Charges dropped in domestic-violence case
The criminal cases of two gay men involved in a domestic dispute were recently closed.
Assault charges were dropped last month against Luis Berrios after the arresting officer failed to show up for trial. Jason Mendez pleaded guilty to the charges he faced and was released from prison on probation.
A neighbor called police in late December after Berrios and Mendez got into a physical altercation inside Berrios’ home in Hunting Park.
When police arrived, Berrios alleges, they used excessive force in arresting both him and Mendez and repeatedly called them “nigger” and “faggot.”
Berrios filed a complaint with the Internal Affairs Division and the Police Advisory Commission. A spokesperson for Internal Affairs did not respond to a request for comment on the progress of the investigation.
Youth program sees summer success
Q Spot, a new program that provides a safe weekend space for LGBT youth, will return to Broad Street Ministry, 315 S. Broad St., from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. July 16.
The program launched in May as a collaboration among several local LGBT and youth agencies to offer an array of services to the LGBT youth community. Between 25-40 young people have been attending the events, held on the first and third Saturdays, while 85 youth turned out for the first Q Spot Youth Party July 2.
At Q Spot, youth can gain access to STD screenings and HIV testing, tutoring, housing referrals, mental-health services and employment assistance, in addition to a judgment-free zone for socializing and entertainment. For more information, call 215-427-4387.
Tennis club gears up for tourney
The Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association will stage a fundraiser this weekend in advance of a multi-city tournament the LGBT league is hosting next month.
Proceeds from the PLTA social, from 6-9 p.m. July 15 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St., will benefit the Atlantic Cup Tournament Aug. 5-7.
Admission to the party is $5. Guests will receive one free drink ticket, and raffles and prizes will be available.
Phillies pressed on LGBT video
A Philadelphia Phillies fan has launched a petition on Change.org to urge the team to participate in the “It Gets Better” video campaign.
Several Major League Baseball teams have produced or agreed to produce pieces for the campaign, which seeks to support LGBT youth.
Jerome Hunt, a Philadelphia native who now lives in Washington, D.C., launched his petition this week and, as of press time, it had accrued more than 1,800 signatures.
Hunt, who was bullied as a youth, said the Philles’ participation in the project could be critical in reaching out to local youth struggling with their sexuality.
“A Phillies ‘It Gets Better’ video could be a beacon of hope for an LGBT youth who is struggling with bullying and harassment,” Hunt said. “Hearing the words that it is OK to be who you are and ‘It Gets Better’ from a sports star you look up to can and does make a difference.”
Equality Pennsylvania earlier this summer asked both the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates to create a video, and a Change.org petition is also circulating to urge the Flyers to do the same.
To view the Phillies petition, visit www.change.org/petitions/philadelphia-phillies-please-make-an-it-gets-better-video.
ACLU fellowship honors late leader
The Pennsylvania American Civil Liberties Union is seeking applicants for its inaugural fellowship named in honor of Larry Frankel, the openly gay longtime ACLU leader who died two years ago.
The Frankel Legislative Fellowship will allow a law- or graduate-school student to work for approximately 10-20 hours per week in assisting the legislative director with lobbying, research, coalition-building, social-media management and other tasks.
The fellowship will be available in either the Harrisburg or Philadelphia office. A fellow headquartered in Philadelphia, however, must be willing to travel to Harrisburg occasionally, with travel compensation available.
While the position, which is volunteer, is ideal for those studying law, political science, communications or sociology, students of all fields of study are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. If interested, send a résumé, cover letter explaining your interest and a writing sample to [email protected] or Andy Hoover, ACLU of Pennsylvania Legislative Director, P.O. Box 11761, Harrisburg, PA 17108.
— Jen Colletta
Central PA celebrates Pride
LGBTs and allies will take to the streets — and to the cinema, church and bars — for the 20th annual Pride Festival of Central PA in Harrisburg July 28-31, with a street festival, film screening, a concert, forum and interfaith service.
This year’s street festival will take place from noon-5 p.m. July 30 on Front Street. Performers include headliner Kim English, Tom Goss, Mountain Road, M80’s and Darkes. In addition, emcee DeMarcio will perform two shows with local drag artists.
The four-day event kicks off with a showing of “March On,” a documentary depicting the 2009 Equality March on Washington, D.C., at 7 p.m. July 28 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St. Tickets are $5 and proceeds benefit Equality PA.
On July 29, Nathan Manske of ImFromDriftwood.com will showcase LGBT youth stories and four local choruses will present a joint concert. There will also be a pre-Pride party at Liquid 891, with a performance by Michele Lee Sterling and appearances by Mr. and Ms. Pride 2011 and special guest Champagne Douglas.
The event closes July 31 with a forum sponsored by the Stonewall Democrats at 2 p.m. at Midtown Scholar, 1302 N. Third St., Harrisburg, and an interfaith community worship service at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg.
Organizers decided not to have a parade due to potential costs and lack of volunteers for planning.
For more information, visit www.prideofcentralpa.com.
— Chandlee Taylor