The Philadelphia Gay News

Theo Ciccarelli Cornetta of Pattern Law — a new, South Philly-based practice that specializes in LGBTQ+ and artist representation — views their legal expertise as a unique tool they can use to support their community. “I think I’m always going to be someone who sees myself in a context of community before I see myself as a lawyer,” they said. Ciccarelli Cornetta, who participated in political movements throughout college, went to law school after their friends were arrested during a protest.

Policing in the Gayborhood and at LGBTQ+ centered festivals has been top of mind for the LGBTQ+ community following accusations of misconduct during Pride weekend in June, which led to a public hearing about the matter and continued conversations about improvements and accountability. PGN spoke with leaders from Philly Pride 365 and the Philadelphia Police Department ahead of OURfest, the upcoming Oct.

The leaders of Pennsylvania’s Legislative Black and Equality caucuses are calling for the resignation of a Republican state legislator after he made homophobic insults against a Democratic lawmaker during a fundraiser at a Harrisburg bar on Sept. 29. According to a report from PennLive, State Rep. Aaron Bernstine made comments about Philadelphia state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta — the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly — in a crowded McGrath’s Pub.

This January, Ashlee and I and our families are taking the kids on the ultimate magic- and memory-making trip: Disney World. I’m as panicked as I am excited — I’m already envisioning the meltdowns, overtiredness and sibling warfare that will ensue. As somewhat of a practice run, and for a late-summer getaway, we decided to try our hand at a magical weekend a bit closer to home: Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos.

Aries: Venus will be retrograde in Scorpio from Oct. 3-25. This much-feared and misunderstood transit is a time to reframe your vulnerability and openness to relationships. Trying to appear impervious to all things has not gotten you the results you had hoped for. Perhaps it’s time to let more experiences in instead of just observing and commenting. Taurus: You have been dwelling on your mistakes as Venus, your ruler, turns retrograde in your sister sign from Oct. 3-25.

As I was walking around South Jersey Pride last month, past a myriad of different vendors, one table caught my eye. On it were several interesting little booklets, and the sign on the table said, “Zines $1, Buy 3 get 2 free, Also, free if you ask nicely.” Behind the table was a striking young person and their parents, who were there to support them and eagerly greeted everyone who came by the table.

The University of Pennsylvania LGBT Center’s Scholars-in-Residence program — which aims to amplify queer voices and expand education and awareness about LGBTQ+ identities and contributions — is returning for the 2026-2027 year. This year’s scholar is Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and producer Harper Steele. About this year’s selection, Eric Anglero — the director of the LGBT Center — shared, “I’m really excited about what Harper Steele brings to this year’s program.

The myth that Judy Garland’s death caused the Stonewall riots is offensive to those of us who were there, and to those who spent the following year fighting every day to build the community we have today. Stonewall was not a Hollywood musical. Nobody shouted, “Hey, let’s put on a show!” It was a riot. It was violent. People were hurt. People were arrested. Windows were smashed.

The Philadelphia Trans Oral History Project — which launched around the pandemic and has been recording and preserving the stories of trans and gender nonconforming people connected to the city — is launching a new zine series to make trans history more accessible. The project is a partnership with the John J.

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) will mark LGBTQ+ History Month with a series of events throughout October, culminating in the 22nd annual High Heel Drag Race on Oct. 25. The month-long OUT in October celebration will include a wellness walk, theater performances, family programming, a drag cabaret and community gatherings in New Hope, Lambertville and nearby towns.