While it does not feel like it in The Sunshine State, we had the first day of fall last week, bringing an end to the season Florida is probably most celebrated for and the season I care the least for.
I am not someone who enjoys the hot weather or beaches — I completely stand with Anakin Skywalker when he says “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” — and I am not someone who loves the theme parks that are our lighthouses in the fog guiding vacationers from all around the world to Orlando.
“Why do you stay then, Jeremy?” you may be asking yourself. That’s a good question, loyal reader or bored student reading this while your clothes dry at College Laundry on University. While there are things I find irritating, there are many things that I love and enjoy about living in Central Florida. The top of that list being the people. Orlando is home to some of the nicest, most caring and loving people that I have ever met, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. But sometimes it is nice to getaway and see people, places and things that are different than your usual surroundings, and for me there is no better time to do it than in the summer.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Philadelphia to attend the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ national convention thanks to Visit Philly, the city’s tourism bureau. They offered to pick up the tab for a handful of editors from various LGBTQ+ publications to come to The City of Brotherly Love to attend the conference and experience some of Philly’s queer life.
I had only ever been to Philly once before and it was just within the confines of the Philadelphia International Airport where I was catching a connecting flight home back in 2002. Needless to say I got to see more of Philly this go-around and was very grateful for the opportunity.
When I arrived and stepped out of the airport, ready to explore a new city, the first thing I noticed was… how hot it was! The entire week I was there the temperature was in the 90’s. There is no escaping the heat.
Our first full day was a whirlwind of a tour as they showed us Philly’s Gayborhood, we ate at several LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and we saw some amazing art. There is a place called The Magic Gardens, which is a massive mosaic art environment. Artist Isaiah Zagar spent years creating mosaics on the walls, floors and ceilings all throughout this building. It even spills into the lots next door where he has created a mosaic labyrinth that stretches into the sky.
I got a chance over the next few days to walk around Philly on my own and discover the city. I visited the usual tourist areas: The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Betsy Ross’ House. Even in the historical areas, signs of queer Philly can be found. I visited the Arch Street Meeting House, a place of worship for Quakers since 1804 that is still in use today. Outside of the Meeting House is a memorial stand that reads on Feb. 23-25, 1979, 300 activists met at this Meeting House to plan the seminal National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights that took place on Oct. 14, 1979.
I also visited the Christ Church Burial Ground where Benjamin Franklin is buried. His marble slab was covered in pennies from visitors who toss them on his gravesite for good luck because he is quoted as saying “A penny saved is a penny earned,” which allegedly he didn’t really say but everyone attributes to him. Apparently he did write “A penny saved is two pence clear” at some point but I don’t really even know what that means, so I didn’t throw any pennies. I was also told that they prefer people don’t throw pennies because it chips the marble, so best not to do it if you visit.
Something that intrigued me a few plots over were the graves of Katharine Inglis and Margaret McCall. There were two headstones with what looked like one large, round cement tomb and a placard that reads “Sacred to Friendship” at the top and “United through life. United in the grave.” at the bottom. They both died in their 70’s and within a few years of each other. The workers could not confirm if they were lovers or just really good friends, but I think the grave speaks for itself and I hope, if there is an afterlife, that they are living their best afterlife authentically and free of judgment.
I had a wonderful time in Philly and will be visiting again but I am very happy to be home in Orlando to enjoy our wonderful fall weather and I am ready to celebrate Pride.
