Philly Phundamentals: Queer Culture is Philly Culture
Philly Phundamentals For our most recent Philly Phundamentals webinar, the [...]
Philly Phundamentals: Queer Culture is Philly Culture
Philly Phundamentals For our most recent Philly Phundamentals webinar, the [...]
Philly Phundamentals
For our most recent Philly Phundamentals webinar, the Pham explored how queer culture is deeply woven into Philadelphia’s history, art, and communities, and how that legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Moderated by CBS3 reporter and journalist Joshua Sanders, the webinar featured a panel of local experts and cultural leaders who shared unique perspectives on Philadelphia’s queer history and impact.
Artist and jewelry designer John Wind discussed his collaboration with the Philadelphia Visitor Center on a commemorative semiquincentennial jewelry collection. He also shared his work exploring Revolutionary War figures memorialized in the statues behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Through contemporary jewelry design, Wind reimagines these historical figures in ways that highlight and celebrate their queer identities, bringing overlooked stories into the present day.
Alexander Ames, Curator and Senior Director of Collections at the The Rosenbach, spoke about the museum’s celebration of the art of the written word. He highlighted current exhibitions featuring Oscar Wilde and Mercedes de Acosta, two influential queer figures whose stories continue to resonate today.
At the Woodmere Art Museum, Director of Marketing and Communications Amy Ferraci shared the museum’s mission to inspire audiences through the art and artists of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. She offered a glimpse into the life and work of Violet Oakley, who shared a long-term partnership with fellow artist Edith Emerson. Together, they helped shape Philadelphia’s artistic landscape.
Jen Leary, founder of Stoop Pigeon by Watch Party PHL, discussed her vision for creating a welcoming third space where people can gather throughout the day – whether for a morning coffee while watching international sporting events or an evening cocktail while cheering on women’s professional sports.
Throughout the conversation, panelists reflected on how queer culture has shaped Philadelphia’s communities and institutions throughout history, how it continues to influence the city today, and why queer stories are an essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural fabric.
More Information
Bloomberg Connect App
The Bloomberg Connects app is a free digital guide that allows you to explore over 1,500 museums, galleries, sculpture parks, and cultural spaces worldwide from your smartphone. It serves as a personal, behind-the-scenes companion for both in-person visits and at-home learning. Both museums mentioned in this webinar are connected on this useful app.
Woodmere Museum
The Pride Tour + Family Artmaking – Free with Registration
Rosenbach Museum
Rosenbach self-guided tour app: https://www.rosenbach.org/app-guide
Rebellious Love LGBTQIA+ history tour on July 10: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-rebellious-love-july2026
Writing Queer Identities handpress printing course on October 11: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/course-writing-queer-identities-garbo-acosta-october2026
Lady Starlight: The Radiant Romances of Mercedes de Acosta tour on October 16: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-lady-starlight-acosta-october2026
Oscar Wilde: Shadows Beneath the Spotlight tour on November 5: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-oscar-wilde-november2026
John Wind
John Wind X Philadelphia Visitor Center Philly250 Jewelry Collection
Charm Offensive @ Reilly Memorial—On exhibit at the InLiquid Gallery at Park Towne Place, South Tower Philadelphia through October 6, 2026
Dear John: John Frederick Lewis, John Yaron Wind & the Rosenbach Brothers—On exhibit at the Rosenbach Museum & Library through December 18, 2026
CBS
Anchored by Wakisha Bailey and Josh Sanders from Collingswood, New Jersey, Small Town Pride highlights the LGBTQ+ communities helping Pride flourish beyond Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. https://youtu.be/6TwspM00mos?si=q1nZ_AN0gQx62z3x
Philly Phundamentals
For our most recent Philly Phundamentals webinar, the Pham explored how queer culture is deeply woven into Philadelphia’s history, art, and communities, and how that legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Moderated by CBS3 reporter and journalist Joshua Sanders, the webinar featured a panel of local experts and cultural leaders who shared unique perspectives on Philadelphia’s queer history and impact.
Artist and jewelry designer John Wind discussed his collaboration with the Philadelphia Visitor Center on a commemorative semiquincentennial jewelry collection. He also shared his work exploring Revolutionary War figures memorialized in the statues behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Through contemporary jewelry design, Wind reimagines these historical figures in ways that highlight and celebrate their queer identities, bringing overlooked stories into the present day.
Alexander Ames, Curator and Senior Director of Collections at the The Rosenbach, spoke about the museum’s celebration of the art of the written word. He highlighted current exhibitions featuring Oscar Wilde and Mercedes de Acosta, two influential queer figures whose stories continue to resonate today.
At the Woodmere Art Museum, Director of Marketing and Communications Amy Ferraci shared the museum’s mission to inspire audiences through the art and artists of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. She offered a glimpse into the life and work of Violet Oakley, who shared a long-term partnership with fellow artist Edith Emerson. Together, they helped shape Philadelphia’s artistic landscape.
Jen Leary, founder of Stoop Pigeon by Watch Party PHL, discussed her vision for creating a welcoming third space where people can gather throughout the day – whether for a morning coffee while watching international sporting events or an evening cocktail while cheering on women’s professional sports.
Throughout the conversation, panelists reflected on how queer culture has shaped Philadelphia’s communities and institutions throughout history, how it continues to influence the city today, and why queer stories are an essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural fabric.
More Information
Bloomberg Connect App
The Bloomberg Connects app is a free digital guide that allows you to explore over 1,500 museums, galleries, sculpture parks, and cultural spaces worldwide from your smartphone. It serves as a personal, behind-the-scenes companion for both in-person visits and at-home learning. Both museums mentioned in this webinar are connected on this useful app.
Woodmere Museum
The Pride Tour + Family Artmaking – Free with Registration
Rosenbach Museum
Rosenbach self-guided tour app: https://www.rosenbach.org/app-guide
Rebellious Love LGBTQIA+ history tour on July 10: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-rebellious-love-july2026
Writing Queer Identities handpress printing course on October 11: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/course-writing-queer-identities-garbo-acosta-october2026
Lady Starlight: The Radiant Romances of Mercedes de Acosta tour on October 16: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-lady-starlight-acosta-october2026
Oscar Wilde: Shadows Beneath the Spotlight tour on November 5: https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/behind-the-bookcase-oscar-wilde-november2026
John Wind
John Wind X Philadelphia Visitor Center Philly250 Jewelry Collection
Charm Offensive @ Reilly Memorial—On exhibit at the InLiquid Gallery at Park Towne Place, South Tower Philadelphia through October 6, 2026
Dear John: John Frederick Lewis, John Yaron Wind & the Rosenbach Brothers—On exhibit at the Rosenbach Museum & Library through December 18, 2026
CBS
Anchored by Wakisha Bailey and Josh Sanders from Collingswood, New Jersey, Small Town Pride highlights the LGBTQ+ communities helping Pride flourish beyond Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. https://youtu.be/6TwspM00mos?si=q1nZ_AN0gQx62z3x
