Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players 2023

Stephen P. Carlino is 66 years old and lives in Florida. A Philadelphia native, he was educated at John Carroll University and completed his masters at Villanova. After careers working with adolescents and then in title insurance, Stephen followed his dream of becoming the proprietor of an LGBTQ+ bar/restaurant. In 2004 he purchased Tavern On Camac. Since then he has expanded his operation to include UBar, as well as partnerships in Tabu Sports Bar and Otto’s Taproom & Grille.

Sergio Cea is the first gay man to serve as political director for Reclaim Philadelphia, a progressive organization focused on reclaiming and building people power for the multiracial working class and working poor in the city. He is proud to have worked to endorse and elect progressive queer candidates like incoming Councilmember Rue Landau, and Judges Tiffany Palmer and Greg Yorgey-Girdy.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
Our community is known for being fighters, lovers, survivors, and yes, radicals! We know in this world, being queer in itself is a radical act. Every day that I show up authentically as queer I am not only liberating myself but liberating those around me by challenging toxic dominant narratives around sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I’m inspired by Latinx activists who have fought at the intersection of race, class, and queerness. People like Sylvia Rivera who fought for queer and trans liberation and also held a mirror to the queer community to reflect on the evils of racism and capitalism. As a Chilean American, I also want to uplift Pedro Lemebel, a queer Chilean activist and writer who challenged homophobia and oppression during the bloody Pinochet dictatorship.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
More needs to be done to support those most impacted in our community. “It gets better” isn’t often a reality for queer folks who are Black, Brown, immigrants, sex workers, and drug users. Getting these community members the care and dignity they deserve requires challenging racial capitalism loudly and directly. 

Elan Cohen, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at CenExel Hassman Research Institute. HRI conducts inpatient and outpatient Phase I-IV normal healthy volunteer/first in human, psychiatric, use disorder, Human Abuse Potential/Liability, and medically-focused clinical trials. Dr. Cohen has presented and published on placebo and nocebo effect mitigations, particularly in regard to the proprietary Placebo-Control Reminder Script. Dr. Cohen is also a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
The people within this community, as well as across the globe, gay or straight, who speak out against all injustices, not solely on sexual orientation but regarding all injustices. This includes speaking up when confronted in a situation where someone is speaking negatively in public about a marginalized group — this takes absolute courage. We have all been there and we all know it is tough to speak out, but its importance cannot be overstated.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
So many, and we all have perhaps our favorites or those mentioned frequently in the media but, I have to say, our icons are our loved ones, neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc., who challenge someone or, even arguably harder yet, a group of people who speak ill of another group of people. The challenge can come in many ways, including expressing one’s authentic self by not following the norms of an assigned sex. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Perhaps the bottom line in all discriminatory matters is to have empathy. Where did our empathy go? When you think you know something, question it; ask someone about the issue who may be more of an expert, or who has experienced more than you, and maybe learn something you did not know about the matter. Try to walk in that person’s shoes and ponder: “How can I make it better for that individual or group of people?”

Ashley L. Coleman was appointed executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in January 2023. She has been a fixture in the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia for over ten years, having previously served as executive director at GALAEI and senior events manager at Mazzoni Center. She led galaei through the production of Philadelphia’s 50th Pride parade and festival in 2022. Her activism began as a youth, leading Queer youth initiatives for nonprofits in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I am so proud of the broad spectrum of Queer activists in Philadelphia. There is a deep commitment to the pursuit of equity by all. The entire LGBTQ+ community, not just the activists, come together to build a sense of family and queer joy.

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I have been genuinely inspired by witnessing youth activists like Hazel Edwards grow and continue their advocacy as adults. Hazel is an activist who has now moved into the big sibling role. Hazel is a passionate advocate and youth leader for Philadelphia’s trans community. At just 18 years old, she co-authored a policy for the School District of Philadelphia that established protections for transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
What we need is true unity in our community. This requires collective work from every intersection of our community, as well as our allies. We must uplift those currently doing the work, and be willing to call in and give tangible guidance.

Jimmy Contreras joined JPMorgan Chase in 2021. In his role he leads firmwide external communications in the Eastern region. Contreras is a creative strategist, storyteller, and a lead communicator with comprehensive experience in shaping and protecting corporate image that promotes business, values, and mission. Highly skilled in lifestyle branding with launching fashion, hospitality, destination brands, and cultural institutions through thoughtful communications and marketing campaigns. Committed volunteer and board member for organizations promoting arts and culture, improving underserved communities, and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Iveliz R. Crespo is a strategist, innovator, and an expert DEI facilitator with in-house and consultant experience. They currently serve as Reed Smith’s Senior Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor, serving as deputy to the firm’s chief diversity officer. Prior to entering the diversity and inclusion field, Iveliz worked as a civil litigator. They have advocated on behalf of migrant farmworkers and LGBTQ+ clients, representing them in civil rights, human trafficking, and employment law matters.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I would have to say that I am proud to be part of a community that isn’t afraid to push back and fight against discrimination. Philly has some of the most dedicated QTPOC advocates that have done tremendous work to make LGBTQ+ spaces more inclusive and affirming. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I find my greatest inspiration comes from the work of Jeanine Kayembe-Oro, Charlyn Griffith-Oro, and Abdul Aliy Muhammad, to name a few. They are unwavering advocates for justice that have made it possible for me to be the person that I am today. Their efforts leave me inspired to continue my advocacy work. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
I think we all need to continue advocating for stronger protections and support for all LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women of color and those with disabilities. We also need to continue to champion for comprehensive and inclusive city-wide policies. 

Mike Delahanty grew up in Bucks County, PA, and attended Kutztown University, where he received a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations. He began working with PSG in 2017, where he found his true passion in pursuing work towards the betterment of vulnerable communities through diagnostic research. Mike is committed to enriching the lives of others, one donation at a time, by changing the future with research today. 

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
Being a part of this vibrant and diverse community fills me with a sense of pride for various reasons. The sheer number of resources and services available to the LGBTQ+ community is truly outstanding. Groups like William Way and Philadelphia FIGHT provide intrinsic support for individuals in our community to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Their efforts are tireless and unwavering.  

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Alan Hart, known for his work in controlling the spread of tuberculosis, is a profound LGBTQ+ icon. Hart was a pioneering physician who became the first female-to-male trans person to undergo a surgical transition in the US. Despite the barriers he faced, Hart was a trailblazer, dedicating his career to improving public health. His courage in pursuing his passions despite adversity serves as a reminder of the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia can ensure more healthcare providers become trained on LGBTQ+ health issues.  LGBTQ+ individuals need access to culturally competent and affirming care and research opportunities. PSG’s blood and plasma donation program provides people from the LGBTQ+ community an opportunity to participate in research without the stigma of donating blood and plasma. As a researcher, I implore our community to get involved in opportunities to advance diagnostic research for those living with autoimmune and infectious diseases.   

Michael DelBene is president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc., a nonprofit organization responsible for producing two of the City of Philadelphia’s multi-day, citywide celebrations. The largest festival, known as Wawa Welcome America, celebrates our nation’s rich history through programs focused on education, culture, civics, entertainment, community engagement, and volunteer service. It is the largest annual event in Philadelphia, the largest July 4th celebration in the nation, and one of the largest free festivals in America. 

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
I am proud to be part of a community that is so passionate about, and committed to, advocating for LGBTQ+ causes. Our community understands what is at stake, and is not timid about fighting for the future we want for our city and our nation. I am also proud that our community stands up for all of its members, and embraces and celebrates diversity in every form. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
The Attic Youth Center has always been a tremendous inspiration to me. Their organization offers crucial services to the most vulnerable among us who, in most cases, have nowhere else to go. Particularly when dealing with LGBTQ+ young people, the help and support that they receive at an early age determines the trajectory of their lives. The Attic’s work empowers, creates opportunity, and builds a more vibrant and healthy LGBTQ+ community. 

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
In my view, Philadelphia must recognize and divert more resources toward addressing the critical threat facing our trans community, particularly Black and Brown trans women. I can not think of a more pressing need from city leadership than ensuring that trans people can live, work, and play in a city that is committed to keeping them safe, and giving them the resources they need to thrive.

Greg DeShields is the executive director of Tourism Diversity Matters, and is a qualified tourism/hospitality and academic professional certified hospitality educator; proficient in developing and implementing plans, strategies, and initiatives specifically designed to raise destinations’ image for diverse, multicultural travel. DeShields is also an experienced Certified Diversity Executive with demonstrated cultural competence, prepared to strategically position an organization to remove systemic barriers to inclusion, lead culture change, and transform the brand.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia has a long history of valuing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in fostering a diverse and inclusive society. The city has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights and has taken significant steps to ensure equality, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals. Philadelphia has committed to the LGBTQ+ community by implementing inclusive policies, providing resources, promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, and fostering a welcoming and accepting environment. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Langston Hughes, Angela Davis, Andre DeShields, Ian Schrager, and Harvey Milk.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Philadelphia can continue to support legislation that would extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people across Pennsylvania. 

HughE Dillon, the founder of PhillyChitChat, has been a prominent figure in the Philadelphia media landscape for several years. He is known for his extensive coverage of social events and his ability to connect with notable individuals in the city. His work has gained recognition, and it is featured in various publications and television programs on a regular basis.

What makes you proud to be a part of the Philly LGBTQ+ community?
The Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community has a rich history and vibrant culture which has made significant strides in advocating for equality, acceptance, and representation. Our community has developed a sense of unity, working together on complementary projects for the good of everyone. Leaders these days seem to understand that we can get so much more done if we work together. 

Which LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I am most thankful for LGBTQ+ elders who worked towards our equality nationally, like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, and locally like Mark Segal, David Fair, Rita Adessa, and Michael Hinson who spoke up, fought back, and made tremendous sacrifices so that others — generations — could live more freely than was avowed to them.

What more can Philadelphia do for the LGBTQ+ community?
Continue to have our backs, speak up for us, fight for us. Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be a grand gesture, it could be as important as flying the Pride Flag. It seems that the giant has woken, and just discovered that we exist, and is trying to push us back in the closet. It’s important for us to be visible, and for our allies to be visible for us as well. We’re not going anywhere.