state and local advocacy organizations representing the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and everyone living with HIV, urge you to oppose the nomination of Ryan Bounds to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Bounds’ record leaves little doubt in our minds that he is incapable of administering fair and impartial justice towards LGBT people and other marginalized communities. Mr. Bounds has clearly and consistently expressed his animosity towards vulnerable communities through a series of commentaries that he wrote while serving as the opinions editor for the Stanford Review. For example, in one piece, Mr. Bounds criticized students of color and LGBT students for being “overly-sensitive” in the face of discriminatory acts specifically targeting them. Following the vandalism of an on-campus statute celebrating “gay pride” (without explanation, Mr. Bounds places the term gay pride in quotes) by a group of athletes, Mr. Bounds expressed concerned only about the rights of the athletes, without any recognition of the effect of this action on LGBT students. He went on to bemoan the university’s decision to provide financial support for the on-campus LGBT center as a result of the incident.1 Similarly, following the firing of a senior Latino administrator, Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • September 14, 2009 Dear Member of Congress, on Behalf of the Below
    September 14, 2009 Dear Member of Congress, On behalf of the below-named civil rights organizations, we urge you to become a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act of 2009. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which singles out lawfully married same-sex couples for discriminatory treatment under federal law, thereby denying them and them alone among married couples more than 1100 federal protections and responsibilities that would otherwise apply to them once legally married. Until DOMA was enacted in 1996, federal law deferred to states in determining who could marry and be considered married, and the principle of comity and constitutional guarantee of full faith and credit governed states’ obligations to honor marriages validly celebrated elsewhere. DOMA was an unprecedented departure from these long-established rules. Not only does DOMA purport to allow states to refuse to recognize valid civil marriages of same-sex couples (§ 2), it carves all same-sex couples, even those who have taken on the serious legal responsibilities of civil marriage and are recognized as married under state law, out of all federal statutes, regulations, and rulings applicable to all other married people (§ 3). As a result, legally married same-sex spouses cannot: • File their taxes jointly • Receive spousal, mother’s and father’s, or surviving spouse benefits under Social Security even though they pay into Social Security throughout their careers • Take unpaid leave to care for a sick or injured spouse • Receive employer-provided family health benefits without paying an additional tax that different-sex spouses do not pay • Receive the same family health and retirement/pension benefits as fellow married employees • Be protected by the safe harbor provisions in bankruptcy law, Medicaid rules and other federal statutes that secure some resources and the family home when debts of one spouse threaten to leave both financially responsible spouses destitute.
    [Show full text]
  • LGBTQA Resources
    LGBTQA Resources Community Centers The Attic Youth Center atticyouthcenter.org 255 S. 16th St. Philadelphia 215.545.4331 The Attic Youth Center creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. AVEN (The Asexual Visibility and Education Network) asexuality.org The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) was founded in 2001 with two distinct goals: creating public acceptance and discussion of asexuality and facilitating the growth of an asexual community. Since that time we have grown to host the world’s largest asexual community, serving as an informational resource for people who are asexual and questioning, their friends and families, academic researchers and the press. BiNet USA binetusa.org 4201 Wilson Blvd. Suite 110-311 Arlington VA 22203 800.585.9368 BiNet USA facilitates the development of a cohesive network of independent bisexual and bi-friendly communities; promotes bisexual, pansexual and bi-inclusive visibility; and collects and distribute educational information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity with an emphasis on the bisexual and pansexual and allied communities. COLOURS, Inc. coloursorganization.org 1207 Chestnut St., 3rd Floor Philadelphia 215.851.1975 The COLOURS Organization, Inc. was established in 1991 to respond to the lack of positive and progressive educational advocacy and support mechanisms for LGBT people of color in the Greater Philadelphia area. COLOURS seeks to accomplish this through a variety of activities aimed at attacking the underpinnings of disempowerment and despair in our community, activities which improve information sharing, enhance self-esteem, and support and develop the talent, beauty, strength and courage of LGBT people of color.
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania Trans Resources
    Pennsylvania Trans Resources Statewide ACLU of PA (www.aclupa.org) The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. Through advocacy, public education and litigation, our staff and volunteers work to preserve and enhance liberties grounded in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and civil rights laws. Among those liberties are freedoms of speech, religion and association; the right to petition the government; separation of church and state; the right to privacy; reproductive freedom; due process of law; the rights of the accused; and the right to equal treatment under the law. Equality PA (www.equalitypa.org) Founded in 1996 as The Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Equality Pennsylvania is the leading statewide advocacy organization in the Commonwealth dedicated to achieving equality for all LGBT Pennsylvanians. The Equality Pennsylvania family of organizations consists of Equality Pennsylvania, a 501(c)(4) organization focused specifically on advocacy, coalition- building, and organizing, and the Equality Pennsylvania Educational Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to achieve equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through outreach, education, and policy reform. Equality PA PAC is also part of the organization's electoral work. Keystone Progress (www.keystoneprogress.org) Keystone Progress is Pennsylvania's largest and most effective online activist network and progressive organization with over 250,000 email subscribers. Get involved in your local chapter: Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Erie. Pennsylvania Transgender Survey 2015 (www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/PA-USTS-Report.pdf) The 2015 U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Walking Tours of Philadelphia Gayborhood
    GAYBORHOOD 1. Equality Pennslyvania 6. Cobblestone streets 11th and Market and 1211 Chestnut Street Camac Street between Spruce and Pine Streets Founded in 1996, Equality Pennsylvania, located in the Mental Health Take a walk on the cobblestone streets in Philadelphia that add Partnerships building, is a network of individuals and organizations whose goal charm to the city and date back to the 1800s. is to achieve equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through education, policy, and legislation reform. 7. The Church of St. Luke & the Epiphany 330 S. 13th Street 2. 12th Street Gym; Knock; Washington West Project; WALKING This Episcopal Church is home to various LGBTQ-oriented More Than Just Ice Cream groups, including Dignity Philadelphia (for Catholics), ACT-UP, 1128 Walnut Street, 204 S. 12th Street, 225 S. 12th Street, 1201 and the Pinks and Blues (a peer-run support group for sexual and TOURS OF Locust Street, and 1119 Locust Street gender minorities living with mental illness), and was the first home Serving the Philadelphia community for 18 years, 12th Street Gym boasts a of ActionAIDS, now Pennsylvania’s largest HIV/AIDS service PHILADELPHIA primarily LGBTQ clientele, and has a 22-station circuit and over 60 quality organization. group fitness classes a week. Just down the street, unlike the more lively bars near it in Gayborhood, Knock is a restaurant and bar that serves patrons who 8. The AIDS Fund are looking for a more upscale atmosphere to relax in. § The Washington 1315 Spruce Street, #4 West Project, located at 1201 Locust, is a collaborative health-promotion OVERVIEW: effort among ActionAIDS, the Mazzoni Center, SafeGuards, BEBASHI, The AIDS Fund is an organization that supports HIV/AIDS and the GALAEI Project.
    [Show full text]
  • Matthew Kacsmaryk
    January 17, 2018 The Honorable Charles Grassley Chairman Senate Committee on the Judiciary 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Ranking Member Senate Committee on the Judiciary 152 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 RE: 39 LGBT Groups Oppose Confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein: We, the undersigned 39 national, state and local advocacy organizations, representing the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and everyone living with HIV, urge you to oppose the nomination of Matthew Kacsmaryk to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Mr. Kacsmaryk is an anti-LGBT activist who serves as deputy general counsel at First Liberty Institute (FLI). Mr. Kacsmaryk was nominated to the federal bench alongside his former FLI colleague Jeff Mateer, who described transgender children as part of “Satan’s plan.” Now, Mr. Kacsmaryk may not have been filmed uttering the words “Satan’s plan” in reference to trans children, but his suggestion that transgender people are “delusional”1 shows that he is cut from the same cloth as Mr. Mateer, whose nomination was widely criticized and eventually (and appropriately) withdrawn. Like Mr. Mateer, Mr. Kacsmaryk’s history of targeting those who do not live according to his particular social and religious beliefs calls into doubt his ability to administer fair and impartial justice. For example, in the course of representing a client who refused retail services to a same-sex couple based on the owner’s religious beliefs, Mr. Kacsmaryk argued that “[u]nder Supreme Court precedent, even the state’s interest in preventing sexual orientation-based discrimination cannot justify serious burdens on the Kleins’ constitutionally protected religious freedom.”2 Likewise, Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • PSEC 2011 YEAR-END REPORT Pittsburgh – Harrisburg – Philadelphia
    The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition PSEC 2011 YEAR-END REPORT Pittsburgh – Harrisburg – Philadelphia www.pennsec.org | [email protected] PSEC 2011 Year-End Report -2011- PSEC Established April 2011 PA Youth Unite as PSEC PSEC YEAR-END REPORT The Pennsylvania Student Equality This is PSEC’s Year-End Report for Coalition is the Keystone State’s 2011. It highlights the work of first and only statewide LGBTQ Pennsylvania LGBTQ youth youth organization. throughout the commonwealth working for the first year as PSEC. PSEC Holds Constitutional PSEC works as an entirely youth- Convention in Harrisburg led and youth-run coalition PSEC youth had been networking Over 30 leaders of LGBTQ student organizations from dedicated to advocacy across the together since January 2010 and across Pennsylvania convened in August 2011 in Harrisburg to draft and adopt the PSEC Constitution. commonwealth on issues relating were finally able to achieve their to lesbian, gay, bisexual, united goal of forming a sovereign Page #3 transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organization in 2011. PSEC is youth and safe schools. officially a non-profit organization operating in Pennsylvania with PSEC was founded in April 2011 by sponsorship for 501c3 tax-exempt leaders of LGBTQ student youth status. organizations from all across Pennsylvania. PSEC currently has three field offices - in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, As an independent coalition of and Philadelphia. The coalition has LGBTQ youth communities in grown to be based with over 70 PSEC Youth Action Conference Pennsylvania, PSEC represents LGBTQ youth organizations Rallies Students in Philadelphia thousands of LGBTQ young people throughout Pennsylvania. throughout the Keystone State. More than 100 LGBTQ youth leaders from all across Pennsylvania gathered in Philadelphia for a weekend of expert trainings and policy briefings with local, state, PSEC is the first entirely youth-led and national social justice leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • July 3, 2018 Robert R. Redfield, M.D. Director Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA
    July 3, 2018 Robert R. Redfield, M.D. Director Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 USA Dear Dr. Redfield, The undersigned organizations are writing in support of maintaining the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) optional module to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). As you are aware, BRFSS is the nation's premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. The CDC provides the BRFSS to states to obtain data on risk behaviors and health conditions in the U.S. population. The SOGI module in the BRFSS — an optional module since 2014 — has been used in more than 30 states and territories and have provided the first representative snapshot of transgender health in the United States. In 2017 the optional BRFSS SOGI module was funded by the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). However, ASPE did not fund its inclusion beyond 2017. The information collected as a part of the SOGI module to the BRFSS provides critical data that helps improve the health and wellness of our nation. This is an extremely important source of data on these issues and is particularly relevant to shaping our response to the intersectional HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and the drug overdose epidemics. We understand from the Williams Institute that until late in the process the draft survey for 2019 did not include the SOGI module because of a lack of funding although we understand the CDC has now found the money necessary to add the module to BRFSS 2019.
    [Show full text]