PECO, Philadelphia Electric and its national holding company, Exelon, for over 40 years has had a hands-off — if not downright homophobic — attitude toward the LGBT community. As demonstrated in a meeting last Friday, all of that has changed.
On that Friday, PECO president Denis O’Brien and many of his top executives met with a group of about seven LGBT community leaders. The meeting, held in the PECO executive dining room, was an eye-opener. Mr. O’Brien had assembled an array of his executives who were actively working on LGBT inclusion within PECO, and bringing PECO into our community as an active partner.
Charles Thomas explained the LGBT employee and ally group. Another executive discussed the company’s new diversity classes and another mentioned getting LGBT suppliers onboard. Then, to prove their commitment, Jeffrey Gordon, who handles PECO’s community sponsorships, stepped up to the plate and offered to sponsor the William Way LGBT Community Center’s Indigo Ball to the tune of $5,000, double what they did the previous year.
This is an incredible turnaround. For those of us who had to fight to get HIV/AIDS education up on those crown lights, now have this company embracing the LGBT community proves that people are listening and our message is getting out there. For those who have little faith in the future, please take note.
Another example of success and moving forward is the LGBT Police Liaison Committee. It’s a body that’s been around for a long time but seems to only react to situations, not take a leadership role. Well, that has all changed with its new chair, Franny Price. Along with secretary Rick Lombardo and treasurer Fred Bostwick, the board is asking hard questions and getting involved in incidents, such as its fast action on the attack of a transgender woman on Sept. 19. The committee was also instrumental in getting PGN to publish the weekly Gayborhood Crime Watch, allowing you to be aware of crime in the neighborhood where you live and socialize. It also enables town-watch organizations to tailor their focus to specific locations. This body is now proactive rather than reactive. One of the marks of success of any community is that it safeguards its members. This is a great start.
And, finally, a personal plug. Join me on a Mural Mile Tour and Lunch from 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 16, starting at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St. I’ll lend my perspective on 17 Center City murals and local neighborhoods, including the Gayborhood. Lunch at McGillin’s will follow the tour. The cost is $45 and reservations are required. For more information, call (215) 685-0754 or visit www.muralarts.org/tours.
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media, having just received the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers of America. He can be reached at [email protected].