ThirstyFish

Artists: Ann Northrup, 2003


Please read the two posts introducing the Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program and The Mural Mile before you follow the photo tour. You can also begin the tour with the First Mural.

This is a small section of the mural that covers the block long, western wall of The William Way Community Center for the LGBT community in Philadelphia. The mural depicts a gay pride street festival with references to the 1960's gay civil rights marches in Philadelphia. The figure of the older lady wearing eyeglass and staring at the observer is the focal point of the mural.

Philadelphia has been a city of firsts for many things throughout its history. This mural became the first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender public art project in the country, after its socially charged and politically loaded beginnings. *

The first notable mainstream movie to take on the subjects of AIDS and discrimination based on sexual orientation, was the 1993 picture "Philadelphia" starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Although the movie was criticized by some in the LGBT community for its flaws, and by many as being too Hollywood, it is still a good watch with a great soundtrack.