Become Better People

Create the Ceremony of Your Dreams REGISTRATION CLOSED
Your relationship is unique, and if you're planning a ceremony to celebrate it - make it unique as well!  This course will walk you through a step-by-step process of creating a ceremony with rituals, readings, music, and vows that are meaningful to you - and will undoubtedly be touching for all those who attend.  As spiritual or civil as you'd like it, interfaith or not - it's your custom ceremony!  Weddings, civil unions, commitment or re-commitment ceremonies - even close friends who want to explore their relationship and make a commitment to it - all are considered. This is an active experience, come prepared to engage your partner/s about your relationship and the ceremony, and if you make the time to work on it together, you'll finish the workshop with a great draft of your ceremony! 

Instructor Bob Pileggi has worked with LGBT/HIV/AIDS, and civil rights organizations and causes for over 12 years and is also an interfaith minister.  Bob produces and facilitates workshops, retreats, and individual healing sessions with life coaching, spiritual counseling, and body, energy, and breath work.

	Member	Non-Member
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (September 29, Oct. 6, 13) $65 per couple Members/ $100 per couple Non-Members Min. registrants 4, Max. 12 Registration Deadline: September 15
Back to top

Create A Meaningful Oral History REGISTRATION CLOSED
This course focuses on the importance and practice of oral histories, specifically those of communities that are traditionally marginalized and misrepresented like the LGBT community. Through reading about and discussing oral histories, Philadelphia LGBT history, and interview techniques, participants will discover how integral it is that people are allowed to tell their own stories. Armed with this understanding, participants will have the opportunity to interview subjects for the Robert R. Rosenbaum Oral History Project, where their interviews will be archived and used for further research.

	Member	Non-Member
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM (September 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2)(No class October 12) $55 Members/ $75 Non-Members Min. Registrants 4, Max. 15 Registration Deadline: September 14
Back to top

Exquisite Self Care REGISTRATION CLOSED
"A high quality life starts with a high quality you" says renowned author and coach, Cheryl Richardson.  A high quality you starts with....you guessed it...taking extremely good care of yourself!  This highly interactive and action oriented course is designed for everyone with a desire to develop a terrific and life enhancing relationship with themselves.  A variety of customizable checklists and tools with be provided to help you assess where you are now, determine where you want to focus and track your progress in reaching your self-selected goals.  You are welcome regardless of where you stand now on the self-care continuum.   Whether you are someone who has been so focused on taking care of others, that you feel guilty when you even think of doing something for yourself (we'll deal with that in the first session), or someone who already takes great care of yourself and is looking to tweak it up even more, or fall anywhere in between, you will find support to recognize, reap and sustain the benefits that flow from taking exquisite care of your body, mind and spirit.

	Member	Non-Member
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10) $90 Members/ $125 Non-Members Min. Registrants 5, Max. 15 Registration Deadline: September 29
Back to top

Living An Empowered Life: A 4 Week Journey for LGBT Young Adults (18-33)REGISTRATION CLOSED
Create the life that YOU want. And if you're not sure what that is, this is for you, too!  Many of the ways we think and act - and even some of our goals and dreams - we inherit from our families. As we enter adulthood, consciously exploring these ways of thinking and acting can help us set incredibly more effective behaviors, as well as get closer to a sense of fulfillment of life purpose, authentic relationships with others, and creating a joyful life.  Through this workshop, you'll explore and release old ways of thinking, feeling, and acting and create new ways.  You'll set intentions for major areas of your life (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) and begin work towards them with a supportive community of others also consciously changing their lives.  We can create the lives we desire, it just takes practice, consistency, and support from others.  Get started!

Instructor Bob Pileggi has worked with LGBT/HIV/AIDS, and civil rights organizations and causes for over 12 years and is also an interfaith minister.  Bob produces and facilitates workshops, retreats, and individual healing sessions with life coaching, spiritual counseling, and body, energy, and breath work.

	Member	Non-Member
Saturdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (September 26 October 3, 10, 17) $55 Members/ $90 Non-Members Min. Registrants 6, Max. 24 Registration Deadline: September 18
Back to top

Recognizing and Combatting LGBTQ Domestic Violence REGISTRATION CLOSED
Is it happening to you, your clients, or someone you know? Find out what abuse and relational aggression means, how to help individuals avoid and get away from it, and what differences exist for people in the LGBTQ community.   Learn the resources that exist for LGBTQ people in an abusive relationship.  

Sharon Cole is a published journalist and a certified domestic violence advocate trained by Women in Transition and Women Against Abuse. Cole is also a trained sexual assault counselor trained by Women Organized Against Rape.

	Member	Non-Member
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm (September 21, 28; October 5, 19, 26, November 2 ) (no class October 12, Columbus Day) $65 Members/ $100 Non-Members Min. Registrants, 5, Max. 15 Registration Deadline: September 14
Back to top

Dance

Basic Ballroom REGISTRATION CLOSED
Way Gay U is pleased to repeat this incredibly popular class from the spring! Here is your chance to learn the basics of the foxtrot, cha cha, swing, waltz and tango, and the fundamentals of all social dancing. Taught in the Mark Segal Ballroom, this course will provide singles and couples with the tools to enjoy many graceful and entertaining nights out. Not sure whether to lead or follow? You can choose for yourself in this LGBT environment. Taught by Gene LaPierre Jr., co-organizer of the Philadelphia Liberty Dance challenge and recipient of numerous dance instruction awards. Gene's students have won first place finishes in waltz, foxtrot, samba, rumba, swing and Viennese waltz.  

	Member	Non-Member
Fridays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM (September 25, October 2, 9, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 ) (no class on October 16) $80 Members/ $120 Non-Members Minimum Registrants 5, Max. 30 Registration Deadline: September 18
Back to top

Intermediate Ballroom REGISTRATION CLOSED
For dancers with previous class experience or familiarity with ballroom dancing, Way Gay U invites you to take your dancing to the next level! This class will offer slightly more intensive dance instruction focusing on improving steps, adding style, addressing individual challenges, and increasing proficiency and confidence. Taught by Gene LaPierre Jr., co-organizer of the Philadelphia Liberty Dance challenge and recipient of numerous dance instruction awards. Individuals and couples welcome.    

	Member	Non-Member
Fridays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM (September 25, October 2, 9, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 ) (no class on October 16) $80 Members/ $120 Non-Members Minimum Registrants 5, Max. 30 Registration Deadline: September 18
Back to top

Country Line Dancing REGISTRATION CLOSED
Have you ever sat on the sidelines at Woody's and thought, how in the heck are they doing that but were too intimidated to throw yourself into the mix?   Well here is your chance to learn the basics of Country Line Dancing in a safe, judgment free environment.   This course will teach you the very basics of Country Line Dancing and will equip you with the skills you need to be a rising -star on the dance floor. Depending on the level of the participants, dances will include: Tush Push, Texas Cha Cha, Canadian Stomp, Good Time (by Alan Jackson), Makura Walk, Jamaika Mistaka, Slap Leather, Ghost Train, Outback and potentially some advanced dances like Bomshel Stomp, Chill Factor, and Cute Cute Cute. Put on those cowboy/girl boots and get ready for some two steppin' fun!   Instructor Brian Neff teaches Country Line Dancing at Woody's in Philadelphia, at the Nevermore in New Hope, and at the Den in New Jersey. 

	Member	Non-Member
Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ( September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12) $80 Members/ $120 Non-Members Min. Registrants 5, Max. 10 Registration Deadline: September 17
Back to top

Queer Tango REGISTRATION CLOSED
Tango is celebrated as one of the most beautiful, sensual, intimate, and complex of all social dances. Join the burgeoning queer tango movement where people dance with whom they please, unconfined by strict gender roles.   This class will focus on tango as a physical outlet for artistry, emotion, and desire; stress interpersonal connection and communication; and can help build confidence, flexibility, and new relationships.   Participants will be grounded in tango basics while touching upon dynamics unique to queer tango. No partner necessary.

	Member	Non-Member
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4)  $80 Members / $120 Non-Members Min. registrants 6,  Max. 24 Registration Deadline: Sept. 9
Back to top

Get in Shape

Healthy Meal Making for Long Distance Running REGISTRATION CLOSED
This course will focus on creating healthy meals focusing on the importance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and their respective roles in losing weight and gaining lean muscle mass to help you run.   This course will provide you with both a nutritional and running schedule to follow in order to best complete your long distance races.   Pearlette Toussant has participated in various local and national runs including   the Philadelphia Marathon, the Broad Street Run, and the Philadelphia Distance Run and is certified as a nutritionist through the International Sports Sciences Association.

	Member	Non-Member
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm (Sept. 15, 22, 29) $75 for members / $110 for non-members Min. registrants 5, Max. 10 Registration Deadline: Sept 8
Back to top

Healthy Weight Loss for Less REGISTRATION CLOSED
This is the fast track to lifelong fitness success on a budget. Instructor Jim Hart will be sharing all his secrets for boosting metabolism, eating regular food and having fun with exercise. Field trips to the supermarket and surprise classes will make this a great experience for anyone who has tried and failed with traditional diet plans - no matter where you are on the fitness and weight loss continuum this will work for you.   In addition to instruction and nutrition coaching, the class fee includes the cost of one of Jim's instructional books. In December 2004, Jim was selected by the Men's Journal as one of the "100 Best Trainers in America. "

	Member	Non-Member
Thursdays, 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM (October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5)  $95 Members / $120 Non-Members Min. registrants 8,  Max. 20 Registration Deadline: Sept. 24
Back to top

Have Fun

Developing Plots and Creating Characters REGISTRATION CLOSED
Essential to a story of any length are the elements of plot and character. Thin plots and cardboard characters do not make for good or memorable stories. This class will guide students through the concept and creation of plots. Students will create a plot or plots for stories they intend to write and by the end of term will have a working plot with which to structure a story.   Students will also be guided in the creation of believable characters. All the elements of character will be dealt with and by the end of term; students will have a clear idea of the importance of character in a story and will have created a character or two for their planned stories. Other story elements, such as dialogue, theme, point of view, and structure will be touched upon. Productive feedback on student work will be shared in the safe environment of the class. Instructor Joseph DeMarco's latest novel, "Murder on Camac" was released in August of 2009.  DeMarco has also published hundreds of feature articles, reviews, and news stories in various publications including: The Advocate, The Philadelphia Gay News (PGN), The New York Native, Gaysweek, and the Gay Community News. Demarco is the editor of reknowned online magazine Mysterical-E.

	Member	Non-Member
Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm (September 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23)(No class October 12) $85 Members/$120 Non-Members Min. Registrants 4, Max. 10 Registration Deadline: September 21
Back to top

So You Want to be a Published Writer REGISTRATION CLOSED
Many GLBTQ individuals have great ideas for books and articles, however success as a writer depends just as much on these ideas as is does on having motivation, resilience, and a positive mindset. This class offers an introduction to the pragmatics of publishing and explores the core principles needed to succeed in this competitive field. In addition to being taught by an internationally recognized writer, the course also offers a question and answer session with the lead editor of a major publishing house located here in Philadelphia and the opportunity to have participants' submissions reviewed by the staff of Alyson Press, the largest gay and lesbian publisher in the U.S. Instructor Michael Shelton is the author of Boy Crazy, a self-help book on gay men and monogamy, has written for Playgirl, and won an award for best article series by the ACA.

	Member	Non-Member
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8) $110 Members/ $140 Non-Members Min. Registrants 6, Max. 10 Registration Deadline: Sept. 10
Back to top

Learn Something New

American Sign Language REGISTRATION CLOSED
American Sign Language, or ASL, is a complete, complex language that employs signs made w ith the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people, and is said to be the fourth most commonly used language in the United States. This beginner's class is an introduction to the basics of signing to build foundation for fluency. Michael Flynn instructs this class which is meant to be interactive with supplementary worksheets.

	Member	Non-Member
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10) $105 Members/ $155 Non-Members Min. Registrants 5, Max. 10 Registration Deadline: September 15
Back to top

Intermediate American Sign Language REGISTRATION CLOSED
In addition to increasing vocabulary, students will learn about the structure and grammar of ASL as well as Deaf culture and by the end of eight weeks, be able to engage in conversations with Deaf people more comfortably. The class will be taught by a Deaf member of the GLBT community. The class will also have an assistant teacher, who is hearing and who completed the ASL/English Interpreting program at Community College of Philadelphia . This is a more advanced level course for those who have basic ASL proficiency.

	Member	Non-Member
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 pm (Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5) $100 Members/ $140 Non-Members Min registrants 5, Max. 15 Registration Deadline: Sept. 11
Back to top

Digital Photography Techniques I REGISTRATION CLOSED
Take better photos in time for the holidays! Introduction to various concepts of composition, lighting, flash and focal points in many situations. Compositional ideas explored may include leading lines, vertical/horizontal lines, patterns/repetition, rule of thirds, shutter speeds and depth of field. Weekly critiques of work will require outside class assignments as homework.   Instructor Scott Drake is the lead photographer for the Philadelphia Gay News.

		Member	Non-Member
Saturdays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm (September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 31, November 7, 14)(No class October 24) $120 Members/ $160 Non-Members Min registrants 6, Max. 16 Registration Deadline: September 12
Back to top

Introduction to Photoshop REGISTRATION CLOSED
Introduction to the toolbar, palettes, workspace, importing images and saving photos for different applications. Learn some of the basics in Photoshop for cropping, sizing, selection criteria, balancing/correcting color and light, modifying prints, touchups, layers, creating composites, Required equipment: Thumb drive or other memory device to save class work and bring in images shot by student to get additional specific tips. Please note: the Center has a limited number of computers for students' use. Instructor Scott Drake is the lead photographer for the Philadelphia Gay News.

The Healing Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu REGISTRATION CLOSED
Jin Shin Jyutsu physio-philosophy is the ancient art of harmonizing body, mind and spirit with gentle touch. Jin Shin Jyutsu complements conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation, reducing the effects of stress, and assisting our innate healing capacity.   Jeff Lesser is a certified practitioner and will instruct participants on the basics of the healing touch technique which will include demonstrations, a brief history of Jin Shin Jyutsu, and a discussion of the various body points called Safety Energy Locks.

How to Buy a Home in a Down Market
Now more than ever is a great time to purchase a home because there are many deals to be had.  Learn the ins and outs of getting a mortgage, creating realistic expectations in terms of affordability, and closing without drama!  And.. a brief overview of the $8000 first time buyer's tax credit.  Instructors Sarah VanAken and Ron Blum are both licensed realtors who have given seminars in Philadelphia and Manhattan.  Frank Sitner, Mortgage Consultant Bank of America will speak about arranging financing,

Legal Name Change 101 REGISTRATION CLOSED
Learn the essentials for obtaining a legal name change in Pennsylvania, as well as the processes by which you can request that changes be made to your birth certificate, Driver's License, social security card, and passport.   This course will cover not only name change but also how to request a change to your gender on these documents as well.   This course is presented in partnership with Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, the only organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offering direct legal services for the LGBT community.

More Breath, More Life, More Love!
Conscious Breathwork for Healing and Transformation
Breathing is the source of our most important nutrient and energizer - oxygen! Yet most adults learn to hold our breath, also holding in our body emotional and mental blocks to living fully. Conscious breathing unlocks these blocks, inspiring us and helping us to feel lighter, more open and empowered for transformational action. Additional benefits include greater: self-awareness; capacity to deal with stress; sense of well-being; physical energy and emotional balance. Come learn how to take a full, healthy breath - and practices you can use daily to re-center yourself, feel balance and wholeness. And you'll experience a long breathing session that often changes your state of consciousness, opening you to guidance, compassion, and gratitude for being alive.  Choose one session or come to several to meet new people. Each breathing experience is different, and each session will have a different theme! Bring a towel, mat or something to lie on.

Instructor Bob Pileggi has worked with LGBT/HIV/AIDS, and civil rights organizations and causes for over 12 years and is also an interfaith minister.  Bob produces and facilitates workshops, retreats, and individual healing sessions with life coaching, spiritual counseling, and body, energy, and breath work.

	Member	Non-Member
Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:00 pm September 23 (Compassion) (Free Demo) Min. registrants 4, Max. 12 Registration Deadline: September 23 Call to register at 215-732-2220 or email info@waygay.org
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9 pm October 20 (Forgiveness) $15 Members / $25 for Non-Members Min. registrants 4, Max. 12 Registration Deadline: October 13
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9 pm November 10 (Gratitude) $15 Members / $25 for Non-Members Min. registrants 4, Max. 12 Registration Deadline: November 3
Back to top

Reiki REGISTRATION CLOSED
Using the loving touch healing art of Reiki, participants will develop a new, positive way to relate with their bodies and emotions. Learning to experience, support, and love ourselves in a new way is the first step to positive self acceptance. This basic Reiki training with a focus on healing ourselves includes attunements, practice, guidance, and lots of love and support.  A safe place to learn, heal, and build a foundation for a healthy future.  Instructor Danielle Stimpson RMT is a Reiki teacher & practitioner, founder of Learn Reiki Philadelphia, and a Founding Member of The Philadelphia Bodywork Collective.

Registrations will be accepted up until seven (7) days prior to the first day of each course. Early registration is strongly recommended; class sizes are limited. Requests for refunds will be accepted up until seven (7) days prior to the beginning date and time of the class selected and must be made in writing. Cancellation of a class may be decided based upon the number of registrants. If a class is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded in full. In case of inclement weather, classes will be cancelled when the Philadelphia Public Schools are closed. Any additional class fees noted for a particular class are due on the first day of class. Please contact the William Way Community Center at (215) 732-2220 with any questions about Way Gay U.