WHEREAS, Philadelphia is a City that prides itself in the rich diversity of its citizens, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, recognizing the need for a publication that would speak to and educate what at that time was a largely hidden community, Mark Segal took a daring step by creating one of the first newspapers in America dedicated to serving and representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. And as the community grew, so did the
Philadelphia Gay News
; and
WHEREAS, From the recent domestic partnership legislation to the elimination of hate crimes, from voter education to HIV/AIDS education and information,
PGN
has been a leader and the newspaper of record for the community it represents.
PGN
has broadened our perspective on gay issues and enhanced our understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, and made this City a safer, saner and more humanitarian place; and
WHEREAS, Although
PGN
has championed causes important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community and has worked to foster better relationships, it has always attempted to present an unbiased viewpoint, even when the subject is painful such as financial scandals in some AIDS groups. As publisher Mark Segal has stated, "It’s not our job to be cheerleader everyday."; and
WHEREAS, With a staff dedicated to serving the community, the
Philadelphia Gay News
is one of the most long_lived and award_winning gay newspapers in the country and is well_respected within journalism circles. As the paper has grown, so has the staff, now including, along with Mark Segal, Victor Havens, Alicia Hicks, Karen Goulart, Doug Gruse, Gene Kohl, Tony Lombardo, Rick Lombardo, Don Pignolet, Pat Romanelli, Chris Schwam, Patti Tihey, David Watson and Joel Weiner; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate the
Philadelphia Gay News
on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mark Segal as publisher of
PGN
as evidence of the respect and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End