Once upon a time, “AIDS” was a word that was feared by all, from the general population to health practitioners to emergency-service providers. Since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in 1981, more than 600,000 Americans have died of AIDS — more than all the U.S. combat deaths since the beginning of World War I.

“The point in history at which we stand is full of promise and danger. The world will either move forward toward unity and widely shared prosperity, or it will move apart.”     — Franklin D. Roosevelt

These days, the country seems to be in a bizarre world in which everyone is at each other’s throats for the slightest difference of opinion. We need a break from that with an oasis where we can find respect and patience. Luckily, there’s a group of young folks dedicated to creating space here in Philadelphia that is open to all.

A historic prison in which Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton were both incarcerated is not necessarily a space where you would expect to find a big queer presence — but Eastern State Penitentiary has been a little left of center since its inception.

Sing with me! “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” OK, as much as I love the holidays, I do tend to cringe at seeing Christmas displays before I’ve had a chance to celebrate Halloween, but this holiday tradition is such a great event, we want to get the word out as soon as possible.