Celebrating LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month is an annual observation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. Founded in 1994 by the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri, the original goal was to teach youth about the contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, educate the broader public about the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements, encourage open and honest conversations about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and to support members of the community. In recent years, the month-long celebration has grown to be observed in Australia, Brazil, Hungary, and other countries around the world.
As we honor and acknowledge the history of the LGBTQ+ community, we also celebrate the organizations that continue to make these communities stronger and more vibrant right here in Philadelphia. These organizations offer support, resources, community connections, education and so many more vital services to the LGBTQ+ community all year-round.
The William Way Center
Photo courtesy of William Way LGBT Community Center
The William Way LGBT Community Center aims to support the LGBTQIA+ community through arts & culture, empowerment, and community connections. Through innovative programs and support services, they provide education, tools, resources, and a safe space that feels like home for all. The center houses an archive collection of materials documenting the rich history of Philadelphia's LGBTQ community, a library containing thousands of LGBTQ-related fiction and non-fiction, and an art gallery featuring work of locally- and nationally-known LGBT artists. They offer confidential peer counseling programs, senior social and support groups, and a variety of wellness programs. Additionally, they help connect communities by offering a cyber center, employment resources, recovery meetings, and event space rentals.
Explore all that the William Way LGBT Community Center offers at www.waygay.org
Mazzoni Center
The Mazzoni Center was founded during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and has been providing competent and respectful health and wellness services to vulnerable and under-served members of the LGBTQ community ever since. They offer a range of services, including HIV/STI testing, gender affirming care, therapy and recovery services, medical case management and housing, legal services, and education/professional development.
You can give back to the community and support the Mazzoni Center's mission by volunteering your time: www.mazzonicenter.org/about-us/join-us/volunteer
The Attic Youth Center
Photo courtesy of The Attic Youth Center
The Attic "creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society." The Attic aims to provide a sense of community to reduce the isolation felt by LGBTQ youth through programming in the areas of job readiness, academic and educational enrichment, youth leadership, arts and culture, and health and wellness. They host workshops, trainings, support groups, comprehensive risk counseling services, case management, and more. They also connect youth to the larger LGBTQ community by participating in community events, committees, and social activities.
The Attic provides a range of volunteer opportunities for individuals and corporate groups: www.atticyouthcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer
The Colours Organization
The Colours Organization has a mission to "impact, improve, and empower the lives of LGBTQ+ communities of color, especially those of the African diaspora, within the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area." Originally established as a magazine in 1991, this organization has evolved to become an official nonprofit resource organization in 1994. Since that time, they've focused on educating the LGBTQ+ community about HIV/AIDS prevention, sexual health and mental health issues. These services expanded to include workshops, events, hotlines, case management, HIV & STI screenings, trainings, support groups, and more.
See how you can support LGBTQ+ communities of color: coloursorganization.org
