Philadelphia is clear about who we are and what we stand for. We value dignity, safety and inclusion – and that includes our LGBTQ+ community, whose members are essential to the fabric of our city.
This weekend, thousands of people came together to celebrate Philadelphia’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community and everything that it contributes to our city.
I know that members of our LGBTQ+ community are hurting, frustrated, and looking for answers nowfollowing events that occurred after Pride celebrations concluded on Sunday. I want everyone to know that I hear you, I see you, and my Administration is taking your concerns seriously.
Over the past two days, at my direction, senior members of my Administration, including Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief DiversityEquity and Inclusion Officer Donna Jackson Stephans, Director of @PhillyLGBTgov Tito Valdes and @PPDCommish, met to review the information available to us and discuss next steps. We are continuing to gather facts and listen carefully to all concerns being raised.
In the days ahead, we will meet with community leaders as part of that effort. As we move forward, we must reject the notion that public safety and accountability are mutually exclusive. I am unwavering in my commitment that Philadelphia will and must always be a city where people feel safe gathering, celebrating, and expressing themselves, while ensuring that concerns are heard, questions are answered, and accountability remains at the forefront of our actions.
Our LGBTQ+ community has helped shape this city for generations. We remain committed to listening, learning, and working together to ensure that Philadelphia continues to be a city where everyone feels safe, welcome, valued and heard.
happy pride! a bunch of cops in riot gear just showed up to the gayborhood in riot gear swiveling their batons saying “party’s over” and “if you don’t leave there will be no mercy”!! they have everyone on 13th street kettled!!! it was terrifying and horrible
Boomer aunt: We worked summers and graduated debt free.
Me: I have $47,000 in loans at 32.
Boomer aunt: You picked the wrong major.
Me: I got the STEM degree you told me to get.
Boomer aunt: Then you should be doing fine.
I showed her my paystub next to my rent.
She said at least you have the degree.
She paid the price of a used car for hers.
Mine cost a house down payment.
Hers unlocked a career that could buy a home at 26.
Mine unlocked a payment plan.
Same piece of paper.
Completely different world.
My "Roman Empire is the realization that my life is a lottery win. Somewhere in Sudan, Pålestine, iran, Afghanistan, Iraq or Congo, there is a boy smarter than me. He is more disciplined, more resilient, and holds more potential in his single finger than I do in my entire career.
The only difference? I am siting in a train and he is sting in the rubble of his dreams.
My "bad days" are his wildest dreams.
My "burnout" is a luxury he can't afford because his only job is staying alive.
It's geographical luck and it's a haunting injustice that we all refuse to acknowledge and look away
@Grittyypod@ScooterMcgilli1 We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.
- James Baldwin