Next week will be busy for those participating in the Philadelphia Dyke March. Before the 19th annual event kicks off June 11, people are invited to three events:
• A training event where attendees learn about their rights when interacting with the police. Dyke Marchers walk through the Gayborhood and around Philadelphia City Hall without a permit. They block traffic themselves as they march to upkeep a radical spirit. The training takes place at 7 p.m. June 6 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. It’s free to attend.
• The annual craft night, which is alcohol-free and family-friendly. Attendees will make signs and drums to bring to the march. It takes place at 6 p.m. June 7 at William Way.
• A karaoke happy hour at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St. There is a sliding cover from $5-$10. The money supports the cost of the park permit and audio-visual equipment.
The Dyke March starts at 3 p.m. June 11 at Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets. The lineup includes spoken-word poets, singers, dancers, burlesque performers, drummers and a DJ. The stage is a dykes-only space, while the rest of the park and march are open to anyone. The march runs from 4-5 p.m., and performances continue in the park for another hour.
Mr. Philadelphia Drag King 2016 Mo’ Betta will have a special set during the event, and will appear on a float during Pride the next day.
“Particularly during Pride weekend, it’s important to create spaces where there’s dyke visibility, we can be heard and support each other,” said Arielle Catron, a march organizer. “These spaces are hard to find.
“I’m also proud for the march to be trans-inclusive for so long,” Catron added, noting transgender people have participated since the beginning.
To sign up for updates, visit bit.ly/PDMINFO. More information is available at bit.ly/ilikedykes.