AIDS FUND HOSTS 2024 BLACK-TIE GayBINGO!

Hey there, fabulous readers! Are you ready to dive into an evening filled with sparkle, laughter, and heartwarming moments? Mark your calendars for April 6, because the annual Black-Tie GayBINGO event at the luxurious Loews Philadelphia Hotel is the place to be! This isn’t just any bingo night; it’s a dazzling blend of glamorous drag…

What to watch

Turkey time? Done and dusted! But hey, the weekend’s just unfolding its cozy blanket! 🍿✨ Who’s ready for a fabulous movie marathon? Break out the leftover pie and prep your comfiest couch corner, because we’ve got a dazzling lineup of fantastic LGBT flicks waiting for you! Whether you’re eager to dive into stories streaming straight…

Vocal ensemble Chanticleer beguiles the men and women of Princeton

World-renowned and Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer gave a stunning recital at Princeton University on October 12, 2023.  Chanticleer’s program was entitled Music of a Silent World. The composers featured were Kurt Weill, Majel Connery, Ayanna Woods, Ann Ronell, Heinrich Isaac, Max Reger, Joni Mitchell, Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Churchill, Irving Berlin, and The Weather by Clyde Lawrence, Gracie Lawrence, Jon…

Thrilling Dancers Bring This Carmen Ballet to Life

Philadelphia Ballet’s new Carmen is now at Philadelphia’s landmark Academy of Music until October 15, 2023.  By all accounts on opening night, the audience went wild for the intensely high level of dancing and dramatic power of this ballet created, rearranged, and adapted from the famous opera by Georges Bizet. This Carmen is condensed into a 75-minute drama with a…

Manayunk’s Out & About Festival

Join us in commemorating National Coming Out Day and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community at the yearly Out & About Festival in Manayunk. The event, stretching over four days from Thursday, September 28th to Sunday, October 1st, promises to be a spectacular extravaganza with drag shows, fitness routines, a fun-filled comedy night, a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and much more!

GOP Slashes funding for the William Way Center

The recent decision by a group of House Republicans to slash federal funding to LGBTQ organizations sent shock waves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Among those targeted were two Pennsylvania centers of communal refuge: The William Way Community Center and the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. This act, widely criticized as a blatant act…

PHOTOS: OurNightOut on the Moshulu

OurNightOut-Philly truly outshined itself on June 6, as the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF) hosted a spectacular Pride Month celebration for the LGBTQ community aboard the historic Moshulu. The world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel, currently repurposed as a floating restaurant in Penn’s Landing, provided breathtaking views of the city skyline and a perfect…

A Glimpse into Candyland Pride Event by BOS Philly

What’s more delightful than a Pride event with a Candyland theme? At the start of Pride Month, BOS Philly hosted an incredibly colorful and vibrant affair at their official Pride celebration – Candyland! 🍭🌈 With over 1,000 guests dressed in their sweetest and most appetizing attire, you just couldn’t take your eyes off the candy-coated…

Andy Borowitz discusses his book Profiles in Ignorance at the McCarter

With his signature wit and insight, comedian and New Yorker magazine satirist Andy Borowitz delved into questions such as Why have American politics deteriorated intellectually over the last 50 years? How have the mass media encouraged the election of ignorant leaders? And how can we change course? He discussed his New York Times/Washington Post/Wall Street Journal bestseller, Profiles in Ignorance: How America’s Politicians Got Dumb…

Philly Pride Announced!

Get Ready for Philadelphia Pride 2023: Love, Light, and Liberation! June 2 – 4, 2023 Philadelphia’s official Pride celebration is back this year with a bang, and we can’t wait to share all the exciting details with you! Presented by Galaei, Philly’s leading QTBIPOC social justice organization, Pride is taking over the city with a…

Dr. Billie Swiggard - Introducing Mazzoni Center

Dr. Billie Swiggard of the Mazzoni Center

Meet Dr. Billie Swiggard, an infectious disease physician, and learn why she chooses to work at Mazzoni Center, and what makes her proud to work there. Medicine is literally a second career for Billie Swiggard. This self-described guitar player, folk singer, entertainer and “Broadway Gypsy” was first on the stage, dropping out of college at…

‘Meet Me at Dawn’

Excited to announce the American premiere of Meet Me at Dawn by award-winning Scottish playwright Zinnie Harris! Directed by Sam Tower and starring Hannah Gold and Jackie Soro. Don’t miss out on this mysterious and mystical tale of love and grief.

The Real Friends of Weho: A Missed Opportunity

As a member of the LGBTQ community, representation matters and the premiere of MTV’s new show “The Real Friends of Weho” falls short in that aspect. The cast may be diverse, but where’s the evidence of that diversity on screen? The drama feels too familiar and low stakes, and it’s a missed opportunity for fresh, new perspectives in unscripted television

M3gan: The Fiercest and Fabulous Robot Slay Queen to Grace the Horror Genre

M3gan has taken the internet by storm and it’s easy to see why. Not only is she a fierce and fabulous robot doll, but she also knows how to work a room (or a blood-splattered one, as the case may be). Plus, who wouldn’t love a character that can twerk and murder in one swift motion? It’s no wonder Megan Thee Stallion herself gave the trailer her seal of approval. But the real question is, does M3gan’s reign as a queer icon hold up now that the movie is out?

drag queen smiling, laughing, with huge hair with champagne flute Infront of fireworks

New Year, New Goals: Five Resolutions

As we welcome in the new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. In this blog post, we explore five resolutions that may be particularly relevant for gay men, including prioritizing self-care, strengthening relationships, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, taking on new challenges, and being more mindful.

PHOTOS: Beauty Ball 2022

The Philly Beauty Ball is the brainchild of Philly’s infamous drag performer BEV [Drew Gaver] and Ryan Rudy. It was created for everyone to get a chance to try out drag for the first time and a way to raise money for local charities. Philly Beauty Balls missions is: The one time each year anybody…

The Rainbow Wave in the Election

LGBTQ candidates made more significant strides towards becoming elected officials than ever before in this year’s midterm elections. Some advocates are calling it a “rainbow wave.” With results still coming in, more than 400 LGBTQ candidates have won elections so far. That’s about to surpass the number for 2020 and for 2018. The LGBTQ Victory…

Happy Holigays

The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will present ‘Happy Holigays and a Queer New Year!’ at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA, 19146 on December 1, 2022 at 8 PM, December 2, 2022 at 8 PM and December 3 at 2 PM and 8 PM.

PHOTOS: Cirque du Circuit

BOS Philly produced the most amazing party Philly has seen in decades. Featuring DJ Cindel, BOS took over The Ave for a circus themed party for the ages. Acrobats, clowns, bearded ladies, jugglers, performers and more under an impressive Big Top

PHOTOS: BOS Philly Eden

The team at BOS Philly gave us another incredible party. With DJ Twin from DC spinning all night, the music was electrifying. Guys showed up dressed for a night in the garden of Eden, fig leaves, snakes and more….or should we say less!

Gunnar Montana Presents: BATH HOUSE

Gunnar Montana Productions 2022 production, BATH HOUSE! Designed as a temple to the fluid nature of sexuality, BATH HOUSE will be a deeply sensory immersive theatrical experience dripping with erotic energy from start to finish. Our cast and crew has been working hard to create an atmosphere where you are free to indulge your own…

March On: The Fight for Pride

After accusations of racism and transphobia ripped apart the group that ran Philadelphia’s biggest LGBTQ celebration, a scrappy group of activists is trying to pick up the pieces. Similar reckonings are taking place at Pride organizations across the nation. What happens next in Philly is unclear. Can a group with little experience and lofty goals create a new Pride festival that’s equitable and lasting? Can the movement be revived — and finally get it right?

Optimal Sport takes PRIDE in zero judgment gym culture

Optimal Sport is a gay-owned gym that has been creating a vibrant and inclusive space for the last two decades and takes pride in zero-judgment gym culture. The family-friendly community gym is nestled in the heart of the Gayborhood. Optimal Sport The Philadelphia Building1315 Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107PH: 215.735.1114 Mon – Thurs: 5:30am – 11pmFriday:…

Rainbow Bagel Benefit

Rainbow Bagel BenefitBy Glu HospitalityBagels and Co.1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123All Month Long! Bagels and Co. and Glu Hospitality are proud to support Philly Gay Pride Month and the LGBTQ Community with a dollar from every single rainbow bagel sold in June to William Way LGBT Community Center to support their ongoing work…

#loveislove Gay Pride Month Special Beer Release

Available at the Lab at Evil Genius and through GoPuff and Delivery PlatformsEvil Genius Beer Company1727 N. Front St., Philadelphia215-425-6820http://evilgeniusbeer.com Love who you want to, drink what you want to! Evil Genius Beer Company celebrates June as Philly Gay Pride Month with a special limited edition beer release #loveislove. This exclusive Strawberry Blonde Ale (6%…

Hairspray

The eternal sunshine of Hairspray

The iconic Broadway hit Hairspray is now at the Miller Theater until May 22. The Miller Theater is the new name of the former Merriam Theater. Hairspray: The Musical is based upon the hit film by John Waters. The cast, sets, costumes, live orchestra and cast are a dream come true. Don’t miss it! Hairspray…

Parks on Tap Announces Return to Water Works

Parks on Tap Announces Return to Water Works

Philadelphia’s famous beer garden that gives back to city parks announces its return for the summer season. Parks on Tap will start their extended stay outside of the historic Fairmount Water Works (640 Waterworks Drive) on Friday, May 20, 2022. For fans of the original traveling format, Parks on Tap will travel again starting August…

Sofitel Presents Pride Drag Tea

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, part of AccorHotels, presents a month-long celebration for June as Philadelphia Gay Pride Month. The Sofitel Philadelphia will raise a giant Philadelphia-version of the Gay Pride Flag to hang proudly outside the hotel on 17th Street. Inside, neighbors, guests and visitors are invited to visit the Hall of LGBTQ Flags…

Positano Coast 2022 by Adriano Martino (7)

New Completely Redesigned Positano Coast

Aldo Lamberti and family are proud to introduce and unveil the new Positano Coast in Old City, Philadelphia – known for sponsoring the LGBT Film Festival qFlix. The award-winning Italian and seafood restaurant, bar, lounge, event space and outdoor dining destination has been renovated inside from top to bottom, in a story that is an…

Nasty Pig Water Shoot

Philly favorite Gunnar Montana got together with Photographer Joe McFetridge for another sexy photoshoot sporting some Nasty Pig underwear.. This time with a little water. Plus a behind-the-scenes video to see how it was all done. We’re all a little nasty underneath it all!

BalletX Announces Extraordinary 2022 Season

BalletX is leaping back into live performances with an electrifying 2022 Season of unique partnerships and inspiring world premieres by nine of today’s top choreographers debuting at three performance series: BalletX at Glen Foerd (April 19-21), Spring Series at TD Pavilion at the Mann (May 18-19) and Summer Series at The Wilma Theater (July 13-17).…

What to Wear: Ice Queen

The BOS Philly team has created another incredible party – ICE QUEEN. on February 26 at The Foundry. You don’t want to miss it but what are you going to wear????? We have some suggestions. And make sure you check out our sponsor, Andrew Christian, for some great lewks!

PHOTOS: Code Red 2021

Code Red 2021 was a great success raising $37,407. Thank you to all the entertainers and attendees who made the night magical. Thank you to all the sponsors who supported us and helped the donations grow especially Barclays Bank US Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar Punchline Comedy Club Cockatoo (Ram Krishnan) Level Up Bar &…

Sultan Shakir

Sultan Shakir named Mazzoni Center’s new Chief Executive

After a nearly year-long assessment, transition study, and national search process, After a nearly year-long assessment, transition study, and national search process, Sultan Shakir (he/him) has been named Mazzoni Center’s new chief executive. Sultan was selected from a group of exceptionally qualified and diverse LGBTQ+ leaders, representing the full diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Sultan…

Popular Events from 2021

We had hundreds of events this year, and considering half the year, most venues were closed because of the Pandemic. That’s not bad at all! We have done our research and listed below the 10 most popular events by web traffic. Let’s see what they were!

It's only a play

Make your Yultide Gay

Terrence McNally’s last work It’s Only a Play has been given a great new production at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. The only thing you need to be careful about is that this fun romp is only playing until December 19, so hurry and see it.

Cockatoo Holiday Art Installation

Tim Laskey (he/him) is a Philadelphia-based artist who works in both digital and traditional media. Originally from Long Island, NY and having lived many years in rural western Pennsylvania before moving here 20 years ago, “playing between extremes is a place I find a lot of creativity.

Stonewall

Stonewall Registration

That’s right! Registration is opened  for Bowling, Billiards, Yoga, and Stonewall In Motion (formerly Stonewall Running Group). For registration details, dates, and locations, read on below!  Registration questions? Contact Sports Operations Director Mike Morris at mmorris@stonewallphilly.org. Can’t wait to see you all soon! Director Mike Morris This fall, they will be launching Stonewall In Motion (formerly known as Stonewall Running Group).…

COVID-19 Recovery Fund

The Marsha P. Johnson Institue’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund provides one-time direct relief in the amount of $500 to BLACK transgender or non-binary identified people. As our commitment is to always center the needs of those most beyond the margins, priority has been given to BLACK trans women and those who have experience as sex workers,…

Gunnar Montana Presents: Motel Montana

From Gunnar Montana Welcome to the official Indiegogo campaign for Gunnar Montana Productions 2021 production, Motel Montana! Our cast and crew are so excited to welcome you back to a live, in-person Gunnar Montana immersive experience.  Rehearsals are already underway and we can’t wait to share this amazing show with you! Motel Montana will be a colorful…

Nizah Morris

Justice for Nizah Morris

Eighteen years ago, after receiving a courtesy ride from a Philadelphia police officer, Nizah Morris, a Black trans woman, was found hit over the head. She died shortly after. After years of asking for police transparency and answers, Nizah’s murder is still unsolved.

Topcatt Cabaret to Debut at Concourse

Concourse Dance Bar (1635 Market Street) welcomes a brand new monthly variety show that is set to dazzle starting Wednesday, July 28th. Philadelphia Drag Queen Maria TopCatt will host the brand-new TopCatt Cabaret, a star-studded adults-only show with a rotating cast of top drag and burlesque performers. Each month guests can anticipate a new, exciting…

Vendors Wanted – South Jersey Gay Pride

VENDORS WANTED for the 13th Annual South Jersey Gay Pride Festival on Sunday, September 12, 20221 from 12:00PM to 6:00PM at the beautiful Cooper River Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.* Download our vendor application and regulations. For 13 successful years the South Jersey LGBTQA+ Pride Committee has taken this time to educate our community on prominent issues…

Pride Dissolved

Philly Pride Dissolves

Roiled by community backlash, the organization behind Philadelphia’s largest annual LGBTQ Pride parade and festival for the last 28 years has abruptly dissolved and canceled its forthcoming Pride festivities, The Inquirer has learned. The organizers behind Philly Pride Presents did not respond to multiple phone calls, voice mails, emails, and Facebook messages — which were…

Gunnar Montana [Photographer Joe McFetridge]

|Safe Space Project| with Gunnar Montana

“Go ahead and be yourself, you’re safe.” Philadelphia local choreographer and performance artist,  Gunnar Montana partnered with Trojan Brand Condoms to design and construct a photoshoot set out of 2,500 of their BARESKIN™ Lubricated Condoms! (That’s right, zoom in ). Photographer Joe McFetridge captured it all. “Trojan and I both specialize in creating safe spaces…

capitol politics

It’s time for PA Budget to reflect LGBTQ+ Priorities

The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral caucus made up of members of the General Assembly who advocate for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer residents, has released an open letter to Gov. Tom Wolf, and state Senate and House leadership, urging them to include funding for LGBTQ+ communities in this…

LOVE SPEAKS COLD BREW

Love Speaks! This June, Saxbys is celebrating Pride & intersectionality with the return of their partnership with The Attic Youth Center, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth. For each bag of Make Life Proud: Love Speaks Cold Brew sold, they will donate $1 to support The Attic…

Rapper Returns To Dedicate EP To Black Gay Philly

This month rapper and queer activist Anye Elite will be in the city of brotherly love to celebrate gay pride, Juneteenth, and to promote his latest musical release “The Adventures of Bam Bam”. Elite will be performing tracks from “Bam Bam” at Level Up Bar and Lounge, a black gay-owned bar in Philly on Saturday,…

Gayborhood and Trans History Tour

Beyond the Bell Tour started by two friends as a way to tell stories of Philadelphians often left out of most tours. Rebecca and Joey met while studying at Haverford College. Rebecca was giving tours of Philadelphia as a summer job. She realized that she, a woman who has lived in Philadelphia her whole life,…

covid

COVID-19 Community Vaccination Sites

Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers is providing free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations in partnership with Sunray Drugs.     MONDAYS: The Simple Way Community Garden (3200 Potter Street) 3PM – 5PMIn the event of rain or very high heat, this site will relocate to The Simple Way’s indoor space at 3242 Potter Street.…

Rainbow Bagels

Starting today, Monday June 7, through this Sunday, June 13, 20% of all rainbow bagel sales at both locations of Schmear It (University City at 36th and Filbert and Center City at 12th and Ludlow) will go to the William Way Community Center. William Way LGBT Community CenterThe William Way LGBT Community Center is a…

HipCityVeg Introduces the ‘Love Shake’

Introducing… the Love Shake. We’re celebrating Pride Month by releasing a brand new shake for the month of June! We’ll be donating 10% of the sales of the shakes to local organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community, like the William Way Center, SMYAL, and Whitman-Walker. Love is love, baby.  HipCityVeg is a local vegan fast…

stina

Stina Pizzeria Pride Event

For Philly Pride Month, Stina relaunches their monthly charity program. For June, 1% of sales for the month will be donated to The Attic Youth Center. On Tuesday, June 29th, Stina will additionally give 20% of that day’s sales to the organization from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

#LoveIsLove Gay Pride Month Special Beer Release

Available at the Lab at Evil Genius and through GoPuff starting June 1st Evil Genius Beer Company1727 N. Front St.Philadelphia, PA 19122215-425-6820 Love who you want to, drink what you want to! Evil Genius Beer Company celebrates June as Philly Gay Pride Month with a special limited edition beer release #loveislove. This brand-new Strawberry Blonde…

Pride Night at Philadelphia Zoo

Please save the date for Pride Night at Philadelphia Zoo. This event will take place during Friday Nights Dinos and Bites on Friday, June 18th. Attendees are encouraged to show their pride between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm for this special evening program. Local LGBTQ organizations will be on hand to network and supply information…

Cocktails for a Cause

Philadelphia largest and most stunning outdoor and indoor restaurants and bars will celebrate June as Philly Gay Pride Month with a month-long celebration! FCM Hospitality and owner Avram Hornik announce that Lola’s Garden, Juno, Parks on Tap (two  locations), Morgan’s Pier, Harper’s Garden, Craft Hall, The Garden at Cherry Street Pier and Rosy’s Taco Bar…

2021 Virtual HIV Prevention and Education Conference

For 27 years, Philadelphia FIGHT has hosted the HIV Prevention and Education Summit, a conference that welcomes all people interested in learning more about the wide range of issues that impact people living with HIV and AIDS. Each year, this event provides information on the latest treatment, research, prevention, and outreach strategies and aims to…

BOS Philly kicks off Philly’s first big party!

It has been a long year of COVID. Bars have closed, parties have been canceled and vacations have been ruined. BOS Philly, the premier citcuit producers have been dormant all year in compliance with CDC recommendations. But now, with the newest recommendations, Philly is OPENED as of June 11. To celebrate, BOS Philly presents PRIDE!…

Philly should follow Pittsburgh’s example in support of LGBTQ businesses, says advocate

Pittsburgh is one of many cities proposing legislation bolstering LGBTQ businesses. A contributor to the effort says he thinks Philadelphia could benefit from a similar move. If the bill passes, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ business owners would be able to register on the city’s online procurement platform and would gain access to business development and training opportunities.…

Deja Alvarez also running for Brian Sims’ Seat

From the PGN LGBTQ community leader Deja Alvarez has announced a run for state representative of the 182nd district. Alvarez is the director of community engagement at World Healthcare Infrastructures and chairperson of the Philadelphia Police LGBT Liaison Committee. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded a food program for undocumented immigrant families and other food…

HEROES 2021

In recognition of the HEROES working to improve the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, DVLF has enlisted former honoree, Malcolm Kenyatta of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, to host this year’s ceremony. It is a virtual event being held on May 2, 2021. Your support for the event is invaluable to help DVLF fulfill our mission. You may…

Vaccines at the William Way

The William Way LGBT Community Center is excited to partner with our friends at Philadelphia FIGHT to continue to get members of the LGBTQ+ communities vaccinated! We are currently registering members of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ communities for a vaccine event on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021. If you are an adult (age 18+) and live or work in Philadelphia please call us at…

Jonathan Lovitz running for Brian Sims’ Seat

From the Philadelphia Gay News….. LGBTQ community leader Jonathan Lovitz announced on April 19 his candidacy for State Representative of the 182nd District seat. Lovitz has been the Senior Vice President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce for the past five years. In 2020, he co-organized PhillyVoting.org, an initiative to strengthen voting in the Black and LGBTQ community.…

William Way COVID-19 Clinic

The April 6 clinic is among the first pop-up vaccination events specifically geared toward queer and trans Philadelphians. William Way first opened slots last week to people who receive regular services at the community center. Though it’s been posting on social media and sharing via email, the center is still working to fill its 200…

Bucks-Mont PRIDE 2021 Fundraiser

Help them make HISTORY with the first ever Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival on July 18th from 1-6 pm. SAGA Community Center, Montgomery County’s LGBT+ center, and a program of The Welcome Project PA, will be hosting this long-overdue PRIDE Festival for residents of Montgomery and Bucks Counties, but we can’t do it without your help! Donate…

JocksPHL is now ‘Level Up’!

The small bar at  1330 Walnut Street has gone under a lot of changes and it’s changing again. It’s new name is ‘Level Up‘ It started as BoxerPHL in 2014, as part of the set of Boxers bars from NYC. With two successful locations in New York City (one in Chelsea and one in Hell’s…

JocksPHL

JocksPHL accused of transphobia

UPDATE: Jocks PHL has released a revised apology letter A recent post to social media from Donyx Rivers has raised some eyebrows. In that video, Donyx has alleged behavior from the management of JocksPHL Donyx alleged the management often misgendered staff and customers. They also were allegedly quotes as saying “I have my one trans person,…

Philly AIDS Thrift Announces $200,000 in Grants

Philly AIDS Thrift is pleased to award $200,000 this spring to 24 organizations and programs focused on HIV prevention and care, as well as for support people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Delaware Valley. This support has been more important than ever as non-profits throughout Philadelphia and across the country have been…

2021 Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference Will Be Virtual

Mazzoni Center announced that due to the ongoing pandemic, its 2021 conference will be delivered in a virtual format. For more than a decade the conference has occupied physical space at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference Logistics Coordinator, Dani Murano-Kinney explained, “We know this is disappointing. We know that for many, the conference…

Big Gay Ice Cream Closes

FROM Big Gay Ice Cream: “With great sadness, but with no regrets,” Bryan and Doug have decided that Big Gay Ice Cream will not be reopening its East Village and Philadelphia locations.125 East 7th Street was our first shop and where Big Gay Ice Cream became more than just our summer hobby. Big Gay Ice…

Fundraiser for Denise Cohen from Toasted Walnut

At the end of 2016, Denise fulfilled a dream by opening an LGBTQ bar/nightclub in Philadelphia – Toasted Walnut. It provided an inclusive, diverse, fun, and safe environment. The business was growing, creating regulars who enjoyed the time spent at the establishment. All was well, until August 2019. While driving home at 3 am, Denise…

The 15th Annual Juried Art Exhibition

2020 has been fraught with incredible challenges and loss. While  this is something unique for many, the Queer community has been through moments like this before. And so we are uniquely equipped to address  this moment. We have always redefined parameters of time and space. Our embrace of failure, resilience and resistance is our strength,…

Philly Scores 100% on HRC’s Ratings

HRC’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) demonstrates the ways that many cities can—and do—support the LGBTQ people who live and work there, even where states and the federal government have failed to do so. The Municipal Equality Index was designed by the HRC Foundation to help residents learn how inclusive their city’s laws and policies are…

Bike Stop Covid Relief

From the Bike Stop: Help Save the Bike Stop The 2020 year has been more than devastating to the members of our community on a level that is hard to describe. We closed our doors on March 16, 2020 and walked away from a place many of us call home in hopes that as the…

Philly Tech Startup Wins Citizens Bank Award, Pays-It-Forward

Digital marketing software startup selected as the first-place winner of Citizens’ Bank Small Business Community Champion $20,000 GrantContact: Nathalie Swann, nathalie@tryvitris.com Philadelphia, PA, June 8, 2020 – Vitris, a local Philadelphia digital marketing software startup, has won the Citizens Bank Small Business Community Champion Award. The first-place selection awards Vitris for their dedication to assisting…

10 Relationship Tips

We thought we would give you guys 10 relationship tips that help us. Of course, we aren’t experts and nowhere near perfect but we definitely have a few tips. All of which has helped us keep our relationship strong, especially in the age of social media.

Bud and Marylyns

REVIEW: Bud & Marilyn’s

Are your tastebuds ready for the next big thing in Philly? Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran (Barbuzzo, Jamonera, Lolita, Little Nonna’s) have ventured into the heartland of Wisconsin (Turney’s hometown) for inspiration for their retro-American restaurant, Bud & Marilyn’s.

Interview with Amazing Race Contestant Luke Adams

I’m a huge fan of CBS’ reality show The Amazing Race, where teams of two race around the world for a million-dollar prize. Several months ago, a friend introduced me to a new Philly resident, whom I recognized immediately: Luke Adams, a deaf and openly-gay man who twice ran the race with his mother, Margie. The next season of The Amazing Race will feature some of the most competitive teams from previous seasons, including Luke and Margie.

Review of Eat A Pita

The Gayborhood is quickly becoming a foodie’s dream come true. Marcie & Val’s empire, Fuel, El Vez, Philly Cupcake, Vintage, Zavino are some of the super successful Gayborhood staples. It’s time for Eat A Pita’s time in the spotlight!

Grammy Mame, Stylez Milez, and I had the chance to try Barbuzzo during restaurant week.

The power lesbians of 13th Street (Valerie and Marcie) who also own Lolita, Grocery, Bindi, Open House, Verde, and Marcie Blaine Chocolates debuted their latest home run – BARBUZZO! Honestly, these women have the Midas touch! One might be tempted to call them overachievers. Personally, I think they passed that when they opened their 4th business on 13th Street! I think after a 7th business we need to admit, they’re on a quest to rule the world, or at the very least the gayborhood!

Dating in Secret

I’m a lesbian who having an affair with a married woman. She says she loves her husband as a friend but she’s never been really attracted to him. We’ve only been involved a short amount of time and she’s only ever been known as a heterosexual, so she’s not ready to throw everything away for me yet. And that’s fine with me too: I don’t need a serious relationship now either. But I do want to keep seeing her and I want to keep it quiet. I know you don’t approve of deceit, but you have to have some knowledge about dating in secret. What do I do and not do to keep this under wraps until we have a solid plan about what we want?

My Girl is TOO Hot!

I have a dilemma that seems silly even to me. I’ve been dating the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. No, she really, really is. Her personality is also really great. She’s sweet and smart and thoughtful. I’m totally smitten. I don’t know how I landed her, but we’ve been seeing each other for about 2 months since we met through friends at a party. But as much as people envy my luck at having such arm candy, it’s kind of hell. Everyone in the world is competition now. She gets hit on constantly, by both women and men, even right in front of me. She’s good about it and politely shoos them away. But these people eyeball me like, “who’s THIS piece of crap?” It’s incredibly stressful and I feel as though at any second I might end up in a fight with one of them or dropped for someone more attractive. And I don’t want to seem too clingy or jealous to her, especially not this early. What am I supposed to do?

twilight

Why are Vampires so SEXY

“My roommate is hooked on the damn Twilight series and won’t shut the fuck up about Edward Cullen. She has a legitimate, full-on crush on this fictional character. She talks constantly about vampires and how much she wants to have sex with one. And several of her friends are in agreement. They are all now obsessed with how sexy vampires are because of these books and all the movies out right now. What is wrong with them?”

REAL Community: Dr. Rob Winn, Medical Director, Mazzoni Center

Since June 2007, the Get REAL Project has been telling the stories of young gay, bisexual and transgender men in Philly. While continuing that mission, what follows is one in an occasional series of interviews with respected leaders in the LGBT community. Dr. Winn is a physician at Jefferson University and at Mazzoni Center and offered his perspective on some issues that affect our health.

Will losing 110 pounds gain you a boyfriend?

I have a weird question and I don’t know if anyone can really answer it. After years of being heavy… no, really, I was fat…I’ve turned my life around and gotten in shape. A nutritionist, 5 times a week at the gym and a lot of sweat later, I’ve lost 110 pounds. I’m now lean and living an entirely new life… and finding myself unprepared for the attention I get from men. Even though I’m 29 I’ve never really dated and I don’t know how to respond to flirting. It’s also hard not to resent these guys too because I know that 110 pounds ago they wouldn’t have given me the time of day. How do I make up for all those years of not being in the dating pool with everyone else?

Is Ex-Sex right for you?

My ex and I split up about 2 and a half months ago after a year and a half of being together. We broke up because he wasn’t taking our relationship seriously enough for me, canceling plans at the last minute and not being attentive. He is only the third person I’ve ever slept with. I know he’s seeing a couple people casually now but I haven’t been seeing anyone and I’m getting lonely. The last couple times I went out to the bars I really wanted to call him and see if he wanted to just hook up. My friends have talked me out of it, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea because I know it’ll be good and I feel safe with him and it’ll keep me satisfied until I find someone new. Who’s right?”