Increasingly gay-friendly Philadelphia recently announced a veritable stampede of events aimed at attracting LGBT visitors to the City of Brotherly this coming spring and summer.
The upcoming Philly series of new and annual LGBT events includes the Liberty Stampede Rodeo and the Liberty Bell Classic, two major sporting events that the city will be hosting for the first time, along with five Pride events and annual favorites like Equality Forum and the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
Below is a guide to this gay spring and summer in Philadelphia:
Five Pride Celebrations, April-June:
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride / April 24-27, 2008
www.phillyblackpride.org
Four days of educational panels, networking events and parties for men and women that promote unity among gay and lesbian African-Americans. Kicking off the long weekend of festivities is a retro-themed reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Equality Forum / April 28-May 4, 2008
www.equalityforum.com
This week-long event celebrates international gay culture and politics with parties and educational events made possible by more than75 regional, national and international organizations.
Each year, the event profiles a different country and their struggles and triumphs with LGBT equal rights. This year's international profile focuses on the Muslim world and includes special guests from the literary and film industries.
Governor
Bill Richardson of New Mexico will also be honored. The festivities culminate with a street fair and live concert in Old City.
Blue Ball / May 2-4, 2008
www.blueballphilly.com
Philadelphia's international circuit party, now takes place during Equality Forum, and includes three nights of parties for men andwomen.
Presented by the local non-profit Sapphire Fund, Blue Ball's proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations within the LGBT community. Themed "Illuminate" for 2008, this year's events showcase internationally famed DJs
Manny Lehman, Billy Carroll, Kimberly S. and
Joe Gauthreaux.
NHC Pride Weekend / May 16-18, 2008.
www.newhopecelebrates.com
Held in New Hope, Pennsylvania, an artistic mecca in nearby Bucks County, this gathering celebrates gay pride with, a pride event that includes a softball tournament, parade, dances, tours and various family-friendly activities.
Philly Pride / June 8, 2008
www.phillypride.org
An annual favorite, Philly Pride celebrates its 19th anniversary with Pride Day, a festival in Philadelphia's "Gayborhood" that migrates down to Penn's Landing along the Delaware River waterfront for a day filled with live music, DJs, food, drinks and more.
Two Film and Theater Festivals, June-July:
Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival / June 12-28, 2008
www.philagaylesbiantheatrefest.org
For the sixth year, the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival will showcase gay- and lesbian-themed performances in several of Philadelphia's most cherished theaters, including the Arden Theatre, the Walnut Street Theatre and The Mum Puppettheatre.
14th annual Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival / July 10-21, 2008
www.phillyfests.com
The Philadelphia Film Society is gearing up for the 14th annual Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the largest gay and lesbian film festival on the East Coast.
Approximately 200 films range from award-winning documentaries, international features, slapstick comedy and horror. The festival also boasts some of the summer's hottest parties, including opening and closing celebrations, award ceremonies and private VIP events.
Two Sporting Events, May:
Liberty Stampede Rodeo / May 9-11, 2008
www.libertygra.org
More than 100 of the top cowboys and cowgirls from North America will ride into Philly for the Liberty Stampede Rodeo this spring. Making its first Philadelphia region appearance, the rodeo features classic events such as bull riding, steer racing and barrel racing.
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel and surrounding "Gayborhood" bars and restaurants will host a series of nightly events, including dances in the Loews ballroom. The rodeo itself will take place at the famous Devon Horse Show Fairgrounds, just a short drive outside of Center City.
Liberty Bell Classic / May 24-25, 2008.
www.libertybellclassic.org
The Liberty Bell Classic is the largest LGBT sporting event in Philadelphia this year, and competing are two of the area's most popular gay and lesbian sports teams: the Philadelphia Falcons SoccerTeam and the City of Brotherly Love Softball Team. Games and matches take place at various venues throughout Fairmount Park and in nearby West Deptford, New Jersey.
Nighttime activities in the "Gayborhood" include a Saturday evening block party on Camac Street and closing parties at Sisters and Tavern on Camac.
For more information on Philadelphia, visit
www.gophila.com.
© This Week In Texas
