Gay cop seeks antibias records
Attorneys for gay police officer N. Melville Jones intend to serve subpoenas on three government agencies for LGBT-related antibias complaints filed against the Philadelphia Police Department.
Jones is suing the city in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court for pervasive anti-LGBT workplace bias.
Earlier this month, his attorneys informed the court they intend to serve subpoenas on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
They want all LGBT-related antibias complaints filed since 2006 at those agencies by former or current employees of the police department.
The city has until April 29 to object to the issuance of the subpoenas, according to court records.
The matter is pending before Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox. A non-jury trial is expected in October.
Neither side had a comment for this story.
Information on church remains pending
Information on a city inspection of the old Church of the Assumption at 1123 Spring Garden St. remained pending at presstime.
The church, which is located next to the offices of AIDS agency Siloam, has been vacant for about 20 years.
Concerns have been expressed that the church’s two spires require fortification to ensure they remain upright.
Last year, city officials said inspectors from the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections would examine the church to ascertain its structural integrity.
This week, city attorney Andrew S. Ross said he asked L&I officials whether the inspection was done, but hadn’t heard back from them.
Efforts to demolish the church have been blocked by the Callowhill Neighborhood Association, which wants the church preserved as an architectural icon.
John Wei and Mika He, the church’s owners, couldn’t be reached for comment.
— Tim Cwiek
Fundraiser for football tourney
Join members of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football team next week to party for a cause.
Team members and supporters will head to ICandy’s Liquid Lounge from 4-8 p.m. April 27 at 254 S. 12th St. A $5 donation will support the Philadelphia Revolution, GPFFL’s tournament team, heading to Chicago for the annual Pride Bowl in June.
GPFFL will host the Gay Bowl, an annual gathering of LGBT flag-football teams from across the nation, in October.
For more information, visit www.phillyflagfootball.com.
Showcase to benefit LGBT youth efforts
A night of song, comedy and theater performances will raise money for a group seeking to combat anti-LGBT stigma among youth.
Laughing for Life will start at 8 p.m., with the doors opening at 7 p.m., April 27 at Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St. The evening will be hosted by drag stars Brittany Lynn and Miss Lisa Lisa with entertainment by a host of local drag performers, singers and others.
Proceeds from the event benefit the It Gets Better Project, which seeks to provide support to LGBT youth struggling with their identities.
For more information or tickets, visit http://laughingforllife.brownpapertickets.com/.
Party for equality with Stimulus
Stimulus Philly is bringing back its Party for Equality next week, with proceeds this year benefiting the educational arm of the statewide LGBT organization.
The fourth-annual Party for Equality will be held from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. May 2 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Proceeds will benefit Equality Pennsylvania’s Educational Fund.
The party will feature drink specials, go-go dancers and shot girls, and opportunities to learn more about Equality Pennsylvania’s work.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1402589780015997/.
— Jen Colletta