Members of the Police Liaison Committee, which works to connect the LGBT community with police, this week introduced local police officials to the growing LGBT population in what is coming to be known as the Gayborhood South.
The East Passyunk Business Improvement District hosted the committee’s monthly meeting Aug. 5 in its South Philadelphia office, followed by a tour of area LGBT-owned businesses.
Committee chair Franny Price said the meeting was part of an ongoing effort by the panel to ensure that LGBTs outside of the Gayborhood are familiar with the committee, and to raise awareness among police about the far-reaching nature of the community.
“Gay people do live in every part of the city, so we want them to know that we are accessible and here to help them,” Price said.
The committee held a similar meeting earlier this year with business owners in Northern Liberties and also plans to network with Northeast Philadelphia groups, The Attic Youth Center and the University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to Price, committeemembers Jack Barry, Maria Gonzalez, Gloria Casarez and Robert Tuerk also attended last Thursday’s meeting, as well as BID executive director Renee Gillinger, East Passyunk Civic Association chair Joe Marino, Third District Community Relations Officer Ace DelGado, Third District Capt. John Weaver and Sixth District Sgt. LaRose.
During the meeting, Gillinger discussed the impact that the area’s monthly Queers on the Avenue has had on the visibility and acceptance of the LGBT community.
The social outings, held at a different bar, restaurant or retail establishment each month, usually bring out 120-150 people and have drawn as many as 250 guests. Since the events are typically held mid-week, when traffic is slower at bars and restaurants, QOTA has proven to be a boon for area businesses, many of which are not gay-owned but that have enthusiastically opened their doors to the community.
Gillinger noted that, while there are some QOTA regulars, at least 70 percent of the guests are new each month and don’t live in South Philly.
But, she said, the neighborhood has welcomed the visitors and there have no been no antigay incidents.
The most recent QOTA was a joint effort, held at LGBT-owned shops Metro Mens and Chartreuse July 29 and sponsored by Merrill Lynch.
The committee visited Metro Mens during last week’s meeting and spoke with store owner Tom Longo, who said business has been flourishing since he opened late last year, noting he’s doing 70-percent better than he even anticipated.
For more information on QOTA, search for the event on Facebook or see www.visiteastpassyunk.com.
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].