NLGJA Philadelphia

You're invited to the NLGJA Philadelphia holiday party!

2011-11-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Need a little holiday cheer? Before the weather outside gets too frightful, the Philly chapter is hosting our annual holiday party—with the help of Our Night Out. Here are the details:

DATE: Tuesday, Dec. 6

TIME: 6-8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: XIX, located at the Bellevue Hotel (Broad and Walnut streets)

Note: There is no cover charge, and there will be drink specials and free appetizers!

Speaking of parties, in January the chapter will begin hosting monthly happy hours for members. Stay plugged in for details.

2011 NLGJA Convention Planning Under Way

2010-12-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Members of the Philadelphia chapter met in early November to begin planning for the 2011 National Convention & 8th Annual LGBT Media Summit to be held in the City of Brotherly Love. Committees are forming and excitement is building as the chapter works toward a show-stopping event.

All members with suggestions, and anyone who would like to support or help coordinate, are encouraged to get in contact with chapter president Gary Kramer.

Upcoming Summer and Fall Events

2010-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 19
Happy Hour at Valanni's
5 - 7 p.m.
We're hosting a happy hour and meet-and-greet at the bar at Valanni's, 1229 Spruce Street. There are happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers. (Pay your own way.) This is a casual gathering to meet chapter members.

Monday, August 23
Gay Community Night at the Phillies
7:05 p.m.
The Philly chapter of NLGJA and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP) are co-sponsoring the 8th Annual Gay Community Night at the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets in the Community Night sections are $28 and $20. Order tickets online.

September 2 - 5
LGBT Media Summit & National Convention
We're celebrating 20 years in San Francisco! If you are planning to attend, please email Sarah Blazucki, Philadelphia chapter president. She would like to know who from our chapter is attending.
More information.

Sunday, October 17
AIDS Walk Philly
The chapter will be participating in the 2010 AIDS Walk Philly. If you are interested in walking, please email Gary Kramer.
More information.

Saturday, October 30
Gay BINGO
It was such a hit last spring, we're going to hit it again. The theme is "The Witches of Gay Bingo!" Email Gary Kramer to RSVP. If enough people want to come, we'll get a full table!
More information.

We are in the process of planning more events. Stayed tuned for further details. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, or if you know anyone whose membership has lapsed or who might want to join, please direct them to Sarah Blazucki or Gary Kramer.

Philly chapter teams up with Shister

2010-03-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Chapter President Sarah Blazucki and national board member Jeff McMillan have teamed up with longtime TV critic and NLGJA presence Gail Shister for two panels, one of which will be open to chapter members in April.

They served Feb. 19 on a panel moderated by Shister at IvyQ, billed as the first conference of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in the Ivy League, held at the University of Pennsylvania. Answering questions posed by Shister and the audience of students, they gave novice journalists advice on being out in the newsroom.

They're set to appear again April 16 at the conference of the American Copy Editors Society at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The panel, "Sexual Disorientation: Getting LGBT Terminology Right," will discuss linguistic precision in news coverage of sexual minorities.

Blazucki is editor of the Philadelphia Gay News. McMillan is assistant east editor for The Associated Press.

For more information on how to attend the panel, send Jeff an e-mail.

Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb to Co-Host 'Headlines & Headliners' Benefit in NYC

2010-02-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) announced that "Today" show's Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb will co-host its marquis event March 25 in New York City. "Headlines & Headliners," as the annual benefit event is billed, is the first in the series of 20th anniversary activities for NLGJA, the nation's leading group for LGBT journalists, media professionals, educators and students.

"We are incredibly pleased that Kathie Lee and Hoda are kicking off NLGJA's twentieth year working for fairness, accuracy, and diversity in news coverage," said NLGJA Managing Director Michael Tune. "While many media organizations are in a financial crisis and LGBT issues continue to garner headlines, our nation cannot afford to have journalists or journalism silenced. This benefit helps keep our voice strong."

The benefit is expected to draw 300 journalists and allies from across the east coast, as well as notable special guests:

--Andy Cohen, Bravo, Senior Vice President of Original Programming & Host "Watch What Happens: Live"
--Jane Velez-Mitchell, HLN, Host "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell"
--Jeanne Moos, CNN, National Correspondent
--Mike Huckman, CNBC, Pharmaceuticals Reporter

At the benefit, Kathie Lee & Hoda will present NLGJA's fifth Leroy F. Aarons scholarship award. Each year, NLGJA awards a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student who plans a career in journalism and is committed to further NLGJA's mission of fair & accurate coverage of the LGBT community. The scholarship was established in 2005 to honor Aarons, the organization's founder and a pioneering journalist.

The Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Company is sponsoring this year's benefit. Proceeds from the event will help support NLGJA's networking, outreach and education programs, such as its Student Workshop, which provides a week-long, hands-on newsroom experience each summer.

For more information or tickets to "Headlines & Headliners," visit www.nlgja.org.

NLGJA's 20th anniversary celebration will culminate with its annual convention, which takes place in San Francisco in September.

GayBINGO Fundraiser: April 17

2010-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

NLGJA Philadelphia will host a members' night fundraiser at GayBINGO on Saturday, April 17.

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) will sponsor 10 tickets to the event at no cost to NLGJA Philadelphia members (first come, first served). We'll use the ticket cost ($25 per person) as a fundraiser for the chapter. Additionally, GPTMC will provide pizzas for the BYOB event!

Thanks to GPTMC and Jeff Guaracino.

Watch this site for more details!

2010 Headlines & Headliners Reception

2010-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association cordially invites you to the annual Headlines & Headliners Reception, celebrating NLGJA's 20th Anniversary.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

6:30pm-9:30pm

Host Sponsor:
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
210 Lafayette at Kenmare Square
New York, NY

Additional details coming soon.

2010 Brainstorming Brunch

2009-12-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Save the Date: Sunday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. at Valanni, 12th and Spruce, for the 2010 Brainstorming Brunch.

RSVP to Gary Kramer at gkramer@att.net.

2010 Officers Announced

2009-12-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

We congratulate our new chapter officers for 2010:

Sarah Blazucki - President
Gary Kramer – Vice President
Treasurer – vacant
Secretary – vacant

Sarah and Gary will take office on January 1, 2010. If you are interested in either of the vacant positions, please contact Sarah at sblazucki@gmail.com.

Please note: There were no actual elections via email because both candidates ran unopposed.

Here is some more information about your new officers and their election platforms.

Sarah Blazucki is editor of Philadelphia Gay News, an award-winning LGBT-focused weekly serving the greater Philadelphia area. In the past three years at PGN, she has worked to strengthen relationships with the community, building new ties and reinforcing old ones, and advance journalistic excellence at the publication. Sarah has served as treasurer for the Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA for the past year, and has been a key contributor to resurrecting the chapter during this time.

In addition, she is a freelance résumé writer and career coach. Sarah served as a contributor, editor and proofreader for several résumé writing and career guides. She received her B.A. from Towson State University in Mass Communications, with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Women’s Studies.

Sarah's platform:
Over the past few years, the communications industry has changed. In Philadelphia, we have seen the daily and weekly newspapers shrink, and neighborhood publications close. At the same time, online journalism has exploded. Twitter, Facebook and blogs are now viable and credible means to disseminate news — particularly fast-breaking stories.

In the past year, the Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA has gone from being just a list of names to a small group of individuals making an impact in their various organizations. Though we restarted the chapter last year, this year we need to grow it. As chapter president, I would like to build on the efforts of Chip Alfred and, before him, Matthew T. Patton, who were both influential in resurrecting the chapter.

Specifically, I would like to explore partnerships with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Society of Professional Journalists. I would like to host career development, panel discussion and networking/social events. I’d like to build membership in the chapter, as well as interest and continued relevance. We need to demonstrate why NLGJA is relevant to our members and why we need a local chapter. As the industry has evolved, so too must the association and our chapter.

Gary M. Kramer is a publishing executive (Temple University Press) and a contributing writer to Gay Philadelphia Gay News, The Philadelphia City Paper, City News (NY), San Francisco Bay Times, Frontiers/In Los Angeles, and the website aroundphilly.com. In addition, he is a contributing writer to Instinct magazine, The Jewish Exponent, and the journal Film International. Kramer is the author of Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews and its sequel, More Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews. (Forthcoming in 2010).

Gary’s platform:
As the current secretary for the local Philadelphia chapter of the NLGJA, I have spent the past year working with the president and treasurer to help coordinate events from fundraisers to cocktail parties. I have also reached out to chapter members to determine their interests and needs from the association. I believe my work with the current officers has positioned me to become more active and responsible as an officer in the local NLGJA to continue to meet the needs of members. My goals as Vice President include establishing more events--from fundraisers to professional workshops--and increasing our visibility and membership in the area.

Scholarship Call for Entries

2009-12-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Washington, DC -- The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) today announced a call for entries for the Leroy F. Aarons scholarship and the Kay Longcope scholarship. These scholarships are awarded annually in honor of two prominent journalists. Applications are available online and will be accepted until January 31, 2010.

The Leroy F. Aarons scholarship was established in 2005 to honor NLGJA founder Leroy "Roy" Aarons and to continue his work of fostering fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues from within the news industry. This annual scholarship will provide up to $5,000 to an LGBT student who plans a career in journalism and is committed to furthering NLGJA's mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.

The Kay Longcope scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of journalist Kay Longcope, who co-founded the Texas Triangle, a LGBT weekly newspaper that would eventually grow to become the major source for all things gay in Texas, covering the gamut from news to art, relationships to music reviews. Longcope is also widely regarded as the first out reporter at the Boston Globe, where she worked for over twenty years.

The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. NLGJA partnered with The Philadelphia Foundation (TPF), a community foundation established in 1918, to administer the NLGJA Student Scholarship Fund. The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, a component fund of TPF serving to advance philanthropy within the LGBT communities, will disburse the scholarship awards upon receiving recommendations from NLGJA during each award period.

"During a tough economy, it is more important than ever to support our industry's future leaders," said David Steinberg, NLGJA President. "These scholarships are offered to help journalism students of today become the industry leaders of tomorrow while using their skills and talents to cover LGBT issues in a fair, balanced manner."

Open Call for Nominations

2009-11-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

This is an open call for nominations for chapter leadership. Feel free to nominate yourself or other current chapter members. We will confirm with nominated members that they're interested before we send out names and statements for voting.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Please send nominations via e-mail to Jeff McMillan, koppyeditter@yahoo.com, with the subject line "Chapter leadership nomination." You do not need to include a statement at that time.

Current and lapsed members may nominate only current, paid members of NLGJA's Philadelphia chapter for leadership positions. Only current, paid chapter members, including associate members, can vote in the election. Elected leaders cannot be associate members.

Detailed descriptions of the open offices -- president, vice president, secretary and treasurer -- are below. Terms are one year, beginning Jan. 1. If you have any other questions, please e-mail at the address above or contact the national NLGJA office.

President
-- Ensuring that the chapter works to fulfill the strategic plan on the local level.
-- Carrying out requirements to maintain chapter certification, with the exception of submitting the annual budget and financial reports. These documents must, however, be approved by the chapter president.
-- Making statements on behalf of the chapter and preside at most chapter events.
-- Serving as the primary contact person for potential members.
-- Working with chapter officers to recruit new members and retain existing members.
-- Being acquainted with most chapter members and working to meet their needs within the NLGJA mission. It is often the officers vision that guides the programming at the chapter level and helps develop the national organization through chapter work.
-- Grooming a successor through outreach, recruitment and skills building. It is often the case that you will need to ask people to run for office, tell them what the job entails and encourage them with some examples of how it has benefited you.
-- Convening with other chapter officers twice a year in the Chapter Presidents Council for leadership training, skills building and networking. The council gatherings are held during the mid-year meeting and at the national convention.
-- Facilitating, support and assist with activities intended to support the mission of NLGJA, as managed by the NLGJA staff and approved by the Board of Directors.
-- Keeping members informed of chapter activities through newsletters, e-mails, fliers or other mechanisms.

Vice President
-- In the absence of the president, the vice president shall perform all duties of the president.
-- When so acting, the vice president shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions on the president.
-- The vice president shall assist the president and shall have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the chapter board.

Treasurer
-- Responsible for submitting an annual chapter budget to the national office and completing annual financial reports.
-- Recipient of the chapter’s bank statements
-- Keeping the local bank account open and in good standing
-- Issuing checks from the local bank account to pay for chapter expenses.

Secretary
-- Taking minutes at meetings and sending them to chapter leaders and members.
-- Greeting attendees at NLGJA events and asking them to sign in and make a nametag.
-- Writing chapter newsletters, e-mails or other communications.
-- Creating fliers, signs or other communication pieces for the chapter as needed.

Save the Date: Holiday Party on Dec. 8

2009-11-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Save the Date!

Tuesday, December 8th from 6 - 9 p.m. at XIX at the Bellevue Hotel (corner of Broad & Walnut) -- our holiday cocktail party in partnership with Our Night Out.

Come enjoy the drink specials, complimentary appetizers, prize giveaways and that fabulous view!

Chapter Brainstorming Brunch: You're Invited

2009-10-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a Brainstorming Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at Valanni, 1229 Spruce Street.

A number of you have told us you would like to see the chapter present more professional development programs, and we want your input on this. We would like you to come with suggestions on how we can improve and grow our chapter. We would also like to see more members taking initiative.

With three busy board members trying to do it all, we realize there are limitations.

Sarah Blazucki (treasurer), Gary Kramer (secretary), and I are committed to making the NLGJA Philadelphia chapter bigger, better and more responsive to your needs in 2010.

But we can’t do it without your help.

Last year our fall brunch helped bring the chapter back to life. Now, let’s take it to the next level. I hope you can all join us for this brunch at Valanni. Please RSVP to me by no later than November 1st (chip.alfred@gmail.com).

Also, to keep you up to date, our holiday cocktail party in collaboration with Our Night Out is still happening in December, but we are in the final stages of confirming the venue. An announcement will be forthcoming in the next week or so.

Thanks again for your support, and as always, we want to hear from you!

--Chip Alfred
NLGJA Philadelphia chapter president

When Times Are Hard, Find a Friend in NLGJA

2009-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

When times are hard, you need your friends. With NLGJA, you're not just a member. You're a friend.

NLGJA has heard the call of hundreds of journalists who are out of work and looking for their next job. As an organization built on the strength of our members, friends and allies we know that tough times are no time to be on your own.

Our new Friends Membership is one way of making sure that doesn't happen.

NLGJA will offer a one-time membership for individuals who have found themselves without a job at a reduced rate of $25. Your NLGJA membership will give you access to valuable job-hunting resources like the "Members Only" Job Bank, the online Members Directory and our e-newsletter CareerWatch.

The Friends Membership is a new program created to help members whose current financial situation might keep them from renewing their membership. Details about the Friends Membership can be found here.

Last Day for Convention Hotel Room Block Discount!

2009-08-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

NLGJA's discounted rate at the Hyatt Regency Montreal expires on Thursday, August 6. Remember, when you book your room at the host hotel you're helping to keep registration fees down for you and your fellow members. NLGJA's room block offsets the costs of all the rooms we use for meetings, receptions and our Student Project.

Visit the convention hotel and travel Web page for full details and more information on why meeting the room block matters.

Show Your Phillies Gay Pride

2009-06-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

Show Your Pride Gay Night at the Phillies Game

Get The official t-shirt of 7th Annual Philadelphia Gay Community Night!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies

PROCEEDS from the sale of shirt to BENEFIT the Sean Halpin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

100% cotton preshrunk jersey. Set-in rib knit collar and sleeve cuff. Double-needle stitched collar, cuffs and bottom hem.

$19 includes free shipping

http://www.gaytshirt.com/show-your-pride-night-phillies-game-p-976.html

2009-06-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP) and Philadelphia Chapter of National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) and www.phillygaydays.com
proudly present:

7th Annual Gay Community Night!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies
Game Time: 7:05 pm

Offer Ends Tuesday, July 7th!
Limited Tickets Available!
Sit in special Gay Community Night Sections!

A portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Sean Halpin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Tickets can also be ordered online at: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ticketing/group/gcn.jsp

If you have any questions, or to order tickets by phone, please call Jillian in the Phillies Sales Office at (215) 463-5000, ext. 5654.

General Questions? E-mail: Phillygaydays@yahoo.com

Tickets on Sale Now for "Passing By"; Join the Chapter for Cocktails

2009-03-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

A benefit performance for NLGJA Philadelphia of the Philadelphia premiere of Martin Sherman’s comedy “Passing By” on Sunday, April 19

The Philadelphia premiere of Martin Sherman’s comedy “Passing By” opens April 17 for a three-week run at Philadelphia’s Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge Street. NLGJA member Rich Rubin directs.

Presented by Quince Productions, “Passing By” consists of a series of short scenes during which a relationship between two men unfolds in a series of surprises. Simon Callow, who starred in the original London production, has called it “one of the most radical gay plays ever written. They simply found each other highly attractive and one thing led to another. It was amusing, touchy, sexy, and entirely normal.”

Tickets for the NLGJA Philadelphia benefit performance on Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m. are $25, available online at www.quinceproductions.com. Additionally, 100% of the profits from this performance will be donated to our chapter! This performance is open to the public.

The Schubin Theatre seats 43 patrons – so tickets should go fast. Invite your friends - post it on your Facebook page or Twitter your friends about it.

There will be a pre-show cocktail party at The Latest Dish, 613 S 4th Street, with cocktail, beer and wine specials from 5-6:30 p.m. They serve a full dinner menu as well as appetizers from 5 p.m. on – very good food and great atmosphere.

Anyone is welcome to join us for cocktails (cash bar) even if you’re not seeing the show. This should be a fun evening and a significant fundraiser for our chapter!

What we will need is a head count for The Latest Dish. Please RSVP to Chip (chip.alfred@gmail.com) by April 12 if you would like to come - and guests are welcome, too.

Save the Date: Gay Night at the Phillies

2009-03-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Save the date for the 7th Annual Gay Community Night at the Phillies, sponsored in part by NLGJA Philadelphia. This year's event will be held August 4.

More information will appear on this site in the future.

Save the Date: "Passing By" Premiere to Benefit NLGJA Philadelphia Chapter

2009-02-28T10:23:00.001-08:00

Save the Date!

A benefit performance for NLGJA Philadelphia of the Philadelphia premiere of Martin Sherman’s comedy “Passing By” on Sunday, April 19.

The Philadelphia premiere of Martin Sherman’s comedy “Passing By” opens Friday, April 17 for a three-week run at Philadelphia’s Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge Street. NLGJA member Rich Rubin directs.

Written by the author best-known for the Holocaust drama “Bent,” “Passing By” is set in the 1970s and tells the story of Toby (played by Matt Taylor) and Simon (John Jarboe), two men who meet in a movie theatre and end up spending not just the night but an unexpected amount of time together due to unanticipated occurrences. As their emotions pull them together and their careers pull them apart, do they fall in love forever, or are they just…passing by?

Presented by Quince Productions, (an independent Philadelphia producer which has presented David Parker and the Bang Group’s "Backward and in Heels" and Victor Bumbalo’s comedy “Niagara Falls”), “Passing By” consists of a series of short scenes during which the relationship unfolds in a series of surprises. Simon Callow, who starred in the original London production, has called it “one of the most radical gay plays ever written. They simply found each other highly attractive and one thing led to another. It was amusing, touchy, sexy, and entirely normal.”

Tickets for the NLGJA Philadelphia benefit performance on Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m. are $25. 100% of the profits from this performance will be donated to our chapter. Tickets will go on sale in March. This performance is open to the public as well as NLGJA Philadelphia members.

The Schubin Theatre seats 43 patrons – so it shouldn’t be hard to sell out the house. There will be a pre-show cocktail hour in the vicinity of the theatre (cash bar), details to follow. We will send out another notice once tickets for the show go on sale.

Sigourney Weaver Stars in Lifetime Original Movie "Prayers for Bobby"

2009-01-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Sigourney Weaver Stars in Poignant Lifetime Original Movie Prayers for Bobby

Based on a true story and Leroy Aarons' critically acclaimed book

Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son

Los Angeles, CA -- Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl) stars in the Lifetime Original Movie Prayers for Bobby , marking her first performance in a made-for-television motion picture.

Based on a true story and Leroy Aarons' book of the same name, the film tells the story of Mary Griffith, a profoundly religious wife and mother who begins to question her faith after the suicide of her gay son. Ultimately, with the posthumous acceptance of her son's homosexuality, Mary draws strength and comfort from the gay community and becomes an advocate for gay rights. Prayers for Bobby also stars Ryan Kelley (Mean Creek), Henry Czerny (The Tudors), Austin Nichols (John from Cincinnati), Dan Butler (Frasier), Scott Bailey (Guiding Light) and four-time Emmy Award nominee Susan Ruttan (LA Law). Based on a book by acclaimed journalist Leroy Aarons, Prayers for Bobby premieres on Saturday, January 24, 2009 on Lifetime Television.

About the Movie
Mary Griffith (Weaver) is a devout Christian who has raised her children with a conservative religious perspective. When her younger son, Bobby (Kelley), reveals to his older brother that he is gay, the entire family dynamic is irrevocably shifted. While Bobby's father and siblings slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, Mary turns to her steadfast beliefs in an attempt to “cure” her son. Alienated and quickly becoming more detached from the safety of his close knit family, Bobby's depression drives him to suicide. Now, faced with the devastating tragedy of losing a child, Mary begins to question her faith and, through a painfully emotional journey, ultimately draws strength and support from the gay community.

Set in 1980's California, Prayers for Bobby is based on a true story and the groundbreaking book of the same name by Leroy Aarons.

Prayers for Bobby is produced by Once Upon A Time Films in association with Permut Presentations and Sladek Taaffe Productions for Lifetime Television. Emmy Award winner Stanley M. Brooks (LMN's Capture of the Green River Killer, Broken Trail), David Permut (Face/Off), Daniel Sladek (Tale of the Mummy) and Chris Taaffe (Thank Heaven) are executive producers. Silvio Muraglia (High Speed), David Steinberg , Leroy Aarons, Mary Griffith and Steve Longi (Charlie Bartlett) served as co-producers. Damian Ganczewski (Broken Trail) produced the movie. Russell Mulcahy (Queer as Folk, Swimming Up Stream) directed from a script written by Katie Ford (Miss Congeniality).

About Lifetime Television
Lifetime is a diverse, multi-media company, committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of the Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Meet the NLGJA Philadelphia Board of Directors

2009-01-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

President: Chip Alfred
Chip Alfred is the Communications Director for Equality Forum and a nationally published freelance journalist. Formerly a TV Promotion Director, Chip has lectured at major universities and teaches writing for radio and television at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Vice-President: Matthew T. Patton
Matthew T. Patton is editor of ADVANCE for Medical Laboratory Professionals, a bi-weekly newsmagazine published by Merion Publications, Inc., a publishing house in the Philadelphia suburbs. He has written several historical and genealogical books, focusing on his home state of Kentucky.

Secretary: Gary Kramer
Gary M. Kramer is a publishing executive and a freelance writer and film critic. In Philadelphia, he is a contributing writer to Philadelphia Gay News, The Philadelphia City Paper, aroundphilly.com, Filmbill, and The Jewish Exponent. His work also appears in queer weeklies across the country as well as in Instinct magazine, and the journal Film International. He is the author of Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews.

Treasurer: Sarah Blazucki
Sarah Blazucki is the editor of Philadelphia Gay News, an award-winning LGBT-focused weekly serving the greater Philadelphia area. When not editing spelling, style and substance, she reads, practices yoga, runs, bikes and climbs fake rock walls. In addition, she is a freelance résumé writer and career coach.

Snapshots: NLGJA Philadelphia Holiday Party

2009-01-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

The NLGJA Philadelphia chapter is experiencing a revival. New officers have been elected – including Chip Alfred, president; Matthew T. Patton, vice president; Sarah Blazucki, treasurer; and Gary Kramer, secretary.

For the chapter's holiday cocktail party on December 16, NLGJA Philadelphia hosted OurNightOut, a monthly gathering of LGBT professionals and friends. About 150 revelers packed into Supper, a trendy South Philadelphia restaurant, for some holiday cheer. The event received coverage on WCAU-TV (NBC 10), NBCPhiladelphia.com and in Philadelphia Gay News.

Chapter membership in the "City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection" is on the rise and, according to Alfred, there will be chapter events at least every other month in 2009. "Our goals are to grow membership and increase our presence in the community. I think we are off to a great start," he said.

Photos/courtesy Scott Drake

NLGJA Mourns Larry Fish, Founding Member

2008-12-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Larry Fish, a founding member of NLGJA-Philadelphia whose career included some 20 years with the city's Inquirer newspaper, died Saturday in his Center City home from complications of heart disease. He was 56 years-old.

William K. Marimow, the Inquirer's editor, is quoted in Mr. Fish's obituary as saying, "I always felt he was a stellar reporter, and just as important, a really terrific colleague. He was accurate, thorough and fair."

In addition to his sister, Mr. Fish is survived by his parents, two sisters and four nephews. NLGJA extends its most sincere sympathies to Mr. Fish's family and friends.

Click here to read the full obituary: http://tinyurl.com/5hpazc.

NLGJA Philadelphia Officers Announced

2008-11-30T16:50:00.001-08:00

The envelope, please!

We are happy to announce the new members of the next local board of directors:

President: Chip Alfred
Vice-President: Matthew T. Patton
Secretary: Gary Kramer
Treasurer: Sarah Blazucki

All individuals accepted their nominations for their respective posts. The one-year terms of office officially begin on Jan. 1, 2009.

October Is GLBT History Month

2008-10-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Modeled after Black and Women’s History Month, GLBT History Month highlights annually the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Icons—one each day—with a free video, bio, bibliography, images and other resources. Take the weekly Trivia Challenge each Friday, starting October 10, and the Rainbow Challenge at the end of the month.

For more information, visit http://www.glbthistorymonth.com.

Local Chapter Member's Documentary to Screen During Film Festival

2008-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

The African documentary A Little Bit of Love: The Making of a Message (http://www.albolmovie.com/) by Philadelphia-based journalist and filmmaker Scott Hatfield (pictured) profiles the efforts of stylish East African musicians who teamed with Ugandan medical personnel to create a powerful HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention song. Hatfield is a member of NLGJA Philadelphia.

The documentary is scheduled to screen in Philadelphia at the First Glance Film Festival on Friday, Oct. 17 at 7:45 p.m., along with several official selections, at Philadelphia’s Prince Music Theater.

A Little Bit of Love: The Making of a Message received a number of awards. The 20-minute piece was recognized as a finalist in the 2007 International Health and Medical Media Award competition known as the FREDDIE, in the prevention category. The FREDDIE honor (http://www.thefreddies.com/) is billed as the Oscar of medical/health films.

Recently, the documentary was honored with two 2008 Telly Bronze Awards, in the health and wellness and social issues categories. The documentary A Little Bit of Love: The Making of a Message was among 14,000 entries received for the 29th Annual Telly Award judging.

“I am truly pleased the documentary is recognized as a 2008 Telly Award winner for its approach in capturing the Ugandan efforts to stop the African AIDS scourge,” said Producer/Director Hatfield. “Using video, photography and the written word to tell the story was a creative challenge I undertook in hopes of sharing the unique musical effort with the world.”

A 2008 Videographer Award of Distinction winner, A Little Bit of Love: The Making of a Message was filmed entirely in Kampala, Uganda in early 2007 and is screening at various national and international film festivals through 2008.

Clips of the documentary aired on CNN International during a 2007 broadcast of the Africa affairs program Inside Africa with host Femi Oke, and interviews with Producer/Director Hatfield taped in Atlanta, home of CNN. Comcast broadcasted a story in the United States on its network show Art Fennell Reports, also airing clips of the documentary in 2007 along with an extensive interview and commentary with Producer/Director Hatfield.

“The mixing of the Ugandan music artists and medical, health professionals to raise awareness about preventing AIDS was a story I hoped would reach the world,” said Producer/Director Hatfield, who is based in Old City. “It was a privilege and honor to document A Little Bit of Love, allowing more people to hear these important HIV/AIDS prevention messages, rapped or sung in song.”

The Ugandan people are affected deeply by HIV/AIDS in their communities. Stories about lost loved ones, women sexually violated by husbands and becoming infected to Africans living in silence with HIV and dying anonymously were all part of the fabric that led to the making of A Little Bit of Love: The Making of a Message. These experiences witnessed in everyday East African life led to the cooperation of the Ugandan musicians who worked with medical/health personnel to create HIV/AIDS prevention messages rapped and sung in song. In the documentary, the musicians share their altruistic reasons for joining the unique musical effort.

For more about the documentary visit: http://www.albolmovie.com/.

Local Chapter Member Honored by NLGJA

2008-09-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

By Jen Colletta
PGN Staff Writer

Gail Shister (pictured) has grown accustomed to having to break down barriers.

As one of the first out reporters in the journalism industry and the first female sports writer at the Buffalo Evening News, the New Orleans States-Item and the Philadelphia Inquirer, she learned quickly how to hurtle over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association recognized the strides Shister has made for the LGBT community as it inducted her into its LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual convention in Washington, D.C., Aug. 21-24.

Shister and this year’s other inductee, former Village Voice executive editor Richard Goldstein, now join seven other previously inducted LGBT pioneers, such as activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, the late NLGJA founder Leroy Aarons and Sarah Pettit, the late Newsweek editor and co-creator of OUT Magazine.

Although Shister said she was “overwhelmed and tremendously honored” to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, she also proffered another frank attitude about the award: “It makes you feel really old. You think of people in a Hall of Fame as either old or dead; you don’t think of them as being young and virile with biceps of steel like myself,” she said.

The Buffalo, N.Y., native, who started as a sports writer at the Inquirer in 1979, said she was forced to hone her sense of humor decades ago in order to manage the discrimination she faced in the journalism industry.

“It was very, very depressing. I was the first woman in the sports department at the Inquirer, and some of those guys were still living in the Stone Age. They really resented having a woman there,” she said. “Sports is kind of like the last bastion of male supremacy. They don’t want women in the locker room, which the sports department still is at a lot of papers — it’s the equivalent of a locker room. When we’d all be covering the games, the other guys just wouldn’t even speak to me. The hostility was unbelievable.”

Shister joked that the “sheer force of [her] fabulous personality” was influential in solidifying her position in the local newspaper industry.

“I eventually had to prove myself to them and show that I wasn’t going to take any crap from them,” she said. “Eventually, we worked out a decent relationship.”

In 1982, Shister started writing a daily television column for the Inquirer, which was picked up by hundreds of publications across the country.

Although Shister said it was challenging to be one of the few out journalists in the country at that time, she said the fact that she has always been open about her sexual orientation instilled an unshakable confidence in her that has served as a valuable motivator over the years.

“I came out at birth. I’ve been out since God was a boy. I’ve never been in the closet, and I think that’s given me a tremendous advantage, because I haven’t had to use a lot of energy over the years pretending to be someone I wasn’t,” she said. “That energy instead went into my work. It sounds totally ridiculous, but I’ve never doubted my work, my talent, my tenaciousness or my ability to succeed.”

Shister joined the NLGJA in 1991, the year after its founding, and started the local NLGJA chapter the same year. She served as the vice president of the national organization in the 1990s and spent two terms on the NLGJA board.

She noted that she initially became involved with NLGJA to establish camaraderie with other out journalists, who she said were always few and far between.

About 450 LGBT journalists attended last week’s conference, and Shister said she’s still amazed at how much the industry’s attitude toward LGBT journalists has changed since she started in the business — a trend she said NLGJA had a large role in developing.

“Thirty years ago, the idea of a national organization for gay reporters just was unheard of,” she said. “I always felt like the only one. And I’m like Groucho Marx — I hate groups. I don’t belong to any group that would have me as a member. But this group just captured me from day one because it was such a mindblower. I never thought it would happen, but I’m so glad that it did.”

Shister continued her television piece for 25 years until Inquirer management scrapped the column in April 2007 because of employment cutbacks; Shister is now a metro reporter for the paper and writes mostly profile pieces.

Shister said it’s near impossible to select her most memorable interview from the thousands of stories she’s written, but did say she was especially proud of a recent profile she wrote about Dr. Aaron Beck, the father of cognitive therapy.

She said it’s taken some time adjusting to her new reporter position, but that she’s trying to find the silver lining.

“I’m in a whole different milieu now. For 25 years my whole world was TV, and that was taken away from me, so I’ve had to adapt,” she said. “But I have made contacts in worlds that I had had no communication with before. I now know some judges, some big-time political people, some big-time labor people and some big-time lawyers. These are circles I hadn’t traveled in before and fields I had no connection to. So I’m starting from square one, but it’s opening me up to tremendous new vistas that I wouldn’t have known about before. I’m trying to look at the upside of it.”

Shister will celebrate her 29th year with the Inquirer in October and is also beginning her fourth semester teaching a course on TV criticism at the University of Pennsylvania next week.

“Talk about a tough transition,” she said of designing her own course. “I thought creating a syllabus was going to kill me, it was so hard. But I really love it, and the kids seem to love it. I’ve stepped out of Kansas, and I feel happy.”

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

© 2008 Philadelphia Gay News. Reprinted with permission.

Member Q&A: Chip Alfred

2008-09-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Chip Alfred,
Communications Director,
Equality Forum, Philadelphia

Q. Tell us about your career path.
A: It’s been a long and windy road from San Francisco to Tampa to North Carolina to South Florida to Kentucky to Philly in February 2008. Before moving to the City of Brotherly Love, I worked as a TV Promotion Director and freelanced as a writer for GLBT publications. My job at Equality Forum gives me the opportunity to do the work I love while making a difference in the GLBT community. I am also teaching TV Promotion part-time and coaching students at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Cherry Hill.

Q. What brought you to Philadelphia?
A: I was ready for a change, after 17 years in TV, and wanted to be in a bigger, gay-friendly city. When the opportunity came up at Equality Forum, all the pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit together.

Q: What do you think are the most important issues GLBT journalists face today?
A: It’s become more and more challenging for a GLBT weekly or month publication to survive in this world of “fast-food news.” The proliferation of Internet news sites and blogs has made the industry much more competitive and the demand for news much more instantaneous. If the GLBT community wants to continue to have quality newspapers and magazines dealing with our issues, we as a community, along with GLBT and gay-friendly businesses, need to support the GLBT media more.

Q: What do you love most about the city?
A: Still considering myself a relative newbie here, there is a lot of this area I have yet to see. I have to say the most amazing thing to me is the gay-welcoming nature of this city – evidenced most prominently by the rainbow-colored street signs in the gayborhood. Just the fact that there is an official “gayborhood” means a lot to someone who has spent a considerable amount of time living in the Bible Belt.

Want to be featured in an upcoming post? E-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Chapter Brunch: October 26

2008-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Please join NLGJA Philadelphia at Valanni (http://www.valanni.com/) at 1226 Spruce St., Philadelphia, on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. for a chapter brunch! Friends and significant others welcomed! Please take a moment to review the menu and pricing.

We will be discussing activities for the Philadelphia chapter in the next year and beginning a drive to increase membership among gay and lesbian journalists and public relations professionals and college students studying in those fields. Bring your ideas!

NLGJA Philadelphia works to provide social, networking and career development opportunities for our members. We are working toward hosting a monthly happy hour series and a holiday party, as well as monthly events that range from theater outings to sporting events.

RSVP by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com today! Deadline for RSVP is Oct. 20.

Giovanni's Room Celebrates 35th Anniversary

2008-08-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

Giovanni's Room will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this fall with a number of events. These are just the first. When the book seller started in 1973, there were way fewer than 100 titles on the shelves, among them James Baldwin's "Giovanni's Room," which has been almost continuously in print ever since.

In those days, every homosexual in North America had heard of the novel because there were so few gay novels, so the name was a codeword--lesbians and gay men knew what it meant but most other people did not.

Nowadays relatively few have heard of it, so Giovanni's Room is pleased "that we in our very small way help keep the book alive, though it's hard to explain where the name comes from to someone who calls to order a pizza!"

For more information about August events, visit http://www.giovannisroom.com/.

Join Us in Washington

2008-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Join us this August 21-24 for "NLGJA Goes to Washington," our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit.

This is your chance to take part in three days of hands-on training, discussions and power networking with 700 of your friends and colleagues in the heart of the nation’s capital.

For more information, visit www.nlgja.org.

NLGJA Philadelphia Relaunch

2008-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

From your Chapter President, Matthew T. Patton:

As some as you may know, the Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA has been seemingly inactive for the past couple of years. Prior to that, the chapter representing the nation's fifth largest city was extremely active, with studio tours, brunches, mixers, holiday parties and other fun events. We can, with your help, become active again -- and emerge better than ever!

I've been charged with breathing life into the "new" chapter. To get started, I'd like to set up a coffee shop meeting (coffee's on me) for anyone who'd like to meet me in Center City (in the next 2 or so weeks) to talk about how we can work together to re-establish NLGJA Philadelphia, whether it's through mixers, outreach or other social venues.

To give you a little background, I joined the organization in 1999 after I was a student in the student project at the Atlanta convention. Since then, I've served as student mentor at national conventions and have, along the way, been involved in local activities. I've always been a "behind-the-scenes" member, so I'm looking forward and embracing this new role as chapter president.

In the meantime, let me hear back from you with your ideas for reinvigorating the chapter, and look for details about our upcoming coffee talk gathering. Finally, don't forget that I'll need a volunteer to help me relaunch the Web site.

Looking forward to hearing from you.