New details have been released about the recently announced plan to create a mural in honor of the late Gloria Casarez, the city’s first director of LGBT affairs.
PGN has confirmed that the mural will be located on the front wall of 12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. Artist Michelle Angela Ortiz will paint the mural, which will celebrate Casarez’s life and commitment to social justice and human rights.
A public outdoor dedication ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at the gym, in conjunction with Philly Pride Presents’ OutFest.
There will also be a public “Paint Day,” where members of the public will be able to participate in the creation of the mural. The time and date has not yet been determined.
Mayor Michael Nutter announced the creation of the mural April 22 at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations’ PCHR Awards, though details such as its location were not yet finalized.
The project is a collaboration among several community organizations, including the Mayor’s Office, PCHR, William Way LGBT Community Center, Bread and Roses Community Fund, GALAEI, Leeway Foundation, 12th Street Gym, Philly Pride Presents and the Mural Arts Program.
“We at the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program feel privileged when we have the opportunity to commemorate individuals who have impacted our city and allow their legacy to live on in an artistic way,” said Jane Golden, executive director of the Mural Arts Program. “We are pleased to be able to honor Gloria Casarez and her work to gain equality for LGBTQ members of our community.”
Over $30,000 has been raised to fund the mural so far. An exact cost for the project is not yet known, though it will be funded in part by the Mayor’s Office.
In addition to honoring her legacy, many hope the mural will inspire a new generation of leaders.
“I am so grateful to Mayor Nutter, Jane Golden, Michelle Angela Ortiz, and our community partners for honoring Gloria’s legacy of civil rights leadership through this mural project,” said Tricia Dressel, Casarez’s wife. “Gloria’s imprint on this city is lasting and it is our hope that her legacy will continue to inspire generations of young activists, organizers and community members to speak out, act up, and lead the fight for social and economic justice on behalf of all Philadelphians.”
Casarez was appointed to the city position in 2008 after serving as executive director of GALAEI. Among her accomplishments, Casarez pioneered the city’s now-annual raising of the rainbow flag, created the Mayor’s Advisory Board on LGBT Affairs and led a number of pro-LGBT legislative and policy changes. She died in October 2014 after battling breast cancer.
For more information about the mural, visit www.muralarts.org.