Trans case is settled
The federal lawsuit of Sam Melrath, a trans man who allegedly experienced anti-trans bias as an employee of the Giant food chain, has been settled.
Between 2011-13, Melrath worked as a bagger at a Giant in Huntingdon Valley. But Melrath claims his employment became intolerable because management pressured him to appear as a female. For instance, Melrath allegedly was pressured to let his hair grow long, wear a female nametag and uniform, act in a feminine manner and avoid any LGBT references.
In 2013, Melrath quit his job due to the alleged mistreatment and filed suit against Giant in November.
Giant denied any wrongdoing.
A settlement in the case was announced in court papers filed April 8, but the terms weren’t divulged. Neither side had a comment for this report.
AIDS agency seeks dismissal of antibias suit
The AIDS Care Group has requested the dismissal of an antibias suit filed by Dr. Emmanuella Cherisme.
Cherisme, a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, worked at AIDS Care Group in 2013. She left after allegedly experiencing workplace sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of her race, gender and national origin.
Cherisme is seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages, along with legal fees and costs. A jury trial has been requested.
But in an April 7 submission, AIDS Care Group asked U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro to dismiss the case, citing insufficient facts alleged by Cherisme.
“[Cherisme’s] extremely sparse complaint does not allege sufficient facts which would allow this court to infer more than the mere possibility of misconduct or liability on the part of AIDS Care Group under federal or state law,” the filing states.
AIDS Care Group, based in Delaware County, was formed in 1998 and serves as a comprehensive health-services agency for people with HIV/AIDS. It also receives federal HIV/AIDS-prevention funds.
Neither side had a comment for this report.
Judge affirms release of Fina’s computer information
Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Linda A. Carpenter recently affirmed that Internet browsing information on Assistant District Attorney Frank G. Fina’s computer should be released.
The dispute is pending in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
Ryan Bagwell of Acton, Mass., seeks the information through a Right-to-Know Law request, which the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office opposes.
Carpenter ruled in Bagwell’s favor in February, affirming the ruling March 31.
While he was an employee of the state Attorney General’s Office, Fina sent and received numerous anti-LGBT emails. He had no comment for this report.
“It’s unfortunate that Seth Williams’ office continues to drag this out,” Bagwell told PGN. “They’ve done everything they can to delay providing these records that have twice been ruled [upon]. I don’t look forward to having to fight this again. But I will vigorously pursue a successful resolution and seek additional sanctions for his office’s frivolous conduct.”
— Timothy Cwiek
Girls Rock earns $5K grant
A music and mentorship nonprofit for cis- and transgender girls received a $5,000 grant this week.
Girls Rock Philly says it provides “a community-driven response that is dedicated to identifying and deconstructing gender-based oppression while addressing the ways it manifests itself in female socialized and/or identified youth.”
Millennial-run grantmaking organization Spruce Foundation provided the grant. It will award three other $5,000 grants to the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory, Portside Arts Center and Greener Partners.
The organizations will receive their grants at the annual Spruce Gala 8 p.m.-midnight April 15 at the Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust St. Tickets cost $75.
For more information or tickets, visit http://ow.ly/10CfHF.
ACLU hosts free-speech panel
The American Civil Liberties Union’s Philadelphia chapter will tackle free speech in the 21st century at its annual meeting.
The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place 6:30 p.m. April 21 at Moore College of Art and Design, 1916 Race St.
Amara Chaudhry Kravitz, a Pennsylvania ACLU board member and civil-rights lawyer, will moderate “Fighting Words: Free Speech in the 21st Century.” Speakers will include Emily Bazelon of the New York Times Magazine, Burton Caine of Temple University School of Law and Vernon Francis of Dechert LLP.
Attendees can chat one-on-one with the panelists at a reception following the event.
For more information, visit http://ow.ly/10ChuI.
— Paige Cooperstein
Driftwood brunch returns
The third-annual I’m From Driftwood Spring Brunch will be held 1-4 p.m. April 23 at John C. Anderson Apartments, 251 S. 13th St.
The event will feature a brunch buffet; open bar with beer, wine, mimosas and Bloody Marys; live music; and raffle prizes. Guests must be 21 or older.
Advanced tickets are $55. Tickets are $100 at the door. Proceeds benefit the LGBT-storytelling initiative.
For more information or tickets, visit www.bit.ly/SpringBrunch2016.
— Jen Colletta