🏪 New curfew targets Philly corner stores

🏳️‍⚧️ Federal Policies Aren’t Stopping This Philly Rugby Team

The Philadelphia Rugby Football Club has been tackling opponents for nearly 50 years, and now it’s tackling the movement against trans participation in sports. City Cast Philly producer (and PRFC fullback) Abby Fritz chats with her teammates about the club’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for players, coaches, and spectators alike amid federal policies restricting transgender inclusion. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

💵 Municipal Budget and Housing Proposals Get Green Light in Flurry of City Council Action

City Council issued preliminary approval of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget and as well as her request for $800 million in borrowing authority for housing initiatives. Line items in the budget include funds for bodycams for officers, anti-violence grants, SEPTA operating support, Vision Zero, and expansion of the wellness court. Councilmember Kendra Brooks of the Working Families Party voted against the legislation, pointing to a lack of investment in reproductive health care and mobile mental health crisis teams. [City of Philadelphia, 🔒The Inquirer]

🏪 Late Night Bodega Runs Could Be No More Thanks to Curfew

The next fiscal year budget wasn’t the only thing keeping City Council busy last week. Lawmakers approved a bill to put an overnight curfew on bodegas and takeout spots in the 7th, 8th, and a portion of the 1st Councilmanic Districts. It now awaits the mayor’s signature. [Philly Voice]

• If New York is the city that never sleeps, is Philly the city that likes to sleep? With businesses closing earlier, what does that mean for nightlife in Philly and does our night mayor have his work cut out for him? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🏕️ Where To Borrow Outdoor Gear in Philly

Philly has a tool library, but did you know there’s a gear library too? If you’re looking for a free or low-cost way to start being one with nature this summer, this organization is providing people with outdoor camping gear. [📝 Hey Philly, Germantown Info Hub]

Sports can be a great way to stay fit, get off the couch, and make new friends. But as a national movement pushes for restrictions on transgender athletes, it may be daunting to join a sport where you may not feel welcome.

Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, here are local sports organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community in Philly.

Stonewall Sports

Are you interested in kickball? What about bowling? Bocce? Stonewall Sports offers all that and more in its recreational sports leagues. Stonewall also offers wellness programming such as yoga, if you’re looking for something more lowkey.

Queer Volleyball Philly

You don’t need a beach to still play this sport. If you’re new to volleyball or just want to play for fun, Queer Volleyball hosts casual meetups twice a month at either Clark Park or Blue Bell Park.

Philly Queer Hoopers

Philly Queer Hoopers invites players of all skill levels to participate in its weekly pickup games. The schedule changes each season. Currently, if you’re looking for some friendly competition, swing by Palumbo Recreation Center on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. If you want something less intense, you can join a session at Kingsessing Recreation Center on either Thursdays at 6 p.m. or Sundays at 4 p.m.

Pickle Me Queer

No, this group isn’t about pickling (though someone should make one for that). Pickleball has been having a moment and this group is making sure the queer community isn’t excluded. Pickle Me Queer originally started out on the tennis courts at 47th and Spruce Streets. The group’s home base is now Kingsessing Recreation Center. If you’ve never played pickleball (or still don’t exactly understand what it is), there’s an introductory lesson before each session. At the beginning of each month Pickle Me Queer releases its meetup schedule.

Philadelphia Falcons

Philadelphia Falcons formed in 1989 as a small group playing soccer on South Philly softball fields. As time went on, so did the need for safe places for LGBTQ+ players. The group would later grow large enough to join leagues and out-of-state tournaments. The Falcons formed its women’s teams in 1998. The group now has over 500 members playing in men’s, women’s, and nonbinary teams.