2024 has been a year of highs and lows for the LGBTQ+ community, marked by both triumphs and controversies. From historic milestones to difficult battles, these stories reflect the resilience and ongoing struggles of the community. A transphobic job posting sparked outrage in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, while key figures faced professional turmoil. Drag performer Sapphira Cristál made waves on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and the loss of a significant federal earmark left the William Way LGBT Community Center grappling with misinformation. As we look forward, these stories underscore the importance of activism and community in shaping the future.
A transphobic job posting for Moriarty’s Irish Pub sparks backlash
Moriarty’s Irish Pub, a Walnut Street bar in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, faced backlash after posting a job ad on Craigslist seeking a “biologically male” bartender. The bar operates in the historic building that once housed Rusty’s — Philadelphia’s first lesbian bar — which was raided by Philadelphia police a year before Stonewall. The ad, removed after its Jan. 24 posting, sparked controversy for its discriminatory language.
When PGN called Moriarty’s to speak with an owner or manager about the advertisement, a staff member at the bar responded, “No, sorry. Please don’t call back.”
Responses to the story, originally reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, on social media included some problematic comments.
“The city can’t tell a private business/establishment who they have to hire,” said blundettyyyusa. “Just like people are allowed to have an opinion on human rights a business owner can have an opinion on what is best for their own business. Just don’t go there if it doesn’t rub you the right way. Plenty of other bars!”
Queer individuals and allies expressed outrage, with some vowing not to return to the bar. Others highlighted the building’s history, its legal violations, and its location within the Gayborhood.
“This bar is closer to the Bike Stop than the Forrest Theater,” said didbrendandoyourhair. “It’s not close to the center of the gayborhood it is literally in the center of it and has the audacity to post transphobic job listings?”
DEI executive Greg DeShields fired
Greg DeShields, a Philadelphia-area DEI executive, was dismissed from his role at Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and resigned from his position as president of the Independence Business Alliance (IBA) following accusations of creating a hostile work environment. Women from both organizations signed an open letter accusing DeShields of problematic behavior over a span of at least a decade. The letter, published in February, detailed allegations of aggressive conduct, overworking and underpaying staff, belittling non-native English speakers, and a lack of cultural humility.
In response to these concerns, TDM placed DeShields on administrative leave and hired an independent investigator to review the situation. DeShields was later terminated for failing to align with TDM’s mission. Despite his claims of miscommunication, the allegations raised broader concerns about workplace culture and the need for accountability.
IBA also reassessed its policies following DeShields’ resignation, with CEO Zach Wilcha emphasizing the importance of having clear structures to address future misconduct. The situation sparked discussions about creating healthier, more accountable work environments in organizations without formal HR departments, underscoring the importance of policies to prevent toxic behavior and ensure equity in the workplace.
William Way LGBT Community Center loses $1 million earmark due to misinformation
The William Way LGBT Community Center lost a $1 million federal earmark following baseless claims promoted by the anti-LGBTQ account Libs of TikTok. The allegations, which falsely accused the center of hosting BDSM activities, prompted both Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) to withdraw their support for the funding. The decision came ahead of a Senate vote on the FY24 appropriations bill, where the earmark faced strong opposition from Republicans.
“Unfortunately, at the 11th hour my staff was made aware that funding for William Way, which was in the bill because I championed it, would not pass in the FY24 appropriations process,” Fetterman said in a statement from his office. “The choice was either to pull it or watch it get stripped out, attacked by Republicans, and ultimately killed.”
Mairead Lynn, a spokesperson for Casey, also released a statement.
“Senator Casey has been a leader and ally in the fight to protect LGBTQ rights in the U.S. Senate and will continue to support the LGBTQ community in the Commonwealth,” the statement read. “He believes that consenting adults have the right to do whatever they want in their free time, but these types of appropriations projects warrant the highest level of scrutiny on behalf of taxpayers. Senator Casey withdrew his request for federal funding when new information about the third-party use of the facility emerged.”
William Way Executive Director Chris Bartlett expressed dismay at the time.
“The William Way LGBT Community Center was disappointed to learn that support for federal Congressionally Directed Spending to renovate and expand our historic headquarters on 1315 Spruce St. in Philadelphia was withdrawn as a result of lies and distortions about our Center shared by political extremists,” Bartlett said.
Philly’s Crown Jewel, Sapphira Cristál, competes on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
Sapphira Cristál, a Philadelphia-based drag performer, gained national acclaim as a contestant on season 16 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” On April 18, she was honored by the Philadelphia City Council, which declared April 19 as “Philly’s Crown Jewel Day,” celebrating her contributions to the arts and LGBTQ+ visibility.
Despite not winning the crown during the April 19 finale, Cristál earned the Miss Congeniality award alongside fellow contestant Xunami Muse in the show’s first-ever tie for the title. Cristál’s season was historic, as she became the first queen to represent the Philadelphia drag scene and the first contestant to win three consecutive maxi challenges in a flagship season. Her performances, including a rendition of Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” from Giacomo Puccini’s 1918 opera “Gianni Schicchi,” showcased her operatic talent and dedication to the craft.
During a private event at Edge at Hudson Yards in New York City on April 19 following a screening of the season 16 finale, Cristál performed a lip sync of Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers’ “Encourage Yourself.” She then left audiences with a message of self love.
“Remember, no matter what anyone has to say to you or about you, to always truly love who you are, where you are, how you are, when you are because the person you were yesterday got you to who you are today and the person you are today will take you to your dreams,” she said.
Philadelphia drag scene pays tribute to Daelicious O’hare Mizani
David “Dae” Manley, known for his drag persona Daelicious O’hare Mizani, passed away under mysterious circumstances, leading friends and community members to seek justice. Manley had been attacked by a group of teens days before his death, sustaining bruises and pain, which led his friend Seth to take him to the emergency room. Although Manley was discharged with minimal care, his condition worsened, and he was found unresponsive on May 9. Despite urging him to file a police report, Manley had not done so.
In an emotional Instagram Live, Dalyla Mizani Cristal, a close friend, called for justice and urged the perpetrators to come forward. The community rallied, using hashtags like #justicefordavidmanley to demand answers. Local nightlife figures and activists also called for an investigation into both the attack and the hospital’s response to Manley’s injuries. However, authorities, including the Bucks County coroner, found no evidence of trauma linking the assault to his death, and the cause remains undetermined, pending a toxicology report.
A memorial drag show, “DO IT FOR DAE DAE,” was held on May 14 to honor Manley and raise funds for his funeral. Manley was remembered for his extraordinary talent and vibrant personality, known for his energetic performances and acrobatic stunts. His loss was deeply felt in Philadelphia’s drag and LGBTQ+ communities, with many describing him as a kind and loving soul who left a lasting impact.
Community mourns murder of Pauly Likens
Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl from Sharon, Pa., was murdered and dismembered in June 2024. Her remains were discovered near Shenango River Lake in Mercer County after she was killed on June 23. Likens, known for her love of nature and her dream of becoming a park ranger, was remembered as a sweet, selfless soul by those who knew her. She was a vibrant part of the local LGBTQ+ community.
DaShawn Watkins, 29, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and other crimes related to Likens’ death. Evidence, including surveillance footage, cell phone records, and blood traces, led authorities to Watkins, who was arrested in early July.
Following her death, there was widespread outrage, particularly from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups such as the Pennsylvania Youth Congress (PYC), who called for hate crime charges and emphasized the need to respect Likens’ transgender identity. They urged the public and authorities to honor her gender identity in death, urging that she be remembered for who she was.
On July 13, the LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley held a candlelight vigil, where the community gathered to mourn and demand justice. Likens’ family and friends expressed deep sorrow over her loss, with the Alliance honoring her memory and calling for justice in her name. The community rallied around the loss, ensuring that Likens would be remembered for her bright spirit and the love she shared with those around her.
Election sees progress and setbacks for LGBTQ+ community
While the election of Donald Trump provided some setbacks for the community, other election results delivered significant wins for LGBTQ+ representation and allies across the country. Delaware’s Sarah McBride made history when she was elected as the first openly trans member of Congress. At 34, she also became the youngest woman to serve in the 118th Congress. McBride’s win, along with the reelection of Eric Morrison, DeShanna Neal, and Claire Snyder-Hall, solidifies Delaware’s reputation as a leader in inclusivity.
In Pennsylvania, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta retained his seat in the state legislature, continuing his advocacy as the first LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Kenyatta, known for his perfect voting record on LGBTQ+ issues, ran unsuccessfully for state auditor general, losing to Republican incumbent Tim DeFoor. Despite this loss, Kenyatta remains a key voice for equality in the state.
Andre D. Carroll, Pennsylvania’s second openly gay, Black state representative, was reelected unopposed, bolstering LGBTQ+ representation in the state legislature. Meanwhile, Republican Dave Sunday won the race for attorney general, defeating LGBTQ+ ally Eugene DePasquale, signaling potential challenges for advancing protections at the state level.
In the U.S. House, Pennsylvania saw a mix of results. LGBTQ+ ally Brendan Boyle and others retained their seats, but challenger Ashley Ehasz lost to Brian Fitzpatrick, who has a mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues. Republican Ryan Mackenzie, who previously supported anti-trans legislation, will now represent District 7.
In New Jersey, Democrat Andy Kim defeated Curtis Bashaw, a gay Republican criticized for promoting anti-trans policies. Kim, a consistent ally, received endorsements from LGBTQ+ organizations for his commitment to equality.
Mazzoni Center faces financial struggles
In the final months of 2024, the Mazzoni Center had to lay off employees due to continued financial constraints.
In February, an auditor warned the LGBTQ+ health and wellness center that it might not be able to meet financial obligations for more than a year. At the time, Sultan Shakir — Mazzoni’s president and executive director — was optimistic and assured PGN that the center was on a better path.
But just a few months later, Mazzoni’s financial problems came back into the spotlight after two funding companies — LCF Group and Fundkite — filed lawsuits for breach of contract. The companies seek a collective $1.3 million.
According to the lawsuits, Rachelle Tritinger — Mazzoni’s former CFO — signed contracts with the companies that offer a percentage of Mazzoni’s future earnings at extreme interest rates in exchange for cash to cover payroll. Mazzoni claims Tritinger did not have the authority to enter into these agreements. The center took legal action against LCF and Fundkite — aiming to prove that the companies’ business practices are usurious in nature — but later withdrew their own lawsuit.
The matter is not yet resolved. The funding companies have blocked payments to Mazzoni via UCC liens — resulting in at least $800,000 of withheld funds.
Although it’s unclear how the financial issues came to be, it’s possible that the city’s failure to reimburse the center in a timely manner could have contributed. At the city’s first LGBTQ+ equity hearing on Oct. 29, Shakir noted during this testimony that Mazzoni had experienced cash-flow issues and struggled to pay employees due to difficulty receiving city reimbursements. This is a common problem for Philadelphia’s nonprofits.
Although Mayor Cherelle Parker ordered all outstanding debts to the city’s nonprofit partners to be paid by the end of November, it is unclear if Mazzoni has received payments or if a payment to Mazzoni is possible, given the liens.
Activists protest 76 Place
Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ activists are vowing to continue the fight against 76 Place, the $1.3 billion Sixers arena recently approved by City Council. While developers tout economic benefits, opponents, including No Arena Gayborhood, argue the project threatens LGBTQ+ spaces and safety, especially in the nearby Gayborhood.
Critics of the project point to the $60 million community benefits agreement as insufficient. Activists argue the agreement, spread over 30 years, fails to address their concerns, with the Gayborhood excluded from impact studies and funding. They fear rising costs will worsen gentrification and threaten small businesses, particularly LGBTQ+ nightlife venues already struggling to survive downtown.
“There is a real physical safety threat happening across the country for queer — and especially trans — people right now,” said Yoojin Park, a drag king and social worker active in the No Arena movement. Park highlighted fears that the arena could draw non-queer patrons to LGBTQ+ spaces, making them feel unsafe and jeopardizing the identity of the Gayborhood.
Drag performers and business owners echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the arena could displace marginalized communities and exacerbate ongoing challenges.
City Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau also voiced their opposition to the project, expressing concern about the rushed process behind it.
“The 76ers and the Administration should have more thoroughly engaged the community before transmitting legislation to Council, especially while negotiating the Community Benefits Agreement,” the statement read. “The divisive atmosphere around this proposal is a direct consequence of the rushed process [the 76ers and the Administration] imposed.”