7 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: A James Ijames World Premiere, Cabarets, the Philly Trans-Health Conference and More
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Rounding up the week’s best LGBT events in Philly:
SIPS for Prom
GALAEI and Field House are teaming up for a little shindig that raises funds for the former's 19th annual Alternative Prom. The prom, held especially for LGBT and allied youth, takes place on June 20th. Wednesday, June 11th, 5 p.m., Field House, 1150 Filbert Street.
Duke & Winston New Store Opening
Nothing particularly gay about this one, except the fact that gay men love wearing Duke & Winston's comfy, tight-fitting tees (and we love it when they do.) The local casual men's clothing retailer grand-opens its new Rittenhouse spot with food and drinks catered by by Di Bruno Brothers, Del Friscos, and Victory Brewing. In case you're wondering: Yes, Duke, the English Bulldog that inspires owner Seun Olubodun designs, will be in the house. Wednesday, June 11th, 6 p.m., free, Duke and Winston Rittenhouse Row, 1822 Chestnut Street.
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
Beloved Philly actor — and now playwright — James Ijames presents the world premiere of the hilariously named The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington. The story catches up with Miz Washington after the passing of Mister George. She "lies helpless in her Mount Vernon bed, ravaged by illness and cared for by the very slaves that will be set free the moment she dies. The fever dream of terrifying theatricality that follows investigates everything from Martha Washington’s family to her historical legacy." Catch our interview with Ijames on our sister blog Ticket here. June 11-29, Flashpoint Theatre Company, 1636 Sansom Street.
Philly Trans-Health Conference
Mazzoni Center's 13th annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference (PTHC) kicks off on June 12. The three-day gathering will play host to no less than 250 workshops, speaking engagements and activities meant to promote “the health and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as their families, friends, allies and providers.” Organizers have attracted some big names this year, including keynote speaker Janet Mock. The fired-up activist and New York Times best-selling author of Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More made headlines recently when shesparred with Piers Morgan on his now-defunct talk show on CNN. A definite must see. For a complete list of all the other programming being held at this year's conference, including health and wellness workshops, film screenings, evening social events, and performances, go here. June 12-14, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
Full House: A Series of Cabarets
For its sixth annual "Full House: A Series of Cabarets," Quince Productions will be presenting seven different cabarets over four days, from June 12th-15th in the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse. The series gathers a dozen performers, a captivating mix of both undiscovered and well-known singers. The series will feature familiar favorites, such as Alexander Kacala - a hit in last year's GayFest! and, full disclosure, G Philly contributor - who will be opening the series with "I Am Faymeproblems." Kacala will be donating his share of the proceeds to the William Way Center. Michael L. Medvedik, another popular performer from GayFest!, will also be included, as well as several newcomers - such as Shanna Massad (accompanied by veteran Mick Loro) with her cabaret, "I'm a Princess, Damnit!" To purchase tickets, and find a full list of the rousing acts, click here. June 12th-15th, Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th Street. —Marquesa Rotuski
Saint Harridan Pop-Up Shop
Trans clothing design company Saint Harridan will be in town this week for the Philly Trans-Health Conference. While here, they'll kill two birds by setting up a three-day pop-up shop, where folks can try on and order some new threads that "fit your body and your gender." June 13-15, 1 p.m.-8 p.m., free, Hampton Inn, 1301 Race Street.
Where to Gay-Dance This Week
There are two great queer dance party options this week, and both just so happen to be outside the Gayborhood: On Wednesday, head to the Barbary in NoLibs for Corey Griffith's Mondo Trasho, this time themed "Summer Gaze." On Thursday, DJ Nolita Selector will light up the dancefloor at Dolphin Tavern's monthly homo dance party, Sissy Hop.