The William Way LGBT Community Center has released its lineup of events for the summer season.
This year, William Way is bringing people in and around Philadelphia together, offering an exciting and inclusive mix of events that celebrate connection, community, creativity, and pride.
‘Refigured, Unframed: An Exhibition with Philly Queer Life Drawing’
The Community Center’s current exhibition, ‘Refigured, Unframed: An Exhibition with Philly Queer Life Drawing’, is on display now through June 30. This vibrant collection of artwork features a diverse assortment of models, including queer, trans+, plus-sized, disabled, Black, and Brown. Guests can experience more than 50 original works by 22 local artists at no cost.
Monday Night Events Series
Then, beginning June 2, William Way celebrates Pride Month as they kick off their Monday Night Events Series. With new entertainment each week—from film screenings to board games and storytelling—William Way offers a fresh way for people to connect, celebrate each other, unwind and build community.
Events include Pock-A-Book Bingo on June 2, a special preview of The Kiyoshi Project on June 9, Slay the Fame: Pride Edition! on June 16, and finally, on June 23, William Way’s Monday Night Events Series wraps up with Fierce & Fabulous: Drag Bingo. Each event is free to attend (donations encouraged), and will take place 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mark Segal Ballroom inside the Community Center.
19 Portraits: Honoring Black LGBTQ+ Philadelphians
Celebrating Juneteenth, the Center will debut its newest exhibit on Thursday, June 5, titled ’19 Portraits: Honoring Black LGBTQ+ Philadelphians’, by Prince Anthony Thomas. The exhibit, located inside the Center, will kick off with an Opening Reception on Thursday, June 5, 6 to 8 p.m., and run through June 30 (note the Center will be closed on Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19). The free exhibit features exquisite pencil renderings of well-known and beloved figures in the LGBTQIA+ community, accompanied by biographies that pay homage to their contributions.
Weave The Way 2025: A Farewell & Celebration of Chris Bartlett
On June 28, the William Way LGBT Community Center is hosting ‘Weave The Way 2025: A Farewell & Celebration of Chris Bartlett’, a heartfelt send-off honoring Bartlett’s impact over the past 15 years as the Community Center’s Executive Director. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will bring together friends, supporters, and community members to celebrate Bartlett’s impact and raise funds to support the Center’s important work.
Summer Vibes Block Party
Finally, back by popular demand, the William Way LGBT Community Center’s Summer Vibes Block Party is set to return for a vibrant, can’t miss celebration of Trans Joy. Taking place on Saturday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., the party will feature live entertainment, including performances by local artists within the LGBTQ+ community, community organizations, food, art projects, games, and interactive workshops—all designed to celebrate trans culture and identity.
“This summer’s lineup is all about joy, connection, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and supported,” said William Way LGBT Community Center Chief Operating Officer Darius McLean. “These events offer powerful opportunities to come together—not just to have fun, but to build lasting community and uplift one another in the process.”
Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood (1315 Spruce St.), William Way is a cherished cornerstone of Philly and a vital hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. For more information, visit waygay.org.
