Gay to Do: When the pope is in town

You read right. There may not be much official LGBT programming happening at this year's World Meeting of Families, but there are still plenty of opportunities for the LGBT community to get involved with the conversation of sexuality and gender in the Catholic Church.

Many of the events listed here are taking place at the William Way LGBT Community Center (1315 Spruce St.). Executive Director Chris Bartlett said, "The Center has long believed that religious and spiritual communities are an important part of the LGBT fabric. We're pleased to provide a warm and welcoming space for LGBT and allied Catholics and others who are in the City during the very busy weekend of Pope Francis' visit. We're also pleased to participate in the conversation of inclusive and affirming families and to provide a space for that conversation."

Stations of the Cross: The Struggle for LGBT Equality

Sponsored by Believe Out Loud, Stations of the Cross will be a reception and opportunity for Catholic partners and friends to come together to prepare for the week ahead. Drinks and appetizers will be served. The reception will be held at the William Way Community Center.

Monday, September 21 from 6 p.m. ‐ 8 p.m.

Full of Grace: Journeys of LGBT Catholics

At Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 North American St.), playwrights Scott Barrow and Robert Choiniere will hold a reading of their new play, Full of Grace: Journey of LGBT Catholics. The production was created from hundreds of interviews with LGBT Catholics and their families. The docudrama gives first-person accounts about struggles and experiences with God, faith, identity, and the Church. Each night, a talkback will follow the performance.

September 22-25, 7 p.m.

Relaxation and Recharge Room

A curated meditative environment will be made available in the William Way Community Center on Friday and Saturday for travelers looking to rest, ruminate or recharge their phones.

Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, noon – 4 p.m.

Transforming Love: Exploring Gender Identity from Catholic Perspectives

Originally scheduled to be held at St. John's the Evangelist Church, Transforming Love: Exploring Gender Identity from Catholic Perspectives will now be held at Arch Street Methodist (55 North Broad St.). New Ways, a national catholic ministry that promotes equality for LGBT people in church and society wrote "The goal of the work is to gain some understanding about LGBTQI people through their personal and spiritual journeys so that all persons feel welcome in the Christian community." The workshop will include prayer, presentations, small group discussions, Q&A sessions, and informational handouts.

Saturday September 26 - 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

The William Way Community Center will host the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the leading-edge Order of queer nuns. They will celebrate the Solidarity Days of Queer Family Blessings Across the World with performances, small rituals, prayers and The Skirt of Ejaculations (small prayers/aspirations).

Saturday, September 26 at 1 p.m.

Cabaret Vérité III: Our Family Meeting

Singers Andrew Crowley, Messapotamia Lefae, Jaye Sanders, Ibrahim Vicks and composer Tom Wilson Weinberg will perform an evening of music and mirth at the William Way Community Center. Themes explored will celebrate families united in joy, commitment, feuds, drama and endless love. Everyone is welcome. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the William Way.

Saturday, September 26, at 8 p.m. For tickets.

Miss'D America 2015

If you need an excuse to get away, then head down to the Borgata in Atlantic City for the Miss'D America Pageant. The event was created in 1994 as a spoof of the world-famous Miss America Pageant to raise funds for charity. It took place annually on the night after the famous beauty pageant. After being cancelled in 2005, it returned five years later and has been a popular event on the social calendar of Atlantic City ever since. Carson Kressley returns as host.

Saturday, September 26. Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 8:30 p.m. For tickets.