6 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: Giovanni’s Room and Brittany Lynn
Turn 40, Sissy Hop Debuts at
Dolphin Tavern and More
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OurNightOut at BarLy Chinatown
The Spruce Foundation hosts this month's OurNightOut in anticipation of its seventh annual Gala on June 8th. The affair takes place at BarLy in Chinatown, where you can enjoy up to 60 beers on tap. Tuesday, April 8th, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., free, BarLy Chinatown, 101 North 11th Street.


The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths about the Murder of Matthew Shepard
Investigative journalist Stephen Jimenez spent a decade researching the story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man murdered in Laramie, Wyo. 15 years ago. Shepard’s story was reported around the world and led to a hate crimes bill that President Obama signed in 2009. Jimenez found that Shepard’s story was also one of methamphetamine, and he discovered an apparent cover-up reaching all the way to the White House. Love the political intrigue of Netflix’s House of Cards? Read The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths about the Murder of Matthew Shepard and meet its author at the library. Tuesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m., free, Central Branch of the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street. —Rosella Eleanor Lafevre


The Transsexual View
Philly trans activists Sharron L Cooks (pictured), Naiymah Ariana Sanchez and Michelle Washington lead this workshop, which takes the form of a talk show to discuss what it's like to be a trans woman going through the transitioning process. Topics will run the gamut from defining different segments of the trans community and issues facing the trans community to the way LGBT organizations can capitalize off the trans community. According to a comment from Cooks on the event's page, guests can expect "a nice home-cooked Southern-style meal, prepared with love." Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m., free, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street.


Brittany Lynn's Sweet 16 Birthday Roast
Lordy, Lordy Brittany Lynn's only 40?! To celebrate the milestone birthday of our city's tallest drag diva, a few Gayborhood notables will gather for a good old-fashioned roast. Scheduled to lambast the leggy queen is Josh Schonewolf, Matt O'Neill, Carl Michaels, Nathan Walk, and word on the street is City Councilmen Mark Squilla and Jim Kenney may stop by, too. Wednesday, March 12th, 9 p.m., Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.


Sissy Hop | Queer Soul
South Philly's Dolphin Tavern is debuting Sissy Hop, a new second-Thursday queer-centric soul night/dance party. This first go-round features tunes by CUTN PASTE DJ Nolita Selector, and appearances by Icon Ebony-Fierce, Miss Mary Wanna, and Mark C.W. Thursday, March 13th, 10 p.m., Dolphin Tavern, 1539 South Broad Street.
