Woody’s protests Russian policies
Woody’s Bar was scheduled to sponsor a public protest July 31 against Russia’s anti-LGBT policies.
LGBT Pride parades are banned in Russia, LGBT adoption rights are nonexistent and violence against the LGBT community is pervasive, according to media outlets.
The Woody’s protest was scheduled to take place 8 p.m. July 31 outside the establishment, located at 202 S. 13th St.
Bottles of Stolichnaya vodka were to be poured down a drain, as a show of solidarity with the LGBT community in Russia, according to a press release issued by Woody’s.
Several area politicians were expected to be in attendance, according to the release.
Organizers hope to encourage Stolichnaya vodka producers to work harder at opposing anti-LGBT policies in Russia, according to the release.
Nizah committee holds first meeting
The Justice for Nizah Committee held its first meeting July 29 at the William Way LGBT Community Center.
Eleven people in attendance pressed forward with plans to obtain an independent probe into the death of Nizah Morris.
Morris, 47, was a transgender woman found with a fatal head wound in 2002, shortly after she received a courtesy ride from Philadelphia Police.
In April, the city’s Police Advisory Commission called for state and federal probes of Morris’ death, citing an “appalling” local investigation.
Phil Cochetti, a J4N committee member, volunteered to draft a letter to the appropriate officials, seeking the probe.
Once the letter is finalized, J4N members will ask individuals and groups concerned about Morris’ death to become signatories.
Dawn Cypress, a friend of Morris, expressed optimism that some type of justice will be obtained for the victim.
“Nizah’s murder may never be solved,” Cypress noted. “But at least we can hold local authorities accountable for so much evidence that appears to be missing or altered. We owe Nizah that much.”
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the William Way, 1315 Spruce St.
The public is invited to attend.
— Tim Cwiek
Senior apartments to host info sessions
Backers of the John C. Anderson Apartments will host informational meetings for those interested in applying for residence at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 and 28 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The LGBT-friendly senior apartments will be located in the heart of the Gayborhood and feature brand-new one-bedroom apartments for seniors ages 62 and older.
The same information will be covered at both meetings.
To RSVP or for more information, email [email protected].
PGMC holds auditions for new season
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is gearing up for its 2013-14 concert season by holding auditions for new members.
Those interested in joining PGMC can audition Aug. 7, 19 or 21 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.
PGMC has an exciting lineup for the season with a big-band holiday concert, a show centering on coming-out stories in March and a focus on Cole Porter in May.
To sign up for an audition time visit www.pgmc.org.
— Angela Thomas