‘Under the Sea’ theme for GALAEI’s Alternative Prom
An LGBT-affirmative prom will take place from 7-10 p.m. June 25 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The theme of this year’s Alternative Prom is “Under the Sea.” Young people aged 13-24 are invited. Tickets cost $10 at the door.
The 21st-annual event, organized by GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization, is the longest continuously running LGBT prom in the country.
“This year, we wanted to keep it as simple as possible,” said Fran Zavala Cortes, youth coordinator at GALAEI. “A lot of young people said they wanted to dance and socialize more.”
In previous years, the Alternative Prom included a full program. This year, there will be some introductory remarks followed by light refreshments and dancing. Everyone gets a ticket at the beginning of the event to nominate people for the prom court. A winner will be chosen during the night.
“We want to get to a point where LGBT young folks will be just as supported in their public schools or other academic institutions as at Alternative Prom,” Zavala Cortes said. “Prom is such a staple in someone’s high school experience.”
— Paige Cooperstein
Oral arguments slated in SEPTA case
The state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments later this summer in a civil-rights dispute involving SEPTA.
SEPTA, the region’s mass-transit agency, refuses to abide by the city’s LGBT-inclusive antibias ordinance. SEPTA claims that it’s a state agency, thus it isn’t subject to the city’s antibias rules.
Oral arguments in the dispute are set for 10 a.m. Sept. 13 in Courtroom 456 of City Hall.
Agencies that support the city’s position that SEPTA should abide by local antibias rules include Mazzoni Center, ACLU of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
The contentious litigation began in 2009, after trans woman Charlene Arcila complained to the city’s Human Relations Commission about SEPTA’s placement of gender stickers on transpasses. Arcila died in April 2015, and SEPTA no longer places gender stickers on transpasses. But Arcila’s complaint remains held in abeyance, due to the possibility that monetary damages will be awarded to her estate.
Plaintiff replies in Woody’s case
Daniel Callaway, who’s suing Woody’s bar, recently filed court papers denying that he contributed to a vehicular accident that resulted in severe injuries to him.
In December 2014, Callaway was injured while tending to a disabled vehicle on I-95 in Tinicum Township, Delaware County. The disabled vehicle had been driven by Jamar Palmer, who allegedly became intoxicated at Woody’s prior to the accident.
A vehicle driven by Corrin R. Collier sideswiped Palmer’s vehicle, pushing it into Callaway.
Callaway recently filed a civil suit against Woody’s, Palmer and Collier, seeking more than $50,000 in damages.
In court papers, Woody’s argued that Callaway contributed to his injuries. But on June 15, Callaway denied the allegation. Callaway also refuted Woody’s claim that the bar had no control over the person or persons who caused the accident.
Neither side had a comment for this update.
Jewish Pride benefit set
A benefit for Jewish Pride will be held next month at Prince Theater.
“An Evening with Barbra” will feature Steven Brinberg, a Barbra Streisand impressionist. Other entertainers include actor Gideon Glick and comedian Corey Kahaney.
The event is set for 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.
Jewish Pride is an LGBT-affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Great Philadelphia.
“All proceeds [of the benefit] will support Jewish Pride, which provides programming and outreach in the local LGBTQ community,” said Warren Hoffman, director of Jewish Pride.
Hoffman added: “Steven Brinberg is a world-renowned Barbra Streisand impersonator. There will be no lip-synching. It’s all his voice. He gets all of her mannerisms and vocal inflections. He’s a great impersonator who pokes fun at Barbra’s legendary career.”
Tickets start at $32. To order tickets, visit princetheater.org/therrazzroom or call 215-422-4580.
— Timothy Cwiek