News Briefing: April 14-20, 2017

‘Hedwig’-themed carwash to benefit The Attic

In advance of the premiere of “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” next week, the Forrest Theatre is hosting a carwash themed around the Broadway hit to raise money for local LGBT youth.

Locals can get their wheels spic and span for spring from noon-2 p.m. April 15 outside the theater, 1114 Walnut St. The car wash will be operated by likenesses of the titular character, a trans rock star. There is a suggested donation of $10 that will benefit The Attic Youth Center.

Non-car owners are still encouraged to attend, as there will be a DJ, exclusive discounts on “Hedwig” tickets and ample photo ops.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1748797828469586/

— Jen Colletta

Sex-positive event collecting proposals

A sex-positive organization is seeking proposals for TEDx-style presentations and performances at its annual conference. SEXx is planning “Sex as Resistance” May 17 and is calling for proposals for two portions of its event: informational presentations and sexuality based performances.

According to the submission form, SEXx is “asking for submissions for talks and performances that focus on the various ways in which authentic sexual expression can actively resist the established societal barriers around gender, race, ability status and social justice.”

Submissions can be completed by 5 p.m. April 28 at http://bit.ly/2p25dbq. The committee will notify accepted speakers and performers May 1.

The TEDx-style talks will take place 7 p.m. May 17 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The performances will be held at 10 that night at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St. Visit www.sexxinteractive.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Portions of the proceeds will benefit Project SAFE, a volunteer-advocacy organization supporting women who work in street economies.

National Transgender HIV Awareness Day to be honored at community center

In honor of National Transgender HIV Awareness Day, Sharron Cooks and AIDS Fund will present a tribute event with resources for the transgender community. Cooks, who serves as chair for the Commission on LGBT Affairs, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the April 19 event.

The evening will include a tribute to Charlene Arcila and Jaci Adams, two late transgender women of color who were notable for their HIV/AIDS work in Philadelphia. Additionally, Prevention Point Philadelphia will provide HIV and HEP-C testing, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display, with remarks from AIDS Fund Executive Director Robb Reichard.

The event will begin with light refreshments and a reception at 5:30 p.m. April 19 at the William Way LGBT Community Center Ballroom, 1315 Spruce St. Cooks will host the tribute beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2pmP4h9

Online queer-erotica arts journal seeks submissions

Writers and visual artists can submit work for an online journal featuring queer erotica. Wicked Gay Ways is currently accepting submissions for its spring/summer issue. Work from both emerging and established artists can include short fiction, poetry, essays, photography, paintings and drawings.

In addition to being featured on the publication’s website, artwork will appear as part of a digital exhibition at FringeArts’ Digital Fringe 2017 this fall. Artists and writers can submit work to [email protected] by midnight May 15. Visit www.wickedgayways.com for submission guidelines.

— Jeremy Rodriguez

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