Abuse case transferred to Montco
A lawsuit file against Germantown Academy for allegedly facilitating same-sex abuse against a male student has been transferred to Montgomery County.
In February, “John Doe,” a student at the school, filed suit in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, alleging pervasive same-sex abuse at the school.
Doe contends he was victimized by various abuse within the school’s swim program, including being urinated on, having his nipples twisted in a painful manner, being kneed in the genital area and being threatened with anal rape.
Germantown Academy is located in Whitemarsh Township, and school officials requested that the case be transferred to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
On June 23, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Arnold L. New granted the school’s request.
Neither side had a comment for this update.
911 law goes into effect this month
A new law that limits the type of information that can be released from 911 time-response logs goes into effect July 24.
The law prohibits officials from releasing 911 information that would jeopardize the safety of a 911 caller, witness or victim.
“We believe the bill enacted is an improvement over the original version,” said Melissa B. Melewsky, media-law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. “By its plain terms, it guarantees public access to response locations — the cross street, block identifier or closest mile marker. But it’s always a concern when a new limit on public access is enacted. There’s always a concern that agencies will misinterpret or misapply the law.”
State Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R) introduced an amendment to an earlier version of the measure.
“Sen. Vulakovich is pleased that the legislation was signed into law after passing the Senate with one negative vote and unanimously in the House,” said Nathan P. Silcox, an aide to Vulakovich. “Sen. Vulakovich believes the work he did with the Open Records Office and stakeholders struck a balance between protecting the privacy of 911 callers and witnesses while providing the public with needed information to monitor the effectiveness of our first responders.”
— Timothy Cwiek
‘Philly Loves Orlando’ at ICandy
More than 50 local drag queens, burlesque performers, singers and more are expected to participate in a fundraiser for families affected by last month’s mass shooting in Orlando next week at ICandy.
“Philly Loves Orlando” will start at 8 p.m. July 12 at the club, 254 S. 12th St. The event will be hosted by Turnpyke and Icon Ebony Fierce, with guest DJ Carl Micheals.
Guests can contribute any donation as a cover. All proceeds from cover donations, as well as all tips from the night, will be donated to Equality Florida, which will distribute the funds to the families of those killed.
— Jen Colletta
Happy hour helps Orlando victims
The local community is invited to a happy hour fundraiser next week for those affected by the Orlando shooting.
Werk 4 Orlando will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 14 at Pennsylvania 6 Philly, 114 S. 12th St. This event is open to anyone 21 or over. There will be local entertainers, a silent auction and many opportunities for donations. A $10 donation upon entering the event is recommended.
For more information, call 267-639-5606.
Pulse benefit raises funds
A local bar will host a night of performances, wine and raffles to raise money for Pulse Orlando, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by the tragic Orlando shooting.
Love Conquers: A Benefit for Pulse will take place 8-10 p.m. July 18 at L’etage Club, 624 S. Sixth St. This event is 21 and over, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door.
For more information, see the event’s Facebook page.
Financial experts discuss money management
A panel of successful LGBT business owners will discuss how to manage finances later this month.
From 10 a.m.-noon July 13, Queer Money: Igniting Your Success Philly will be held at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The discussion is open to all ages, but is aimed toward high-school students, college students and young professionals. The panel consists of LGBT attorney Angela Giampolo, Kevin Gatto of Verde Salon and the Debt Free Guys.
Find more information on the event on Facebook.
— Eliana Berson