Recent Highlights of Josh’s Work
“JoAnne Epps’ Legacy: In the End, Love Is What Matters”
September 26, 2023
The Philadelphia Citizen
Following the death of Temple University President JoAnne Epps, Philadelphia grieved in a way that was different — probably because she was.
This piece explains why people so loved her and why the grief was so seemingly personal citywide. Using personal interviews and other sources and weaving the story of Philadelphia lawyer Kevin Harden, Jr., throughout the remembrance, it makes the case that Epps was exceptional among exceptional people because of a factor rarely talked about on LinkedIn or at executive retreats: love.
“What’s so funny about being a bottom? where bradley whitford And the democrats Went Wrong.”
July 11, 2023
LGBTQ Nation
This Incisive Op-Ed Looks Into The Origins Of Bottom Shaming, how homophobia is repackaged misogny, and why our allies need to do better (but we still love them). Sometimes, you must do your friends the Kindness of showing them how Embarrassed you are on their behalf.
“Hey Wawa, we’ll take center city stores over fireworks.”
July 4, 2023
The Philadelphia Inquirer
A broadside against Wawa, this essay received Thousands of messages of Feedback, including from Wawa’s many far right fans But also those who sadly agree it’s time to break up with the hoagie chain. its list of sins? first, hurtful defamation against Philadelphia just a month before the midterm elections using curious fearmongering messaging not backed up by data.
“Goodbye and good riddance to the giant game pieces downtown.”
June 12, 2023
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Those whimsical game pieces Reminiscent of the Clothespin just way more Accessible are finally gone. While some might’ve loved the works of art, which maybe they were 20 years ago, To the writer, they became emblems of a city failing its most vulnerable residents: philadelphians without homes.
“A member of the police LGBTQ+ liaison committee resigned in protest. The PPD agrees it has to do better.”
May 3, 2023
Billy Penn at WHYY
A prominent member of the all-volunteer community conduit to local cops resigned in a very public way. what does this say about the future of LGBTQ community-Police relations – and does accountability even exist under the current structure? You might be surprised to learn what, exactly, the committee does and doesn’t do by shrewd design by the pPD.
“Proud Philly originals: 10 LGBTQ-owned businesses with character and charm.”
June 11, 2023
Billy Penn at WHYY
Not your everyday listicle, this deeply researched list of ten local LGBTQ owned and operated businesses gives you the opportunity to celebrate pride and support your LGBTQ siblings the other 11 months of the year, too. From home decor to humanely sourced lizards, it’s the ultimate Queer shopping guide for anyone in the 215.
“Bring Back Queer Radicalism: Rainbow capitalism and crosswalks are nice, but let’s not forget we need to demand our right to exist.”
June 27, 2023
The Philadelphia Citizen
Has LGBTQ Pride Become a marketing Gimmick losing sight of the fact that we’re still at war with anti-LGBTQ bigots? Let’s take a look at the record.
“Philadelphia’s Opioid Addiction Failure: City Hall’s lack of stamina turns a national tragedy into an endless local nightmare.”
January 12, 2023
The Philadelphia Citizen
written as a result of an investigation taking place over the course of several months, this was published by civic journalism site The Philadelphia Citizen in early January 2023 and answers the question: What are we getting for all our work supposedly taking place in Kensington?
“I stopped taking my HIV pills: What new meds mean for HIV+ people.”
January 17, 2023
POZ magazine
Also the magazine’s cover Story for July/August 2023, This First in a series chronicles both a personal story surrounding switching HIV treatment to bimonthly injections instead of daily pills as well as information about treatment history, interviews with people who made the switch, and more.
“MPox isn’t an equal opportunity virus; it’s a gay thing, tBH.”
September 27, 2023
The Philadelphia Citizen
With echoes of the early AIDS epidemic, Mpox, formerly monkeypox, runs the risk of being considered a so-called “gay disease.” But is that necessarily a bad thing? After all, don’t we want public health approaches to be targeted toward those at risk instead of squandering precious resources on people with next to not risk of acquisition?
“Gay, Black, and Electable: How Malcolm Kenyatta has already made history and might be your next U.S. Senator.”
April 8, 2022
Philadelphia Weekly
this long-form interview focuses on State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly gay person of color in the state legislature and first openly gay candidate for U.S. Senate. Kenyatta talks about maintaining a positive attitude, why he Puts himself out there, and what, literally, fuels him.
“Inside Jim Kenney’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year: Can he salvage his legacy amid COVID-19 and dire times?”
December 2021
Philadelphia Magazine
this deep dive features on and off record interviews with administration insiders as well as the Mayor of Philadelphia himself. It incorporates first person narrative, a signature tool the writer frequently uses under the idea that true objectivity is impossible, but fairness is Achievable if we acknowledge our perspective.
“Tiny Houses Have a Big Problem: They don’t solve homelessness, they sustain it.”
June 27, 2023
The Philadelphia Citizen
his polemic takes on a favorite fundraiser topic and novel concept to end homelessness: tiny houses. Spoiler alert: They’re very, very bad.
“Philly Commerce Department Reeling from Director’s ‘Toxic’ Management style, staffers say.”
December 2, 2021
The Philly Voice
This investigative story Looked into the past and present behavior of a cabinet level appointment in the Kenney Administration. Following Multiple interviews with traumatized or disrespected staff, deep sourcing within the government, and an assist by an Unauthorized op-ed and creative use of Facebook, this story deftly handles the minefield of workplace discrimination and harassment allegations. Within a week of publishing, the director in Question resigned.
“Outdoor Seating Shouldn’t Be Unfettered Greed Causing Problems for Those With Disabilities.”
June 23, 2021
The Philadelphia Inquirer
this piece examines the burgeoning outdoor dining scene following COVID-19 protocols and how annexing sidewalks is a violation of civil rights. If businesses want to dine al fresco, the least they can do is make sure people with wheelchairs can get by. Then again, it’s not their call to make. That’s the law.
“Hey, Grownups, We can and Should wear backpacks.”
July 3, 2019
The Philadelphia Inquirer
A lighthearted response to someone with better taste writing backpacks worn by adults are a problem, this piece praises the over the shoulder books and everything else holder. they’re better than purses; in fact, women should wear them too, since purses seem to cause problems but a properly worn backpack is good for the back and makes a statement about your practical nature, too.