City settles LGBT complaint for $10,500
The city has settled an LGBT antibias complaint with a $10,500 payment, and an agreement to conduct diversity training for city workers that covers transgender issues. Dawn Dalpe, a member of the LGBT community, allegedly was terminated from her seasonal employment as a city lifeguard after complaining about physical and verbal abuse from coworkers. She worked for the city between 2002-05. In September 2005, Dalpe filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, alleging discrimination on the basis of several protected categories, including gender, race, color, sexual identity and sexual orientation. In one alleged incident, a coworker physically assaulted Dalpe, resulting in a herniated disc in Dalpe’s neck. Additionally, Dalpe allegedly was passed over for training and promotional opportunities, and denied a request to be transferred to a safer worksite. The PCHR closed Dalpe’s case in September 2011, after Dalpe received $7,588.30 in compensatory damages from the city. Mazzoni Center, which represented Dalpe, received $2,911.70 from the city for attorney’s fees and costs. The settlement money came from the city’s general fund. The city also agreed to conduct diversity training for employees at the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The training will cover transgender issues, according to the settlement. Dalpe was transitioning from male to female at the time of her employment with the city. Today, she self-identifies as a lesbian, if she were to label herself, she said. She thanked Mazzoni Center, and also said she’s hoping to find work as a carpenter. Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for Mayor Nutter, had no comment on the settlement. David M. Rosenblum, legal director at Mazzoni Center, was pleased with the settlement. “We’re very excited that this case could be resolved without the need for any further protracted litigation,” Rosenblum said. “We’re particularly glad that city officials have agreed to train staff to ensure that all of their employees understand that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is illegal.” — Tim Cwiek
Dems discuss campaign-finance reform The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on campaign-finance reform from 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 4 at City Council Chambers, Room 400 of City Hall. The hearing was requested by Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs (D-182nd Dist.) and testimony will focus on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that lifted spending limits corporations can spend supporting or opposing political candidates. Harvest hoedown in York Gay square-dancing club DC Lambda Squares will host its annual Harvest Festival Hoedown Nov. 11-13 at Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E. Market St., in York. Square dancers of all skill sets are welcomed, and there will be an array of workshops and dances throughout the weekend, including a military-themed dance Nov. 12 in honor of Veteran’s Day. Registration is $100 and can be completed at www.dclambdasquares.org. Hearing for benefits bill Members of the LGBT and ally community can contribute their thoughts on City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s proposed domestic-partner benefits bill in a public hearing next week. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at City Council Chambers, Room 400 of City Hall. Reynolds Brown’s measure would require certain city contractors to offer their employees domestic-partner benefits for their same-sex partners. World AIDS Day worship Centenary United Methodist Church, 149 S. White Horse Pike, in Berlin, N.J., will host a worship service in honor of the upcoming World AIDS Day at 9 a.m. Nov. 13. The one-hour service will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. Representatives of local HIV/AIDS organizations will be on hand and resources will be available. Worship leaders will be Charles Vandergrift and AnnLynn Benson, who serves on the faith committee of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays in Collingswood and sat on the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission. For more information, call 856-783-0769 or 609-458-7821 or email [email protected]. — Jen Colletta