PGN Jan. 10-16, 2014 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Family Portrait: D’Ontace Keyes, on overcoming obstacles PAGE 23

Long live Queen!

Presbys ordain openly gay pastor

PAGE 19

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Jan. 10-16, 2014

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Vol. 38 No. 2

New trans policy on the books for police By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

STILETTOS AND ’STACHES: Brittany Lynn (center) and a contingent of drag queens and kings put the finishing touches on their routines before setting off in the annual Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day. The LGBT contingent joined the parade last year and the kings had their debut this year. The parade was led by the Philadelphia Freedom Band, and in addition to performances throughout the parade route, the queens took the stage at the Convention Center in between performances of the Fancy Brigade groups. For more coverage, see page 6. Photo: Scott A. Drake

HIV-poz man charged with endangerment By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office this week enhanced the charges against a gay man who allegedly had sex with a minor. The defendant’s attorney contends the added charges are related to the man’s HIV status. Delaware police arrested Newark resident Christopher Steele, 33, last month on statutory-rape charges for allegedly having sexual relations with a 14-year-old boy he met on social-networking app Jack’D. Steele’s attorney, Kevin Mark Wray, said prosecutors in Montgomery County, where the boy lives, last week added reckless-endangerment charges to Steele’s case because the defendant is HIV-positive. Steele is being held in a Montgomery County prison on $1-million bail. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment. Wray said Steele, who works in the adult-film industry, was using the app last spring to meet men and maintained his client attempted to end relations with the teen

when he realized he was underage. “At some point, he came to the realization that this person wasn’t 18 and took off,” Wray said. “This kid kept pursuing him and apparently had done so with others.” Wray said Jack’D requires users to verify that they are over age 18. Steele has been HIV-positive for six years. Wray said he believes his status was disclosed during intake after his arrest. Wray contended that the reckless-endangerment charge is inappropriate if motivated by Steele’s HIV status. “It bothered me a great deal and seemed to be offensive,” he said. “He takes medication and is constantly moderating it. Charging someone with [reckless endangerment] because they are HIV-positive is homophobic and ignorant. We don’t go to people who have herpes, colds, Strep throat and charge them. If that is the standard, they need to be indicting everybody. It’s amazing that, 35 years later, the public is still oblivious to the simple fact that HIV does not equal AIDS.” Steele faced a preliminary hearing Jan. 6 and will return to court Feb. 27. ■

The Philadelphia Police Department is in the process of rolling out new guidelines aimed at ensuring law-enforcement officers treat transgender and gender-nonconforming citizens respectfully. The department finalized its new directive Dec. 20, said police spokesperson Lt. John Stanford, and is currently examining best practices for implementation. “We’re working on fine-tuning it all, and how to best train people and implement this the proper way,” Stanford said, noting that most, if not all, districts have received a copy of the directive as of presstime. “It’s one thing to have a policy on the books but

another to implement it the proper way. So we’re right now finalizing it in terms of how to go about implementing the policy.” This marks the first time the department has a stated policy instructing personnel on how to interact with transgender and gender-nonconforming people, Stanford said. The effort was largely led by LGBT Liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who worked with LGBT community leaders and police personnel to craft the nine-page directive. The guidelines are comprehensive, and cover everything from interacting with trans victims, witnesses or suspects to communicating information about trans people to the media. PAGE 14 Foremost, the policy

Pittsburgh elects first out City Council prez By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Pittsburgh’s City Council will now be helmed by an out gay man. Bruce Kraus became the city’s first openly LGBT elected official when he was voted into City Council in 2007 and he took that title further Jan. 6, when his fellow councilmembers elected him council president. Kraus won the position in a 7-2 vote, with only past council president Councilwoman Darlene Harris, whom he unseated, and Councilman Ricky Burgess in opposition. Kraus was nominated to the president position by Councilman Corey O’Connor and was unopposed. In an interview with PGN Tuesday, Kraus said his election speaks to the gen-

eral environment of acceptance in Pittsburgh. “I came out in 1972 so my sexual orientation is not something that I lead with because it is such a natural, ongoing part of who I am,” he said. “Pittsburgh has been known as a very diverse and tolerant city. We put sexual orientation as a protected class in housing, employment and public accommodations on the books as far back as 1990. What you are seeing now as terms of an open and out city council president being elected is just the fruit of those labors.” Kraus, 59, a Democrat, has been heavily involved in civil-rights issues in Pittsburgh and spearheaded the city’s domestic-partner law in 2008. Last year, he led a measure that requires certain

KRAUS

contractors pursuing business with the city to offer benefits for their employees’ domestic partners. The measure, similar to a recent law adopted in Philadelphia, passed unanimously. Kraus was reelected in 2011 and will face another election next year. Prior to PAGE 14 joining

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last month will cover witness-attendance expenses, subpoena fees and photocopying costs. Harris continues to seek about $500,000 in attorneys’ fees from Paige. But Paige maintains that the city is responsible for any expenses he incurred due to the litigation, according to court records. Neither side had a comment for this story.

News Briefing Alleged assault victim awarded court costs James Harris, who says a Philadelphia police officer forced him to perform oral sex on him, was recently awarded $3,067.29 in court costs. In a 32-page filing issued Dec. 16, Michael E. Kunz, U.S. Clerk of Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, awarded the money to Harris. In May 2008, Harris sued Officer Michael A. Paige in federal court, claiming Paige forced him to perform oral sex in a secluded area of Fairmount Park in March 2007. A Philadelphia judge cleared Paige of any criminal wrongdoing, but in June 2012 a federal jury awarded Harris $165,000 in damages. The money Kunz awarded to Harris

Settlement conference scheduled in bullying case A settlement conference is scheduled this week in the case of a New Jersey boy who allegedly was pulled from school due to anti-LGBT bullying. Thomas Vandergrift, a Philadelphia gay man, contends his nephew had to be removed from a Pennsauken public school in 2012 due to pervasive anti-LGBT bullying. In December 2012, Vandergrift filed a federal suit against the Pennsauken School District and various officials in federal court, seeking an unspecified amount in compen-

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satory and punitive damages. The 12-year-old boy, identified in court papers as D.V., suffers from autism, generalized anxiety disorder and a learning disability in math. Vandergrift also contends that school officials wrongly accused him of child molestation after he advocated for a proper education for his nephew. In October 2011, the state Department of Children and Families determined that the molestation accusations against Vandergrift were unsubstantiated. In September 2012, after a separate lawsuit was filed, district officials agreed to pay for D.V.’s education at a private school, where he’s currently enrolled. The settlement conference is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 9 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider at the U.S. Courthouse in Camden, N.J. The conference isn’t open to the public, according to a spokesperson for Schneider.

GLAAD supports Morris probe GLAAD, a national LGBT mediaadvocacy group, recently endorsed a

probe of the Nizah Morris case. “Yes, GLAAD supports a state probe [of the Morris case],” said Ross Murray, director of news for GLAAD. “We wrote about Nizah’s case back in April, and we would be happy to do an update, or something that brings this to the attention of the media.” Morris, 47, was a transgender woman who became a homicide victim in 2002, shortly after entering a Philadelphia police vehicle. The case remains unsolved. In April, the city’s Police Advisory Commission recommended state and federal probes, citing an “appalling” local investigation. Murray also said GLAAD has agreed to sign on to a letter to state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane, urging her to investigate the Morris case. The Justice for Nizah Committee is gathering support from other organizations for a state probe of the Morris case. J4N will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. ■ — Timothy Cwiek

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Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Blanch A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave. • Fishtown Branch, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Frankford Branch, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. • Joseph E. Coleman Branch, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Lehigh Branch, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Main Branch, 1901 Vine St. • McPherson Square Branch, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Northeast Regional, 2228 Cottman Ave. • Oak Lane Branch, 6614 N. 12th St. • Ogontz Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • Passyunk Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Roxborough Branch, 6245 Ridge Ave. • South Phila. Branch, 1700 S. Broad St. • Southwark Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Welsh Road Branch, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • Wynneﬁeld Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

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Winter Pride returns for second year By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com If you’re tuning out the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia because of the country’s anti-LGBT policies, you can still get your own dose of Olympic favorite ice skating at the second annual Winter Pride. Winter Pride, which is run by Philly Pride Presents, will return for a second year from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 23 at Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing. Last year’s inaugural event was staged at night, but the second incarnation will be during the day, with longer hours. “Everybody thought two hours wasn’t enough and wanted it during the day so everybody could come,” said Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price. “Last year, families didn’t bring their kids because it was a Friday night but now it can be for families too.” The event is $20 and will include three hours of skating and skate rental and, like last year, will also serve as a fundraiser for LGBT organizations.

“Our event could be a fundraiser for nonprofits where any nonprofit purchasing at least a dozen tickets will only pay half-price,” Price said. “They can offer their members discounted tickets or use them as fundraisers for their organizations.” Price said last year’s great turnout helped motivate the Philly Pride team to coordinate a second event. “Last year, everybody had a great time. In spite of the cold, we did not see one person without a smile on their face,” she said. “People were proud of themselves that they learned to skate and it was a nice time.” And, Price noted, Winter Pride is open to skaters of all skill levels — which can produce some amusing scenes. “We saw some fun things last year,” she said. “We saw one guy skating around and yelling, ‘I told you I could skate!’ and he couldn’t stop, so he crashed into everyone.” Price said she is trying to get out two-time Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir to return for the event. But, because of his commit-

ment as an ice-skating analyst at the upcoming Olympics in Sochi, Russia, he may not be available. “He promised us that if he is around, he will do a program for us. At Winter Pride, you can see people who can really skate but when you see an Olympic skater skate, it is almost as if they are floating on air. It is like nothing you will ever see.” The Philadelphia Freedom Band will perform and provide background music for skaters. Community vendors will also be on hand, including sports organizations and Team Philadelphia clubs. Pride organizers will also announce the identity of the 2014 Miss Philly Gay Pride, who was selected this year by a committee of Philly Pride Presents. Up to 300 guests are expected to attend, Price said. “We want it to be safe for our community,” she said. “You can ice-skate and be around people in your community. Our community is wonderful together and people feel safe when you are with your own community.” For more information, visit www. phillypride.org. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Guv opposes Kane removal from MontCo case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Attorneys for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and Health Secretary Michael Wolf last week filed a response to Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s request for removal from a lawsuit seeking equality for same-sex couples granted marriage licenses in Montgomery County. In the Dec. 30 filing in Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, the state urged the court to deny the joint petition filed last month by Kane and the plaintiffs for her dismissal as a defendant. Or, the state argued, if Kane is dismissed, Corbett should be as well. The joint petition for leave to discontinue action against Kane argued that the attorney general, who has refused to defend the state’s ban on samesex marriage, is an “unnecessary party to the action.” Last week’s state filing contended

that the plaintiffs “inexplicably refuse to accord the same amicable disposition to the governor,” whom they say is not the appropriate defendant in the case and “legally stands in exactly the same position” as Kane. Instead, the case should be handled by the health secretary, the filing stated. Several-dozen couples filed the suit in September, asking the court to validate the license issued to them by Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes. Hanes was sued by the state after granting 174 licenses to same-sex couples last summer. Both Kane and Corbett have been dismissed as defendants from a case filed in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of same-sex couples. The case goes to trial in June. There are a number of other legal challenges to Pennsylvania’s ban on samesex marriage pending in both state and federal court. ■

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Read about the issues and ideas impacting local teens — from school bullying to campus safe spaces to legislative developments — written in their own words. PGN’s ﬁrst-ever section created for and by LGBT youth hits stands Jan. 31 and returns quarterly.

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MOVING DAY: Mambo Movers unloaded outside the John C. Anderson Apartments Jan. 3. Despite the snow-covered roads, a number of residents of the new LGBT-friendly affordable-living space for seniors moved in last weekend. The $19.5-million project opened its doors on 13th Street at the beginning of the year, 14 months after ground was broken. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held next month. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

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Philly welcomes first out Presbyterian pastor By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

This past weekend, history was made in the local Presbyterian community. On Jan. 5, Broad Street Ministry ordained David Norse, the first openly gay male pastor in a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Norse, 27, hails from Sherwood, Ore., and moved to Philadelphia in September. But, his journey into faith started in his adolescence. Norse, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was actively involved in his church community’s youth group during middle and high school. Norse aid traumatic incidents during his teenage years helped encourage his pull towards the ministry. “My mother had a heart attack when I was in the eighth grade and my church was supportive and stayed with me in the emergency room and brought us food,” he said. “It was the same when I was bullied in middle school. My church taught me how to pray for my enemies and so that really inspired me that there was something to this. I felt a strong connection to the people, to God and to the church.” Norse said he grew up in a commu-

nity that was largely Mormon and nondenominational churches, and few out LGBT leaders. Yet, he said, he did not feel a disconnect between his sexuality and faith, and started to come out when he went away to seminary. “I talked with people, I prayed and read scripture and never had the experience of feeling that a part of me was wrong.” W h e n h e a r r ive d a t P r i n c e t o n Theological Seminary, he immediately got involved with the LGBT student organization, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian And Straight Supporters. He said the campus climate was supportive of his coming-out process. Norse began worshipping at Broad Street Ministry during his time at seminary and joined the staff as a pastoral associate in September. He said he’s encouraged to see changing attitudes among all types of faith communities toward LGBT people. “There was a movement at one point in time to not allow teachers to teach anything positive about LGBT people in schools,” he said. “The culture is changing a lot and that is encouraging. I have a lot of friends from all different church backgrounds who are completely welcoming and loving of me, and they know

that I am gay and don’t see that as a problem. When people know other Christians who are out, views start changing.” Norse said the Presbyterian Church is a place where all are welcomed, but he is also passionate about its overall mission of helping those less fortunate. “There are a lot of welcoming DAVID NORSE AT HIS JAN. 5 ORDINATION AT BROAD churches and, for STREET MINISTRY Photo: Scott A. Drake us, it has become a on the already-affirming environment. thing of, ‘OK, you “I want to welcome people and let are gay and a pastor and that is great, but here are the struggles of the world them know that this is a place to worship and how are you partnering with God to and bring doubts and faith and questions. This place is safe. I want them to address these needs?’” he said. Norse has worked with homeless see that the staff love and accept me and LGBT youth and said it has been a pas- that I am a leader here,” he said. “It is sion of his to connect them with foster an honor to be able to be a pastor and and adoptive parents. He also hopes to it is an honor to be able to serve God’s people and welcome them. And the fact create an LGBT-specific fellowship. The pastor said he’s eager for his lead- that I am able to be who I am and welership at Broad Street Ministry and in come people with all that I am is really the wider Presbyterian Church to build a gift.” ■

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GAY ON NEW YEAR’S DAY: LGBTs abounded at the annual Mummers Parade, which featured drag-queen and -king performers and the Philadelphia Freedom Band, the latter two of which were new to the parade this year. After strutting their stuff from South Philly to Center City, the queens took the stage at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to vie for the Miss Fancy Brigade 2014 title, with Morgan Wells of Bob & Barbara’s ultimately securing the win. Mimi Imfurst was crowned first runnerup, and Crystal Electra second runnerup. Photos: Scott A. Drake

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A man accused of murdering a rival gayporn producer is seeking a new trial. An attorney for Harlow Cuadra argued Jan. 3 that his client’s trial attorneys were ill-prepared, which contributed to Cuadra’s being found guilty. Cuadra originally filed the request for a new trial in 2012. Cuadra, 32, was found guilty of firstdegree murder in 2009 and sentenced to two life sentences without parole for his role in the January 2007 murder of Bryan Kocis. Prosecutors say Cuadra and then-boyfriend Joseph Kerekes stabbed Kocis nearly 30 times and set his Luzerne County house on fire because they saw Kocis’ gay-porn company as a threat to their own Virginiabased escort and porn business. In addition to murder, the pair was charged with conspiracy, robbery, theft, abuse of corpse and related charges.

Kerekes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is serving a life sentence without parole. Cuadra’s case instead went to trial, but attorney Demetrius Fannick argued last week in a Post-Conviction Relief Act hearing before Judge Fred Pierantoni that former attorneys Joseph D’Andrea and Paul Walker were ineffective. Fannick contended the defense suffered from the denial of a time extension and argued that D’Andrea and Walker should have raised a “duress” defense for Cuadra, alleging Kerekes coerced Cuadra into the crimes. D’Andrea and Walker noted that duress defenses are relied upon to explain why someone committed a crime; they, however, presented the notion that Kerekes committed the actual murder, not Cuadra. Fannick has until Jan. 20 to submit a supplemental brief, and the prosecution will then have 10 days to respond before the judge renders a decision. ■

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N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer who’s suing the city for workplace bias, has withdrawn his request for a jury trial. In court papers, the city objected to Jones’ request for a jury trial, claiming that antibias litigants in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court don’t have a right to a jury trial. The Fair Practices Ordinance, which bans anti-LGBT workplace discrimination, doesn’t specifically allow for jury trials. Federal antibias litigants are entitled to a jury trial, but that right was specified in the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for Mayor Nutter, had no comment on whether Nutter supports amending the local ordinance to allow for jury trials. Mazzoni Center legal director David M. Rosenblum said a jury trial is a “good option” for antibias litigants. “We would certainly support efforts to amend the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance to include the right to a jury trial for employees who seek it,” Rosenblum said. “We have always believed that a strong local ordinance is good for all employees, including, of course, LGBT people.” He added: “Of course, we also support efforts to pass ENDA [Employment Nondiscrimination Act], which would afford jury trials to LGBT litigants. We applaud those who are working towards doing this on the national level. Sadly, given the political realities of Congress, I am not confident that this will happen any time soon.” Jones is suing the city for more than $50,000 in damages. The case is pending before Common Pleas Judge Mark I. Bernstein. A non-jury trial has been tentatively set

for 10 a.m. Oct. 6. In his suit, Jones contends that Daniel Castro, a former high-ranking police official, routinely harassed him at work. Castro disseminated Jones’ sexual orientation throughout the police department and had him transferred to an undesirable night shift, according to Jones’ suit. Coworkers accused Jones of having sex in public restrooms. Additionally, he was sent out on patrol without proper attire and weaponry, according to the suit. In January 2010, while Jones was out on sick leave, Castro circulated a staff memo identifying Jones as “Mel Cums Jones,” according to the suit. Castro no longer works for the city. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in an unrelated matter, and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Barak Kassutto, an attorney for Jones, said the officer remains optimistic, even though he won’t be having a jury trial. “The quality of the judges in Philadelphia is high,” Kassutto told PGN. “We trust we’ll have a fair-minded judge who will consider the facts and render a fair verdict.” Kassutto also said pursuing the jury-trial issue could have resulted in lengthy delays. “[City officials] don’t want this in front of a jury, and the case law seems to be on their side,” he said. “We could have tried making an [LGBT-related] argument but that would have been an appellate issue. It could have slowed down the case tremendously.” In a related matter, Kassutto praised a recent report by LGBT thinktank The Williams Institute, which spotlights “pervasive discrimination” allegedly experienced by many LGBT law-enforcement officers across the country, including Jones. “The report is a valuable resource on this subject, and its findings carry a great deal of weight,” Kassutto said. ■

S Broad

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

teambayard@mail.com � www.waygay.org � 215-732-2220

Taking Pride in the Work We Do Together

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in four gay men, and one in 10 bisexual men, report having been victims of rape, violence or stalking by their intimate partner, and last year, a local domesticviolence agency created an initiative to combat those numbers and provide safe havens for victims. Lutheran Settlement House launched its LGBTQ Initiatives program under the Intimate Partner Violence Project in August. The effort combines LGBT-focused education, prevention and outreach regarding domestic violence. In addition to heightening awareness about the issue of LGBT domestic violence and offering culturally competent services for victims, the program connects victims with transitional services. “Lutheran Settlement House is the only domestic-violence agency in the city that is housing male domestic-violence victims,” program director Tony Enos said about the program’s emergencybeds initiative, especialy important as the city does not have a male domestic-violence shelter.

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Domestic-violence agency pioneers LGBT program

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LSH’s program enables male victims of physical violence to access housing for up to five days, or 10 in certain circumstances. “It’s transitional housing, not a domestic-violence shelter,” Enos said. “The idea is to really do our best to get them into transitional housing and safely.” Enos said the city’s Office of Supportive Housing has been integral in helping to get the program off the ground, supplying about half of the initiative’s funding. “We’ve successfully transitioned victims safely and helped them get the other things they need — job placement, housing, counseling, care. A lot of that is needed when you’ve been dealing with an abusive relationship. You have a lot to deal with, in addition to the trauma, to transition into a safer and healthier life.” In November, the DV-4 LGBT Caucus, comprised of leaders at the city’s four primary domestic-violence agencies, including LSH, organized a two-day LGBT training for employees at the four organizations. “We talked about how to be sensitive to the culture, the language of the community,” Enos said. “The last thing somebody

who’s been traumatized needs is to walk in and have a counselor look at them like their head’s on backwards because the counselor doesn’t speak their language, isn’t familiar with their culture or isn’t aware of the culturally specific factors that have played a role in their situation.” Enos himself was in an abusive relationship for eight years. The city’s dearth of LGBTspecific services was one of the factors that prevented him from seeking help — a trend he said Lutheran Settlement House is hoping to break. “We want to get the word out about what we’re doing here and that help is available,” he said. “If I’d known something to this effect was around at that time, maybe I would have gotten out sooner. LGBTQ domestic violence is prevalent, it’s on the rise and, unfortunately, in our community we often internalize this and don’t see domestic violence for what it is. But we need to raise awareness about that and show people that help is out there.” For more information, call 215-426-8610 and ask for the LGBT Intimate Partner Violence Department or visit LSH on Facebook or at www.lutheransettlement.org. ■

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Dec. 23-29. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison C o m m i t t e e a n d M i d t ow n Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www. phillypolice.com or call 215686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 11 p.m. Dec. 20 and 10 a.m. Dec. 23, an employee of the pizza shop at 248 S. 11th St. found the door open, without force, and a computer and cash missing. — At 7:45 p.m. Dec. 23, a woman was walking in the 1100 block of Spruce Street when a

male ran up, put her in a bear hug and snatched her handbag, fleeing north. The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, with some facial hair, wearing dark jeans and a black hoodie. — Between 9 p.m. Dec. 27 and noon Dec. 28, someone stole the seat from a secured bicycle from outside 1001 Clinton St. — On Dec. 29, a domestic-violence assault was reported that allegedly occurred Dec. 11 in an apartment in the 1200 block of Chestnut St. NON-SUMMARY ARREST — At 5 p.m. Dec. 25, 6th District Officers McQue and Riddick arrested a male outside 1201 Market St. for failure to appear for court. The 60-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with contempt of court.

SUMMARY ARRESTS — On Dec. 28, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 8:25 p.m. outside 1200 Walnut St. and at 10:40 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. — At 8 p.m. Dec. 25, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1135 Market St. — At 9 p.m. Dec. 26, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1129 Chestnut St. — At 12:20 a.m. Dec. 27, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 200 S. Juniper St. — On Dec. 28, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 8:25 p.m. outside 1200 Walnut St. and at 10:40 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. — At 4:45 p.m. Dec. 29, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense inside 1200 Market St. ■

PGN FINANCE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

The state of Social Security benefits Q: My partner and I live in Philadelphia and were recently married in New York City. He’s 68 and collecting his Social Security. I just turned 66, which is my full retirement age for my Social Security benefits. Am I able to collect benefits based on my partner’s Social Security now that we are married? A: This is a very timely question! Considering that the Social Security Administration to this point is only recognizing gay marriages based on “state of residence,” this topic has created much confusion for legally married gay couples living in states such as Pennsylvania that do not recognize their marriages. Here’s what you need to know.

all of the same Social Security benefits as opposite-sex married couples. Now, the not-so-good news ... If you live in a state that does not recognize your marriage, such as Pennsylvania, then you are not currently eligible for spousal and survivor benefits from Social Security. So, unfortunately for folks such as yourselves who were married in another state, but are still living in Pennsylvania, you’re out of luck, at least at the moment, for any enhanced Social Security options. However, there may be some good news coming on the horizon from the Social Security Administration for people in Jeremy your situation (those legally but living in a state such Gussick married as Pennsylvania that does not recognize that marriage). The current guidance provided by the Social Security Administration on this issue is as follows: “We are working with the Department of Justice to develop and implement policy and processing instructions on this issue. However, we encourage you to apply right away, even if you aren’t sure you are eligible. Applying now will preserve your filing date, which we use to determine the start of potential benefits.” So if you are eligible for spousal or survivor benefits based on the earnings record of your same-sex spouse and wish to file for those benefits, the SSA is encouraging you to do so immediately, even though they’re

Out Money

Social Security and same-sex marriage The good news is that, for the first time ever, Social Security spousal and survivor benefits that have been available for opposite-sex married couples are now also available for some same-sex legally married spouses. The key word in that previous sentence being “some.” That is because, as of the date of this column, the Social Security Administration has chosen to use “state of residence” rather than “state of ceremony” to determine eligibility for benefits. So if you are legally married and living in a state that recognizes your marriage, such as New Jersey, New York or Delaware, to name a few nearby, you’re now entitled to

not likely to begin paying any such benefits right away. By applying now, you’ll be preserving your filing date, so that if they eventually do allow same-sex spouses living in Pennsylvania to collect these benefits, you’ll potentially be entitled retroactively to the date you filed. I would stress, however, that before you just blindly file for benefits, get a better understanding of what benefits you may be eligible for and whether or not it makes sense to file based on your unique circumstances. The two main benefits that same-sex spouses are now eligible for in states recognizing their marriages are spousal benefits and survivor benefits. It’s important for you to understand what they are and how these benefits may or may not apply to your situation. I’d strongly recommend you seek professional guidance from an advisor who has a thorough understanding of the various benefits from Social Security to help guide you in the best filing strategy. Here’s some information to get you started. What is a spousal benefit? A spousal benefit, simply put, is equal to one-half of the primary worker’s benefit. As an example: Janet and Sue are married. Janet’s Social Security benefit at age 66 is $2,000/month and Sue’s Social Security benefit at age 66 is only $600/month. If Sue filed for benefits, assuming Janet had already filed, Sue would be entitled to $1,000/month in a spousal benefit (one-half of Janet’s $2,000/month benefit). Since they are married, Sue will be entitled to an extra $400/month in benefits. If their marriage

were not recognized, Sue would only be entitled to her own smaller benefit. Now, of course, there are some rules for spousal benefits, including the following: 1. Spouses must be married and living in a state that recognizes the marriage to be eligible. 2. The first spouse must have filed for their benefit for the second spouse to be eligible for the spousal benefit. 3. Spousal benefits can be collected as early as age 62; however, they will be reduced if collected prior to full retirement age (as are all retirement benefits from Social Security). 4. If you were to get divorced, you’re still eligible for divorced-spouse benefits as long as you were married for at least 10 years and you’re currently not remarried. What is a survivor benefit? A survivor benefit is the benefit that one spouse is entitled to when the other spouse passes away. If one spouse passes, the surviving spouse is entitled to the higher of the two benefits. Using our previous example, Janet’s benefit is $2,000/month and Sue’s benefit is $600/month (or $1,000/month as a spousal benefit). If Janet were to pass away, Sue’s lower benefit would automatically be replaced by Janet’s higher $2,000/ month benefit, and she would retain that survivor benefit for the rest of her life. There are also some rules with survivor benefits, some of which include: 1. The couple must have been married for nine months at the date of death to be eliPAGE 12

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Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Peter LaBarbera

Editorial

Policy progress For the first time ever, the Philadelphia Police Department has adopted a policy regarding treatment of those who identify as transgender. The directive is wide-ranging but, most importantly, emphasizes that the gender identity of transgender individuals — whether they are victims, suspects, witnesses or interacting with law enforcement in another role — should be respected. This signifies a new chapter in police-community relations, and has the potential to bring about impressive strides for wider recognition of the rights of the transgender community. Primarily, this policy is needed for transgender and gender-nonconforming men and women themselves, who deserve the dignity and affirmation that comes from having the identity they live each day respected by those tasked with protecting all citizens. Just as having a state law that bans the firing of LGBT people shows LGBTs that their identity is affirmed and respected, so too does a policy such as this give the trans identity the validity it deserves. Having a policy in ink, with (hopefully) real repercussions for those who violate it, is a tremendous signal to the trans community that Philadelphia respects and appreciates their role in our city. And this is a city whose police department has not had a stellar reputation for relations among police and trans communities. We have a number of outstanding homicide cases involving transgender women of color — Nizah Morris, Stacey Blahnik and Kyra Cordova, among them — where serious questions have rightfully been raised about the investigations. Surely, these guidelines will not bring overnight justice to these victims, but they

are a positive move toward ensuring the department possesses a culture where all victims, regardless of gender identity or any other factor, are treated equally and fairly — and where all citizens can be confident in that. From a media standpoint, this is also a much-needed (and appreciated) move. In the past, the department had a policy of identifying victims or suspects to the media solely through their legal names and sex. For PGN, this was a frequent struggle. As a news outlet, we rely on law enforcement to provide up-to-date, accurate facts about a crime when it occurs but, with trans-related cases, were often supplied facts that, while seemingly correct on paper, did not correlate with information we received from the community. We had to abide by journalistic standards of printing only verifiable information, but at times that regrettably put us in the position of disrespecting the gender identity of transgender folks. This new policy is a needed tool to help journalists, both LGBT and mainstream, communicate truly accurate news. Philadelphia has long been a leader on LGBT-rights issues, and in recent years, has especially emerged as a model for trans equality. We operate a successful and ever-growing annual Trans-Health Conference, trans people serve in visible leadership positions throughout the city and, just last year, we adopted groundbreaking trans-inclusive legislation. However, none of these wins would mean much if trans citizens and visitors do not feel safe on our streets. The new police guidelines are a meaningful, momentous step forward in ensuring all trans people have a place in our city. ■

On New Year’s Day, two guys married on a float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. How nice for them. And now everybody’s moved on, right? Ha, ha. I doubt it. Considering how worked up antigay conservatives got about this whole thing before it happened, I suspect they aren’t about to let it go. Case in point: Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality, a group dedicated to propagating lies about LGBT people, criticized the Tournament of Roses for “celebrating homosexual perversion in the storied parade watched by countless children.” According to the Los Angeles Times, the couple married on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s float, titled “Living the Dream: Love Is the Best Protection.” The float “was created to celebrate victories in 2013 for the same-sex marriage movement, including Supreme Court decisions upholding the repeal of California’s Proposition 8 and striking down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act.” AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Ged Kenslea told the L.A. Times that “the organization supports legally sanctioning samesex marriage because it encourages more stable relationships as well as behavior that will prevent the spread of HIV.” “We believe that marriage saves lives,” he said. Well, no wonder LaBarbera is so pissed off. Gays marrying each other? That’s totally at odds with the depiction of gays as perverted destroyers of civilization and haters of God that LaBarbera prefers. “The ‘gay wedding’ float is symbolic of America’s ongoing moral disintegration: In the name of ‘tolerance,’ ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion,’ we proudly parade our sin down our streets — defying our Creator and aggressively corrupting the minds and souls of future generations,” LaBarbera wrote in a Dec. 30 press release. Notice how he puts “tolerance,” “diversity,” and “inclusion” in scare quotes, as if they’re either dirty words or not real things. LaBarbera has no patience for anyone

who disagrees with him, especially if those people claim to be Christians. “The unbiblical ‘progressive evangelical’ and liberal Catholic movement to affirm unrepentant homosexuals as ‘Christians’ serves Satan’s agenda, not God’s,” he writes. In other words, if you’re not an antigay Christian or, worse, if you’re actually gay, you’re no Christian at all. You might as well carve an upside-down cross into your forehead. “Substitute another sexual sin for ‘gay’ and see if it makes sense: Would the Rose Parade allow a live incestuous ‘union’ atop one of its floats?” LaBarbera wonders. Huh. I’m gonna go with no. I’m also going to point out that being gay isn’t the same thing as being incestuous, which I shouldn’t have to point out, but LaBarbera is a very confused man. LaBarbera really can’t get over the fact that kids are going to see this big gay float. “The homosexual ‘marriage’ movement corrupts impressionable children by teaching them that wrong is right,” LaBarbera continues, “and that erotic ‘love’ between two people of the same sex is ‘equal’ to natural marital love as ordained by God. Jesus Christ had strong words for anyone who promotes sin and corrupts the souls of innocent children. Yeah, Jesus had a lot of strong words to say about a lot of things. But gays getting married wasn’t one of them. Kids aren’t going to choose to be gay by seeing the “Living the Dream” float in the Rose Parade. It’s far more likely that impressionable children will choose to be football players, a game that will likely leave many of them with brain damage. Which makes me wonder how many times LaBarbera’s been hit in the head. ■

Gays marrying each other? That’s totally at odds with the depiction of gays as perverted destroyers of civilization and haters of God that LaBarbera prefers.

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

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OP-ED PGN

A happy homecoming Last October, New Jersey legalized The dmhFund didn’t ask for a single same-sex marriage. This milestone came dime from the local LGBT community. on top of the already-in-place New Jersey We broke ground on Nov. 9, 2012, construction finished last month and residents Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination in employment, hous- have already begun moving in. ing and public accommodations based on The hardest part of this journey hasn’t sexual orientation and gender been constructing a brand-new identity. New Jersey has antiapartment complex in under 14 months, securing funding bullying measures to help protect LGBT students, state law or getting approvals. It was that deters hate crimes against witnessing firsthand just how much this type of housing is LGBT individuals and recently needed in our community. enacted legislation banning gay I saw the plight of my felconversion therapy for minors — only the second state in the low pioneers. I knew people country to do so. who marched in the streets for We’ve come a long way since equality, but who could no longer make it up the three flights the days when homosexualof stairs to the only apartment ity was considered a psychiatric disorder and illegal. A they could afford. I heard from couples who had to hide their gay youth today has a growing number of protections and love in order to live in a neighMark Segal borhood they could afford. resources that will help him or her live openly. The progress Some who received assistance we’ve made to date is due in large part to had to hide their true identities for fear the LGBT civil-rights pioneers who fought of losing their social services. I became for equality and respect. From the defining aware of the hidden struggles of many, moment of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to unwilling to ask for help, who have come now, these individuals have been fighting out about their sexuality but are still in for our cause. It’s thanks to them that there the closet when it comes to their financial are health clinics and community centers, a situation. Many live in less-than-ideal war on bullying, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, situations, no matter the condition or their Don’t Tell,” marriage equality as an impor- treatment, rather than be honest about tant social issue, etc. themselves or their finances. But with their fight came many sacriWitnessing the true suffering and the fices. As a result of simply being themobstacles low-income LGBT senior citiselves, many were not able to secure steady zens in our community face, I knew that jobs that paid well. Without legal same-sex the John C. Anderson Apartments could marriage and often lacking family supaddress not just the needs of someone port, many LGBT senior citizens have who was gay, or a senior or low-income found themselves lacking financial stabil— it needed to address the entire perity and alone. In many mainstream retireson. That’s why we’ve partnered with ment homes, seniors face discrimination four Philadelphia organizations to meet from other residents. I even knew one man the potential needs of our future residents: Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia’s whose fellow residents tried to “pray the LGBT health-care and wellness cengay away” from him on a daily basis. ter; ActionAIDS. a Philadelphia-based How can we let this happen? How can organization committed to creating an we let our senior citizens — who have done so much for the LGBT community — AIDS-free generation; the William Way just drift away into the night? They made it LGBT Community Center, a Philadelphia their job to take care of us and, now, when community center that seeks to encourage, support and advocate for the wellthey need us the most, we abandon them? It’s unfair, it’s unjust and it wasn’t going to being and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities; and the Philadelphia happen on my watch. Corporation for Aging, a private, nonEnter the John C. Anderson Apartments: $19.5 million of LGBT-friendly, affordable profit organization whose mission is senior housing in Philadelphia. The project to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians. Each organization, all was funded through a Philadelphia HOME of which already work with local LGBT grant, Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds and senior citizens, will provide social serLow-Income Housing Tax Credits. The vices for our residents. With their help, project, one of the first in the nation, we’ve created not just a place for our went up in record time, with overwhelmresidents to live, but a home — a safe, ing support from federal, state and local welcoming environment where they can elected officials and the local Philadelphia finally live their true lives. ■ community. (The only other constructed Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the LGBT-friendly, low-income, senior housing is Triangle Housing, opened in Los nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at Angeles in 2005. Another project is under construction in Chicago.) mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Street Talk Is it fair to out a politician who has an anti-LGBT voting record? “The vindictive part of me says out the person. But two wrongs don’t make a right. Outing someone who doesn’t Allison Elkins want to be student outed is not Washington Square appropriate. West You could ruin someone’s life: personally, professionally, financially. But it might be helpful to privately encourage the politician to do the right thing.”

“Absolutely not. What a politician does in his or her bedroom is his or her business, not anyone else’s. Scott Sicilia Sexuality student is a very Northeast private Philadelphia thing. It’s not acceptable to out anyone, under any circumstances.”

“Yes. I have no patience for hypocrisy. If you’re in the public eye and you’re going against something you clearly are, we have Jesse Thomas a problem. store manager The civil Washington Square West rights of people are more important than a politician’s privacy. I’m not concerned about his or her privacy.”

“Yes. Elected officials forfeit some rights, including some of their privacy [rights]. If you’re Jennifer Weiner actively writer working Queen Village against a group to which you belong, then I have no sympathy for you. Drag him out! The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I’m a Trekkie.”

Thinking Out Loud

Abby Dees

Letter to me, age 14 If I could share some accumulated wisdom with my younger self, it would sound about like this. Dear Abby, As another year wraps up, I realize that I’ve owed you a letter for way too long. I know you feel hopelessly awkward and out of sync with people, but you haven’t been around long enough to know how well you’re actually doing. You know how people keep saying, “Be yourself”? And how they don’t seem to give a damn when you do just that? Maybe they’re hypocrites, but try not to take it personally (you’ll see that we all have hypocritical moments). The deal is, they’re right. But they don’t understand — or tell you — how difficult a

task being yourself actually is. I can assure you, though, the only way to get through what seems like an endless wait to grow up is to believe that you are indeed fabulous. Don’t be a self-centered jerk, but someone who appreciates her gifts and doesn’t care about anyone else’s vision of perfection. It’s the only way to get where you want to go. Along those lines, I cannot emphasize enough how much you should ignore the family’s nattering on about your weight. You’ll learn later on just how bonkers they are and how lovely you are. Instead of pinning all life’s hopes on being 20 pounds lighter, how about giving occasional props to your classically shaped, normal body. PAGE 14

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

PGN MONEY from page 9

gible, except in the case of an accident. 2. Survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled); however, they will be reduced if collected prior to full retirement age. 3. Survivor benefits would stop if you were to get remarried prior to age 60. 4. Divorced spouses are also eligible for survivor benefits as long as the marriage had lasted for at least 10 years and you were not remarried prior to age 60. These are just the basics about the benefits available to spouses through Social Security. Determining which options are available to you and which filing strategy makes the most sense for your situation is only a small piece of a broader retirement income-planning conversation. Whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, understanding how to maximize your benefits from Social Security and how to properly coordinate any spousal or survivor benefits can have a significant impact on your retirement income for years to come. It has been my experience that without proper guidance, nine out of 10 people would file for their Social Security in a manner that would not maximize their potential benefits. It’s important for you to be your own advocate and gather the information that you need to make the best decision. As always, I recommend you speak with your financial advisor to assess their understanding of the Social Security rules and how they apply to your specific situation. And if any of our readers have additional questions/comments about your Social Security benefits and eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any general or specific questions you may have. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial-planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/ SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2013, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of year 2012 and 2013 Five Star Wealth Managers.

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Wedding Don Pignolet and Mike Petty By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

joked, noting that he does most of the cooking and Petty the baking. “It is not romance or hot sex; they help but they both wear out. Philadelphia Gay News office manager You have to be able to live together and not Don Pignolet and his partner, Mike Petty, kill each other.” The pair also shares a mutual love of have a serendipitously spilled beer to thank for the start of their relationship, now almost kite-flying and owns a 25-foot cat kite, and belongs to both a national and local kite in its fourth decade. Pignolet, 62, and Petty, 69, married Dec. club. “We were on the beach in Wildwood fly29 in Cape May, N.J. Both hail from New Jersey and currently ing kites one day and we were having a little live in South Philadelphia with their nine tiff about something and two members of the club, they were a married couple, said to us, ‘You act just like a married couple.’ That was the best compliment I ever got,” Pignolet said. Pignolet had never been adamant about marriage but said that was because he never thought it was possible. “Since marriage was out of reach, it was never an option,” he said. “If something is not an option, you tend to put it down.” But, once the U.S. Supreme Court PETTY (LEFT) AND PIGNOLET IN CAPE MAY struck down a key portion of the federal ban on same-sex marriage, they began talking about taking the plunge. cats. The couple met at the former Cartwheel When New Jersey legalized marriage equalBar and Nightclub in New Hope on ity in October, they solidified their plan. “If you asked me 20 years ago, I would Halloween 1975. “It is possible to meet somebody at a bar have said I had more of a chance of walkand have it last,” Pignolet said. “It isn’t that ing on Mars,” Pignolet said about marriage equality becoming a reality. “I never thought common, but it is possible.” Pignolet said the pair bonded over a it would happen, and I’ve been fighting for gay rights when I first came out and I never spilled beer from another patron. “We were standing opposite of each other thought it would come to this.” Pignolet and Petty picked Cape May and we met over a bottle of spilled beer. Somebody dropped their bottle and we because it is one of their favorite vacation looked at each other and then looked at the spots. “Cape May is the place we’ve always beer and made a comment,” he said. Pignolet joked that his first impression gone to as a getaway, usually after the holiof Petty was, “Is he Mr. Right or Mr. Right days,” Pignolet said. “We already had a reservation down there before any of this Now? “Well, it turns out that Mr. Right Now happened. Our anniversary is Halloween and we tried to do it that day, but because turned out to be Mr. Right,” he added. Although Petty lived 15 miles in the the law just went into affect, there wasn’t opposite direction, Pignolet said he fol- enough lead time to get it done and get the lowed him home that night — and they’ve license and there is a waiting period.” The couple headed to the Cape May been together since. “We’ve always been together after that Courthouse Nov. 25 to apply for their and never looked at anybody else,” he said, license. The next month, Pignolet and Petty were noting that they were both were each others’ first, and last, partner. “It was the first married in front of the Christmas tree at the time for both of us. There were no exes. He Dormer House, a favorite spot of theirs. “We had the innkeeper and his daughter was just coming out and I had been out for as witnesses. This was our fourth trip back two years. I was 24 and he was 31.” Pignolet has been working at PGN since to the Dormer House. We like it there, we its inception, in 1976, and was a member like the people and we like the rooms.” Pignolet said the response from friends of the team that helped get the publication off the ground. Petty has worked as a and family has been tremendous. “It had been a long time coming. People hair stylist for more than 40 years and currently works at Dino’s Casa of Beauty in pointed out that we’ve been together longer than we’ve been apart,” he said. “People Rittenhouse Square. Pignolet said in their 38 years together, were saying it is about time or congratulatthe pair learned that being domestically ing us. What I wasn’t expecting was wedcompatible has been a key to keeping their ding presents. I did not expect that. That came out of left field. Everything was relationship on track. “Lovin’ don’t last, cookin’ do,” Pignolet beyond my expectations.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

OUT LOUD from page 11

Spend that energy getting better at guitar. Or reading. Or picking your toes. Much better use of your energy than starving. You won’t be a rock star, I hate to tell you, but if you’ll also stop believing that you’re too fat to front a band, or make friends or put yourself out there in front of people, you will never regret taking those risks. You will be loved and appreciated for who you are — which is exactly the same person you are now, only with a lot more confidence and gentle acceptance of your flaws. That’s how the “be yourself” thing pays off. You’ll even have to find delicate ways to let people down who fall for you, which sucks, but you can stop worrying that you’re destined to be alone. Did I mention you were a lesbian? You knew that already. You’ll go out with boys just to make sure, and because you want to try to be “normal” and because you’re itching to experience everything. That’s fine, I guess — just don’t expect much. The sooner you face your truth, the sooner you can live your life fully, with a big s***-eating grin to boot. I should also give you a heads-up that “normal” is wildly overrated. Take all those secrets and dump them in the trash. This includes any shame about

being gay, your birthmark (everyone has them) or those rock-star dreams. As soon as you speak things out loud and claim your quirks proudly, you transform vulnerability into strength. This is the definition of having balls. Adults are more confused about life than they let on. As a result, they’ll inevitably underestimate you. Listen to your gut about whether they are being straight up with you. If so, then pay attention. Ask their opinions, and then remember the ones who really look you in the eyes as they share those opinions with you. Remember the ones who care what you have to say, especially if they take the time to challenge your ideas about things. In about 30 years you’ll want to send them a thank-you letter for treating you with real respect. The future will arrive in due time, and it will be worth all of the struggle to get there. I promise. Love, Me ■ Abby Dees is a civil-rights attorneyturned-author who has been in the LGBTrights trenches for 25-plus years. She can be reached at queerquestionsstraighttalk. com.

TRANS POLICY from page 1

instructs officers to ask the individual his or her preferred name and pronoun usage. “The overall aim is to make sure we establish a policy regarding interaction with transgender individuals where people are treated properly, with the courtesy and dignity they’re supposed to be treated with, as human beings,” Stanford said. Its media policy now requires law enforcement to refer to transgender individuals with their chosen name and gender identity, if such information is available from the individual or family and friends; previously, police would rely on an individual’s government-issued identification when releasing information to media. Also among its stipulations, the directive

KRAUS from page 1

Council, he was an interior-design consultant and president of the South Side Chamber of Commerce. Kraus said openly LGBT elected officials have the ability to demonstrate on a wide scale the need for diversity and acceptance. “If you remember Harvey Milk’s argument, it was simply, ‘Come out, come out,

includes definitions and terminology applicable to the transgender community, mandates officers cannot question an individual solely based on his or her gender presentation and cannot use derogatory language. It also instructs law enforcement to transport and house transgender suspects apart from general-population suspects when possible. Stanford said there will be repercussions for officers who do not follow the policy. “Just like with any other policy, if someone violates the policy, then there will be disciplinary action that they face internally,” he said. “This is going to be treated the same way. There is now a policy within the department and expectations for all of our officers to follow that policy just as they would with any other policy. And they will be held accountable.” ■ come out.’ Come out so that people could see we are just like you. We are your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, doctors, lawyers, florists, shopkeepers — you name it. The importance of having openly out people in positions of authority is so that people can see we just function as regular people in everyday society, just as everybody else does.” ■

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NEWS PGN

Media Trail Priest condemned by Vatican for gay ministry dies ABC News reports a Roman Catholic priest who was censured by the Vatican for his ministry to gays and lesbians has died. The Rev. Robert Nugent, a co-founder of New Ways Ministry, had been suffering from lung cancer when he died Jan. 1 in Milwaukee at age 76, the group said in a statement. Nugent and Sister Jeannine Gramick created the ministry in 1977 with a goal of reconciling gays and lesbians with the wider church community. In 1999, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then the Vatican’s orthodoxy watchdog, said the pair had harmed the church by causing confusion about church teaching that same-sex relationships were sinful. Ratzinger, who went on to become Pope Benedict XVI, ordered the co-founders to permanently stop their outreach. Nugent said in an interview that year that he didn’t dissent from the core teachings on homosexuality, but opposed the language the church used when discussing the issue. “I spent 25 years telling homosexuals that the church cares for you, that it wants you to have a part in it,” Nugent said. “How can I talk to them and con-

International Germany gets first out lesbian cabinet minister In low-key fashion, Germany’s new Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks came out recently in a newspaper interview, making her the country’s first openly lesbian cabinet member. Hendricks, a member of the Social Democrats for 20 years, mentioned in an interview with the Rheinische Post that she would “be spending New Year’s Eve with my life partner.” A Catholic, the 62-year-old has been in the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, for 19 years. As well as being the first openly gay female cabinet minister, she is the first in the new “grand coalition,” led by third-term Chancellor Angela Merkel. During 2013, Chancellor Merkel angered LGBT campaigners with her slowness to back equal-tax arrangements for same-sex couples and her continued refusal to support marriage equality. A February 2013 poll found 74 percent of the German people supported same-sex marriage. Former foreign minister Guido Westerwelle became Germany’s first openly gay cabinet minister in October 2009.

vince them of that if I use language like evil, depravity and disorder?’” New Ways Ministry, based in Mount Rainier, Md., continued to operate. Nugent mostly stayed on the sidelines as the Vatican had directed, while Gramick continued to advocate for gay rights, often running afoul of U.S. bishops. New Ways Ministry supported the 2012 Maryland law that recognized same-sex marriage. Nugent, a member of the Salvatorian religious order, had said he had been deeply pained by the Vatican order, but he complied since disobedience would have cost him his priesthood. Francis DeBernardo, who now leads New Ways Ministry, said Nugent had “exhibited uncommon courage” in his work.

Ex-Viking: Coach made antigay remarks

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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Yahoo News reports former Minnesota punter Chris Kluwe says the team’s special-teams coordinator made antigay comments while Kluwe was with the Vikings. Kluwe wrote a scathing article on the website Deadspin on Jan. 2. In it, he alleges that coach Mike Priefer made several antigay comments in objection to Kluwe’s outspoken support of a gay-marriage amendment in Minnesota. Kluwe also said coach Leslie Frazier and general manager Rick Spielman encouraged him to tone down his public rhetoric on gay marriage and several other issues. Kluwe was cut last summer and did not play in the NFL this season. The Vikings issued a statement saying they take the allegations seriously. They also say Kluwe was released because of his football performance, not something else. ■

Gays with children receive tax benefits in Israel Despite a heated, ongoing debate around the issue, the tax authority in Israel has instructed that samesex couples with children should begin receiving tax benefits immediately. A bill to extend tax benefits to same-sex couples who have children has only passed a preliminary hearing in the Knesset, but the Israel Tax Authority issued the instruction this week. The bill passed its preliminary reading Dec. 25, but it has yet to receive a second and third reading. During a heated debate on the issue, supporters were forced into a staunch defense of its principles. According to the law, women receive tax benefits for all children, but men are only entitled to the benefits until the child reaches 3. The passage of the bill generated conflict between the Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi parties, the latter of which vetoed the bill earlier this year after it objected to language in the bill. In a deal created Dec. 24, the two parties agreed to pass the bill in its preliminary reading and work out the details during the committee process. Same-sex marriages are recognized in Israel, but must be conducted overseas. Israel does not currently allow same-sex or interfaith unions to be conducted domestically as only Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Druze religious authorities can perform the ceremonies, and none offer marriage to samesex or interfaith couples. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

PAGE 27

Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page

25 23 26 24 21 22

RUBY LEWIS (FROM LEFT), BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM, ERICA PECK AND JARED ZIRILLI IN THE NATIONAL TOUR OF “WE WILL ROCK YOU” Photos: Paul Kolnik By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com If there was ever a band that lends itself to the spectacle and pageantry of the theater stage, it’s Queen. The legendary rock band, which was fronted by iconic bisexual singer Freddie Mercury up until his untimely death in 1991, continues to be massively popular and influential to this day, as evidenced by

the musical production “We Will Rock You.” The show is still on a record-breaking streak in the U.K. and currently generating a buzz with its U.S. production, which pulls into Philadelphia Jan. 14-19 at the Academy of Music. “I think it’s taking a while to get the word out here,” actor Ruby Lewis said about the show’s popularity in the States. “Once the show is over, the response is the same as in

the U.K.: It’s taking people back. There are a lot of Queen fans in the U.S., and I think the music is what really turns people into superfans of the show.” Lewis said that she herself was a super-fan of Queen’s music long before she auditioned for the show. “I grew up with Queen’s music,” she said. “I sing ‘Somebody To Love’ in the show and it’s a dream to sing it on stage each night. The

arrangement is beautiful. It’s great to be singing Freddie Mercury stuff. He’s such a legend.” “We Will Rock You” was written by British comedian and writer Ben Elton (TV’s “Mr. Bean” and “The Young Ones”) and features a score of Queen’s biggest songs. Lewis plays Scaramouche, one of a number of characters in a futuristic society who finds inspiration in PAGE 20

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Out in the h Gayborhood g

Market St. Loews Hotel

Prince Music Theater

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2. 2. A a •2 m don e e n v i 15. i St. C m & E rt S s Cin Sansom St. 3 Spo ansom’s Ada l 13. ansom ema a Plea tim 14. S anny St. G p O sure • • 7. D y 2. Che m • 1 st H. Inn Walnut St. 3 Express Forrest 18. Stir Theatre Lou ks o y l o l nge B ’s hi ody The rpio ub P •5. e Stop Sco . Wo • 6. Cl . 7 6 2 u • ym Bik •1 Tab Chancellor St. 19. th St. G r • u 2 e .1 oy •1 4. V •2 St. James St. el Hot ck ent 4. A d Kno n . e r 1 a p TTIC 1 Locust St. 4 • de .UB YOUT 0. In HC • 21 •1 Academy ENT c ER Latimer St. of Music ama deo on C e St. Vi n r e c v u a Spr GBT 0. T Merriam AY L R •2 •17 . ICandy W E T M N Theater E •9 ILLIA YC Manning St. 26. WOMMUNIT y r Wilma e Inn r u C ntu stb n e e V Theater er In 3. 5. W and •2 •2 x e l .A Kimmel Spruce St. 3 •3 Quince St.

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dult bs • A yms tclu ers h g G g i n i • odg ent s, N •L Tavern unity C ars, Comm •B •

1. 12th Street Gym 204 S. 12th St. 215.985.4092 12thstreetgym.com 2. Adonis Cinema 2026 Sansom St. 215.557.9319 3. Alexander Inn 301 S. 12th St. 215.923.3535 alexanderinn.com 4. Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org 5. The Bike Stop 206 S. Quince St. 215.627.1662 thebikestop.com 6. Club Philly 1220 Chancellor St. 215.735.7671 7. Danny’s Adam & Eve 133 S. 13th St. 215.925.5041

8. Giovanni’s Room 1145 Pine St. 215.923.2960 giovannisroom.com Oldest LGBT bookstore in the country 9. ICandy 254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com

•

14. Sansom Street Cinema 120 S. 13th St. 215.545.9254 15. Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom St. 267.330.0151

16. Scorpio Books 205 S. Juniper St. 10. Independent Hotel 215.525.2181 1234 Locust St. 17. Spruce Street 215.923.3535 Video theindependenthotel. 252 S. 12th St. com 215.546.6843 11. Knock 18. Stir Lounge 225 S. 12th St. 1705 Chancellor St. 215.925.1166 215.732.2700 knockphilly.com stirphilly.com

12. Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut St. (entr. on Juniper St.) 215.735.1114 optimalsporthealthclubs.com 13. Pleasure Chest 2039 Walnut St. 215.561.7480

19. Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com 20. Tavern on Camac 243 S. Camac St. 215.545.0900 tavernoncamac.com

oom i’s R n n iova 8. G Pine St. 4

21. U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660 22. Unite Fitness 105 S. 12th St. 215.733.0633 uniteﬁtnessstudios. com 23. Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 24. Voyeur 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub. com 25. Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net 26. William Way LGBT CC 1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org 27. Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com

“ROCK YOU” from page 19

Queen’s music. “They chose not to have the story be autobiographical,” she said. “So now it’s a wacky fantasy world that is really cool. The audience isn’t expecting it at all. It gives the audience a chance to truly forget about their lives and escape. It’s chockfull of cool, interesting rock ’n’ roll stuff. Scaramouche is an individual in a futuristic society full of clones. She’s a teenager. When she realizes that she is not going to be able to express herself in life, she kind of gives up. She meets Galileo, a young guy, and they decide to run away and take their chances. They end up finding a group of Bohemians in the underground and they’ve dedicated their lives to collecting rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and figuring out what rock ’n’ roll is all about and try to bring it back. Galileo ends up being the Freddie Mercury incarnate and Scaramouche ends up being Brian May incarnate. She’s really good at the electric guitar. The two of them go on a journey and they rock out.” Lewis added that while the show carries the bombast of Queen’s music, it also has the band’s humorous side on display. “It’s so campy,” she said. “Their humor can be just so wacky. It’s very tongue-incheek. It’s constantly commenting on itself and poking fun at current pop culture. We create a real world but it is very Jim Henson-influenced. It’s very campy and out there.” Much to her delight, Lewis said she, along with other members of the cast, found herself rocking out with and for Queen’s May and Roger Taylor, who are musical supervisors of the show. “Brian May and Roger Taylor were part of the final call-backs,” she said. “I first met them there. They were very hands-on. They came to the opening and the final runthrough. Brian May played the show opening night. I had a chance to hang out with him. They are gentle, thoughtful people. We forget having idolized these people. It’s really cool to see how down-to-earth they are.” Lewis added that May and Taylor wanted the production to emphasize the rock songs of the group, as much as the theatricality of the show. “Brian and Roger didn’t like calling it a musical,” she said. “They called it ‘rock

theatrical’ because it uses a lot of lights and projections and elaborate costumes and wigs. It’s very theatrical in that way. The band is insane. We travel with a full band and they cover the full instrumentation of the songs as you are used to hearing it. The voicings are different but it’s the staging itself that is truly theatrical. It’s an interesting reminder of how many genres Queen was able to span and their sound was so unique from one year to the next. That was important for them to include the early stuff as well as the later stuff.” Mercury, who was known for his flamboyant stage presence and sexually charged image, is alive and well in the show’s characters. “Galileo is just a rock ’n’ roll kid,” Lewis said. “The spirit of Freddie and his beautiful individuality really does come out in a lot of the numbers, more in the character Killer Queen’s numbers. They celebrate individuality and sexuality in those numbers. You see more of Freddie’s style.” Even though the height of Queen’s popularity was from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, Lewis said she noticed that the majority of audience members are younger fans. “I see more kids that are familiar with the music than adults,” she said. “They know every single word and they are so psyched about it. It’s cool to see. It’s already been passed on to the next generation.” Lewis, who also has appeared in television shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “Brothers & Sisters,” as well as numerous stage productions, said that while she misses the familiarity of home, the thrill of being on stage in a rock spectacle more than makes up for it. “I miss being in L.A. and the rat race,” she said. “But when I’m on stage or when the show is over and you look out and see the audience and see how you’re going on a journey together, that’s what originally set me to do this. I like to be there with the audience. TV is fun. I do like doing it. But I prefer to have the full journey in one night.” ■ “We Will Rock You” runs Jan. 14-19 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5847 or visit www.wewillrockyou. com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

TELEVISION PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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Worth Watching BAD TRIP: The Smiths are taken prisoner at a medieval-style theme park and must fight their way out in the all-new episode of “American Dad,” 9:30 p.m. Jan. 12 on Fox.

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GOING FOR THE GOLD: “Saturday Night Live” alums Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host “The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards” 8 p.m. Jan. 12 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Art Streiber

FLASHBACK: The high-school open house puts the parents in a bit of a time warp on a new episode of “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. Jan. 15 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Richard Cartwright

SPIDER-MEN: “American Ninja Warrior Special: USA vs. Japan” premieres 8 p.m. Jan. 13 with the first-ever international competition as Team USA battles Team Japan in an action-packed two-hour special. Photo: NBC/David Becker

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Suzi Nash

D’Ontace Keyes: Windy City-bred, at home in Philly Last week we celebrated the 47th anniversary of Kwanzaa. A quick lesson about Kwanzaa: To start, it is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas; it’s an African-American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, author and scholaractivist who wanted a celebration that would honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African-Americans who were working for progress during the civil-rights movement. Kwanzaa draws from the cultures of various African peoples, and its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa, from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. It is estimated that some 18-million AfricanAmericans take part in Kwanzaa. Being one of them, I brought some of my visiting family members to the Kwanzaa event sponsored by The Colours Organization and other community groups and held at the William Way LGBT Community Center last month. One of the foundations of Kwanzaa is the Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba. At the event, one young man particularly personified the sixth principle, Kuumba: Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited. A former vocal-arts major at the University of the Arts, D’Ontace Keyes wowed the crowd with his operatic rendition of “Your Daddy’s Son” from the musical “Ragtime.” I took a moment to speak to the creative firecracker about life and music. PGN: So, do you hail from our fair city? DK: No, I’m originally from Chicago. I moved here to Philadelphia to further my education at the University of the Arts. I did my undergrad and graduate studies in vocal jazz and music education. I’ve been here about six years. PGN: When I heard you sing at the Kwanzaa event, you were singing opera. DK: Yes, I studied both classical and jazz, and I still study to this day. PGN: What’s your favorite aria to sing? DK: I’m in love with the “Dichterliebe.” It’s actually a German art-song cycle. My favorite part is “Ich grolle nicht.” It’s a really intense song about betrayal. I do a lot of songs that seem to have some type of emotional connection to grief or transitioning.

PGN: Do you sing the songs in German? DK: Yes, I do. PGN: Do you speak German? DK: [Laughs.] No, I can only sing it! PGN: Tell me about growing up in Chicago. What was your childhood like? DK: Well, my mother was abusive. So at age 12, I was put into the foster-care system, where I remained for several years. Even when I first came to Philadelphia, I was still a ward of the state. But I was always into music and singing and knew from a young age that I wanted to go to a performing-arts school and pursue a career in the arts. I managed to go to the Chicago Academy for the Arts, a private school that you had to audition to get into and the tuition was $20,000. The school was nicknamed “The Selected 150” because they only chose 150 students and you had to get invited back each year. PGN: Did you get a scholarship? DK: Yes, my junior year. I wanted to go freshman year but my foster mother’s home was in the suburbs, three hours from the school. I would’ve had to commute alone and they weren’t willing to let me do that. So I went to the local high school for the first two years and I did choir and band. It was actually my choir teacher who introduced me to the “Dichterliebe,” which I used as my audition piece to eventually get into the performing-arts school. I got in with a full ride!

go to school with bruises on our faces, hungry and fatigued. There were times when she put us out of the house and we would sleep outside on the back porch and people would see us, so the whole neighborhood knew. Eventually it was a number of people coming together to get me out of that situation. PGN: What was the final straw? DK: Out of the three of us, my little brother got the brunt of it. The final straw was a doorknob that was thrown that hit my brother in the eye. There was a neighbor down the street who we had sought out a few times before when we sent my mother to jail for battery. I sent her once and my sister sent her once before. PGN: Sheesh, you would think they take you away after the first incident. DK: Yeah, you would think so, but it didn’t happen. She had her ways of talking her way out of things. After the doorknob incident, the [Department of Children

PGN: And you commuted six hours a day? DK: Yes, I was very dedicated! PGN: Back to the family. Any siblings? DK: Yes, I have one brother and four sisters. Most of us have different fathers. You know that song “Papa was a Rolling Stone”? Well, that was my mother. There were only three of us that she abused: me, my little brother and the sister I share a father with. She used to call us the three blind mice. PGN: Did she have drug problems? DK: Yes, she was a nurse and she used to abuse prescription drugs and she had problems with alcohol as well, which was the main source of the problem. It got to the point where I realized we had to get out of the house. I knew from a young age that I would have to figure out “the system” so I could save myself. That I needed to somehow get child-services involved and tell the truth, nothing but the truth, express the danger that we were in and impress upon them that the family was not better off together. It was very intense. PGN: Who did you tell? DK: I think people sort of knew. We would

and Family Services] took us away and first transitioned us to people who were somewhat family. Two of my sisters were over 18 so they were on their own. Two others went with their godmother, my brother went with his grandmother and I was all alone. It was probably the best decision I ever made for myself. I had a premonition of what I wanted my life to be and this allowed me to do it. Because I was in the system, I got financial help with school in order to further my educa-

tion, so if I had been placed with family it probably wouldn’t have been the best thing, especially because I didn’t find a lot of acceptance with other family members around my sexuality and my demeanor. I also looked different than most of my family because I was mixed. My dad was white and Mexican and my mother is mixed as well. PGN: What was your favorite thing to do as a kid or your favorite game? DK: Hmmm ... I don’t know ... My childhood was taken from me at such an early age, I lived in such fear that most of my time was occupied trying to figure out how to be strategic enough to make it to the next day. I was the more independent one. I’d actually challenge my mother more than the others. I remember one time when she came at me and I stepped back and was like — excuse my language — “Go ahead and try to hit me, bitch!” I was ready to box her because I’d hit my limit. I was just like, “I can’t take this anymore.” I knew I had to get out and, to this day, even though I’m the one who went into the system, I’m the only one who got away and made it through college, became successful. PGN: Did you move around or were you in just one foster home? DK: Just the one, mostly. In my senior year, I moved away from my foster mom in the suburbs. I was in the process of coming out and she didn’t necessarily offer a safe environment to do so. I was also tired of the six-hour commute each day so I moved in with one of my sisters. I’d only seen the family about once a year growing up so they had no clue who I was as a person, what made me happy, who I was becoming, and there was a lot of stuff that I wasn’t willing to share that I’m still not comfortable sharing. So it still felt like Photo: Suzi Nash a foster situation because they didn’t really know me. I never went back after I graduated because my relationship with my foster mom had begun to grow apart even before I moved into the city. I had a job so I was rarely home and there were things that she required of me that I wasn’t able to provide because I was focused on myself and my life, my education and my craft. After that senior year, I came here to Philadelphia for school. PAGE 24

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

FUN PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle In your face, Putin Across

1. Name of many a gay bar 6. “Cabaret” director 14. Become an open pansy, e.g. 15. Like an empty apartment 16. Tennis great and LGBT icon 18. Handle on a wine bottle 19. Hard to penetrate 20. Hornet’s nest 22. First name in talk 25. Role for Bela 26. Charted records 28. Second name in cross-dressing 30. ’69 and others 31. Fire remains 33. Part of San Francisco’s BART 35. Two-time Olympic medalist in hockey 40. Harness the wind 41. Where you can eat heroes

43. What you thumb through in a bk. 46. Boat bottom bumpers 49. Pianist Hess 50. “Brothers & Sisters” producer Ken 52. Tonsil trouble 54. Supporter of bottoms 55. SautÈed delicacy 57. Winfrey of “The Color Purple” 59. He appointed two athletes in this puzzle to the US delegation to the Sochi Olympics 64. Ben Gay, for one 65. Parent’s major responsibility 66. Gets touched by a rubber 67. Sleek swimmer

Down

1. Come out on the beach 2. Will Smith title role 3. Vidal’s “Live from ___” 4. Role for Marlene

PORTRAIT from page 23

PGN: Were your problems with your sister surrounding your sexuality? DK: No, I think they all kind of knew already, so I didn’t have to go through that whole “Oh, I’m gay” phase. It was more different personalities. PGN: Any happy childhood memories? DK: My grandmother. She couldn’t talk because she had had a stroke but she always smiled whenever I went over and she would sing and hum. I have a strong connection to gospel music. It’s part of my craft; I grew up in the church, and I have a great belief in God. There were a couple of songs that she would sing and hum to me that I still remember to this day. PGN: Any other extracurricular activities in school? DK: I ran cross-country track! And I did a couple of plays, as well as performing in show choir. And marching band, I loved marching band! I was in the drum line. I was the cymbals guy — you know — the one who did all the dancing. And at the conservatory, I did a lot of competition singing. PGN: What’s that? DK: You represent your school and have to sing certain required pieces. You also have to sight-read a piece. I was learning more classical and jazz pieces and, since I was living in Chicago at that time, I started doing singing gigs around town and learned about Boystown and the youth center, and started getting involved in coordinating different LGBT events.

5. Nellie-lover in “South Pacific” 6. Actress GeneviËve 7. January, numerically 8. Cross-dresser’s cup pair 9. Provide, as for oneself 10. Like Bernstein, regarding pitches 11. Tight-fisted 12. Alarm component 13. They can cut leaves of grass 17. “She” to Bonheur 20. “So, it’s YOU!” 21. Record album 23. “A Summer Place” actor Richard 24. Undercover crack investigator, perhaps 27. Frida’s halfdozen 29. Enjoy E. Lynn Harris 32. Jones formerly of “The View” 34. Deep throat clearer 36. They gave

Pinocchio an 8incher 37. “Why should ___ you?” 38. Timothy of “Damages” 39. Telegram 42. Went out with 43. Cheerleader’s handful 44. Audre Lorde’s partner Josephs 45. Rock singers of Greek mythology? 47. Leads, as a rock band 48. Back-to-school mo. 51. Chicken hawk pads 53. Movie trailer, e.g. 56. Peru’s capital 58. Some 60. Univ. title 61. Hydrocarbon ending 62. He comes between Larry and Curly 63. Abbr. on a Provincetown Ferry ticket PAGE 27

PGN: Name two jazz standards that you sing. DK: That’s so easy! Everyone knows me for singing “Blue Skies” and “Lullaby of Birdland.” [Laughs.] I tear those songs up! PGN: When did you sing last, aside from Kwanzaa? DK: I was part of Josh Schonewolf’s Songbird competition at Tabu. It was a great experience. PGN: And what do you do now? DK: Ha! I work all the time, seven days a week. I’m trying to change that for 2014. I work for Y-HEP, the Youth Health Empowerment Project. I am the program associate for the “I am ... ” program. I work with and provide preventative health services for young men of color between the ages of 13-29 who have sex with men. On the weekends, I work in retail at DSW — I shouldn’t! I’ve worked at both places in different capacities ever since I’ve been in Philly. Nationally, I sit on the board of HIV Prevention Trials Network and I’m also the vice chair of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. Those are both volunteer jobs but I spend a large portion of time working on them. And I gig whenever I have a chance to, which is ultimately what I love to do. PGN: Time for some arbitrary questions. Which member of the family has had the greatest influence on your way of thinking? DK: I would have to say my aunt, because I remember a time when I was in high school and she was driving me somewhere.

I was telling her my plan to get out of Chicago, because I always had a plan, and her reaction was “Go! Go, and never come back.” She was the first one to encourage me that way and I’ve never gone back. I’ve been offered jobs in Chicago but I’ll never go back.

way. I am related to jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum. He was Whitney Houston’s opening act for several years.

PGN: Any phobias? DK: Failure. I don’t like letting people down. I’m the kind of person who likes to give 150 percent to anything I do. I get anxiety if I set a goal that I’m not able to reach.

PGN: What’s the background on your computer screen? DK: Myself! I did a photo shoot for a project I’ve been working on that’s going to launch this year. I’m not ready to disclose exactly what it is yet, but I’ve taken all the knowledge I’ve accrued from the various jobs I’ve had and groups I’ve worked with to start a company that handles social and community events and projects.

PGN: Which one of Snow White’s seven dwarves would you be? DK: Bashful! I get embarrassed really easily. It doesn’t take much to turn me red!

PGN: When are you most at peace? DK: When I’m listening to gospel music. There’s something about it that just settles me.

PGN: Worst scar? DK: [Holds up hand showing one finger shorter than the others.] When I was a kid, I was riding a bike and crashed into a garage door. When I woke up, the tip of my finger was missing. It was somewhere in the bike.

PGN: What about the dichotomy of having homophobic rhetoric in many of the black churches while having choir directors/members who are gayer than Little Richie? DK: It is a challenge. But for me, I find that a lot of the churches that are “affirming” change the word to accommodate the congregation and, for me, I prefer the word to be more authentic. So I go in and get my teaching and I leave. I just am who I am and it works for me.

PGN: Sorry I asked! My stomach just did a 360 ... DK: [Laughs.] Imagine how I felt when I saw it! PGN: Any relation to Alicia Keys? DK: I wish! PGN: Me too. You could have hooked me up, before she did something silly like marrying her husband. DK: Yeah, she spells it differently any-

PGN: Describe a word beginning with the first letter of your name that sums you up. DK: Determined. ■ To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

DINING PGNOUT

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

House-made comfort food abounds at Miles Table By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Being a coffee shop, eatery and a catering business all in one is a tall order for Miles Table, 1620 South St., but the restaurant accomplishes it by keeping the focus on good and interesting food.

Besides a menu of standard fare featuring sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and salads, the restaurant has an ever-changing seasonal menu of specials for patrons to drool over. We’d like to kick ourselves for not stopping by for breakfast or brunch, as the brunch specials feature items like bananabread French toast and Miles Table’s interesting takes on huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos. We were shown pictures, and they look even more spectacular and decadent than their descriptions on the menu. We are determined to make a return trip ... The night we visited, the specials were all pasta dishes, and we decided to keep it simple. Did we mention that the busiest times for Miles Table are during breakfast and lunch, when neighborhood residents pack the sleek but cozy confines of the space? Hopefully those early birds will come around more often, because the dinner menu is impressive and creative as well. According to the friendly staff, everything at Miles’ kitchen in house-made, down to the pickles they use on the burgers. And it shows. The harvest soup ($6) was a lovely, velvety take on butternutsquash soup, with carrots and fen-

nel thrown in to give the sweetness of the squash something to play against. Normally we shy away from white pizza but since it’s Miles’ most popular pie, we had to try it ($11). The crust was pleasantly thin and crispy. The pizza itself was piled high with chicken, cheese and pesto. This particular pizza, to our delight, held back on the garlic-y over-seasoning we’ve come to expect with white pizzas. Another house favorite we tried was the falafel burger ($9.50), which is one of

two occasions we can think of in recent memory where the chef nailed the perfect consistency of falafel. This sandwich can easily compete with our carnivore lust for burgers. It was perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and smooth-textured on the inside. The toppings of tomato and feta cheese added a terrific brightness to the overall flavor of the sandwich as well. Miles has set up a pretty interesting table, so if you pull up a chair, you will not be disappointed. ■

If you go Miles Table

1620 South St. 267-318-7337 www.milestable. com Mon.-Fri.: 7 a.m.8 p.m. Sat.: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Photos: Larry Nichols

Come see what’s new at your local, non-corporate, gluten-free historic queer bookshop! Browse, chat, and support the oldest continuously operating LGBT book store in the USA!

10% most hardcovers, over 5 million books and 3 million eBooks available at queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 01/10 Wedding Open House An opportunity to meet with wedding professionals, 5-8 p.m. at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.; 215409-6600. Love Comes First by B. Proud The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of blackand-white photographic portraits of LGBTQ couples in long-term committed relationships, 68 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Cold Blood Club The dance band with out members performs 8 p.m. at Milkboy, 1100

Chestnut St.; 215922-6455. My Life in 19 Inches Five Minute Follies alum Craig Liggeons stars in his epic oneman show spanning 40 years in the life of a TV addict, 8 p.m. at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.; 800838-3006. Patti LaBelle The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; 609-3484411.

Sat. 01/11 My Neighbor Totoro The acclaimed

animated fantasy film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Brian Regan The comedian performs 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Let’s Make a Deal GayBINGO! Wacky costumes are expected, 7 p.m. at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.; 215-731-9255. Back to Basics The queer dance party returns 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Sun. 01/12 Serpico The crimedrama film is screened 2 p.m. at

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Animus The Philadelphiabased belly-dance troupe performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Mon. 01/13 Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Office Space The comedy film is screened 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., 215-257-5808. 12 Monkeys The science-fiction film is screened

SHOW-GIRL: Out comedian and performer of acclaimed one-woman shows Judy Gold comes to the area Jan. 17-18 at the Rrazz Room, The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information or tickets, call 888-596-1027.

8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. First Person Story Slams The spoken-word event starts 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215862-2081.

Tue. 01/14 SageWorks Introduction The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts the employment-assistance event for LGBT adults, 5-6 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Wed. 01/15

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4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Thu. 01/16 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons Queens from all seasons of the TV show perform 10 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. The Smithereens The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes The rock band performs 8 p.m. at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-652-5577.

The Burlesque Show The new event kicks off 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-

Fri. 01/17 545-4511. In This Moment The gothic-metal band performs 6:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Clutch The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St.,

THERE WILL BE BLOOD: In This Moment, fronted by goth-metal princess Maria Brink, storms into town in support of its latest album “Blood,” performing 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-6888.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening Dana Gould The comedian performs Jan. 15-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Driving Miss Daisy Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of the stage adaptation of the award-winning film Jan. 16-Feb. 2, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. Free To Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution More than 60 commercial and underground films dedicated to the sexual revolution are presented Jan. 10-Feb. 15 at International House Philadelphia’s Ibrahim Theater, 3701 Chestnut St.; 215387-5125.

Tchaikovsky Week 2: The Serenade The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Jan. 16-18 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. We Will Rock You A fictional story of iconic rock band Queen, Jan. 14-19 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Continuing Barbarism A queer, gender-upending multimedia exhibition through Jan. 31 at Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St.; 215-9223456.

Group Motion Philadelphia Dance Projects performs Jan. 16-18 at University of the Arts’ Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St.; 215-546-2552.

From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly, Beyond the Icon James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition tracing the unique path Grace Kelly took from Philadelphia to Monaco through Jan. 26, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.

Judy Gold The out comedian performs Jan. 17-18 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Live Cinema/Fiona Tan: Inventory Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a multi-projection installation inviting viewers to consider museum collections, as well as the human compulsion to capture THAT’S TUCKED UP!: Drag queens from all seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” —Sharon Needles, Ivy Winters, Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx, Alaska Thunderfuck, Carmen Carrera and Mimi Imfurst — perform in a Battle of the Seasons 10 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215-9226888.

Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company Jan. 16-18 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. From page 24

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

the transience of time and lived experience, through March 23, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Marc Newson: At Home Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of furnishings by the influential designer through April 20, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Menagerie Painted Bride Arts Center presents a solo mixed-media installation by Lynette Shelley through Feb. 16, 230 Vine St.; 215235-3405. The Surrealists: Works from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the museum’s unique collection of great masterpieces and lesserknown works of the movement through March 2, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

THE CLASSICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE: Back in the day, erotic film wasn’t just a mouse click away. Take a gander at what had people talking as dozens of commercial and underground films dedicated to the sexual revolution are screened, including gay classics like “Pink Narcissus” and “Boys in the Sand,” as part of “Free To Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution,” Jan. 10-Feb. 15 at International House Philadelphia’s Ibrahim Theater, 3701 Chestnut St. For more information and a complete schedule of films, call 215-387-5125 or visit www. ihousephilly.org/freetolove.

Closing Greg Proops The comedian performs through Jan. 11 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? Robert Dubac presents a clever combination of theater and stand-up comedy through Jan. 12 at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215-785-0100. Pam Ann The comedian performs through Jan. 12 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027. Tchaikovsky Week 1: Symphony No. 4 The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Jan. 12 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

��

Photos: Scott A. Drake

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

SECLUDED HISTORICAL DISTRICT OF LUMBERTON Beaut. rest. 1870’s home, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, 30 mins to Phila. 3 ﬂoors, all new HVAC, screened porch, 3/4 acre, mod. kit & baths, beaut. details. $285,000. 609-784-8324. _____________________________________________38-10 VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________38-10 COUNTRY BARN/5 ACRES $29,995 Rustic “Country Barn,” Well-Built & Sturdy. On 5 Wooded Acres, Meadows, Apple Orchard. Frontage on State Rte 13, Mins to Salmon River. Adjoins NY Snowmobile Trails. Call 800-229-7843 or visit www. LandandCamps.com ________________________________________38-02

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For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4897.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N ________________________________________38-02

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All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housingrelated transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

Heavy Equipment Operator Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications. GI Bill Benefits Eligible. 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________38-02 TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR to fill 2014-15 Vacancies in 17 Virginia school divisions. Friday, Jan 31, 2014-4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. & Sat, Feb 1, 2014-9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon @ Salem Civic Center, 1001 Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153-5298. www.wvpec. org--Job Fair. Sponsored by the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium. ________________________________________38-02 Regional Owner Operators for dedicated run hauling plate glass needed. All Miles Paid! Also need regional stepdeck and RGN Contractors. Contact Daily Express 800-669-6414. ________________________________________38-02 CRST offers the Best Lease Purchase Program! SIGN ON BONUS. No Down Payment or Credit Check. Great Pay. Class-A CDL required. Owner Operators Welcome! Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________38-02 Owner Operator DEDICATED HOME WEEKLY! Solos up to $175,000/year, $2500 Sign-on Bonus! Teams up to $350,000/year, $5000 Sign-on Bonus! Forward Air 888-652-5611. ________________________________________38-02 Start the New Year with a Great Career by Joining our Team. Class A Professional Drivers Call 877-457-1313 for more details or visit SuperServiceLLC.com ________________________________________38-02 WANTED: LIFE AGENTS Earn $500 a Day; Great Agent Benefits; Commissions Paid Daily; Complete Training; Leads, Leads, Leads; NO LICENSE NECESSARY TO APPLY. Call 1-888-713-6020. ________________________________________38-02

PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

ADONIS CINEMA “THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”

2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)

215-557-9319

OPEN 24hrs A Day / 7 Days A Week

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________38-10 Big tool BM top needs ginger boy bottom : Scottish or Irish men. Must be uncut for docking. Please call 6 PM to 2 AM weekends only, 215-763-3391. ________________________________________38-10 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________38-02 Real nice white butt looking for big thrill. I’m 6’1”, 210, 59. Call me at 215-732-2108 8-12 PM. ________________________________________38-03 Curious senior WM ISO WM that would let me give him oral pleasure. Call Walt at 856-761-7616. ________________________________________38-06

Massage David, 64, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________38-12

3 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area

Gay is our middle name.

THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...

SEASONS OF CHANGE

Saturday, Jan. 11th • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More ROOMS: Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00 LOCKERS: Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00 ROOMS GO QUICKLY!!!C HECK IN EARLY!

P.A.N.G.(Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sunday, Jan. 12th • Time: 3pm-6am

BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages & So Much More For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com/

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

TUESDAYS

Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE

$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!! 2026 Sansom St/ PH: 215-557-9319

PGN

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St., youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-734-9350.

Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New Jersey; mccctl.com; 732-823-2193. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www. mccphiladelphia.com.

BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-343-0406.

Old First Reformed Church Open and afﬁrming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www. oldﬁrstucc.org.

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702.

Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-7601.

Central Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m, at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610688-0664.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234; www. philadelphiacathedral.org.

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Church of the Cruciﬁxion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000; cpmm@afsc.org.

Church of the Epiphany A welcoming parish in the Episcopal tradition. Services are held on Sundays at 8 a.m. (no music) and at 10 a.m. (with music) at 209 S. 3rd St., Royersford, PA; www.EpiphanyStar.net.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215646-2597.

Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www.dhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m., New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-622-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterian-church. com. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980; www.firstuu-philly.org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3077. www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950. www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sancturary; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www. ImagoDeiMCC.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays; 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267-388-6081; www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org.

Silverside Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921; silversidechurch.org. St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www.saintasaphs.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918; stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393; www.inclusivecatholics. org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org. St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-688-1796; www.stpaullevittown.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100; tabunited.org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m; Fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m.; 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515; trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 10:30 a.m., at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets noon the first Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853; www.uucdc.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, also meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618; uucch.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609-965-9400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662. www. uupottstown.org. United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215-946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30; 215-3872885; www.uniphila.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331; atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization, Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-6869980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000

■ GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization: 215-8511822 ■ LGBT Elder Initiative: 267-5463448; info@LGBTEI.org ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends

■ Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088; www.actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city; www. gppn.org; 215-922-3377. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals; www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance. com; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.

org/philly; philly@nlgja.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism. com; 215-840-2039.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 10-16, 2014

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