I Am Collingswood

I Am Collingswood: Linda Murphy

Linda Murphy's daughter came out as a lesbian on Father's Day in 2004. Six years later, Murphy became president of Collingswood PFLAG, and still supports LGBT youth.

Yes, Virginia, an activist can be polite. The mild manners of Minnesota mom Linda Murphy belie a steely conviction that has inspired her work as president of Collingswood PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). This week, she tells Patch about her personal connection to the LGBT community. Collingswood Patch: Tell me about what PFLAG seeks to accomplish.  Murphy: PFLAG is a national organization. Our mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy. Each chapter may be a little bit different as far as what they specialize in.  I would say the PFLAG Collingswood chapter, just by the nature of who comes on a monthly basis and the membership, we're really there for support. My personal goal is to increase the availability for …

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Borough Salon Owner Graces Cover of G Philly Magazine

Kevin Gatto was chosen for the cover of G Philly's Fall 2011 issue, as part of a segment showcasing vibrant, well-rounded entrepreneurs in the area.

Kevin Gatto, stylist and owner of Collingswood's Verde Salon, may be many things—artist, businessman, contributor to various charities. But he never imagined putting a check mark next to "cover model." But that changed in June, when Philadelphia resident Gatto, 39, was approached by G Philly, a new seasonally published magazine from Philadelphia Magazine whose content is centered around innovators in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community. "Natalie Hope McDonald, editor of G Philly and a friend of mine, called me this summer and asked me to be included in the magazine's (Bright Young Things: Philly's Who's Who) segment. They'd already chosen me and a group of 11 others from the LGBT community to be featured," said …

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