Springfield approves LGBT bill
Springfield, in Montgomery County, became the 22nd municipality in the state last week to adopt an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance.
In a 4-2 vote Sept. 14, the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners approved a measure that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, among other classes, in housing, public accommodations, employment and commercial property. The bill also creates a local-level human-relations commission to investigate discrimination complaints.
Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the bill prior to the vote, and the audience was largely supportive of the measure.
Film, discussion on gender identity
A new lecture series at the University of Pennsylvania will feature a film screening and panel discussion on the intersection of gender-identity issues in the medical field, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at Penn’s Fisher Bennett Hall, Room 401, 34th and Walnut streets.
Re: Thinking Queer will present Annalise Ophelian’s documentary “Diagnosing Difference,” which explores the personal impact of the inclusion of Gender Identity Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
After the film, a panel discussion will be led by Lance Wahlert, a fellow at the Penn Center for Bioethics and co-director of the center’s Project on Sexuality and Gender Identity, co-founder and former director of the Philadelphia Trans-Health Information Project, and Mazzoni Center community-health educator Qui Alexander.
For more information, visit www.rethinkingqueer.tumblr.com or search for Re: Thinking Queer on Facebook.
Donor challenge for IndiGoGo
A generous donor has stepped up for a fundraising challenge for the William Way LGBT Community Center’s inaugural IndiGoGo party next month.
For every ticket purchased by 6 p.m. Sept. 28, the anonymous donor will give an additional $5 to the center.
Advanced tickets are $15, or a $35 membership will receive two free tickets (and a $10 donation from the anonymous donor).
The party, held from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Trocadero Theatre, will follow the center’s annual fundraising gala Indigo Ball.
Tickets will be available at the door for $20.
For more information or to order tickets in advance, visit www.waygay.org or call 215-732-2220.
Plan your finances
The City of Philadelphia will host a Financial Planning Day from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Ben Franklin High School, 550 N. Broad St.
The event is organized by the city and the Tri-State Chapter of the Financial Planning Association, whose Financial Planning Day initiative, conceived of by several national nonprofit organizations, offers free financial advice and resources to people across the nation.
Representatives of Financial Planning Association and Certified Financial Planner will work one-on-one to guide guests through such topics as retirement planning, investment, estate planning and getting out of debt.
Workshop-style presentations will also be given on everything from college funding to Social Security planning.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance at www.financialplanningdays.org/philadelphia or by calling 877-861-7826, but walk-ins are welcome.
Fall into fall in the Gayborhood
The city’s largest Oktoberfest celebration will kick off in and around the Gayborhood next weekend.
The Midtown Village Fall Festival will be held from noon-8 p.m. Oct. 1 in Center City, with the center of the festivities at 13th and Walnut streets.
Festivalgoers can enjoy barbecued food, seasonal treats, craft beers at beer gardens, live music, kids’ games and activities like apple-bobbing, sumo-wrestling, pig-roasting and human bowling.
The event will also feature the unveiling of the “I Love Philadelphia” cookie, the Midtown Pooch Parade and a pumpkin patch.
For more information, visit www.midtownvillage.org.
— Jen Colletta