V-Day Philly Kicks Off

Last year, more than 5,800 V-Day events were held around the world to bring attention to violence against women. In Philly this year, the LGBT community is getting involved in a big way. Starting Thursday, Feb. 9 (7 p.m.), V-Day kicks off at Tavern on Camac for a “take back the night” celebration with two beneficiaries – GALAEI and Women Against Abuse.

The Red and Pink Warrior Kick Off will feature speakers from both organizations, as well as a silent auction and a chance for guests to make their own statements about abuse towards women on T-shirts and panties (yes, panties).

“GALAEI is involved because we want to highlight the fact that domestic violence is an issue that affects the LGBT community, too,” says Elicia Gonzales, GALAEI’s executive director. “It is likely underreported because LGBT individuals deal with an oppressive system that causes us to be afraid to ‘out’ ourselves. We have to speak out.”

The kick off is part of a larger V-Day campaign running this week through March that’s inspired by Eve Ensler’s groundbreaking The Vagina Monologues.

Here’s what’s happening:

A reading of The Vagina Monologues last year for Philly's V-Day (photo courtesy of V-Day Philly)

Feb. 9 (7 p.m.): Red and Pink Warrior Kick Off at Tavern on Camac’s Ascend Lounge.

Feb. 12 (noon): Kicking Back at Optimal Sports Club with an afternoon of self-defense workshops hosted by instructors D.C. Maxwell and Brian Rago. Money from lessons benefits both GALAEI and Women Against Abuse.

Feb. 16 (7 p.m.): V-Men at the William Way, a male-exclusive talk back about domestic violence and rape. Here, men will have a chance to share their own stories, ask questions and talk about how they can best respond to abuse, violence and women’s issues. There will also be a reading of The Vagina Monologues at Voyeur (8 p.m.) that continues through to Feb. 17. Look for special guests and leaders from the community to participate.

March 6 (7 p.m.): Transperson Roundtable at the William Way with a discussion about abuse issues exclusive to the trans community. The roundtable will be hosted by experts in trans health who encourage people to share their stories and ask questions.

March 15 (7 p.m.): Toy Chest Party at Passional/Sexploratorium that offers sex-positive education. Pick up something to spice up your sex life – and learn about healthy ways to explore your own erotic zones.

For more information about V-Day events, please contact willphillydares@gmail.com or click here.