As with every minority group that has fought long and hard for visibility, there is a risk that those in the LGBT community may get fatigued or complacent. We can review the past 10 or 20 years and list several major victories in the struggle for equal rights. We’re riding a wave of momentum, but for every accomplishment and benchmark, those who disapprove of our lives and loves become more motivated to reverse the tide. From advocacy on complex federal issues to living “out and proud,” each day presents an opportunity to be active participants in the LGBT movement — starting right here in Philadelphia. In the next couple of weeks, I suggest that each of us participateS in a local community-building event. From fundraisers to networking events, the strength of our community, as well as the individuals and organizations that fight for our rights, will only grow with our support. Here are some events I recommend:
— Book signing with Mitchell Gold, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 1 at HOST Interiors, 205 Arch St. This evening, openly gay celebrity, design icon and author Gold is appearing at HOST Philadelphia Furniture and Home Décor for an exclusive party in celebration of his new book, “The Comfortable Home.” Gold co-authored the book with business partner Bob Williams. Gold will also sign his earlier book, “Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.”
— “Broadway Bound: An Evening of Cabaret,” 8-10 p.m. Oct. 2 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Tomorrow night, local LGBT vocal group the Philadelphia Voices of Pride will take the stage. Hosted by drag personality Cherry Cola, the group will perform classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “Westside Story” and “Nine,” among others. Admission is $20, and guests are invited to meet the performers after the show.
— New Hope-Lambertville AIDS Walk, 9 a.m. Oct. 3 in New Hope. There is no place in the five-county region that’s more breathtaking and serene than LGBT Philadelphia’s home away from the city, New Hope. This Sunday, Fighting AIDS Continuously Together (FACT) Bucks County will host the 11th annual New Hope-Lambertville AIDS Walk. The route will take participants through downtown New Hope and on scenic back roads. For more information, visit www.factbuckscounty.org. Consider this a warm-up for the Philadelphia AIDS Walk on Oct. 17.
— Rainbow Flag Raising with Mayor Nutter, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the northwest corner of City Hall. Nutter has been incredibly supportive of Philadelphia’s LGBT community since taking office. On Oct. 6, he will take another unprecedented step to illustrate his support. In honor of Gay History Month, he will lead Philadelphia’s first-ever Rainbow Flag Raising at City Hall with Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT Affairs. This event is certain to draw plenty of press coverage and attention from local elected officials whose support we can’t live “equally” without, so it’s critical that we have an impressive turnout.
— OutFest Block Party, noon-6 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Gayborhood. As one of gay Philadelphia’s most popular and anticipated annual events, OutFest is a fun and entertaining block party. Alongside the live performances, dancing, food and cocktails will be the infrastructure that makes our community one of the most vibrant in the country: Nearly every LGBT nonprofit and service organization will be on hand to share its mission and recruit new volunteers. If you’re looking to help out a new organization, mark your calendar for Oct. 10. Visit www.phillypridepresents.com for details.
That should get you started. I’d love to hear your stories of community engagement; share them with me at [email protected]. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!