DVLF

EARLY BIRD tickets now available for Toy 2024, our annual holiday event on Saturday Dec. 7th - Grab yours today! 🎁

Tickets Here: https://bit.ly/3UzWyyb

As we near the end of LGBTQ+ History Month, let’s take a moment to honor Giovanni’s Room - a Philly landmark that’s been a steadfast presence in the LGBTQ+ community since 1973. Known as the country’s oldest LGBTQ+ and feminist bookstore, Giovanni’s Room has been more than a store; it’s been a cultural anchor and safe haven for those exploring their identities, right alongside the growth of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ scene.

Starting as a modest South Street space, Giovanni’s Room grew into two historic buildings at the corner of S. 12th & Pine St. - one an 1820s double trinity structure, the other an 1880s mom-and-pop store and house. This unique location at 345 S. 12th Street became an inviting entry point for both locals and visitors, offering a curated selection of over 7,000 titles and a database of 48,000, making it a true standout for LGBTQ+ literature.

For many, stepping through the doors of Giovanni’s Room was a powerful moment in their journey of self-discovery, greeted by a knowledgeable and welcoming staff who ensured everyone felt seen and supported.

Though the original store closed in 2014, Philly AIDS Thrift stepped in to carry forward its legacy, officially taking over in 2018 to keep Giovanni’s Room thriving as a community hub. Today, it stands as a vibrant testament to resilience, inclusivity, and the power of representation.

Let’s celebrate Giovanni’s Room and its lasting impact on the community! 🏳️‍🌈📖

SAVE THE DATE! 🎁 Join us for DVLF's annual cocktail reception & grants presentation - TOY 2024 on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 7pm-11pm at Loews Hotel Philadelphia...A night of celebration, community & impact awaits - details & tickets coming soon! 🥂✨

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month means honoring trailblazers like Gloria Casarez, a true champion for equality from Philly. 🌈 In 2008, she made history as the first director of LGBT affairs in Philadelphia, appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter. Her visionary leadership laid the groundwork for some of the most robust LGBTQ+ protections in the nation, establishing Philly as a leader in the fight for equality.

But Gloria's impact went far beyond her government role. She was a fierce advocate for housing and economic justice, spearheading the Gay & Le***an Latino AIDS Initiative (GALAEI), and launching Philly's first mobile HIV testing centers. Her work earned her recognition from Out Magazine, the NAACP, and the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Even after her passing in 2014, Gloria's legacy lives on. Project HOME honored her memory by naming a residence for homeless LGBTQ+ youth after her, and a public elementary school in Harrowgate proudly bears her name. Gloria Casarez continues to inspire us as a powerful symbol of advocacy and equality. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

It's International Pronouns Day! Today, we celebrate identity, inclusion, and the power of using the correct pronouns. It’s a small action that makes a huge difference, showing respect and affirming someone’s identity. Learning and honoring pronouns helps create a more inclusive world where everyone feels safe, seen and valued. Let’s continue to make respect and understanding part of our everyday lives - what are your pronouns? 🌈✨

Be a part of something bigger! 🌟 Become a TOY 2024 sponsor and join forces with community partners, government agencies, and corporate supporters to uplift the LGBTQ+ community in the Philadelphia area...Your support makes a difference – thank you! 🌈

Sponsorship Info: www.dvlf.org/toy-2024

During LGBTQ+ History Month, we honor the remarkable figures, places, and moments that have moved the movement forward. Before the Stonewall era, Barbara Gittings was a visionary pioneer, leading with self-worth and unity to shape the modern LGBTQ+ movement.

In a time of great risk, Barbara fearlessly became editor of The Ladder, a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a platform for resistance and resilience. Her impact extended beyond this, playing a key role in removing the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness and advocating for LGBTQ+ literature in public libraries. Her powerful message, 'Gay is good,' continues to inspire pride and authenticity in the community.

Barbara, a founding figure of DVLF, worked tirelessly alongside her lifelong partner Kay Tobin Lahusen. Both served on the DVLF Advisory Council until Barbara's passing, and Barbara’s estate included a generous contribution to DVLF, highlighting her lasting commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Barbara and Kay also encouraged LGBTQ+ individuals to prepare planning documents and consider including LGBTQ+ causes in their wills, ensuring a legacy of advocacy that will resonate for generations to come. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

National Coming Out Day honors the courage it takes to embrace & share your authentic self.❤️ To those who have come out and those who are still on their journey, you are loved, seen, and valued...Keep shining your light, today & everyday - your authenticity is a gift to the world! 🏳️‍🌈

Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s take a moment to prioritize mental well-being & break the silence surrounding mental health. Whether it’s a small step or a big leap, reaching out, seeking help, or simply listening, it all makes a difference! We are stronger together - let’s continue to create safe spaces, spread kindness, and remind one another that no one is ever alone on this journey...Your mental health matters today & every day! 🌍💚🧠

Step right up to the spookiest night of the year! 🎃👻 Our Night Out - Halloween Edition this Thursday, Oct. 10th at Uptown Beer Garden! Extended Happy Hour till 9pm, plus a costume contest with EPIC prizes!💀✨ Pre-register for discount cover - See you there! 🕸️

👉 Register: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

Nonprofit leaders, this one's for you! 🏢✨ DVLF & Glenmede are hosting an exclusive event on Friday, Oct. 25th from 9:30-11am at Glenmede Investment & Wealth Management....Join us for a continental breakfast, valuable insights on funding trends, and top-notch networking, all free of charge, thanks to the generous support from Glenmede - Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! 👏

RSVP today! Email [email protected] with "Glenmede RSVP" in the subject line & send us your full name...See you there!

Today’s the day! 🚨 The deadline to apply for DVLF grants is TODAY, Oct. 4th, at 5pm! If your organization has a project that aligns with our mission to support the emerging needs of the LGBTQ+ community, don't wait – apply now! 🌟🏳️‍🌈

Grants will be awarded at our annual TOY cocktail reception on Dec. 7th at the Loews Philadelphia - We’re excited to support the amazing work you're doing!

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4e49Ivi

October is LGBT+ history month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Let’s honor the incredible achievements, milestones, and trailblazing heroes of the LGBTQ+ community. As we reflect on the resilience, diversity, and powerful stories that continue to shape our history, we recognize how these pioneers have broken barriers and inspired generations, paving the way for progress. Together, we make history, and love is our legacy - who is an LGBTQ+ icon that inspires you? Share with us! 🌈❤️

Check out the pics from the September Our Night Out - Philly & don't miss the next one on Thursday October 10th at Uptown Beer Garden - Halloween Edition...Pre-register for discounted admission!🎃🏳️‍🌈

Event Info: https://bit.ly/4drhoXh
Pre-Register: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

Make a lasting impact, become a TOY 2024 sponsor! 🌟 Join other community partners, government agencies & corporate supporters in uplifting the LGBTQ+ community across the greater Delaware Valley with us...Your support matters – a BIG thank you! 🌈🎁

Sponsorship Info: www.dvlf.org/toy-2024

Quarters in hand - we're ready for GAME NIGHT?! 🎮 🎉 Hang with us tonight 9/11, for this month's Our Night Out - Philly at Barcade Center City (corner of Chestnut & Juniper)...Kicks off at 6pm with happy hour specials till 9pm - $1 off beer, wine, well drinks & $5 select snacks - COME PLAY! 🕹️🍻

**REMINDER: You must pre-register, there will be no onsite registration for this month’s event - See ya there! 👾✨

👉 Register: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our 2024-25 Grant Cycle! If your organization has a project that aligns with our mission of supporting the emerging needs of the LGBTQ+ community, we encourage you to apply - we can’t wait to see the incredible work you’re doing! 🌟🏳️‍🌈

Deadline is Oct. 4th, and grants will be awarded at our annual TOY cocktail reception on Dec. 7th at the Loews Philadelphia.

Apply Here: https://bit.ly/4e49Ivi

As we observe Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on the critical issues facing LGBTQ+ youth. They are 4 times more likely to attempt su***de than their peers, with 41% seriously considering it in the past year, including about half of transgender and nonbinary youth. This increased risk arises from societal mistreatment - discrimination, rejection, fear, and harassment. We highlight The Trevor Project’s essential role in providing around-the-clock support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth. 🌈

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, seeking professional counseling, or contacting The Trevor Project’s crisis support, taking that first step can lead to a path of healing and hope. Remember, support is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.❤️

Trevor Project Info: www.thetrevorproject.org
National Su***de Hotline: Call or Text 988

Game night alert! 🚨We're Barcade - Philly bound for the next Our Night Out - Philly on September 11th! 🎮🍻 Registration is NOW OPEN online...

*PLEASE NOTE: NO on-site registration this time around, so be sure to register online before you arrive - get ready to play! 🎟️

👉 Register: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

We’re thrilled to continue our monthly organization highlight, showcasing the incredible work of a different nonprofit each month.

For August, we’re proud to feature Prevention Meets Fashion. This nonprofit uses fashion to address the unique sexual & reproductive health needs of q***r and Black communities, offering vital education and empowerment where it’s needed most. Their innovative programs create safe spaces for all gender identities and foster a supportive community. 🌈 Learn more about their amazing work here: www.preventionmeetsfashion.org

Your generosity empowers us to uplift organizations like this. Donate today to support many different impactful LGBTQ+ initiatives, including this one, and ensure these essential programs keep thriving - your contribution makes all the difference. Thank you! 💖

DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/DVLFDonate

🚨 REGISTRATION OPEN! 🚨 We're taking over Barcade Center City for this month's Our Night Out - Philly on September 11th! 🎮🍻

*Please note: NO on-site registration this time around, so be sure to register online before you arrive! Don’t miss out on the fun-secure your spot now! 🎟️

👉 Register here: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

Become a TOY 2024 sponsor & make an impact! 🌟 Together with our trusted community partners, government agencies, and corporate supporters, we’re addressing the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Delaware Valley....Your support is invaluable - thank you! 🏳️‍🌈🎁

Sponsorship Info: www.dvlf.org/toy-2024

Celebrating excellence! 👏 Congratulations to these two outstanding recipients of the NLGJA - The Association of LGBTQ Journalists scholarships. With funding managed by DVLF, they’re on their way to achieving great things - here’s to their bright future!🎓