News Briefing

Sapphire hosts fall fundraiser

LGBT grantmaking organization Sapphire Fund will host a fall fundraising event from 5-8 p. m. Nov. 20 at Philadelphia Home Art Garden, 1225 Walnut St. Sapphire will announce its 2009-2010 beneficiaries during the event, which will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For more information, call (267) 514-2088. Award for LGBT student leaders National LGBT student organization Campus Pride is calling for submissions for its Voice and Action National Leadership Award. The award recognizes undergraduate college students who are working for positive change for the LGBT community. Eligible students must be enrolled at an accredited institution and be in good academic standing. Applications, which can be found at www.campuspride.org, are due Dec. 4. Dance party for local organizations Local performance favorites Dirk Allen, Glenn Syskes and Dave Rumsey will take the stage as the blue-wigged trio Azure, Perriwinkle and Cobalt for “Blue Redo Reprise: Let ‘em eat Cake!” from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. The dance party will raise funds for Mazzoni Center and Sapphire Fund, as well as celebrate the 50th birthday of two of the hosts. DJ Susan Morabito and light technician Liz Liguori will ensure partygoers are out on the dance floor the whole night, and The Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative will also take the stage for a dance performance. Tickets to the party, formerly the official Blue Ball closing party, are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.mazzonicenter.org or at Philadelphia Home Art Garden, 1225 Walnut St., or Matthew Izzo, 151 N. Third St. Discussion on Obama’s LGBT progress The American Anthropologic Association will host “Hope is Not Enough,” a free public forum on President Obama’s LGBT policies, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown, 1201 Market St. in room Liberty C on the third floor. With an introduction by Karen Brodkin from the University of California Los Angeles, the discussion will feature media specialists, anthropologists, activists and lobbyists who will offer their views on what steps Obama has taken to advance LGBT rights and what else he should be doing to lead the movement. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. Sisters seeking filmmakers Suzi Nash and Sisters Nightclub will host “Who’s Got Short Shorts?” a showcase of short films by local filmmakers, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the club, 1320 Chancellor St. There is no admission or screening fee, and films must be under 10 minutes. Donations for LGBT bookstore Giovanni’s Room will be accepted during the event. To register, e-mail Nash at [email protected]. — Jen Colletta

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