Voice Lessons

William Way debuts gay history exhibit about Philly

They talk about what it was like to serve in the military for fear of being outed, and losing friends to HIV/AIDS before it even had a name. Using audio and video footage, as well as text inscriptions, the William Way Community Center is debuting Listen to My Story, See Through My Eyes: Stories from the Robert R. Rosenbaum Oral History Project starting Oct. 14 (6 – 8 p.m.). The multimedia project examines gay life in the region through the memories and voices of the people who have lived it during the last several decades. It’s the first time many of these accounts have ever been made public.

The opening reception features a glimpse at more than 30 different oral histories from local gays and lesbians in Philadelphia, as well as commentary by Qrescent Mali Mason, project coordinator; Rick Bluhm, exhibitions designer; and Bob Skiba, the center’s exhibitions curator and archivist. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the project by sharing their own stories. Appointments can be made at the center.