Friends and family and the LGBTQ community at large are mourning the loss of a pioneer in LGBTQ civil rights. Gloria Casarez passed away this weekend after battling a long bout with an aggressive form of cancer. She was 42-years-old and is survived by her strong and compassionate wife, Tricia Dressel.
Philadelphia has gained national recognition for its growing number of influential lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) organizations. Organizations such as The Attic Youth Center, the Mazzoni Center, Galaei and the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council have been trailblazers concerning progressive grass roots efforts on behalf of the LBGTQI communities. This notoriety can be greatly attributed to the work of Philadelphia entrepreneurs and organization founders, leaders and staff. These community leaders have revolutionized how LGBTQI political and social rights are fought for, how services are formed and how eventually these services will be provided. These leaders have increased the level of intra-community compromise and cooperation to ensure the protections afforded one community would be shared with the others. Introduced below are seven of the most influential Philadelphia LBGTQI leaders we think you should know.