COLOURS to host HIV forum
The COLOURS Organization Inc. ’s next monthly community townhall meeting will focus on the future of HIV-prevention efforts for men of color.
The discussion will be held at 6 p.m. June 24 at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.
For more information, call Lawrence Frazier at (215) 496-0330.
LGBT screenwriting contest returns
The 11th-annual One in Ten Screenplay Contest, the largest LGBT screenwriting contest in the world, is now accepting submissions.
The contest is open to all writers with the stipulation that at least one of the main characters in the screenplay be LGBT and that such characters be portrayed in a positive light. Screenplays should be between 90-125 pages, and contestants are permitted to submit multiple screenplays, as long as each submission is accompanied by the proper paperwork.
The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and have his or her screenplay submitted to five studios or producers; the second-place writer will receive a $500 cash prize and have his or her work submitted to three studios or producers; and the third-place winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
Submissions should be accompanied by a $45 entrance fee. All materials must be postmarked by Sept. 1.
For more information on the submission process, visit www.screenplaycontests.com/oneinten/index.html.
Pittsburgh to stage youth conference
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network will host its first-ever summit on LGBT youth issues next month.
“Unified 4 Youth” will take place July 17-19 at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies.
There will be a registration reception the first evening of the event, and the next day, participants can attend a series of workshops that will explore topics such as gender identity and classroom bullying. There will be separate workshops for youth and adult participants.
Later that night, filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer will screen their new documentary, “Out in the Silence,” and host a post-film discussion.
Also on July 18, Stephen Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, will address the crowd about current issues facing the local LGBT community.
Registration for the event is $25, with additional family members for $10. The cost will cover admission to all conference activities, as well as three meals on Saturday and one on Sunday.
For more information or to register, visit www.glsenpgh.com/.
— Jen Colletta
Complaint filed against Uncles
A North Philadelphia man has filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against Uncles Bar, 1220 Locust St., citing racial bias.
The LGBT bar, opened in 1984, has become a popular gathering spot for many members of the community.
Marlon Brandon, 42, filed his suit on May 27.
According to the complaint, Brandon spoke out against alleged racial profiling at the bar in March.
He allegedly was retaliated against by being permanently barred from the bar by then-owner Mort Wernik, according to his complaint.
Wernik died on April 21 after a lengthy bout with pancreatic cancer.
Joseph F. Brazill, manager of Uncles Bar, declined to comment, citing the pending complaint.
Nancy L. Gippert, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said Brandon’s complaint is under investigation, but declined additional comment.
— Tim Cwiek