WHEREAS, Gloria Casarez was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and dedicated her life to social justice through advocating for the poor, disenfranchised, marginalized, and stigmatized members of society; and
WHEREAS, The hard work of Gloria Casarez has had a significant positive impact on the lives of many individuals in the Philadelphia LGBTQ community; and
WHEREAS, Gloria was born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Gloria attended college locally at West Chester University and obtained degrees in both criminal justice and political science. She was a leader in many housing rights, economic justice and LGBTQ organizations and in 2008, became the first ever Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs; and
WHEREAS, Gloria is survived by her wife, Tricia Dressel, her mother, Elisa Gonzalez and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Gloria was a friend and mentor to many persons in Philadelphia. Her work in our communities, and throughout our great City, will continue through the lives of those she has touched; and
WHEREAS, The City wishes to commemorate and honor the legacy of Gloria Casarez through the renaming of the 200 block of South 12th Street in her honor; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 200 block of South 12th Street, between Walnut Street and Locust Street in the City of Philadelphia, shall henceforth also be known as “Gloria Casarez Way”.
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