Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players 2022

Robert Drake (he/him) was born and raised in Philadelphia, and prides himself on an insane level of #PhillyLove. In 1982, he co-founded Au Courant NewsMagazine, Philadelphia’s gay arts and culture paper. In 1988, he began his journey at WXPN-FM hosting the 80s program “Land of the Lost.” Robert has been a DJ for 40 years, and has hosted “Sex Dwarf,” an 80s dance party at Broad Hall in the historic Divine Lorraine, for the past 20 years. 

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
While large public parades and parties are fun, I love smaller events that celebrate the queer DIY community within our community, showcasing the creative artistic abilities demonstrated by local vendors.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you? 
Harry Hay and Quentin Crisp are two iconic gay men that I’ve been fortunate to have interviewed in person. Both lived lives that inspired me to this day. Locally, folks like Rita Adessa, Heshie Zinman, Chris Bartlett, Gloria Casarez, and Joseph Beam are activists that have helped keep my internal flame burning bright.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
Put down the rainbow flags and put up the monies needed to truly support the needs of our communities.

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
By speaking up and speaking out from the top down when it comes to issues that negatively affect the LGBTQ+ communities. Not to be afraid to get political when it matters by speaking against those who oppose our very being.

Executive Director Sappho Reynan Fulton (she/her) is a trusted grassroots leader who has gained support and status as a community member over the past nine years through her work as a therapist and social worker, and in providing emergency housing, food, clothing, supplies and trauma-informed therapeutic care for domestic violence victims in the LGBTQ+ community. She works diligently to understand the increase in domestic violence and intimate partner violence and prevent it before it happens. She is an extraordinary role model, advocate, and voice for members of marginalized communities. Sappho has overcome some challenging times and gives hope to others that with hard work and commitment you too can walk in your own success. After dropping out of school in the eight grade, experiencing multiple convictions and drug usage for over 39 years, she now holds dual master’s degrees and is working on her PhD in International Psychology.

A surgical oncologist and champion for women with breast cancer, Dr. Monique Gary (she/her) joined Grand View Health in 2015 and serves as the medical director of the Breast Cancer Program. Among her many duties, she leads the Cancer Genetic and Risk Assessment Program, which screens more than 2,000 patients annually and provides counseling and testing for more than 150 women. Dr. Gary volunteers with many nonprofits locally, and advocates passionately for decreasing healthcare disparities throughout the region. 

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
My favorite Pride month celebrations are the most inclusive ones! The march in 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall is a memory I will always cherish. The city (and surrounding counties) have done an amazing job of highlighting and supporting inclusive events for those of us most marginalized in queer spaces. I’m also encouraged by this year’s emphasis on family-friendly events like Family Pride Day at the Franklin Institute.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
The LGBTQ+ icons who inspire me include Dr. Rachel Levine, a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+, whom I had the honor of meeting at the recent “Out for Health” conference. Audre Lorde; her narratives of the cancer journey from a Black queer lens are always a great read as she touts the revolutionary necessity of self-care. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, who, at 82, provides healthcare and retreats for gender non-conforming leaders. Locally, Chris Bartlett, William Way, Sebrina Tate, Linda Marshall, and all the folks at BEBASHI who do tremendous work.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
People and corporations have a responsibility to not only elevate our issues in their community spaces—especially workplaces, places of worship and social circles—but to pull up a seat at the table for our adequate representation. In every space. Our lives, our joy, our loves and our issues matter beyond the span of a month. Action is needed to support and expand policies that protect the lives and health of the LGBTQ+ community. Vote. Write letters. Call your local and national representatives and use your voice, your pen, your vote, your dollars in support of what you believe in.

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
Organizations, especially in healthcare, have a responsibility to show that we value and affirm the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. Healthcare disparity, the fear of shame and stigma, and the pervasiveness of bias in our systems contributes to physical and mental health inequality, especially in our Black and brown queer community. We must engage our community by promoting screenings, training, and educating our workforce to improve care for this community.

Anne Geary (she/her) is the assistant director of the Research Project Management Office at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. As an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, she is board governance chair for the Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, and has previously served as a board member for a Lesbian Literary Organization and as leader for several Pride ERG’s. She provides philanthropic support to various LGBTQ+ arts and animal sanctuary organizations, and is often found hanging with her rescue Golden Retriever.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
While the large city parades and events can be a lot of fun, I’ve always enjoyed connecting with friends and colleagues on a smaller scale, like a pre-parade brunch or networking event. This year I’m looking forward to the Pride celebration that Haddon Township is hosting for the second year. It’s a great way for me to connect with the LGBTQ+ community in South Jersey both as an IBA Board member and as a newer resident.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
I’ve always been drawn to reading about the LGBTQ+ experience, so most of my inspiration comes from author activists like Rita Mae Brown and Lillian Faderman. I’m also a big fan of two brave activists, Edie Windsor and Jim Obergefell.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
People can vote to help impact candidates and laws that will support the LGBTQ+ community and companies can use their money to support political action committees and lobbyists to support LGBTQ+ rights on the local, state, and national level. It won’t matter if a national jewelry company includes two women in their wedding ads if we lose our right to marriage equality. 

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
I see inclusion as being most effective when it is considered from an intersectional approach and all diverse groups, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, are supported. Companies need to incorporate support through hiring practices that will place open LGBTQ+ community members in positions of leadership at the board and executive levels. Of course, this is also a need amongst all other diverse communities, so let’s lift everyone up at the same time!

Bill Gehrman (he/him) is the founder and CEO of En Route, a strategic marketing agency focused on tourism, civic, and cultural projects. En Route provides marketing, public relations, digital marketing, content development, and project management services to an array of clients in the Philadelphia region as well as national markets. Bill also founded the Independence Business Alliance, Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in 2007, establishing a local affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
I don’t know that I have a specific favorite Pride event, but I value the diversity of celebrations that take place in a wide range of communities, such as special arts performances, corporate events for employees, family-focused programs, community gatherings, faith-based events, and events that bring together LGBTQ+ and allied communities. Pride means so many things to different people and I love that people can celebrate their Pride in so many ways.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
There are so many people who have worked, and continue to work, to create equality and opportunities for openly gay men like me, including the every day men and women who simply came out to make our community visible in their communities. I have always been grateful for actors, athletes, and public figures who made it possible for me to see myself in the media and to hear stories like mine. Most recently, I have been inspired by Carl Nassib, who became the first active NFL player to publicly identify as gay.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
While attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights and the community have changed drastically since I came out in 1997, there are still many parts of America and the world where our community cannot feel comfortable, accepted, or even safe. While we have many reasons to celebrate Pride, we need to all remain focused on the work still to be done 12 months a year. Corporations need to push local governments to improve the lives of their diverse residents. Individuals need to speak up at the slightest example of prejudice or harassment. The media needs to tell stories of continued homophobic practices.

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and shares different perspectives, needs, and positions community to community. Businesses and organizations need to listen to their employees, constituents, and communities to understand how to provide the best environment to make people feel safe, welcome, and valued.

Bishop Romaine S. Gibbs (he/him) is the founder of the Next Level Revival Church, Inc. This trailblazer has partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations such as Mazzoni Center, a remote location for health screenings and support. He is also the founding president of the Ark of Safety Collective-Safe Haven housing program. Bishop Gibbs is also the proud owner of the R. S. Gibbs Life Celebrations Funeral Home, Inc., in Philadelphia. Bishop Gibbs is a graduate of the Pierce College of Philadelphia, Gupton Jones College of Mortuary service, and Lancaster Bible College.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
I think this year it was definitely the reimagined Pride festival commemorating 50 years of a beautiful community which took to the streets dating back to 1972. The night life is great as well; just being able to walk through our LGBTQ+ community seeing faces you haven’t seen in years, and embracing each other with love! That’s what Pride is all about. We are happy to be free.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
My inspiration came from Mr. Michael Hinson, Founder of the COLOURS organization. The Icon Ebony Fierce, she’s amazing! Her spirit represents her work. Bishop O.C. Allen of Atlanta, my spiritual father and mentor. It’s an honor to glean from the pioneer of inclusiveness on a faith based platform.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
Create more safe spaces to include and not exclude the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t limit our existence. There’s a difference between being welcomed and being accepted. Don’t accommodate us… Make room for us! Donate and help our efforts to bring awareness, and healing. Especially for our trans community.

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
Add all-gender restrooms and create quarterly Pride festivities that all employees are able to participate in. People only discriminate due to a lack of understanding. How about we add a brief synopsis of what it means to discriminate against anyone of the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace? We are equal to any community. 

Elicia Gonzales (she/her) is a queer Latinx who is the executive director for the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA. She was the former executive director for Galaei and serves on the Bread and Roses Community Fund board, is a Philly Pride Collective member, and former appointed member of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. Elicia lives in the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia with her amazing wife and furry cat children, and is originally from Denver, Colorado.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
Honestly,the day that me and my best friend kissed at Woody’s after Pride. Then the next year I proposed to her during the Pride parade, and we have now been married seven years! So, to me, Pride is love.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Gloria Casarez. I still think #WWGD–what would Gloria do when faced with a challenge? I’m also inspired by Naiymah Sanchez, whom I had the pleasure of working with while at Galaei. Naiymah is one of the realest ones out there. Susan DiPronio and David Acosta, two of my beloved friends who are fierce artists and just solid humans. Bamby Salcedo and Jennicet Gutierrez–they are just badass trans latinxs. Finally, Sylvia Rivera. I think of her “Y’all better quiet down” speech at the 1973 Gay Pride Rally in New York City. 

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
People can remember that Pride was started by Black and brown trans and queer folks to protest police brutality. We have to honor our roots and acknowledge the struggles of folks who have come before us, while staying in the fight for our collective liberation. People and corporations can do year-round work to interrogate and atone for anti-Blackness, fight to dismantle white supremacy and capitalism, and follow the lead of Black, brown, and indigenous communities who have been fighting the fight.

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
Inclusivity means nothing if power is hoarded. It’s not enough to have a “seat at the table.” Rather, Black, brown, and indigenous folks need to be in positions of power and authority. Businesses have to do their work to ensure they are paying a thriving wage, offering proper health care, have ample paid time off, offer wellness plans, have boards and staff that reflect the communities served.

Jason Landau Goodman (he/they) has been among the strongest LGBTQ+ policy advocates in Pennsylvania for over a decade. As the founding executive director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, the first youth-led statewide LGBTQ+ organization in the nation, Jason helped mobilize and empower countless young leaders in the work to adopt local and statewide policies protecting the lives of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. PYC remains Pennsylvania’s only statewide LGBTQ+ organization based in Harrisburg. Now, as an attorney in Montgomery County and adviser to PYC, Jason continues to support efforts pressing for nondiscrimination protections and transgender youth inclusion policies.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
I adore Pride festivals, when you can connect in community with so many wonderful people. I’ve been to well over 100 Prides now which have almost all been in Pennsylvania. We are often moving so fast we rarely have the opportunity to share our time with new and longtime friends — to take a breath and recollect. I love meeting folks in their communities to talk about what is going on and how to help them organize towards successful action.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
Every amazing human at Dewey’s Diner, Compton’s Cafeteria, Stonewall, and more who put everything on the line to declare enough is enough. So many trans folks, queer and trans people of color, drag performers, youth, and others made the decision to step out of line and get into necessary trouble, and ultimately changed the course of history. I am a huge supporter of employing the needed tactics to create lasting change. Sometimes that’s in our state capitol, and other times it’s in the streets. I am always inspired by those who fight against all odds, against any seemingly immovable establishment.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
Vote in every election. Build meaningful relationships with your friends and family who might not fully understand LGBTQ+ inclusion but are open to learning. They need to vote too. Corporations and associations must do more than drape their logo in a rainbow for Pride. We need them to publicly support LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections. We need them to actively place nondiscrimination advocacy on their legislative agenda. They need to demand action from our politicians and put their money where they say their values are. I’m tired of companies tabling Pride but then ignoring our requests.    

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
Integrate and prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion along with meaningful racial and economic justice efforts. Ask and respect pronouns. Have no tolerance for anti-LGBTQ+ behavior. Invest in trans-led workforce development. Invest in LGBTQ+ youth leadership pipelines. Don’t just say how you support LGBTQ+ inclusion, but show it. When someone raises experiences of discrimination make sure they are addressed, not buried. There are still employers who say they support inclusion but then fire someone once they come out.

Dr. Eli R. Green (he/they) is the founder and CEO of the Transgender Training Institute. Based in Philadelphia, TTI is a training and consulting company of transgender and non-binary educators who work with organizations across the US to create more trans-affirming environments. With over 20 years experience in teaching, Dr. Green has helped thousands of people have a better understanding of what it means to be transgender and non-binary, and learn how to support and affirm the transgender and non-binary people in their lives, workplaces, and communities. 

Michael Grosberg (he/him) re-joined the board of DVLF in March 2021, having previously served on the board from 2011 to 2019. As a committed champion of the community, Michael believes in the enduring mission of DVLF as a convener of LGBTQ+ philanthropy, and sees fostering community-based charitable giving as a moral imperative of his generation. As president of the board, he is looking forward to driving towards the organization’s strategic goals and building a five million dollar endowment by 2025.

What is your favorite Pride month event or celebration?
Pride month is about community and our extended, chosen family. I really enjoy the events that bring together people from different walks of life–and allow them to interact and learn more about each other.

What LGBTQ+ icons or activists have inspired you?
David Acker was a member of ACT UP, a fierce advocate for HIV and AIDS patients, and a prolific painter. David’s work, his art, the depth and complexity of his relationships re-shaped the life of his sister, Caroline, and through her, my life. David fell victim of AIDS years before Caroline was my academic advisor in college, before she became the reason I graduated, before she encouraged me to volunteer and invest in nonprofit organizations for harm reduction and LGBTQ+ community. His work that inspires me to continue, and it is his self portrait that is one of my most treasured possessions.

What can people and corporations do to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during Pride month?
“Support” isn’t the right word. As an able-bodied person, I might support an elderly infirm person trying to get up from a park bench. As an upper middle class professional, I might support a cause I believe in by a donation. The LGBTQ+ community needs equity and inclusion–and it starts with basic humanity and simple questions that are not rooted in assumptions. “What pronouns do you prefer?” “We invite you to bring your partner to the corporate function.”

How can businesses create more inclusive environments for their employees and patrons?
In a business environment, equity and inclusion must start at the top, where executives define policies and systems that are gender neutral and create a culture of empathy. These initiatives must also transcend the “frozen middle”–the middle managers responsible for day-to-day decisions who are frequently too focused on operations to pay attention to “feel good” initiatives. Effective equity and inclusion programs must become part of those operations, and management incentives aligned accordingly.