5 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: Gay Speed-Dating, Stoli Guy Contest, Animated Drag, and More
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A Conversation on Queer Radical Justice
Philadelphia queer Latin@ social justice organization GALAEI is hosting this no-joke informational session that will cover everything from occupied Palestine and Puerto Rican nationalism to the ways queer communities can build a movement that goes beyond colonialism. Panelists include Penn's Jessica Rosenberg, genderqueer activist and writer Che Gossett, the Philadelphia Foundation's Edurne Irizzary and Raices Culturales Latinoamericana's Erika Núñez. Bring your notebook, you're going to want to write all this down. Tuesday, August 26th, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., free, American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry Street.
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Stoli Guy Competition
Last year Philly student and bartender Billy Cavallo made us proud when he became the first-ever Most Original Stoli Guy, a national competition lead by Stoli and Gay Cities. It won't be long however, before he'll have to hand over his title to another lucky young man. Over the past few weeks, competitions have been held across the country to find representatives to compete in the final contest in New York City, and the time has come to pick the guy who will rep Philly. Tonight at Icandy, five gentlemen will vie for the local title in a competition hosted by drag queen Carol Ann Carol Ann and judged by RuPaul's Drag Race's Mimi Imfurst, singer and America's Next Top Model's Cory Wade, and little ol’ yours truly, among others. Should be a fun, sexy night. To RSVP, go here. Tuesday, August 26th, 8 p.m., Icandy, 254 South 12th Street.
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Traveling Together: Stories from the Young, Queer and Spiritual
Following up on March's "Coming Out: Stories of Spiritual Acceptance," the William Way Community Center has invited 20- and 30-something LGBTers to share the reasons why spirituality continues to be a driving force in their lives—even at a time when it seems like religious institutions aren't on our side. Comedian R. Eric Thomas will stand in as moderator, introducing a panel that includes The IDentity Kit founder Crystal Cheatham, Ricky Cintron, founder of LGBT Hindu Satsang of Philadelphia, and David Norse (pictured), who you may remember made headlines this year when he became the first openly gay minister ordained in the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Besides discussions, there will be suds from Narragansett and Victory Brewing Co. Wednesday, August 27th, 6:30 pm.-8:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street.
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[Toon In]
Lady Poison (pictured) and Brooklyn Ford host this drag showcase of cartoons and animation. Local performers, like Maria TopCatt, Iris Spectre, Satine Harlow, and Jenna Tall, will put on shows inspired by their favorite animated characters and stories. Expect everything from Disney princesses and villains (ahem, Satine Harlow) to The Simpsons and Jem and the Holograms. Attendees are encouraged to dress to the theme, too. There will be a costume contest, with the top prize being a day pass to New York Comic-Con 2014, and a photobooth run by Gayborhood photographer Jonathan Hernandez. Wednesday, August 27th, 8 p.m., call for price, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street.
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You Had Me at Hello: A Speed Dating Benefit
Ooh, this sounds fun: Tabu is hosting a night of speed-dating to benefit ISOCinema, a local film production company focused on lifting up Philly LGBT artists and activists. There will be 30 seats set up on the second level at Tabu, where singles can rapid fire-question potential love interests. There will also be light nibbles, and drink specials to make your Q&A sesh a little more bearable. The cast of ISOCinema's web series Boys will also be on hand to meet-and-greet guests. Who knows, they may even jump in on the speed-dating action. (Fingers crossed). Thursday, August 28th, 5 p.m., $5, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.
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