Philly: The city of Equality
By ALEX IRWINPhiladelphia Daily News
irwina@phillynews.com 215-854-5218
ON JULY 4, 1965, 40 men and women demonstrated on behalf of gay and lesbian rights in front of Independence Hall. It was the largest protest of its kind in history.
This was the first of four "annual reminders" held in Philadelphia - reminding the world that homosexuals were here - and it predated by four years the now iconic riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
A historic marker on the north side of 6th and Chestnut streets testifies to the significance of these "reminders" to the gay-rights movement.
Philadelphia is once again at the center of that movement, as hundreds of rainbow flags line Center City streets trumpeting this year's Equality Forum.
The forum - the largest annual gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender forum in the world - begins today and runs through Sunday. The forum will host more than 60 discussions and dozens of parties and special events, beginning with a VIP kickoff at City Hall with Mayor Nutter delivering opening remarks.
On Saturday, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson receives the International Role Model award at a gala dinner at the National Constitution Center. The Wachovia Corp. will be awarded the International Business Leadership award.
Read more:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Post a Comment