22 Ways to Celebrate LGBT History Month in Philadelphia

From last month’s Our Night Out.

October is LGBT history month, and Philadelphia offers a plethora of ways to celebrate the occasion: From workshops and exhibits to parties and parades, the City of Brotherly Love truly offers something for just about anyone who is interested in learning about and celebrating LGBT folks. We selected over twenty Philly events that felt like a good cross representation of a wide variety of groups that make up the LGBT rainbow.

“We Remember” at Community College of Philadelphia: CCP will be offering a series of special events throughout LGBT History Month, including film screenings and a book talk with author and photographer Rachelle Lee Smith. Various dates and times through October, free, Community College of Philadelphia, 1700 Spring Garden Street

Defiant Archives at City Hall: The William Way exhibit, which features memorabilia that highlights trans history in Philadelphia, has a special new home: Right outside Mayor Nutter’s office in City Hall. Now through December 4th, various times, free, City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Christeene at Kung Fu Necktie: I’ve been told by multiple folks that Christeene defies explanation, and Philly gets a chance to check out the performer with Gash and Shy Boyz. Friday, October 2nd, 10 pm, $12-15, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 North Front Street

The notorious Christeene.

Franky’s Foxes with DJ Chris Urban: For the partier: First Friday is ushering in the spellbinding gang of Franky Bradley’s divas, featuring a DJ Chris Urban dance party. Friday, October 2nd, 10 pm, $5-7, Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor Street

Philly AIDS Thrift 10 Year Anniversary Block Party: Everyone’s favorite second-hand store is throwing a bash featuring a moon bounce, food trucks, craft vendors, balloon artists, and lots more. Saturday, October 3rd, 12 pm, Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 South 5th Street

Martha Graham Cracker: The absolutely fabulous Martha will be joined by her raucous musical ensemble during this special Saturday show right in the Gayborhood. Saturday, October 3rd, 9:30 pm, $20, Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor Street

The Attic Kitchen Open House and Thank You Brunch: Come celebrate The Attic Youth Center’s new kitchen during a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by brunch and fellowship. Sunday, October 4th, 11 am, free, The Attic Youth Center, 255 South 16th Street

A scene from “Freeheld.”

Advanced Screening of Freeheld: Be one of the first to see the new movie, starring Julianne Moore and Stacie Andree, based on the real-story of a New Jersey couple fighting for justice. Tuesday, October 6th, 7:30 pm, UA King of Prussia Stadium, 300 Goddard Boulevard, King of Prussia

LGBT Night at Terror Behind the Walls: Boo, girl, boo: This special evening of haunted fun features discounted admission plus two free drinks at the famed Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell. Thursday, October 8th, various times, $20, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue

Tommy Tune at Prince Theatre: The winner of countless Tony Awards, Broadway legend Tommy Tune will be bringing his “Taps, Tunes, and Tall Tales” to the City of Brotherly Love’s new Razz Room. Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, various times, $55-95, Prince Theatre, 1412 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia Trans* March: The fifth annual revolutionary rally of unity to raise awareness of trans* inequality is open to people of all gender identities, expressions, and experiences. Saturday, October 10th, 3 pm, free, Love Park, 1599 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Indigo Ball 2015: The William Way Community Center’s annual bash features dinner, dancing, a cocktail hour, plus plenty of special guests that will make the night memorable. Saturday, October 10th, 6:30 pm, $250, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

From Back 2 Basics.

The Stimulus Back 2 Basics OutFest Eve Party: The best queer dance party in town returns for a special pre-OutFest edition, promising the “hottest, sweatiest, craziest” night imaginable. Saturday, October 10th, 10 pm, $5, Tabu, 200 South 12th Street

City Hall Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony: The rainbow flag will be flying proudly next to the U.S. flag at this special event dedicated to the late Gloria Casarez. Sunday, October 11th, 11:30 am, free, City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Philadelphia OutFest 2015: Over 100 organizations, vendors, and community groups will take part in the popular invasion of Gayborhood streets during the city’s signature LGBT fall event. Sunday, October 11th, 12 pm, free, various locations throughout the Gayborhood

Gloria Casarez Mural Dedication: A new piece of public artwork, created by the Mural Arts Project and Gloria Casarez’s family and friends, will be unveiled and dedicated during this year’s Outfest festivities. Sunday, October 11th, 1 pm, free, 12th Street Gym, 204 South 12th Street

A Place in the Middle at Penn Museum: This documentary film features Hawaiian teacher and TEDx speaker Kumu Hina and discusses the traditional Hawaiian value of life “in the middle.” Sunday, October 11th, 2 pm, free after museum admission, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street

From last year’s City Hall rainbow flag raising.

Out4STEM College Fair: This unique event will bring together admission officers, mentors, students, and LGBTQ youth that are interested in STEM-related majors and careers for an informative session. Thursday, October 15th, 5 pm, free, Penn Behavioral Health, 3535 Market Street

Let’s Talk About PrEp, Baby!: This interactive panel discussion on PrEp/Truvada, which has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV in high-risk people by 92%, will feature Temple case workers, activists, health care providers, and students. Thursday, October 15th, 6 pm, free, Temple University Liacouras Conference Center, 18180 Liacouras Walk

Philadelphia Family Pride Family Matters Conference: Dr. Rachel Levine is the keynote speaker for this year’s valuable event featuring workshops and seminars for LGBTQ parents and prospective parents. Saturday, October 17th, 9 am, $20-30, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard

PGMC Fall Ball Masquerade: The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus presents their annual fundraiser which will have everyone masked, drinking, and having a grand time for the sake of singing. Saturday, October 17th, 7 pm, $135, Loews Philadelphia, 1200 Market Street

Our Night Out at the Ritz-Carlton: Philly Mag named this the “Best Gay Night Out” in our “Best of Philly” issue, and this month, they take over the Ritz-Carlton for a memorable evening of networking and sips. Monday, October 19th, 6 pm, $5, Ritz-Carlton, 10 Avenue of the Arts