FBI releases 2015 hate-crime stats
According to an annual report released by the FBI this week, Philadelphia Police reported three hate crimes based on sexual orientation, but no hate crimes based on gender or gender identity, in 2015.
Pennsylvania State Police reported 11 hate crimes based on sexual orientation, one hate crime based on gender identity and no hate crimes based on gender in 2015.
Nationwide, the FBI reported 1,053 hate crimes based on sexual orientation, 114 hate crimes based on gender identity and 23 hate crimes based on gender in 2015.
About 15,000 law-enforcement agencies and schools participate in the FBI’s hate-crimes reporting program.
— Timothy Cwiek
The Attic to host Queer Thanksgiving
The holidays will be filled with thankfulness for LGBT youth. On Monday — three days before Thanksgiving — The Attic Youth Center will host its annual Fall Harvest Dinner, or Queer Thanksgiving.
While The Attic has always coordinated an annual dinner for LGBT youth ages 14-23, this is only the fourth year in which Dow Chemical Company will sponsor and prepare the event for attendees. GLAD, Dow’s resource group for LGBT and ally employees, as well as Harrah’s and Attic board members will donate main courses, side dishes and desserts.
Previous events have served between 75-100 people.
Queer Thanksgiving will take place on 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at 255 S. 16th St.
— Jeremy Rodriguez
Churches in region to recall TDoR
Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia will mark International Transgender Day of Remembrance this week.
The congregation will honor the lives of transgender individuals lost in the past year during its weekly worship service 11 a.m. Nov. 20 at 3637 Chestnut St.
For more information, call 215-873-5719.
At 7 p.m. that evening, the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester will host its own TDoR gathering. The event will begin with a candelight vigil, with remarks by local transgender people and allies.
The vigil will be followed by a community discussion, along with music and refreshments.
The event is sponsored by LGBT Equality Alliance, Mid-Atlantic Transperience Community, Sanctuary Counseling, LLC and Unitarian Congregation of West Chester.
For more information, contact Carrie Sandler (484) 354-7922 or [email protected].
Holiday celebrated at new church
Public-health nonprofit Bebashi: Transition to Hope is co-hosting a community meal to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving on the Block will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at The Block, 2619 Indiana Ave. The Block is a new spirit-led, Gospel-centered church focusing on meeting the needs of the local community.
Next week’s event will feature a Thanksgiving meal along with free health screenings.
For more information, visit www.theblockchurch.org. RSVP by calling 267-777-9978.
William Way to host holiday potluck
William Way LGBT Community Center will host its annual Thanksgiving Holiday Potluck next week.
The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 24 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share.
RSVP with what you’ll be bringing to 215-732-2220.
— Jen Colletta