Home
ABOUT US PROGRAMS & SERVICES UPCOMING EVENTS RENT A ROOM SUPPORT US VOLUNTEER CONTACT US
 


Way Gay U's Spring Term Has Arrived!

blank

 

Early registration is strongly recommended; class sizes are limited. Requests for refunds will be accepted up until the registration deadline. 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 fees noted for a particular class are due on the first day of class.


Here's a list of classes by Category:

Family and Relationships (Dating Boot Camp, Same Sex Couples and the Law, Building and Keeping a Family)

Health and Fitness (Ashtanga Yoga, Basic Training Fitness Class, Be Still and Breathe: Meditation Class for Busy Bodies, Healthy Weight Loss, Senior Stretch: Gentle Hatha Yoga, Qi Gong, Basic Ballroom, Intermediate Ballroom, Reiki, Zumba!
®)

Just for the Fun of It! (Aphrodisiacs: Exploring foods that enhance our sexual desires
, Food Lover's Tour: A Food Tasting Adventure in the Gayborhood)

Learn Something New (American Sign Language, Andiamo! Italian for the LGBT Adventurer, Art Appreciation: The Basics, Fundamentals of Photoshop CS2, Get Organized!, Tricks of the Trade: The ABCs of Home Repair)



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
Supporter $100+
Cornerstone $1,000+

Family and Relationships

Dating Boot Camp
In this workshop, Jim Sullivan, dating and relationship coach, advice columnist for match.com, and author of Boyfriend 101 , will use a blend of lecture, group exercises and discussion to coach you on how to capitalize on your own strengths, and the skills required to combine the following elements in meeting a mate: practicality, sensuality, spirituality and sense of adventure.   Participants will learn the fundamentals of how to meet the partner of their dreams, including overcoming shyness, how to write a great online profile or persona and how to begin and continue a conversation during a date.

     
Non-Member

Saturday, March 29 , 3 - 6 pm

$65 Members/ $110 Non-members • Min: 4, Max: 15 •

Registration Deadline: March 27


Same Sex Couples and the Law
Legal issues surrounding same-sex marriages and unions can be extremely complicated, particularly with regard to the varied approaches taken by each state on how "a marriage" is defined.   This workshop will teach same sex couples on how to utilize the various estate "life" planning options available to them. This in turn, will allow them to circumvent the "system" and give them all of the protection due to them legally.   Taught by Matthew Podolnick, Esq., and John Lolio, Esq.


Building and Keeping a Family CANCELLED
This workshop is aimed to assist persons who are interested in having children, looking at the impact this decision has on their relationship and dealing with the stressors they may encounter.   Taught and lead by Dr. Karen Scott, Ph.D., this workshop is   also ideal for those who are expecting or have a children, and understanding the impact of parenting in their intimate relationships.


Health and Fitness


Ashtanga Yoga
Our Ashtanga Yoga series remains the hottest in town!   Join instructor Sheila Pasupathy of the Yoga Loft for weekly yoga sessions tailored to your physical abilities and your desire to progress.   The course will cover the fundamentals of breathing, sun salutations, standing sequence, sitting series, and closing sequence.

     
Non-Member

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

(March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 and 27)

$80 Members / $120 Non-Members; Min. registrants: 8, Max: 20

Registration Deadline: March 21



Basic Training Run

Get in the best shape of your life with this once a week fitness class!   This 45-minute full body workout uses your own body weight, and teaches you a challenging workout routine that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Can you perform 12 pushups, 6-chin-ups, 10 squats?   Then you have the athletic requirement to be in this class! 

Be Still and Breathe: Meditation for Busy Bodies CANCELLED
Join long-time meditation practitioner, Susan Wexler as you learn this wonderful tool that can help you stay focused and lead a more peaceful life.   In this course, you will learn the basics of meditation and the tools you need to quiet your mind, wherever you are and whatever you do.   Susan will also guide you through the many secular and health benefits of daily meditation practice.


Healthy Weight Loss CANCELLED
This is the fast track to lifelong fitness success!   Nationally known fitness coach Jim Hart will share 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, tuition also includes the cost of one of Jim's instructional books.


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 other ailments.   Yoga, a practice that has been around for thousands of years, not only improves movement, but can help alleviate some of these conditions.   With Sheila Pasupathy of the Yoga Loft, we will focus on postures that strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, improve alignment, breath-work, and centering to reduce stress and increase balance.   Tailored for people ages 55 to 105.


Qi Gong
Qi (pronounced "Chi") means energy or life force and "gong" means cultivation, similar to how we care for a garden.   In this form of moving meditation we will learn a series of standing movements that have the effect of enhancing physical and emotional ease and flexibility.   There will be plenty of time for practice.   This class is appropriate for all skill levels.   Loose clothing should be worn, no shoes necessary.  


Basic Ballroom
Way Gay U is pleased to repeat this incredibly popular class for 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 Gene LaPierre 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?   Let loose in this LGBT environment!


Intermediate Ballroom
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.


Reiki CANCELLED
Reiki is a method of healing touch that was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui from his study of the ancient Indian Sutras.   Reiki energy is channeled and transmitted from one person to another ultimately bringing wellness and healing to both people.   Susan Wexler will   teach you why Reiki is a wonderful way to show your love and caring for your partner or friend.    Healing energy is powerful!


Zumba®
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music - dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! Taught by Diana Maria Angel, Zumba combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow the participants to dance away their worries. It is based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO". Zumba is a "feel-happy" workout that is great for both the body and the mind.   Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. It is a mixture of body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps.


Just for the Fun of It!

Aprodisiacs: Exploring Foods that Enhance Our Sexual Desires CANCELLED
Get your juices flowing with this Guided Tasting of foods with amorous qualities.   We will sample and discuss delicious wine and foods known to have aphrodisiac qualities and explore the sexy science behind them.   This event is meant to be a tasting experience.   A light meal before or after is recommended.


Food Lovers' Tour: A Food Tasting Adventure in the Gayborhood
Join us for a tasting adventure in the heart of the Gayborhood!   This 2 1/2 hour guided walking tour lead by restaurateur Robert Weinberg and his partner Eric Matzke,   includes artisinal foods from the finest specialty shops in the city.   Samples may include estate coffees, exotic teas, imported cheeses, and decadent chocolates. You will learn all about how fine foods are made and speak to the experts about what it takes to make them!


Learn Something New!

American Sign Language
American Sign Language, or ASL is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with 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.  


Andiamo! Italian for the LGBT Adventurer CANCELLED
Whether you are preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Italy or simply indulging your desire to learn Italian, this class offers an introduction to the language and focuses specifically on the gay and lesbian student.   Together with your instructor David Sullivan, explore in a fun, relaxed atmosphere the basics of conversation - from ordering dinner to approaching that hot Italian!   If you are interested in the food, the art, or even if you just want to learn a new language, this is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of things Italian in a fun way.  


Art Appreciation: The Basics CANCELLED
How many times have you found yourself staring blankly at a painting on the wall and asking questions like "Is this Renaissance or Baroque?", or simply... "What the heck is this"?   Instructor David Perkiss, who holds a graduate degree in Art History, will help you find enlightenment through our new Art Appreciation course!   In this fun and interactive class, we will examine some of the most significant pieces of art and noted artists.   We will cover painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts, fashion and ephemera, and visit a local museum.  


Fundamentals of Photoshop CS2
If you have a digital camera and want to be creative with your photos, this workshop is for you!   Laureen Griffin teaches this workshop on the fundamentals of Photoshop that include   uploading photos from your camera, color correction, image enhancement, cropping and resizing for print and internet.  Laureen will also teach you how to experiment with filters and special effects, and layering.


Get Organized!
Have most of your table and countertops not seen daylight since the Clinton administration? This workshop will help you take back control and eliminate a lot of the annoying chaos and irritating clutter so you can have more time and space for the things you do enjoy.   In the first half of the class you'll receive basic, practical pointers for organizing your home and your time. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your particular problems and nightmares and find solutions that work for you . (You're encouraged to bring pictures!)    Bob Skiba has worked as a personal organizer for six years and brings his skills to the Center as a volunteer at LGBT Archives.


Tricks of the Trade: The ABCs of Home Repair
Those tricks they showed you at HGTV are not as easy as they seemed to be, are they?   Join Way Gay U's Director of Facilities and super handyman, Jon Wexler as he guides you through the ABCs of home repair and maintenance!   Can't handle a power-tool?   How do you keep that picture on the wall straight? Whether you live in an apartment or own a house, knowing the basics will save you a lot of time, money and grief.