I’ve been writing this column for more than three years now, and I usually adhere to my regular shtick — social tips and recommendations, as well as the inside scoop on upcoming events. But with the end of 2010 upon us, I’m feeling more reflective than usual. Apart from reporting on Philadelphia’s LGBT social scene, I also produce events under the Nightlifegay.com banner — which includes my website, blog and promotional brand. In this capacity, it’s critical that I keep my finger firmly on the pulse of our gay community, honing in on the ideas, issues and insights that matter most. So I’d like to parlay these insights into a couple observations about the state of “our” world:
— Our “community:” Though some may quibble with the notion of a unified “gay community” due in large part to the socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious and sexual diversity within it, I believe strongly that the things gay men and women have in common outweigh those that make us different. I’ve always embraced the term “community” because whether internationally or at home, sexual identity is one of very few intrinsic personal characteristics that transcends other barriers. Indeed, there are gay men and women living in every part of the world. Each village, enclave, town, suburb, city and metropolis is home to someone who falls closer to homo than hetero on the sexuality continuum. Gay people have known this for quite some time, but the non-gay community seems to have just recently become aware of our pervasiveness and, in many places, started to accept us as equals. Though I don’t like to admit it, this outward recognition often helps a minority community become viable and sustainable, which in turn, allows us to be increasingly influential.
— Our rights: Last Saturday was a watershed moment in the history of the gay-rights movement — not just because the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” passed with an overwhelming majority, but also because our elected officials kept their promise! After a mid-term election cycle in which many LGBT-friendly politicians lost key races, the likelihood that the military ban would be repealed during the lame-duck session dropped. Though many of our champions are in office until January, they lost key elections and may not have had the sense of urgency to push through a piece of pro-gay rights legislation — no matter how desperately it might have been needed. When hope was evaporating, Pennsylvania’s own Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) introduced a stand-alone bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which moved through both chambers quickly. This is a sign that the gay community is not only a visible demographic, but also a viable constituency — one with enough power and influence to make politics difficult for elected officials who don’t keep their promises to our community. It also speaks volumes about Murphy’s character!
— Our city: Philadelphia is a place I’m very proud to call home. A couple of weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed star pitcher Cliff Lee due in large part to the overwhelmingly positive experience he and his family had in Philly during a brief run with the team in 2009. This story illustrates how the “City of Brotherly Love” continues to evolve as a top-tier city. No other place has mastered the big city/small town feeling like Philly. We continue to improve as a destination for straight and LGBT people alike. This is a wonderful place to live, work and socialize — and now, more than ever, I’m proud to call myself a Philadelphian.
— Our friends: Before I close, I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, colleagues and supporters who have made 2010 so memorable. I’m often so busy planning events and promoting the city that I forget to “live in the moment.” In 2010, Nightlifegay.com organized seven big events for LGBT Philadelphia. From the Pink Pub Crawl to Triumphant Pride to the Philadelphia and U.S. Mr. Gay competitions, I worked very hard to create special events that gay Philadelphians would enjoy. I’m so thankful for your support in making 2010 the biggest and best year to date! I can’t wait to get started in 2011 — I’ve got a big announcement about a new event coming just after the first of the year.
Thanks for indulging this break from my typical format. I wish you all the best this holiday season and, until next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!