Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players 2023

Ebony Ali (Icon Ebony-Fierce) is a Philadelphia based performance artist with one mission: to change people’s perception of artistic expression one subculture at a time. Seeing a lack of inclusion in events in 2012, they started to produce events of their own. They currently co-curate events like Phreak N Queer, Hot Bits Film Festival, Snatcherella 3000, Pride, etc., centering QTPOC with an alternative point of view. Ebony is currently a board member of William Way.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
We approach things with so much raw energy and passion. We’re so used to being the underdogs that we curate and mobilize with so much ingenuity. It has grown to be a city where people can find their tribe and cultivate community from scratch. It may not be perfect but with any renaissance, it has culture and drive to become something revolutionary. We are that revolution. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I am inspired by the folks around me, including the Snatcherella producers and contestants, the staff of galaei, my House Of Fierce drag family, and more that are shaping the community to be what it currently is. I am of course always inspired by Miss Major, Kevin Aviance, Marsha P. Johnson, and Janet Jackson for getting me through dark times with their work and artistry. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
We have a long road to go with communication and calling each other in. We’re all trying to survive with oppression holding us down. Housing, employment, and harm reduction are imperative for trans POC (especially Black trans women) in this city. Better treatment of artists and performers in bars and venues. Better examples of diversity and inclusion for race, gender, ability, complexion, size, and social backgrounds for all queer spaces. 

Sheila Allen Avelin moved to Philly in 1994 for graduate school in English at Penn and stayed for the Jewish lesbian community she found in Mount Airy. Allen Avelin has lived in the neighborhood since 1999, except for a two-year break while her wife got her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. While they were out there, Allen Avelin decided to open Big Blue Marble Bookstore, and the store opened in 2005.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I love the lesbian mecca of Mount Airy. I’m proud that our city is a leader in gay and trans rights, and that we included trans youth in developing the school district’s policies on trans inclusion — my nonbinary child went to a public high school with gender-inclusive bathrooms. I’m also proud that Philadelphians have fought back against racism in the queer community, and we have the flag to prove it!

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Spiral Q! There are so many writers, musicians, and artists whose work I love for making our lives visible in the culture at large, but when I think about the word ‘inspiration’, the people who come to mind are my friends who are out there living their honest, open, everyday queer lives.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Put more resources into housing queer and trans youth who are most at risk of violence if they wind up on the street. Be ready to protect our legal rights, because they are coming under attack.

Rafael Álvarez Febo serves as vice president for advocacy and community development at Esperanza, a faith-based nonprofit organization that strengthens Hispanic communities through education, economic development, and advocacy. Álvarez Febo leads Esperanza’s community development and organizing efforts, which include corridor management for neighborhood businesses, environmental justice initiatives, voter outreach and education, and neighborhood planning. Previously, Álvarez Febo served as executive director at the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, and as director of economic and community development at City of Philadelphia.

Kory Aversa is CEO of Aversa PR, a creator on TikTok @PhillyPublicist, and organizer of Philly Pride Month. Aversa represents Parx Casino, Philadelphia Zoo, Glu Hospitality, Sofitel Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, French Toast Bites, Old City, Lamberti Restaurants, Craft Concepts Group, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Garces, others. Aversa raises up Black, Brown, female, and gay voices. Aversa holds the record for the most viewed TikTok in Pennsylvania — and previously held the most viewed Instagram Reel in the world.  

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
The LGBTQ+ community is where love is love, you be you, and we can all celebrate and be ourselves while appreciating our differences. I am so proud of living in the city of Philadelphia that is so diverse, so welcoming, and so inspirational. I moved here from a small city where I couldn’t be myself and operate an out business, and now have found a home here. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I am inspired by local heroes and activists that contribute to our community, including BFF HughE Dillon (Philly Chit Chat) who is sharing daily stories of our city and people. This year two new voices emerged that are rising stars — Tyrell Brown, executive director of galaei, and Jeremy Williams, producer for Philly Pride March and Festival. They created the largest pride celebration our city and state has ever seen and they are our future. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia can continue to grow, learn, share, and embrace — we are on the right track and one of the best places to be out and gay in America. I hope we keep doing what we are doing but more, bigger, louder, and bolder. 

With over 20 years of experience, Scott Barnes (he/him) is an expert in special events, integrated marketing, and brand management. As director of events and hospitality at Comcast Corporation, Scott orchestrates over 75 executive-level events a year and is passionate about using his skills to create meaningful community experiences. As an active leader and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Scott is heavily involved in various professional and nonprofit groups, including the Greater Philadelphia Regional Advisory Board of Caron Treatment Centers, The Attic Youth Center, and AIDS Fund Philly.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
The Philly LGBTQ+ community has supported my journey in coming out, getting sober, and fully embracing my authentic self. Walking around the city, it’s great to see more pride, advocacy, and support beyond the Gayborhood area. As an OUT LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group leader, I’ve connected with so many wonderful people at Comcast and broadened my relationships with other local LGBTQ professionals. This nurturing and welcoming community inspires my commitment to pay it forward.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Some of my greatest inspirations are Harvey Milk, who paved the way for gay men in politics; Edie Windsor, a Philly born trailblazer who helped defend marriage equality all the way to the Supreme Court and won; Madonna, my queen, for encouraging everyone to express yourself; and Billy Porter, who is changing the way the world understands nonbinary folks.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
More compassion, above all. Philly has made great strides over the years in LGBTQ+ inclusion, but we must continue to educate ourselves, and especially protect and bring along our trans brothers and sisters. Silos and division make us weaker, so it’s up to us to break down cliques, let go of judgment, and embrace each other for the loving community I know we are and can be.

Chris Bartlett is the executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center. For over 30 years, he has been an innovative thinker and leader in LGBTQ+ community organizing, having led the SafeGuards Gay Men’s Health Project, the LGBT Community Assessment, and the national LGBT Leadership Initiative. He serves on Mayor Kenney’s and Governor Shapiro’s LGBT Commissions and the board of Centerlink, the international organization of LGBT community centers. 

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia is the best LGBTQ+ city in the US. This is because we have done decades of work to make sure that city policies are welcoming and affirming for our communities, that we have well-funded and staffed organizations meeting our diverse needs, and that we have some of the smartest and most visionary advocates of all generations fighting for our needs. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of LGBTQ+ activists who led our national movement, including Barbara Gittings and Kay Lahusen, Tyrone Smith, Mark Segal, Jaci Adams, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, and Elizabeth Coffey Williams. I see my work as part of a continuum of queer organizing that extends back decades, and will serve as the foundation for our future generations. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia has dozens of LGBTQ+ communities within its borders with different needs. We can help by advocating for investment in our schools for an educated and open-minded citizenry; housing for all, because affordable housing is key for young LGBTQ people; and opportunities for our youth and young adults to take leadership in our movement, so that they bring their wonderful vision and energy to the work at hand. 

Kelvin Beckwith is a 60-year-old, proud Philadelphian. He was educated at Central High and Temple University. Kelvin has worked in the social services field since 1988, working with teenagers, ex-offenders, mentors, and youth professionals. He’s a consultant, focusing on coaching professionals, especially those who work with high-risk populations. He’s spent 23 years at Orleans Technical College as a Student Advisor, is a life coach, the patriarch of his family, and lives life to the fullest.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I am proud to be a part of the community because I can be myself and a powerful role model to all. I love that the only thing between being gay and anything else is my same sex attraction. I love myself, and I don’t worry about what others think. I love being an example and not a stereotype. Being a strong man has nothing to do with orientation.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Martina Navratilova and Don Lemon. But I am usually inspired by everyday people and how they walk through life.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
I don’t want to be treated like a special project. I just want to be respected because I demand that, and don’t make a big deal about who I am. I am my authentic direct, loving self. People love and respect me for that. I want to make sure people’s rights are protected as humans, and no one is discriminated against, and if so, that the City punishes the offender.

John Brady is the executive director of the Philadelphia Democratic Party and a political director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. He also serves as President of the Philadelphia Young Democrats. Mr. Brady started his political career at 19 years old, as an elected 21st Ward Committeeperson in his home neighborhood of Manayunk. He now serves as Vice Chair of that Ward. Brady is one of the youngest elected members of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, where he is Secretary of the Philadelphia Delegation. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Big Les Harrison, the first POC drag queen in Philadelphia history, and local gender non-conforming icon who passed recently. Plus, their wife, Mayor Franny DiCicco, who currently serves as the first LGBTQ+, first Democrat, and first non-male mayor of Folcroft, PA. Also, Mark Segal, editor of Philadelphia Gay News.

Tyrell Brown is a Philadelphia community organizer and executive director at galaei. They are known for their political organizing efforts, and mutual aid and organizing work with Reclaim Philadelphia. They directed the Wynnefield Residents Association’s camp programming, and co-developed children’s programming for the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference. Brown led the organizing of Pride in 2023, and is a compassionate leader who cultivates environments that are resourceful in the pursuit of justice for marginalized peoples.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I am proud to be part of a community that is innovative, imaginative, creative, and that knows that ‘Pride’ is more than a festival and programming. What makes me proud to be part of this community is seeing and bearing witness to resilience and the bravery of our people.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I am inspired by local Philly activists like Jose Demarco, David Acosta, Charlene Arcila, Gloria Casarez, and my dearly departed sibling Maso Mutt. More recently, I am inspired locally by Ebony Ali, Hazel Edwards, Jorian Rivera Veintidos, and Nelson Torres Gomez, who make up the resilient staff at GALAEI. I am also inspired by Bayard Rustin, Ada Bello, and Marsha P Johnson… The list of those that inspire me grows every day!

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Given the conservative pieces of legislation that threaten our safety, endanger our lives, and too often have deadly consequences happening around the nation and globally, Philadelphia is in a unique position to be a place of sanctuary for our siblings. But, we have to start here and now with those that live here by ensuring that sustainable, safe, truly affordable housing is available for queer/trans siblings, and healthcare that is affirming and guaranteed.

Bryan Buttler’s work in communications has led him to the classroom, the newsroom, and public relations. He’s the founder of his own boutique PR firm that specializes in media relations strategies for entertainment, arts, and lifestyle clients. Bryan is particularly interested in how lifestyle and entertainment communications can intersect with the community. He recently launched a pro-bono effort to highlight LGBTQ+ small businesses in Philadelphia and Baltimore during Pride Month. 

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I’m proud to be as visible as I am. Not only myself, but my colleagues in the industry. My recent effort to highlight LGBTQ+ small businesses in Philadelphia has truly been very eye opening. We need more local visibility for queer makers and entrepreneurs. I think one of my proudest moments has been lending a hand to amplify the absolute incredible work that my fellow LGBTQ+ small business owners are doing every single day.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I represent professional theater, and this past Tony Awards made me extremely proud of our community. I’m thinking in particular of Alex Newell, who is giving a show-stopping performance in “Shucked” and won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, the first ever non-binary performer to ever win a Tony. I’m also inspired by those who are visible in their everyday lives: my friends singer Zachary James, composer Robi Hager, and countless others.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia truly needs to do a better job of highlighting every day LGBTQ+ folks outside of Pride Month. I think one of the biggest issues nationally is the idea of “Rainbow Washing” during June, and Philly does that very badly. I’d love to see recognition of everyday LGBTQ+ folks who are making a difference 365 days a year in industry, health care, social services, and more.