As Philly continues to celebrate Pride, the Free Library of Philadelphia is committed to supporting the fun.
“The Free Library exists to serve the entire population of Philadelphia with programs and activities that speak to everyone,” says Andrew Nurkin, Deputy Director of Enrichment and Civic Engagement for the library system. “We especially believe this to be true for the LGBTQ community in Philly, and we believe that our programming and events should reflect this.”
Here, a roundup of events for the remainder of the month.
Pride Slime Time
Thursday, June 13, 4 pm
Whitman Library
Why make ordinary slime when you can make rainbow glitter slime! Kids 10 and up are invited to attend.
Pride Teen Forum
Thursday, June 13, 3 pm
Greater Olney Library
Teens can discuss the history and current work of the LGBTQ movement and share their thoughts in a welcoming space.
Honoring Stonewall Film Series
Thursday, June 13, 5:30 pm
Logan Library
Major! is a 2015 documentary exploring the life of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a black transgender activist, and her fight for the rights of all transgender women of color.
Pride Friday Film Matinees
Friday, June 14, 1 pm
Whitman Library
Gather at Whitman Library on Fridays at 1 pm throughout June for movies celebrating Pride. On June 15, catch the campy film But I’m a Cheerleader about Megan Bloomfield, a high school cheerleader sent to conversion therapy camp.
LGBTQ Teen Cafe
Friday, June 14, 1:30 pm
Tacony Library
Teens can chill, play, and meet new friends.
Breaking the Binary Affirmation Photoshoot
Friday, June 14, 3 pm-5 pm
Logan Library
Photography can be a powerful medium for self-acceptance. Come have your pic taken by a professional photographer in a photo booth, then receive digital copies to share with the world. Event intended for teenagers and older.
The Watermelon Woman
Sunday, June 16, 2 pm
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
The Watermelon Woman is a groundbreaking comedy-drama from 1996 that was written and directed by, and stars, Cheryl Dunye. Filmed in Philly, it’s the first feature film directed by a black lesbian.
Family Storytime with Ice Cream
Monday, June 17, 6:30 pm
Tacony Library
Children and caregivers are invited to read Pride-themed stories, play games, and enjoy ice cream.
Pride Wednesday Film Matinees
Wednesday, June 19, 2 pm
Philadelphia City Institute Library
Boy Erased is a 2018 film based on Garrard Conley’s 2016 memoir of the same name.
Summer of Rebellion: The Legacy of the Stonewall Uprising
Wednesday, June 19, 7 pm
Parkway Central Library
A panel of activists, educators, and performers will talk about the role of the Stonewall riots in the gay rights movement.
Family Pride Storytime
Thursday, June 20, 10:30 am
Lovett Library
Talk about what makes your family special and enjoy crafts and snacks.
Get Cooking
Thursday, June 20, 4 pm
Whitman Library
Every month, Whitman Library holds science and nutrition classes for teens and tweens. In honor of Pride, this month’s recipe will be Rainbow Jawnies, a fruit kebab with colorful sprinkles.
Honoring Stonewall Film Series
Thursday, June 20, 5:30 pm
Logan Library
Come view The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, about the activist, drag queen and founding member of the Gay Liberation Front.
Jason Baumann with Mark Segal, Karla Jay and Joel Hall
Thursday, June 20, 7:30 pm
Parkway Central Library
The Stonewall Reader, edited by Jason Baumann, combines first-person accounts and archival research and focuses on important events that led to the Stonewall uprising and what happened afterwards. Mark Segal, Founder of the Philadelphia Gay News, Karla Jay, author of Tales of the Lavender Menace: A Memoir of Liberation, and Joel Hall, part of the Third World Gay Revolution movement in Chicago, will also present their archival research and first-hand accounts.
Drag Queen Storytime
Friday, June 21, 11 am
Queen Memorial Library
Special guest Navayna Shay will sing songs, share stories and discuss diversity with children and their caretakers.
Pride Friday Film Matinees
Friday, June 21, 1 pm
Whitman Library
Gather for a screening of Hearts Beat Loud, starring Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons as a father and daughter band that becomes an internet sensation.
Gender and Sexuality 101
Tuesday, June 25, 3 pm
McPherson Square Library
Sometimes it can be hard to find a safe space for discussing gender and sexual identity, especially as a teen. Here, teens 12 and up can ask questions and engage in discussion with each other over pizza.
Intergenerational Rainbow Storytime
Wednesday, June 26, 10:30 am
Logan Library
Family members of all ages are welcome at this storytime to share and learn about how life and the LGBTQ community has changed over the years. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pride Wednesday Film Matinees
Wednesday, June 26, 2 pm
Philadelphia City Institute Library
This week’s film will be The Crying Game, the 1992 British thriller that explores themes of gender and sexuality during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Drag Queen Superhero Storytime
Wednesday, June 26, 5 pm
Lovett Library
Miss Ava will lead a superhero-themed storytime.
You Can’t Kill a Poet
Wednesday, June 26, 6 pm
South Philadelphia Library
LBGTQ writers and poets will share their work; adults, kids, and teens are all welcome to attend. Anyone who is interested in reading their writing should contact Boston Gordon at [email protected].
Free Library of Pride Drag Show
Wednesday, June 26, 6 pm
Teen Center at Parkway Central Library
The famous all-ages drag show is returning for the third year in a row.
Senior Book Club
Thursday, June 27, 2 pm
Logan Library
Come discuss Just As I Am, by E. Lynn Harris, a novel that explores the various forms of love in contemporary black life.
Honoring Stonewall Film Series
Thursday, June 27, 5:30 pm
Logan Library
Catch the movie Pariah, about a teenage girl coming to terms with her sexuality.
To Belong: A Community Conversation
Thursday, June 27, 6 pm
Parkway Central Library
Take part in facilitated conversations about what it means to belong, and the meaning of community.
Pride Friday Film Matinees
Friday, June 28, 1 pm
Whitman Library
The last LGBTQ movie of the month is In the Turn, a documentary about a transgender girl finding acceptance in a roller derby collective.
Any Day Now
Sunday, June 30, 2 pm
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
Watch Any Day Now, the 2012 movie about a teenager with Down syndrome taken in by a gay couple after being abandoned by his father.
