LGBT biz council partners with start-up
The 1776 at Ambler Yards shared workspace has partnered with the Montgomery County LGBT business council to create an antidiscrimination policy.
The building, in the suburb of Ambler, has several locations in the Philadelphia region, but the policy applies only to its newest space at Ambler Yards.
The new policy states: “Ambler Yards follows a policy of not discriminating against anyone based on: age, marital status, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity or religious background, descent or nationality, disability, HIV/AIDS status, military status, physical stature, pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth or any other factor deemed unlawful by respective federal, state or local laws.”
Richard Buttacavoli, cofounder and president of the LGBT business council, said diversity and inclusion are essential to an organization’s success, and the partnership with 1776 at Ambler Yards was a necessary step.
“The next generation of talent recruiters and marketers have embraced inclusive core principles that attract great employees as well as sophisticated, loyal customers,” he said.
The workspace is home to an extensive network of mentors that assists start-up companies in connecting with potential investors.
Nightclub hosts first-ever LGBT event for OutFest
Nina Flowers of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and professional host Alan T will perform and host an OutFest celebration on Oct. 7 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. “Harmonic Distortion” will be held in the Not of the Ordinary nightclub at 1209 Vine St. This will be NOTO’s first LGBTQ event. Additional performances include DJs KRK and June Rodriguez, as well as the Adonis Men of NYC.
The event will focus on blending local music with performance art. Organizer Thomas Westerfer, Jr. hopes this will help expand LGBT territory in Philadelphia, and has chosen NOTO as Harmonic Distortion’s venue to bring OutFest out of the Gayborhood.
“I want to let everyone know [NOTO] is an LGBT-friendly place,” Westerfer said.
Laurel Hill Cemetery holds 10th-annual run
The Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery will host its 10th-annual Rest In Peace 5K Run Oct. 6 starting at 5 p.m., with a party following in the cemetery courtyard.
Runners and spectators alike are encouraged to come dressed in costume or to bring costumed pets, as prizes will be awarded. The event will be emceed and feature a performance by Brittany Lynn of the Philly Drag Mafia. Music and free beer will be on hand.
All proceeds go to the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the grounds of the Victorian burial ground.
— compiled by Miranda Lankas and Adriana Fraser