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Way Gay U's 2011 Fall Term


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Click on one of the titles below to see more information about the course
The Anatomy of Pleasure: What You Didn't Learn in Health Class
Adventurings in LGBT Parenting: Teenagers
Basic Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Life
Be a Cabaret Performer
Country Western Two-Stepping Basics
Creating a Space for Our Selves: An Historical Walking Tour of Philadelphia's Gayborhood
Homeopathy for Health and Healing
Homorobics
How to Find the Love You Want and Have Fun Doing it
Naturopathy and Nutrition
Porn You Can Salute: Alternatives to Mainstream Pornography
Senior Stretch: Gentle Hatha Yoga
Sex 101: The Basics of Pleasure and Passion
Sexy After Sixty: The Mind Body Mambo
Swing Dance: It's Copacetic!
Throwing Out the Typewriter: Navigating the World Wide Web for Beginners
WRAP: Wellness Recovery Action Plan®


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. 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.




Are you a member of the William Way LGBT Community Center? If not, join now to become a member today and immediately become eligible for Way Gay U Member rates!
Individual $35
Household $50
Friend $75
Supporter $150
Advocate $300
Benefactor $600
Cornerstone $1,000+

The Anatomy of Pleasure: What You Didn't Learn In Health Class
The human body is an amazing tangle of nerves and erogenous zones there for the taking, yet our delicious ability to give and receive pleasure is usually the first thing skipped over in health class.  But not for long!  Come explore the inner and outer workings of the body's pleasure centers and learn how to maximize your enjoyment.  Get the most out of your body's tingly bits! Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Presented by Screwsmart, a sex education collaborative. ScrewSmart facilitates a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities.

   
Non-Member

Monday, 7:00-9:00pm

(November 14)

$30 Members/ $45 Non-Members
Minimum Registrants 4, Max. 30;
Registration Deadline: November 7



Adventures in LGBT Parenting: Teenager
Do you wish that teenagers came with a handbook for parents? Are you looking for some support in parenting your teenager? Parenting a teenager can sometimes seem like a whole different world than raising a child.   Puberty and brain development during the ages of 13 - 20 throw both kids and parents for a loop. This workshop will review new research about adolescent development, provide concrete tips and tools for how to use this research to make life easier you and your family, and discuss some of the unique stressors or issues LGBT families face. Instructor Damon Constantinides, PhD., LSW is a Licensed Social Worker who has provided counseling to teens for five years at The Attic Youth Center. Open to all caregivers of teenagers or pre-teens.
   
Non-Member

Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm

(Nov. 1)

$40 members/ $75 non-members
Min. registrants 4, Max. 15
Registration Deadline: October 25



Basic Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Life Registration Closed
This course will introduce students to basic secular Buddhist teachings and teach them how to apply these concepts to their unique LGBT lives. These concepts include how to handle change in your life, a new approach to dealing with attachments and desires in your life, and liberation from suffering in relationships.  By approaching life from a secular Buddhist perspective you can achieve a more balanced, stress-free and joyful appreciation of every moment of your life.  These new "tools" can be used to achieve a deeper and more permanent happiness. Instructor Alan Oliver has studied Buddhism for 27 years and spent 4 years as project manager of a Buddhist University in Thailand.

 
Non-Member
Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm

(September 20, 27, Oct. 4)


$35 members/ $70 non-members
Min. registrants 10, Max. 30
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 13

Be A Cabaret Performer Registration Closed
Do you love to sing? Always wanted to put on a show but didn't know where to start? Philadelphia singer, actor and cabaret performer Melissa Kolczynski will teach you all you need to know. This class will focus on performance and vocal techniques, show theme and structure and the business aspect of self production. Students will work together to develop and promote a cabaret showcase at the end of the class. The showcase will give you the chance to “show off” what you've learned to friends and family, and gain the confidence you need to put on your own cabaret show.
     
Non-Member
Mondays, 7:00–9:30pm

(Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14)


$115 members/ $150 non-members
Min. registrants 5, Max. 12
Registration Deadline: September 19

Country Western Two-Stepping Basics Registration Closed
Gain the confidence to take a partner, and the dancefloor, the next time you attend your favorite gay country western two-stepping night.   Learn two-stepping foundations, basics and beyond. You'll enjoy a little fun surprise when once or twice a week, we'll get to show our stuff on the dancefloor at Woody's and/or Icandy during our group outings. Best of all, meet new people and learn a skill that will last a lifetime.   Instructor Norma McNeil has taught country western two-stepping and line dancing for the past 7 years.


Creating a Space for Ourselves: an historical walking tour of Philadelphia’s Gayborhotourod Registration Closed
Our Gayborhood tour will meet in the lobby of the William Way Center.  From there we'll stroll to Rittenhouse Square, home of 50s beatniks, rebels and queers.  Next we'll head back down Spruce St, across Broad and up Locust Street, Philly's 1960's "sin strip." Finally, we'll explore the alleys and side streets of today's Gayborhood, talking about bars, community spaces, changes and political activism, and end our day with a tour of the Archives at the William Way Center. Bob works as a walking tour guide in Philadelphia, is the current president of the Association of Philadelphia Tourguides, and the archivist at the John J Wilcox Jr Archives at the WWCC.


Homeopathy for Health and Healing
This workshop is an introduction to homeopathy: its philosophy, common remedies and how they are used to treat common ailments. This workshop will also teach you how to use homeopathy to improve your overall health.   Instructor Jaie Bosse, ND has a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. Jaie is a lesbian parent and has worked with the queer community for many years.


Homorobics - Registration Closed
Come work out against a musical backdrop of Diva Dance Mixes. Channel your inner Lady Gaga, Madonna, or Flashdance while learning some fun, simple, and sexy dance moves. Each class will feature a comprehensive and easy to

follow warm up, a conditioning segment and several cardio segments. Class is geared towards the attendees so no experience is necessary.   Comfortable workout wear, sneakers,   and a smile recommended.   Please bring a towel or mat for floor work. Flamboyant Workout Wear highly encouraged!

Taught by Craig Scull, a professional dancer and choreographer who is also an ACE certified group fitness instructor. Come out and strut your stuff and let your inner diva breathe!


How to Find the Love You Want and Have Fun Doing It Registration Closed
This three week workshop will give you a chance to identify what you want in a relationship and learn some ways you can get it.   Sometimes dating seems impossible or just isn't fulfilling, it doesn't have to be that way.   This workshop will be fun, low stress, high humor, and is designed for single folks of all gender identities and sexual orientations and all levels of dating experience. Instructor Damon Constantinides, PhD., LSW has a doctorate in Human Sexuality Education.


Naturopathy and Nutrition Registration Closed
What is naturopathic medicine and how can basic nutrition keep you healthy? This class will introduce the philosophy of naturopathic medicine. We'll talk about how what you eat can be making you feel bad, from the cycle of chronic inflammation to food sensitivities. Everyone will learn some simple things to improve their energy and quality of life. We'll also cover vitamin and herbal supplements that could benefit almost everyone.  Instructor Jaie Bosse, ND has a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. Jaie is a lesbian parent and has worked with the queer community for many years.


Porn You Can Salute: Alternatives to Mainstream Pornography
Forget about giant fake breasts and even faker orgasms - porn is not what it used to be.   The seedy underbelly of the industry still exists, but in recent years a movement to create super sexy movies filled with real bodies and real passion has exploded onto the scene.   With a range of identities both in front of and behind the camera, these films take an ethical tilt that bust at the seams with respect, enthusiasm and sex-positivity!   Come explore this new 'Golden Era' of porn with an evening of good conversation, engaging activities and, of course, HOT DIRTY MOVIE CLIPS!    Straight porn, queer porn - we cover it all. Celebrate the sex appeal of Tristan Taormino, Courtney Trouble, Nica Noelle and more!   However you identify or whatever bits you desire, this is a not-to-be-missed workshop (provided that you're over eighteen)!   Disclaimer: Must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Presented by Screwsmart, a sex education collaborative. ScrewSmart facilitates a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities.


Senior Stretch: Gentle Hatha Yoga
As we grow older, we typically move less because of common aging-related problems such as: reduced joint flexibility, arthritis/bursitis, high blood pressure and many others. Yoga, a practice that has been around for thousands of years,  not only improves movement, but can also help alleviate some of these conditions.  In this class, we will emphasize postures that help strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, improve alignment, increase balance.  In addition, through breath-work, we will center the mind to reduce stress in a fun and social environment!


Sex 101: The Basics of Pleasure and Passion - Registration Closed
Spend a sex-smart evening relearning the basics of pleasure and passion with sex-educators and playtime-acolytes JD Ackerman and Rebecca Alvarez. Brush up on skills like communication and anatomy using sex tools and toys.   Come with arms open wide to accept helpful handouts, zines, and tips that will come to you in the heat of the moment by yourself or with another. This workshop is has something for all orientations, gender expressions and couples as well as individuals. Disclaimer: Must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Presented by Screwsmart, a sex education collaborative. ScrewSmart facilitates a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities.


Sexy After Sixty: The Mind Body Mambo
Master's and Johnson's said that we stay the same sexual person throughout our life. However, we also know that sexuality is an ever-evolving part of the human experience.   This can be hard to believe when living in a culture that often portrays only youth as sexual, but we know better! Staying in touch with your sexy side is an important part of your happiness and health at any age. Join us for a pleasure-based educational workshop where we'll discuss physical and mental paths to pleasure, consider ways to stay sensual while experiencing bodily and life changes, and share ideas about ways to live as a sexually satisfied person throughout your life! Disclaimer: Must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Presented by Screwsmart, a sex education collaborative. ScrewSmart facilitates a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities.


Swing Dance - It's Copacetic! Registration Closed
If any dance is America's national dance, it's swing. Swing dancing is the absolutely the most fun you can have on the dance floor. The course will  focus in standard, East Coast swing, covering the basics of leading and following. You'll learn classic swing moves like "skin the cat," "he go, she go," and the "jig walk." No partner necessary. Bob Skiba has been teaching ballroom and swing dance at the Abington Art Center in Jenkintown for 10 years, and directs his own company, "Mixed Pickles Vintage Dance."


Throwing out the Typewriter: Navigating the World Wide Web for Beginners - Registration Closed
Learn to use the internet and email at an entry level. This course is designed for a new user that would like to start using the internet and email services that are easy to access at the William Way Community Center and libraries around the city.   Instructor Evelyn Friel has over 20 years experience in the computer industry and specializes in computer programming and diagnostics and repair. Friel is the founder and owner of Evelyn' PC Computer Repair.


WRAP (Wellness Action Recovery Plan)®
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® (WRAP®) can help you create a set of identifiable goals and provide a structure for successes and challenges in Gay Male and Lesbian relationships.   Whether you want to live a happier life, make or keep an intimate relationship, including same sex partnerships, or enhance Transgender/Transsexual acceptance and inclusiveness, WRAP® is for YOU!  The co-facilitators will guide you in the eight weekly progressive sessions to use five concepts leading to wellness and all seven parts of your personal WRAP®.  This course is fun, innovative and can be a great time to meet other people interested in increasing their wellness and supporting each other to develop their goals and plans. 

Nurturing LGBT Spirituality and connecting to a supportive, safe, and engaging network of support are some topics that are available, with guest speakers.

The WayGayU WRAP® co-facilitators and your fellow participants look forward to learning, hearing and sharing this wonderful holistic healing process with you.

*A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Candice Thompson at cthompson@waygay.org.


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 University of the Arts is 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.