PGN Jan. 4-10, 2013 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Out of the wintertime blues PAGE 17

Family Portrait: Michael Pomante

Two local out lawyers are seeking election to courts

PAGE 19

PAGE 8

Jan. 4-10, 2013

Vol. 37 No. 1

Person of the Year: Dawn Maher By PGN Staff

When a life is lost to violence, family members and friends are left to grapple with the sudden shock, the hole left in their lives by the loss and its far-reaching impact on their daily realities. And — unlike in some other types of loss — they’re faced with the challenge of finding justice for the person who took their loved one. Staying committed to that cause in the face of personal grief and anguish is a harrowing daily feat for far too many Americans. And doing so on behalf of an out and proud transgender family member is a sight too rarely witnessed, despite the high rates of anti-trans crimes. But one local woman has made a stand against violence on behalf of her transgender daughter and the countless

number of transgender victims of violence — teaching the trans community, its supporters and its opponents the meaning and import of unconditional love. Dawn Maher was shopping with her mother when a family member called to say something may have happened to her daughter, Kyra Cordova. “I knew something was really wrong and when I arrived home to two police cars and saw the looks on their faces, I knew and I felt it in my heart,” Maher told PGN in the fall. Cordova’s body was found in the early-morning hours of Sept. 3, Labor Day, in a wooded area off the 1100 block of Adams Avenue in Frankford. She had been shot in the head. Because she had no identification on her, it took police several days to get word out to the

family. Cordova, 27, grew up in Hatfield and graduated from North Penn High School. She had been living in Philadelphia for about five years and worked for a time, first as a volunteer and later as a staff tester, for the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative. She was also involved with relaunching and co-facilitating a trans group at The Attic Youth Center. Days after the family and the community was notified of the murder, on Sept. 13, transadvocacy group Blitz organized a memorial at William Way LGBT Community Center. About 400 people attended, including Maher, her sister Rhonda and other family members, who led a candelight vigil.

GALAEI executive director Elicia Gonzales said she first met Maher at the vigil and was impressed by her selflessness. “From the very beginning, she was just very embracing and

Local LGBT band to perform at inauguration

COLOURS moves to new space, expands youth focus By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A local organization for LGBT people of color moved into a new, temporary location late last month. The COLOURS Organization, Inc., moved to 4916 Chesnut St. in West Philadelphia Dec. 29, from its original location at 112 N. Broad St. According to executive director Ralph Godbolt, the organization hopes to be at the location for at least a year. Godbolt explained that during the last fiscal year, rent at the Broad Street location amounted to 35 percent of the organization’s budget, but that figure will go down to 20 percent at the West Philadelphia location. The transition will allow for new opportunities, Godbolt said. “Our [Broad Street] office is strictly offices. The new space is a townhouse, which will allow for program space, support groups and additional staff offices.” Godbolt said the new PAGE 14

friendly and didn’t really think of herself at all in the equation, from early on,” Gonzales said. “People would ask, ‘How are you doing, how are you holding up?’ and she was determined from the beginning to make sure the focus stayed on Kyra and on finding justice for Kyra. That was very impressive.” Blitz community liaison Tammyrae Barr said she also met Maher at the vigil. She was struck by Maher’s eagerness to embrace her daughter’s community. “Dawn exhibited resilience and sought to understand the community that her child was living amongst,” Barr said. “Those that truly know the trans*community of Philadelphia know that we PAGE 5

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

BROADS ON BROAD: The first-ever LGBT drag group invited to participate in the Mummers Parade stepped off from Broad Street and Washington Avenue New Year’s Day. A Mummer from the Golden Sunrise Fancy Brigade warmed up with performers Navaya Shay (from left), Bridgette Jones, Crystal Electra, Misses P., Brittany Lynn, Porcelain, Mary D’Knight, Stella D’Oro and Cherry Pop. The drag stars led the string bands up to City Hall and later performed in between the Fancy Brigades at the Convention Center. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia’s LGBT marching band will be among the performers at President Obama’s inauguration celebration later this month. Members of the Philadelphia Freedom Band will march and play for a second time at the Jan. 21 inauguration, having made their first appearance at Obama’a first inauguration in 2009. This time, the group will take 14 members — a big change from the two members who participated last time. “We were very small in 2008 and had just started up at that point,” said PFB founder and outgoing president Christopher Johansen. “We had our first performance just a couple months before the 2009 Inauguration at OutFest.” The PFB members will be among the participants in a 224-piece band put together by the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, PAGE 13 which will include 28

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Man alleges assault at Woody’s By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Tyree Lawson, a former patron of Woody’s Bar, has filed suit against the establishment, claiming a bouncer injured him while escorting him out of the venue last year. In September, Lawson sued the bar in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, seeking an unspecified amount in damages not to exceed $50,000. In the lawsuit, Lawson, of South Philadelphia, alleges he sustained a broken tooth and injuries to his face, leg and ankle during the incident. The alleged incident took place about 1:30 a.m. July 20 on the second floor of the bar, according to the lawsuit. “The [bouncer] punched [Lawson] in his face for no reason,” the lawsuit states. “The [bouncer] acted without any legal cause in assaulting [Lawson]. The [bouncer], in addition to punching [Lawson] in the face, caused or contributed to [Lawson] being knocked down the steps and injured.”

Lawson’s attorney, William E. Averona, said his client’s friend was being escorted out originally, and that Lawson got caught in the melee. In the suit, Lawson contends he asked the bouncer to stop assaulting him. “The [bouncer] refused to stop pushing and assaulting [Lawson] despite [Lawson’s] repeated requests for him to curtail his activities,” the lawsuit states. “As a direct and proximate result of the [bouncer’s] actions in concert with at least one other bouncer, [Lawson] was caused to fall down several steps, injuring his body. [Lawson] in no way contributed to the assault upon his person.” Averona said his client attempted to file a private criminal complaint against the bouncer shortly after the incident. But since Lawson doesn’t know the bouncer’s name, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office wouldn’t accept his complaint for investigation, Averona said. The bouncer is identified in the lawsuit as “John Doe.” “I just want my client fairly compensated

for his injuries,” Averona told PGN. “He did nothing to warrant the excessive force that was used against him. If he did something wrong, why didn’t they press criminal charges?” Michael Weiss, an owner of the bar, couldn’t be reached for comment. According to the lawsuit, Woody’s Bar failed to adequately screen, train and supervise its employees. “You don’t come up to a man and punch him in the face because he’s not moving fast enough — and break his tooth,” Averona continued. “They shouldn’t have ogres running around, punching people in the face.” Averona described the bouncer as a “big African-American man with dreadlocks,” but didn’t have additional details as to his identity. He said Lawson no longer patronizes the bar, located at 202 S. 13th St. The lawsuit goes on to say that the bouncer may have acted negligently during the incident. “As [Lawson] was leaving the premises with other patrons, the [bouncer] improp-

erly touched Lawson either intentionally or in a negligent fashion, causing him to fall down the steps and injure his body,” the suit states. “As a result of the various acts and omissions of Woody’s agents and employees, Lawson was caused to suffer painful injuries to his left ankle and leg, his face and a broken tooth.” Lawson had to expend significant sums of money for medical care due to the incident and seeks reimbursement, according to the lawsuit. Lawson’s injuries have also limited his ability to enjoy social and personal activities, according to the lawsuit. A hearing before a three-member arbitration panel is set for 9:30 a.m. May 29 at the city’s Arbitration Center, 1880 JFK Blvd., fifth floor. Members of the panel haven’t been named at presstime. Averona said he’s willing to take the case to a jury if the outcome of the of the arbitration process is unsatisfactory to Lawson. “It’s wrong what happened to my client.” ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • ASIAC, 1201 Chestnut St., 5th floor • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., 2nd floor • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • I Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Pa. AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • Parker Hotel Lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Phila. FIGHT/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 5th floor • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Santa Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. • Safeguards lobby, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • Uncles, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Voyeur, 1220 St. James St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market sts. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • PGN ofﬁces, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. WEST OF BROAD

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1610 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Book Bin, 22nd & Market sts. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South sts. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market sts. • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race sts. •

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? CONTACT DON AT don@epgn.com OR (215) 451-6182 TO ARRANGE FOR DELIVERY OF COMPLIMENTARY COPIES.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

PGN

RESPECTING THE TRADITIONS: The Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 28 at William Way LGBT Community Center featured the annual recognition of the community’s elders by youth leaders. The event, which drew about 150 supporters, was staged by a coalition of local groups, such as The COLOURS Organization and Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, and included observance of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, as well as spoken-word, song and dance performances. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Crime Watch Local News Briefing Out Law

9 2 6 12

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

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PGN LOCAL PERSON OF THE YEAR from page 1

are a highly divided group. Yet here was a parent seeking answers and justice for her child and I for one could not step away.” Even though Maher had never been a very active trans ally, Barr said her willingness to learn all she could, and quickly, demonstrated “that she does truly care.” Maher’s pursuance of justice has made her a well-known face to many in the trans and ally community. She was present at all of this fall’s Justice for Kyra meetings, organized by family, friends and supporters to press for an arrest and to mobilize against anti-trans violence. Gonzales noted that, even though Maher had to drive an hour to the meetings, she was on time for each one, even bringing food to share with the group. When supporters suggested moving the meetings closer to Maher’s suburban location, Gonzales said she refused, unwilling to inconvenience any of the local supporters. She went door-to-door in the neighborhood where the murder took place, handing out fliers seeking information. Maher, her family and Justice for Kyra leaders met with an array of police officials in October, including the homicide captain and Commissioner Charles Ramsey. Gloria Casarez, director of LGBT affairs, was present for the meeting and said that, while the discussion was spurred by Kyra’s murder, Maher was interested in taking it beyond her daughter. “What I really respect about Dawn, and about her sister, is that they’re focused on

finding who did this to Kyra and why, but also about the next Kyra and about the Kyra before,” Casarez said. She added that the family was dismayed that police initially seemed to lack an understanding of and sensitivity to the trans community, which Maher addressed. “Dawn was the driving force behind this meeting and, while the focus was on getting information on Kyra’s case, most of that happened privately afterwards with detectives, and the meeting was really about what can be done better next time. She wants justice for Kyra but she knows there’s going to be another Kyra and she doesn’t want the same mistakes happening. She sees the big picture.” Maher and her sister attended a number of Transgender Day of Remembrance events in November, where Casarez gave her a copy of the city proclamation recognizing TDOR, which mentioned Cordova. Gonzales said Maher’s involvement in both the case and the community stems from her innate love for her daughter. “She was accepting of Kyra when she first came out as gay when she was younger and she was accepting when she came out as trans,” she said. “She’s gone on trying to find her murderer and she’s gotten so involved in the community while dealing with her daughter’s murder, and I think that speaks volumes. She’s not just accepting, she’s affirming and she’s become an advocate for all of the folks in our community.” Maher told PGN that while it took her some time to embrace her daughter’s iden-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

tity, she ultimately saw that it was a natural part of her life. “I know for Kyra it was who she had to become, not only mentally but physically,” Maher told PGN. “She didn’t become a different person on the inside; she just became who she was truly meant to become on the outside.” Such an attitude is not held enough by family members of many in the trans community, Casarez said. “To see a family that loved their daughter, their niece, their granddaughter more than anything, it’s really hard to put into words what that does,” she said. “Dawn was able to see past the things that many families get hung up on and was able to see that this is just who Kyra is. It’s clear love trumps anything she may not fully understand yet.” Barr said Maher is an example of a “parent learning that her child touched the hearts of many, created her own community family, volunteered, worked and survived a world that does not cater to the true diversity of its people. I see her trying, and so many people just don’t.” Maher has emerged as a mother figure for many in the community, Gonzales said, noting that friends and supporters of Cordova often refer to Maher as “Momma Dawn.” She visited residents at Morris Home, a residential treatment facility for trans- and gender-variant people, at Thanksgiving, and invited friends of Cordova’s to stay at her house over Christmas. “For a lot of community members, both trans and LGB, there’s that family compo-

nent missing,” Casarez said. “People are really responding to her. It may be because they haven’t had that acceptance in their lives and they’re really appreciative to have someone like her who’s so warm. If we had more mothers like Dawn, and more families like Kyra’s aunt and grandmother, we’d have a lot less isolation and desperation out there.” Casarez said she noticed that whenever a community member has come up to Maher to thank her for her involvement, she has responded, “No, thank you.” She said that exchange embodies that, while Maher’s presence has been healing for the community, the community has also been a healing presence for Maher. “She’s shown an interest in getting to know the people who knew Kyra, and I think knowing these folks helps her see another side of her child. She can see Kyra’s life in her friends and I think that’s been important,” Casarez said. “And on the community side, it’s important for us to see where Kyra came from, that she had a loving family. I can see where Kyra got her uniqueness because they’re all great people. Dawn is attached to the community now, and people need her. I think we need her as much as she needs us.” Despite the frustration in the progress of the investigation, Gonzales said supporters should take heart in the hope that figures like Maher represent for the community. “It’s a true demonstration of motherhood, in its purest form — unconditional love of your child.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

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LOCAL PGN

News Briefing Briefing schedule suspended in Scouts case A briefing schedule in the eviction dispute involving a local Boy Scouts of America council has been suspended while the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit decides whether the council can file an expanded brief in the case. For the past several years, the city has been trying to evict the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council from a city-owned building on 22nd Street near the Ben Franklin Parkway because Cradle won’t accept gays, nor will it pay fair-market rent. In June 2010, a federal jury ruled the city’s eviction attempt violated Cradle’s constitutional right to exclude gays, but the city is appealing in the Third Circuit. Cradle was supposed to file a reply to the city’s opening brief by Dec. 24 but that deadline has been suspended indefinitely, pending a ruling on Cradle’s request to exceed the word limit for the brief from 14,000 to 21,000 words. The city received similar permission prior to filing its opening brief in November. The Dec. 20 court order suspending the briefing schedule also states that Cradle must file its reply brief within 30 days of a ruling on whether it can exceed the word limit. In a related matter, the court has accepted for consideration friend-of-the-court briefs filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and by a coalition of 15 religious organizations, civil-rights groups and faith leaders. Both briefs support Cradle’s eviction from the building. On Dec. 12, the court accepted for consideration a friend-of-the-court brief filed by a coalition of seven LGBT groups, which also support Cradle’s eviction.

Learn about jobs program LGBT adults can learn how they can garner important job-assistance training at an introduction to SageWorks, 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The program connects LGBTs over 40 with job coaching, résumé-building, career workshops, computer courses and other initiatives to help them land their dream jobs. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information, call 215-732-2220 or email emiller@waygay.org.

Center to host annual meeting The William Way LGBT Community Center will host its annual meeting at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at 1315 Spruce St. All members of the public are invited, and voting matters are open to center members in good standing. Issues on the table will include the election of new board members as well as a review of the center’s finances, programs and initiatives in the past year and a look to upcoming efforts. For more information, call 215-7322220.

Fundraising performance of ‘8’ The Players Club of Swarthmore will stage the award-winning reading of “8,” which traces California’s fight for marriage equality, this weekend. The production will be presented at 8 p.m. Jan. 4 and 5 at the theater, 614 Fairview Ave. in Swarthmore. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is spearheading the case against Prop. 8. For more information, visit www.pcstheater.org. ■

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— Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Person of the Year runners-up By PGN Staff Ronda Goldfein Among her work in 2012, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania executive director Goldfein spearheaded a discrimination case that drew national headlines and secured a successful outcome for an HIV-positive teen. Goldfein led the case against the Milton Hershey School in Central Pennsylvania, which the previous year denied a 13-year-old Philadelphia boy admission because of his HIV status. The family consulted ALP, which filed suit in late 2011. In the suit, filed in federal court, Goldfein argued that the boarding school, which educates underprivileged youth, violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Although the school reversed its ban on HIV-positive students and apologized to the teen this past summer, Goldfein continued to pursue the case. In the fall, the school agreed to settle, paying the family $700,000. Goldfein’s advocacy also has been integral in the ongoing Nizah Morris homicide investigation. As chair of the Police Advisory Commission, a civilian-oversight panel, Goldfein has continued to press for transparency in how the case was handled by police and the District Attorney’s Office. She patiently addressed numerous concerns at PAC meetings about the lack of candor on the part of officials who say they’re conducting an ongoing criminal investigation. The PAC is expected to release a report on the investigation in the coming months. 182nd District voters Voters in the 182nd House District had a tough decision last spring but mobilized in force to elect Pennsylvania’s first out LGBT candidate for state legislature, Brian Sims. Sims challenged longtime Rep. Babette Josephs, a strong LGBT ally, in a race that deeply divided the community. While some voters wanted to stand by Josephs, others were eager for new blood in the district, especially in the form of an out lawmaker. Voters filled the room for the pair’s only debate days before the election, peppering them with questions. And when Election Day came, lines at many Gayborhood-area polling places were lengthy, impressive especially for a primary election that saw slight turnout elsewhere in the city. The 182nd District eventually went to Sims, with just 235 votes separating him from Josephs. While voters were asked to make a hard choice between two candidates with very pro-LGBT records and plans, they rose to

the challenge and mobilized behind their favored candidate, engaging the LGBT community in the electoral process to an unprecedented degree. And, ultimately, they selected a candidate who set his own precedent in LGBT history. Jaci Adams Adams has long been a leader in the LGBT community, lending her personal experiences to help countless young transpeople. Adams is an activist who focuses on both HIV and transhealth issues yet doesn’t preach from a podium; rather, she gets involved in onthe-streets, oneon-one outreach. When incidents arose last year, such as the murder of Kyra Cordova or the shooting of a transwoman in Northern Liberties, Adams was the go-to figure for many young trans people seeking information or guidance. Adams is also a member of the LGBT Police Liaison Committee and participates in the body’s LGBT trainings for recruits at the Police Academy, speaking frankly and fervently about her experiences with antitrans discrimination. She has also emerged as a resource for those looking to understand the intricacies of aging in the trans community, and was one of several local subjects to participate in filmmaker Joe Ippolito’s forthcoming documentary on trans elders. Stephen Carlino and Dennis Fee

Tavern on Camac and U Bar owners Carlino and Fee deepened their already-visible mark on the Gayborhood last year. Carlino and Fee led the remodel of longtime Gayborhood icon Uncles, transforming the establishment, which they purchased in 2010, into U Bar, which opened in the fall. While the new venue retains some of the corner-bar charm of the former establishment, the pair gave the bar an updated look and feel, including full-length windows to open the spot up to the neighborhood. In addition to implementing the needed makeover of the spot, Carlino and Fee have continued to be active community support-

ers. TOC sponsors teams in such sports clubs as the City of Brotherly Love Softball League and the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League. Councilman Jim Kenney Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large Kenney came out swinging for LGBT rights last year. In December, Ke n n e y i n t r o duced a sweeping LGBT-reform bill that calls on the city to, among other initiatives, offer an unprecedented tax credit for companies that provide domesticpartner benefits.

The measure would also clarify the rights and responsibilities of the city’s life-partner designation, including inclusion in the city’s pension and survivor benefits for city employees. In the summer, as protests spread in response to Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy’s opposition to marriage equality and antigay donations, Kenney took to his own form of protest, firing off a letter to Cathy. Kenney spared little in his letter, telling Cathy to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Earlier in the year, Kenney was also an outspoken advocate for the changing of the rating of the film “Bully,” which was given an “R” by the Motion Picture Association of America. Kenney also undertook a campaign to get thousands of local students to theaters to see the film, which documents the real-life impact of school bullying. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Out attorney makes second bid for judgeship By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com An openly gay attorney has announced that he will run this spring for one of the 10 open judgeships on the Court of Common Pleas — and this time, he intends to be victorious. Chris Mallios, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, ran for the bench for the first time in 2011, but came in 15th out of a pool of more than 30 candidates, just outside the needed top-10 mark. Mallios is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and works as an attorney advisor at a Washington, D.C.based anti-violence organization called AEquitas — something he said has kept him busy since the last election. “I spend half my time on the road and half my time working in Philadelphia,” he

said. ward leaders are people Mallios has traveled who genuinely care about all over the country traincity government and want ing law enforcement on to get to know the candidates and that really takes how to handle domestic time,” he said. violence and rape cases. Mallios said he waited He described AEquitas too long in his last camas victim-centered and paign to make those coninclusive. nections but, this time, “We give victims of plans to get his name and domestic violence and message out early. rape the same access to In the next few months, justice that other crime CHRIS MALLIOS he said, he will reach out victims get,” he said. Also in the last two years, he’s had time to stakeholders through modern means to strategize for his next bid for Common of communication as well as face-to-face Pleas, utilizing the lessons he learned from interactions. “We are going to have more concenhis first campaign. “I learned to start early. So much depends tration on social media, specifically on the support of wards when running for Facebook,” he said. “I also will have small judge. I learned in my last campaign that meet-and-greets and coffee get-togethers

at potential voters’ houses.” He said his decision to run for a second time stemmed from his appreciation for the human element of the law. “Judges have a tremendous impact on the lives of people involved in cases,” he said. “I have spent my whole career in public service, and this is the highest level of public service. I would be honored to do it.” If elected, Mallios said he would work behind the scenes to educate the court on LGBT issues. “Decisions on people’s lives are decided in courtrooms, especially with the LGBT community. It is important that we have that representation on the bench and to be a force in the courtroom,” he said. For more information on Mallios’ campaign, visit www.Mallios2013.com. ■

Out attorney launches first Common Pleas campaign By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Abbe Fletman is a newcomer to campaigning for a judgeship on the Court of Common Pleas, but she intends to use her extensive legal experience to win. Fletman is an out commercial litigator for Flaster/Greenberg, a commercial-business firm. Fletman received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She said she pursued a career in law to help her community — which she said also influenced her decision to run for one of the 10 spots for Common Pleas Judge. “I was motivated by a desire to help people and to actively participate in bettering my community,” she said. “This is a chance to be of service, and I am fortunate to be in a place in my personal life and career where I am able to do so.”

same-sex life partners in Fletman has represented such matters as gravestone a range of companies in inscriptions. business disputes, specifically focusing on intelShe has also been in a lectual-property issues. variety of leadership roles She has also served as a in local and national LGBT grous. representative for women’s sports teams, seeking “In the mid-1980s, while equality in college sports in I was still in law school, I Title IX litigation, and has served as the first female legal experience in politicochair of the organizacal campaigns. tion that became Gay “I often represent politiABBE FLETMAN and Lesbian Lawyers of cal campaigns and candiPhiladelphia,” she said. “ I dates in election-related matters, including also served as the first female cochair of the serving on the statewide lawyer’s steering Philadelphia Bar Association’s Legal Rights committee for President Obama’s reelec- of Lesbians and Gay Men Committee. tion campaign,” she said. Nationally, I helped establish the LGBT Fletman also worked as pro-bono counsel Litigator Committee of the American Bar in cases involving confidentiality of records Association’s Litigation Section.” of HIV testing and securing the rights of Fletman said electing out candidates pro-

motes the notion that the judicial system is fair and impartial. “Litigants will tend to have more faith in a judicial system that reflects the diversity of our great city,” she said. Although campaigning won’t officially start until later this month, Fletman said she is prepared. “I have been laying the groundwork for my campaign organization and have been meeting with leaders in many communities, including the LGBT community, for advice and support.” Fletman said her Philadelphia roots and experience as a trial lawyer are among the attributes she could contribute to the bench. “I would bring my intellect, experience and devotion to fairness to the bench as well as a willingness to listen and make prompt decisions,” she said. ■

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PGN LOCAL

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Dec. 17-22. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice. com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS: — At 1:15 p.m. Dec. 18, someone stole a woman’s handbag that she’d placed near the hostess station inside Amis, 413 S. 13th St. Security video showed the suspect to be a black male about 40, 6 feet, 200 pounds, bald with a beard and wearing a blue hoodie, tan pants and brown boots. — At 11:35 p.m. Dec. 18, a man used a brick to smash the glass display case in the lobby of the Marriott, 1201 Market St., and stole several pieces of costume jewelry. The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s wearing sweat pants with a stripe and a white hat. — At 2:35 p.m. Dec. 19, a man sat his shopping bag on the sidewalk in the 1300 block of Market Street and a man ran past and took the bag. The suspect was described as a black male, 5-foot-7, bald, wearing a burgundy vest. — At 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19, a man was waiting at the bus stop at 1125 Walnut St. when another man sprayed him in the face with pepper spray and stole money from his pants pocket. The suspect was described as a black male in his mid-to-late 30s, about 6 feet, with a medium build and a thick mustache and wearing dark clothing. — Between 8-10:20 p.m. Dec. 19, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 327 S. Juniper St. — At 11:40 a.m. Dec. 20, a customer at Platinum Jewelers, 1136 Market St., who was known to the complainant, grabbed a watch and fled the store. The watch was later returned, and the suspect will be charged when an arrest warrant is obtained.

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NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS: — At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 6th District plainclothes Officers Ferrero and Hill set up surveillance near Walnut and Juniper streets due to recent thefts reported in the area. The officers apprehended a male after they observed him steal a bicycle from outside 208 S. Juniper St. The 26-year-old suspect with no known address was charged with theft. — At 7:15 p.m. Dec. 20, 6th District Officer Duncan arrested a man outside 250 S. 13th St. who was wanted for probation violations. The 28-year-old suspect with a Feltonville address was charged with escape. — At 9:50 p.m. Dec. 22, 6th District Officers Ferrero and Hill arrested a male outside 1200 Locust St. who was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court. The 21-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with contempt of court. — At 1 a.m. Dec. 23, an employee of a pizza shop in the 200 block of South 13th Street refused to turn in delivery money to the manager and punched the manager several times. Sixth District Officer Butler responded to the commotion and took the suspect into custody and recovered some of the shop’s money. The 28-year-old suspect was charged with robbery and related offenses.

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— At 11:35 a.m. Dec. 18, Center City Officers Moore and Bates observed an illegal narcotics sale outside 10th and Market streets and arrested a 45-year-old male with a South Philadelphia address. The officers recovered prescription narcotics pills and cash. SUMMARY ARRESTS: — At 4:25 p.m. Dec. 17, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1324 Walnut St. — On Dec. 20, 6th District officers issued citations at 12:25 a.m. outside 400 S. Juniper St., at 4:45 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St., at 8:40 p.m. outside 1319 Locust St. and at 11:20 p.m. outside 209 S. 13th St.

— Between 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 11 a.m. Dec. 21, someone entered a hair salon in the 1000 block of Walnut Street through a fire-escape window and stole cash and a laptop. Central Detectives processed the scene for evidence and lifted fingerprints.

— On Dec. 21, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 1:30 a.m. outside 1222 Locust St., at 4:10 p.m. outside 912 Walnut St., at 4:30 p.m. outside 1113 Chestnut St. and at 10:25 p.m. outside 200 S. 13th St.

— At 12:45 p.m. Dec. 21, someone stole an unattended iPhone from the counter inside El Vez, 156 S. 13th St. Security video showed the suspect to be a white male, 5-foot-8 with short brown hair, accompanied by an 8-yearold child.

— At 3:30 a.m. Dec. 22, 6th District Officer Stone arrested a male who was throwing rubbish in the middle of 219 S. Broad St. The investigation also determined that the suspect had broken windows and doors inside the garage at that location. The 25-year-old suspect with a Warminster address was transported to the hospital for being highly intoxicated and was issued a citation for criminal mischief. ■

— At 8:50 p.m. Dec. 21, a man stole an iPhone from a woman’s hand at Locust and Camac streets. The suspect was described as a black

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Pope Benedict XVI

Editorial

Hoping for a happy New Year Last year gave LGBTs a lot to be thankful for — the re-election of President Obama, marriage equality in a number of new states, a barrage of high-profile coming-outs. Now that the noisemakers are put away and Two Street is just about cleared of the post-Mummers melee, it’s time for everyone to settle into 2013 and, hopefully, make it as momentous as last year. In Philadelphia, there are a number of initiatives that could see fruition this year. The John C. Anderson Apartments are on track to open their doors by the end of the year, bringing a new era to the issue of LGBT elder care and a new element to the Gayborhood. At the government level, Councilman Jim Kenney will spearhead a sweeping LGBT-reform bill that could introduce a neverbefore-seen tax credit for companies that offer domestic-partner benefits and clarify the scope of the city’s domestic-partner registry. While that measure is in the works, the community also has the opportunity to push for the city to make its health-care coverage fully transgender-inclusive, an element that prevented Philadelphia from achieving the very top mark on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. We were also docked bonus points for failing to “gross up” domestic-partner benefits for city employees, a trend that has garnered support from a number of area companies recently. City officials have expressed interest in looking at these two issues in 2013, so advocates should take advantage of that willingness. While realistically the issue of state-level relationship recognition is likely a ways off for Pennsylvania, there’s no reason the state can’t see some LGBT progress in 2013. Pennsylvania still lacks an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination law and, with two out lawmakers now in office — Rep.-elect Brian Sims and Rep. Mike Fleck — this year could be the one where the long-stalled bill sees some success. Sims and Fleck come from different sides of the aisle, an element that could be significantly helpful in bringing together lawmakers from seemingly opposite points of view on an issue that should be a common-sense one. Nationally, this could be one of the biggest years ever for marriage equality. With the success of marriage equality at the ballot this November, momentum is growing in a number of states. And the U.S. Supreme Court will finally weigh in on the issue by the summer — whichever way the court goes, the decision is bound to reverberate. While the polarity between the two parties in Congress may not yield any sure results on LGBT measures like the Employment Nondiscrimination Act or the Uniting American Families Act, this could be the year for supporters to continue to collect more cosponsors — including Republicans — to make the case for LGBT equality in the near future. Here’s to hoping that 2013 is a good one. ■

There are a lot of things that threaten world peace: The ready availability of assault rifles. The Military Industrial Complex. Terrorism. Chemical weapons. Nuclear arms. Global warming. Religious intolerance. Greed. Power-hungry dictators. The war on drugs. Vast inequality. You know, just to name a few little things. But I can’t help but feel like I’m forgetting something. Something else as terrible as a dictator killing his own people or a suicide bomber or an elementary school full of dead children ... Oh! I’ve got it: a guy marrying another guy (or a lady marrying another lady). But don’t take my word for it. Take it from Pope Benedict XVI, who said as much in his recent Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace. After decrying abortion and saying that pro-choice people are actively working against happiness and peace, he turned his attention to the gays. He said, “There is also a need to acknowledge and promote the natural structure of marriage as the union of a man and a woman in the face of attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different types of union; such attempts actually harm and help to destabilize marriage, obscuring its specific nature and its indispensable role in society.” He added that homosexuality was basically “an offense against the truth of the human person, with serious harm to justice and peace.” Got that? A woman marrying another woman is the moral equivalent of a suicide bomber. Homos are ruining marriage, and therefore peace, for everybody. Boo. Apparently not satisfied with calling

out the gays during his “peace” speech, the pope also wagged his gnarled finger at them during his Christmas speech, too. What it comes down to is that Pope Benedict XVI is pretty freaked out about all of the gains gays and lesbians have made toward marrying for real in this world. And so he used his Christmas speech to accuse gays and lesbians of giving the bird to God. Thanks to homos, the pope said, sex and gender are “no longer a given element of nature that man has to accept and personally make sense of: It is a social role that we choose for ourselves, while in the past it was chosen for us by society.” In other words, God assigned you a role, damn it. You’re either a woman who wants a penis in her vagina or you’re a man who wants to put his penis into a vagina. For peace. (Alternately, you can be a priest or a nun.) This penis/vagina “duality” is “an essential aspect of what being human is all about.” “When freedom to be creative becomes the freedom to create oneself, then necessarily the Maker himself is denied and ultimately man too is stripped of his dignity as a creature of God,” Benedict said. Being gay, in the pope’s eyes, is a choice and a bad one at that. All this coming from the man who has eschewed a traditional marriage in favor of an alternative lifestyle. ■

Pope Benedict XVI is pretty freaked out about all of the gains gays and lesbians have made toward marrying for real in this world. And so he used his Christmas speech to accuse gays and lesbians of giving the bird to God.

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.

Correction In “PA Republican signs on to UAFA” in the Dec. 28 issue of PGN, we wrote that Equality Pennsylvania president Adrian Shanker urged support for Congressman Charles Dent. The article should have stated that Shanker encouraged the LGBT community to thank Dent for supporting the bill.

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.

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

OP-ED PGN

My non-LGBT column Guns. We believe in the Second streets across the country? Those people Amendment, the right to bear arms — but, would be taking their guns to and from like the First Amendment, the right of free work and maybe feel comfortable having speech, we believe in limits. As for the them when they have a night out on the freedom of speech, limitations need to be town. imposed for when people do something So, the NRA wants to give hundreds of stupid or harmful, like yelling thousands of people new guns. What happens if just one of “fire” in a crowded theater. those teachers or officials in just With that in mind, a similar one of those schools has a temlimitation and several others — some of which were sugper and gets into an argument with a student, a student gets gested to me in a conversation with my friend, Rob Metzger out of hand or what if just one — should be placed on guns. of those hundreds of thousands First, they need to be regisof people with new shiny guns has a bad night with his or her tered. All loopholes must be other half, doesn’t take his or closed, especially in regard her meds ... you get the idea. It to gun shows. Then registration. To get a driver’s license only takes one person to create another Sandy Hook, and sugyou must prove you know how gesting that we arm hundreds of to drive a car and pass a test. thousands of new gun-slingers is Why? Because cars can kill. So can guns. So, some sort of test Mark Segal the easiest way to get us another Sandy Hook. must be part of any good registration. There is no need to debate And like cars, guns should be insured. the Second Amendment. Just like the First Cars are insured due to the damage they Amendment, you can define it. But while do to people and property. That damage we’re on the subject, those wishing to is paid for by insurance companies. If we quote it should understand exactly what had insurance for each and every gun and our founding fathers had in mind when created an insurance pool for victims of they put that in the Constitution. Very simgun violence and the cost of insurance was ply, they were concerned that Great Britain based on that amount, gun insurance might might just try and take the colonies (us) get a little expensive for someone with 20 back by force, and they wanted something guns. It’s a horrible thing to think of, but in place to assure that any state government at that time would not side with imagine the amount of money the insurance companies would have to pay each of Britain and take guns away, thereby giving the families of the victims of the massacres the opponent a free hand to just walk right at Sandy Hook, Columbine or the Aurora, in. Remember states’ rights? Well, there is Colo., movie-theater killings. Not enough? no Britain out there. Do you think your gun Think of the number of gun-violence vicwill stop a drone from Russia or a missile tims in this nation each year. from North Korea or Iran? And to bring it all together, how about Running out of space and we haven’t hefty penalties for anyone not obeying even touched the issue of bullets, and those these laws? Have an unregistered gun? 30-plus bullet clips. Yes, hunters, we know That’s two-five years in jail — no excepyou need a semi-automatic and 50 bullets tions, no excuses, no probation. No insurto kill Bambi. After all, it’s a sport, right? ■ ance? That’s two-five years in jail — no Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the excuses, just jail time. nation’s most-award-winning commentaAs for the idea of putting armed police tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at officers in schools or arming teachers with mark@epgn.com. guns — do you realize that one act would add hundreds of thousands of guns to our

Mark My Words

I would note another sweeping national achievement: “In a decision that could dramatically alter the legal landscape for transgender workers across the nation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled April 20, 2012, that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s

Street Talk What was the top LGBT story of 2012? “Tammy Baldwin getting elected to the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. I found her election to be quite amazing, Robert Daniels because student the vast Elkins Park majority of the Senate is heterosexual. But I’m concerned about a backlash. I just hope that everyone will work together in harmony, so the country can move forward.”

“Ellen DeGeneres keeping her job as a spokesperson for JC Penney. She’s a great role model for people. Elizabeth Edwards It would artist have been Reading ridiculous to pull her off just because she’s a lesbian. I don’t think anyone should be limited because of their sexual orientation. I’m open to loving anyone, regardless of gender.”

“President Obama coming out in support of same-sex marriage. I give the president a lot of credit. It was a very Maria Raha historic thing. editor And it was Queen Village long overdue, considering that Democrats are supposed to embrace diversity. President Obama supports so many other marginalized causes. It was important for him to support same-sex marriage, as well.”

“The Chic-filA controversy. I was dumbfounded that a large franchise could have such closedminded, bigoted Jeffrey Riddle opinions barback about gay Bella Vista people in this day and age. I thought it was really cool that so many people pulled together to oppose the bigotry.”

We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

Letters and Feedback In response to “Not a banner, but a historic LGBT year,” Dec. 28-Jan. 3:

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Transgender people now have national employment protections. This doesn’t cover housing or public accommodations (though the new HUD policy does use the same analysis to do so). And it may very well be challenged or overturned in the future, not having the same force as actually being included in legislation.

But — really, really huge news. And completely attributable to the president appointing the right people to the EEOC. — Kathy ... In response to “Our favorite photo memories of 2012,” Dec. 28-Jan. 3: I loved looking through these moments in the paper [last] weekend. I remember

quite a few of them from the first time around, but not all of them. I guess I either need to look through the paper more thoroughly or pick up the paper more often. Haha. My personal favorite is the BINGO picture. It’s so good! But I like the band and kiss pictures, too. Keep up the good work. I look forward to more great pictures in 2013, Scott! — Billy292

LEGAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

What’s next for marriage equality?

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Let’s take a second to reflect on 2012 to ban same-sex unions in November, they before looking ahead to 2013. Last year also flipped control of both the state House saw sweeping victories for marriage equal- of Representatives and Senate.With Gov. ity in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and the Mark Dayton (D), a strong marriage-equalstate of Washington. Another five states ity supporter, at the helm and a clear popucurrently have civil-unions laws, including lar mandate for marriage equality evident our own New Jersey. Come June, the U.S. from the vote, Minnesota could legalize Supreme Court will issue a historic rulgay marriage in 2013. ing that could set the course for marriage 6. Rhode Island: With November’s victory equality nationwide. With this in Maine, Rhode Island is now much momentum, advocates are the only state in New England fighting hard to pass marriage without marriage equality. The laws in as many states as posmain impediment is the state’s sible before the court’s decision. religious demographics — two1. Illinois: Since Gov. Patrick thirds of the population identiQuinn (D) backs marriage fies as Roman Catholic. But the Ocean State has a history equality, and popular support is of tolerance. More than half of surging for moving from civil voters favor marriage equality unions to marriage, state legisover the state’s civil-union law, lators will likely hear this issue as soon as this week. President and out Speaker of the House Obama has urged the Illinois Gordon Fox (D) has promised to bring up a marriage-equality General Assembly to legalize Angela bill this year. same-sex marriage in his home Ohio: Citizens are working state, telling lawmakers that, if Giampolo 7. to replace the state’s ban on he were still in the legislature, same-sex marriage with a prohe would support the measure. equality measure. The Freedom to Marry 2. New Jersey: Gov. Chris Christie (R) coalition must gather signatures from is the obstacle to overcome here. While 385,253 voters from at least 44 of Ohio’s Christie vetoed a marriage-equality bill, 88 counties no later than 125 days before the citizens and legislators of the Garden the 2013 general election. State continue to support the idea. It’s 8. California: With the Supreme Court entirely possible that the legislature will set to issue an opinion in the Proposition 8 pass another measure just to put the govercase, the citizens of the nation’s most popnor, who has national political aspirations, ulous state will almost certainly see maron the spot. The governor’s likely opporiage equality again by June. nent in his re-election bid will be Newark 9. Hawaii: There is currently a marriagemayor Corey Booker, also hugely popular and a formidable challenger — as well equality case making its way through the as a passionate backer of same-sex marfederal courts. Earlier this year, a judge riage. The legislature would just love the upheld the state’s ban on same-sex marchance to highlight the disconnect between riage, which advocates appealed. The Prop. Christie’s party and most of the state’s vot- 8 Supreme Court decision could set a precedent for this appeal. ers. Christie argued that marriage should be put to the voters and last month out Assemblyman Reed Gusciora proposed While Pennsylvania is not on the short such a measure. If the legislature poses the list yet, expect that out Rep. Brian Sims question to voters in the next election, it (D-182nd Dist.) will work hard for marlooks likely to pass with a solid majority. riage equality in Harrisburg. His posi3. Delaware: Gov. Jack Markell (D), an tion and voice on this issue was recently LGBT supporter and frequent speaker at strengthened when Rep. Mike Fleck (Rregional Human Rights Campaign and 81st Dist.) came out as a gay man. Having bipartisan support on both sides of the other equality events, was re-elected with aisle working together on this basic issue close to 70 percent of the vote. He has of human dignity will hopefully make called for the transition from civil unions what has been a very slow progression in to marriage equality. Pennsylvania may Pennsylvania speed up greatly. once again be bordered by another state While all of the above are just my prerecognizing full marriage equality. 4. Colorado: While a 2006 constitutional dictions, what I do know for certain is that 2013 is going to be momentous for amendment prevents the legislature from LGBTQ equality across the board. ■ enacting marriage equality, a civil-unions bill was only defeated this year thanks Angela D. Giampolo, principal of to stunning maneuvers by Speaker of the House Frank McNulty (R), who lost his Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in majority and was replaced as Speaker by Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specialopenly gay Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D), the izes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate bill’s chief backer. Polling shows 70 perlaw and civil rights. Her website is www. cent of Coloradoans support legal recognigiampololaw.com and she maintains two tion for same-sex couples. blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www. 5. Minnesota: Not only did Minnesota lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal voters defeat a constitutional amendment questions at angela@giampololaw.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

INAUGURATION from page 1

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other LGBT bands. Johansen said the participating PFB members were drawn by lottery, and the 14 selected members underwent a pre-registration process in the fall. “They had to be members of our band, in good standing with the band, the board had to approve of their part in the band and they had to be decent players — and all of our folks are decent players,” he said. The band members are unsure whether they will get the chance to meet President Obama because of the extensive security process they must undergo before the performance. The members of PFB will arrive in Baltimore two days before the inauguration and, the day of, will be transported to the Pentagon — one of the first of many trips for security checks. Although official rehearsals have not started yet, sound files and sheet music were uploaded to the LGBA website for participants to download and listen to in preparation. “They will be expected to play efficiently by the time they arrive,” Johansen said. During the official rehearsals, band members will learn marching techniques to make sure lines are straight and performers are in step with the music and each other. Music selections include “Tonight” from “West Side Story,” “Give Me Everything (Tonight)” by Pitbull, Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” and a hybrid of “Battle Hymn Republic” and “Simple Gifts.” Johansen said the inclusion of LGBT organizations at the president’s inauguration represents a boon for the LGBT community and for the city of Philadelphia. “It is a celebration for all Americans, finally. America is proud to display its citizens before the world and those citizens included are LGBT,” he said. “We were the first openly LGBT group to perform at the Independence Parade in Philadelphia — this is about our freedom too.” For more information on the Philadelphia Freedom Band, visit www.philadelphiafreedomband. com. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

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space will allow the group to expand its HIV-testing programs to different at-risk neighborhoods. “Most of the HIV/AIDS organizations are located in Center City,” he said. “We want to focus on the African-American community who do not live in Center City or cannot afford to travel back and forth to the city. One of the things we want to do is off-site testing, especially in at-risk communities throughout the cities.” The new location officially opened its doors Jan. 3. With the move will come new programs, including an online magazine for LGBT teens. “This will help teens develop skills with Microsoft Word, research, communication skills and life skills as a whole,” Godbolt said. The magazine program will kick off in early February and will include four-five months of youth training on magazine production. COLOURS will also introduce mentoring, college prep and community-service elements to its programs and will develop a physical space dedicated to youth. Godbolt said COLOURS also hopes to make connections with nearby Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania. “We hope to bring incoming college students and LGBT students for mentoring and have students complete their work-study at the organization. We want to develop those relationships; however, we also want to reach students of color across the board.” The new location is across from West Philadelphia High School, where Godbolt said COLOURS hopes to encourage HIV testing. “Regardless of orientation, there are too many youth in Philly who are HIV-positive and some do not even know it,” he said. The organization also plans to implement an ally program at West Philadelphia High School to stem classroom homophobia. He said the new location will bring COLOURS into its next phase of development. “I think COLOURS has a great history, and part of our history is our time spent downtown. It is time for COLOURS to create a new history, recognizing and never forgetting the history and tradition we have. But the 2013 version of Philadelphia is different than the version of Philadelphia that was around when COLOURS was founded.” For more information on COLOURS, visit www.coloursorganization.org. ■

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PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

PAGE 24

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

Page Page Page Page Page Page

25 19 26 21 28 24

THREE NEW MUSICALS AND THREE BLUE MEN: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”, “American Idiot”, “Sister Act” and “The Blue Man Group” all come to Philadelphia stages this winter.

Post-holiday happenings to chase away the winter blues By PGN Staff With the festive pomp of the holidays quickly fading away and the glory of spring painfully way off in the distance, we could all use something to look forward to in the cold months ahead. Thankfully, there are lots of amazing shows and exhibitions, as well as an impressive array of pop stars, comedians, bands and whatnot coming through town to make this one of the hottest winters we’ve seen in recent years.

Authors

Julie Otsuka The author of “The Buddha in the Attic” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. A Reading with Joanne Fleisher The author of “Living Two Lives: Married to a Man and in Love with a Woman” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Dave Barry The humorist and author of “Insane City” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-5674341.

Classical/Opera/World Music

Ravel and Shostakovich The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Jan. 16-19 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Yannick and Bruckner The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Jan. 24-25 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

St. Lawrence Quartet The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents an evening of classical music 8 p.m. Jan. 28 at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Silent Night The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs the acclaimed new opera Feb. 8-17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Mostly Gershwin Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Feb. 8-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Hannibal Buress The comedian seen on Comedy Central performs 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Lisa Lampanelli The comedian performs 8 p.m. March 9 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Carlos Mencia The comedian performs 8 p.m. March 16

1 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Balanchine/Wheeldon/Tharp The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Feb. 7-10 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Motionhouse The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the multimedia show featuring film and dance Feb. 7-9 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

Beethoven’s Eroica The Philadelphia Orchestra performs March 8-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Comedy/Humor

Louis CK The comedian performs Jan. 16-17 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Wyatt Cenac The comedian from “The Daily Show” performs 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Margaret Cho The comedian performs 8 p.m. Feb. 2 at Tropicana Showroom, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 800-843-8767. Anti-Social Comedy Tour Jim Norton, Amy Schumer and Dave Attell perform 9 p.m. Feb. 17 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000.

PILOBOLUS DANCE THEATRE (FROM LEFT), WYATT CENAC, PARSONS DANCE, MORRISSEY, LADY GAGA at Tropicana Showroom, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 800- 843-8767. Amy Schumer The comedian performs 8 p.m. March 22 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.

Dance

Pilobolus Dance Theatre The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company Jan. 17-20 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater The renowned dancers perform Jan. 30-Feb.

Parsons Dance The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the celebrated dance company Feb. 27-March 2 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Shakespeare’s comedy classic March 7-17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Exhibits

Art Gallery: Works from the Center’s Permanent Art Collection The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of 100 pieces from its permanent PAGE 18

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Sophie B. Hawkins The singer-songwriter performs 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-928-0978.

WINTER from page 17

collection of LGBT artists Jan. 11-Feb. 22, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Intimately Preserved The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts a solo exhibition of works by Emmett Ramstad, Jan. 11-March 29, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. The Mind’s Eye: 50 Years of Photography by Jerry Uelsmann The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of iconic photographs from the famed photographer Jan. 19April 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Journeys to New Worlds Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Spanish and Portuguese colonial art from the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection, Feb. 16-May 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Great and Mighty Things Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of outsider art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, March 3June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

Music

Morrissey The out alt-rock singer performs 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000. Rob Thomas The singer performs Jan. 18-20 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Soundgarden The hard-rock band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-352-2887.

Deftones The hard-rock band performs 8 p.m. March 8 at House of Blues, 801 RIHANNA AND RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Aiden James The out singer-songwriter performs 7:30 Rihanna p.m. Jan. 26 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second The pop singer performs 8 p.m. March 14 St.; 215-928-0978. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Grace Potter And The Nocturnals The rock band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at P!nk House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic The pop singer performs 8 p.m. March 17 City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Rufus Wainwright The out singer-songwriter performs 9 p.m. KMFDM Feb. 8 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa The goth/industrial band performs 8 p.m. Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, March 22 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 N.J.; 609-317-1000. Arch St.; 215-922-6888. The Smithereens Theater The rock band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of 222-1400. romance and scandal Jan. 15-March 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Mumford & Sons The folk-rock band performs Feb. 16-17 The Mountaintop at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Philadelphia Theatre Company presents Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300. a re-imagining of the events taking place the night before the assassination of civilJill Sobule The singer-songwriter performs 7 p.m. Feb. 17 rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jan. 18-Feb. 17 at Suzanne Roberts at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-928-0978. Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. Lady Gaga The pop singer performs 8 p.m. Feb. 19-20 Monty Python’s Spamalot The wacky comedy hits the stage Jan. 19at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 20 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. 215-790-5800. Pentatonix American Idiot The vocal group performs 8 p.m. Feb. 20 The rock opera inspired by the music at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh of Green Day, Feb. 12-17 at Merriam St.; 800-745-3000.

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Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Forever Plaid Media Theater presents the story of The Plaids, a classic 1950s all-male singing group returns from the Great Beyond to perform the show they never got to when they were alive, Feb. 20-March 31, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Priscilla Queen of the Desert The story of drag queens journeying through the desert in a bus Feb. 26-March 3 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Blue Man Group The performance art troupe March 5-10 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Good People Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of people in a Boston community trying to find success, March 15-April 28, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Seminar Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a new comedy from the creators of “Smash,” March 15-April 14 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215985-0420. The Addams Family The morbidly off-beat family comes to life March 19-24 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Sister Act An R&B singer gets a group of nuns to branch out musically April 2-7 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Misc.

Peek-a-boo Revue The burlesque troupe performs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. ■

PORTRAIT PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Suzi Nash

Michael A. Pomante: From raising dollars to raising kids If you’re looking for something to do in the New Year, you might want to start at the William Way LGBT Community Center. With a variety of programs and events and plenty of volunteer opportunities, there’s always something going on. This week we spoke to the center’s director of development, Michael Pomante, to learn a little about his life and plans for the center. PGN: Tell me about Michael A. Pomante. MP: I was born in West Chester, Pa., and lived there until I went off to college. My father was married previously to meeting my mom, so I’m an only child from the two of them but I have four wonderful, much older half-siblings. PGN: How much older are they? MP: I just turned 33 and my oldest sibling is 55, so there’s a pretty big gap. We have a great relationship, though, and we do a lot together. I was the first one to go to college so when my sister’s twins were looking at schools, I helped guide them through it and we went all over the country scouting schools. They’re my nieces, but they’re two of my best friends as well. PGN: What were you like as a kid? MP: I was pretty shy. I was a bookworm, a nerd so to speak. I did a lot of reading and played a lot of video games. PGN: What was your nerdiest moment? MP: My friends and I had a challenge to read the entire Webster’s dictionary. I think I made it to F. I was also on the science bowl team. We went to the state championships and nationals and I was in a group called Academic Competition, which also went to state and nationals. I was also on the junior-varsity tennis team, which was my one experience with sports. PGN: Tell me about your college days. MP: I went to Ursinus, a small liberal-arts school in the suburbs. I went there for psychology but my freshman year I became the president of our Gay-Straight Alliance. Our faculty advisor was an English teacher whom I became incredibly close to and he talked me into taking English as a double major. This was 1998 and we had women’s studies, but there wasn’t any kind of queer or LGBT study, so I also made up my own queer-studies minor, one of the benefits of going to a liberal-arts school. I took classes at other schools and did an internship at the LGBT health center in Boston. College was great. I really grew and changed. PGN: What prompted the change? MP: I entered school as the shy kid and wasn’t out. One night I went to a frat party and had a few too many drinks. I walked home by myself and was attacked by three guys who came at me from behind. After

that I thought, I’m getting harassed and attacked and I’m not even out; I might as well be who I am and be out and proud about it. At my school during my whole four years, there were only a handful of “out” people on campus. The surprising thing was that after I came out, I was really supported and the harassment stopped. [Laughs.] We had a strong GSA, but most of the members were straight female allies. It was great, though: I hosted the first-ever drag show at Ursinus and we had about 100 people come to the show. PGN: Who did the drag? MP: I was one of them! PGN: What was your drag name? MP: Eva Cotive, as in evocative. I had a lot of friends in Boston where I did my internship and it was a whole different world than at Ursinus. There I didn’t have a car so you pretty much stayed within the college bubble, but in Boston, I had access to a wonderful city with people who really opened my eyes to a lot of things, one of them being the professional drag world, which I found fascinating. I performed there professionally in drag for the first time. It’s funny, I never brought it back to Philly with me. I guess if you were to ask my hidden talent, that would be it. My dream would be to do my day job and then do drag in the evenings. I really admire the people who do that. They’re such a tightknit group and do such a great job. PGN: So what was coming out like? MP: I came out accidentally to my parents. Back then we used the AOL chat rooms to meet people and I’d met this guy who I went on a few dates with. My mom listened in on one of our phone calls and that’s how she found out. They’re both Italian Catholic so it was incredibly difficult. There was a lot of crying involved and my dad didn’t talk to me for three months, not one word. They have a great relationship but one thing that really struck me was that my mom at one point said to me, “If your dad doesn’t accept you, I’ll always be there for you.” His reaction was pretty intense so she was basically saying, God forbid she had to choose, but if it came down to that, she was going to choose to support me. Now, 15 years later, they’ve completely come along. My dad loves my partner, Michael, and our boys. Whenever I’m in the paper, he cuts it out and saves the article. It just took some time and education. My dad was in the Army and all he knew were the stereotypes of gay people and the myths and stigmas. After we really talked, I realized that what came across as anger was really just fear. They both were fearful that my life was going to be harder than it had to be. Of course, I feel blessed. I think we’re all fan-

tastic and fabulous and I love being part of this community. And they’ve grown to love it too. They’ve been to my birthday party at Sisters and a lot of other community events and have become surrogate parents to gay friends who have been rejected by their families. It’s a complete 180. PGN: Were you out to your friends? MP: I came out to a few of them when I was 15, but not to the school population at large. I felt like I was the only one. It’s interesting with Facebook to now find out how many of my peers were gay. It’s beautiful, but a little frustrating. Sometimes I feel like, wow, if we’d all just been out and proud in high school, it would have been such a different life for us. PGN: And how did you become a daddy? MP: Well, one night some friends talked me into going to Tavern on Camac, which surprisingly I’d never been to before. While there, we noticed that this guy was gazing at me and when my cocktail was

empty he got up and offered to refill it. He was such a gentleman and so sweet. It turned out his name was Michael and his last name is Anthony. My first name is Michael and my middle name is Anthony, so we both had the same name! I’m a huge, huge animal lover and he is a vet, so we clicked right away. We’d both come out of long-term relationships; he’d been married for nine years and had two kids and I was with someone for nine years whom I’d met at Shampoo during my junior year

of college, you know when they used to have those LGBT parties on Friday nights. He actually moved into my dorm room during my senior year before we got our own place. Eventually, we grew apart and split and I was single for a year before I met Michael. It was nice because he was totally transparent, even though he thought that having kids would scare me away. But I’d always wanted kids so it’s a beautiful situation. They love me, I love them; his relationship with his ex-wife is better than it’s ever been. We’re a true modern family. And we just celebrated our two-year anniversary last month. PGN: You were the director of development at the Jewish Publication Society. How did a little Italian boy end up with that job? MP: It’s funny, I started out studying psychology but realized that if I wanted to be a therapist, I’d have to go back to school for a master’s degree and I really wanted a breather after graduating. I wanted to put the skills I’d learned in those four years to use. Without a license to practice, I was looking for something to do. I’d lived in the community-service house at the school and really loved doing volunteer work. When I was president of the GSA, I brought the kids to the William Way Center several times. We volunteered with Equality Forum, did HIV testing, all sorts of things, and I loved dealing with citizen engagement and philanthropy. I looked at all the nonprofit job sites and got a job at Greater Philadelphia Cares. I did a little bit of everything there, including applying for grants. I found I really flourished doing grant work. For me, going on “asks” to major donors was exciting, it brought out the salesman side of me. I was never afraid of getting a “no,” it just made me work harder and when Photo: Suzi Nash I got a large donation, it was such a rush it made me want to run out and get the next one. From there, I worked for a year with Malcolm Lazin and the Equality Forum on the 40th anniversary of the gay-rights movement, which was really exciting, and then got the job with Jewish Publication Society. They were planning their 120th anniversary, which in Judaism is super-huge. They have a saying to wish people good health, “May you live to be PAGE 28

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

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PGN BOOKS & DVDS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Best-sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www. queerbooks.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. Men’s Books 1. “The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, edited by Nicholas Frankel (Belknap, $12.95 pb). This volume restores material, including instances of graphic homosexual content, removed by the novel’s first editor. 2. “Same-Sex Legal Kit for Dummies (with CD)” by Carrie Stone and John G. Culhane (Wiley, $34.99 pb). Grasp the latest legal information for gay and lesbian couples. 3. “The Testament of Mary” by Colm Tóib�n (Scribner, $19.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store). A solitary older woman seeking to understand the events that others understand as divine. 4. “Israel/Palestine and the Queer International” by Sarah Schulman (Duke, $22.95 pb). Activist and novelist Schulman describes her dawning consciousness of the Palestinian liberation struggle. 5. “Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris (Back Bay, $10 pb). This beloved holiday collection is expanded with six new stories. 6. “The Little Book of Big Penis” edited by Dian Hanson (Taschen, $9.99 pb). Photographs of ... 7. “Oddly Normal: One Family’s Struggle

to Help Their Teenage Son Come to Terms with His Sexuality” by John Schwartz (Gotham, $26 hb, less 10 percent in the store). An eye-opening story for families who hope to bring up well-adjusted gay adults. 8. “We the Animals” by Justin Torres (Mariner, $12.95 pb). Plunges us into the chaotic heart of one family and the intense bonds of three brothers. Trans & Women’s Books 1. “Same-Sex Legal Kit for Dummies (with CD)” by Carrie Stone and John G. Culhane (Wiley, $34.99 pb). Grasp the latest legal information for gay and lesbian couples. 2. “Israel/Palestine and the Queer International” by Sarah Schulman (Duke, $22.95 pb). Activist and novelist Schulman describes her dawning consciousness of the Palestinian liberation struggle. 3. “Crossroads” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb). Dr. Hollis Monroe specializes in short-term relationships, typically eight months or less. 4. “Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama,” graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, $15.95 pb). A poignant and hilarious account of Bechdel becoming the artist her gifted mother always wanted to be. 5. “The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For,” comic strips by Alison Bechdel (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25 hb, less 10

percent in the store). This collection gathers 60 of the newest strips. 6. “Dirty Italian: Everyday Slang from ‘What’s Up’ to ‘F*%# Off’” by Gabrielle Euvino, illustrated by Lindsay Mack (Ulysses, $10 pb). 7. “Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir” by Ellen Forney (Gotham, $20 pb). Explores the relationship between “crazy” and “creative.” 8. “Coal to Diamonds: A Memoir” by Beth Ditto with Michelle Tea (Spiegel and Grau, $22 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Offers an honest, empowering tale of a girl who emerged from humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to become a glam lesbian diva. 9. “Seriously ... I’m Kidding” by Ellen DeGeneres (Grand Central, $14.99 pb). Says DeGeneres, “I’ve experienced a whole lot the last few years and I have a lot to share. So I hope that you’ll take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy the words I’ve put together for you in this book. I think you’ll find I’ve left no stone unturned, no door unopened, no window unbroken, no rug unvacuumed, no ivories untickled. What I’m saying is, let us begin, shall we?” Men’s DVDs 1. “Punks” directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (2001, $24.95). The trials and tribulations of a group of gay African-American friends.

2. “The Skinny” directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (2011, $24.95). A sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men and their lesbian best friend. From the director of “Punks” and “Noah’s Arc.” 3. “Weekend” directed by Andrew Haigh (2011, 97 min., $29.95). A one-night-stand that develops into a weekend-long idyll for two very different young men. 4. “Speechless” directed by Simon Chung (2011, $24.99). In a remote part of southern China, a mysterious Westerner appears on a riverbank, completely naked. 5. “Scrooge and Marley” directed by Peter Neville and Richard Knight, Jr. (2012, $19.95). A gay retelling of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, with heart, comedy and music. 6. “The Falls” directed by Jon Garcia (2012, $24.95). RJ and Chris were both born and raised in the Mormon Church. Both have pretty girlfriends, were Eagle Scouts at a young age and have perfect academic records. Now, it’s their turn to serve a mission. 7. “Elliot Loves” directed by Terracino (2012, $19.99). Concerns Elliot, handsome and charismatic but unlucky in love. 8. “August,” directed by Eldar Rapaport (2011, $24.95). On the verge of his 30th birthday, Jonathan is torn between the domestic comfort of his life with Raul and the torrid pleasures of an affair with his super sexy ex-boyfriend Troy. ■

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TELEVISION PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Worth Watching BORN TO LOSE: “The Biggest Loser” is back with out trainer Jillian Michael returning to the fold—and for the first time in the show’s history, teens (ages 13-16) will participate, along with 15 adult contestants. Watch the premiere 9 p.m. Jan. 6 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Chris Haston

GOLDEN GIRL GONE WILD: Emmy Award-winner Betty White and her posse of senior pranksters are back for season two of “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” premiering 8 p.m. Jan. 8 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Rick Floyd

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN: Pop singer and TV personality Christina Aguilera is set to perform on “The People’s Choice Awards,” airing live from the Nokia Theater 9 p.m. Jan. 9 on CBS. Photo: Enrique Badulescu Dan Miller, Full Moon Under, color woodcut, 11 1/4 x 12 in.

Master Classes and Workshops Woodblock Printing with Dan Miller >> February 23 & 24 Figure Drawing with Bruce Samuelson >> March 16 & 17 Master Class with Stuart Shils and Ken Kewley >> April 5, 6 & 7 REGISTER: pafa.edu/CE | 215-972-7632 | continuinged@pafa.edu Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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POKER FACE: Jay is so excited, having planned for the whole family to celebrate New Year’s together at a great hotel in Palm Springs. However, when the hotel turns out to be less than stellar, everyone starts to branch off to do their own thing, leaving Jay dejected — that is, until he runs into the one and only Billy Dee Williams, on “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. Jan. 9 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Peter “Hopper” Stone

NIGHTLIFE PGN

The Closing of the Year Happy New Year, everybody! If you don’t have a favorite jock, you Congratulations, we all survived both can pick one up from the bartender when the Mayan Apocalypse and the Zombie you get there. Then you can stash your Apocalypse (a.k.a. Romney/Ryan ’12). jeans in the coat check and hang out with Now’s the time when we look back the guys like you’re in a classic Drummer at everything we did in the old year and fantasy or a hot Tom of Finland casting look forward to what we hope for in the call. Sound silly? Well, then obviously new. you’ve never tried it! Give it a chance Last year was a bittersweet year for and you might be surprised to find out me. There were some amazing highs but how much you like it. There’s no cover also some really difficult lows. At the end charge, so what have you got to lose? of it all, one thing was driven Philly Jacks home to me more clearly than Want to get a little friskier ever before: The most importhan even jock-strap night tant thing in the world is famallows? Then check out Philly ily. It doesn’t matter if they’re Jacks, the area’s longest-runchosen or blood. Keep them ning safe-sex party for men by close, and it will make your far. They’ve been going at it highs feel higher and your valfor almost 20 years! leys seem not so low. Suggested donation at the I have big plans for 2013 door is only $10, which gets both personally and profesyou refreshments, secure sionally, but really only one clothing check and a cool, resolution: I’ve simply got laidback time with dozens of to clean my house before the Jim Kiley- hot men. casting director of “Hoarders” They meet four times every hears about me. Zufelt month — on the first and third Wednesdays, the Tuesday in Fifty Shades of Gay between and the Sunday after. Sound Get your new year off to a glittery, confusing? It’s not; just check out www. fabulous start with those hotties from philadelphiajacks.com for exact dates and Liberty City Kings, starting 8 p.m. Jan. 5 to sign up for their mailing list. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Their first show of 2013 has been Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend christened “Fifty Shades of Gay” so you If you’re a friend of the leather comknow it’s going to be a hoot. The awardmunity, then you know the biggest winning regulars you’ve come to know party on the East Coast is Mid-Atlantic and love will be joined by special guest Leather, or MAL, held every January star Roma Mafia, Baltimore’s Fiercest in Washington, D.C. It’s one weekend Femme. jam-packed with formal cocktail parCover is only $8 if you come dressed ties, informal meet-and- greets, late-night in drag or kink gear, $10 if not and $5 dance parties, over-the-top play spaces, a after 11. Hang out after the show for your vendor mart, a leather contest and literchance to stalk the performers and dance ally hundreds of the hottest men you’ve to the sounds of DJ Evil V. ever laid eyes on from all over the country. Church What you may not know is this year No, not that kind of church! Gurrl, they changed the date. Traditionally held please—I ain’t been to Sunday Mass the same weekend as Martin Luther King since Nancy Reagan was in the White Jr. Day, this year organizers bumped it up House. a week to Jan. 11-14 to avoid conflicting Church is a party featuring classic with the presidential inauguration. They house music on the first Sunday of every didn’t think to do that four years ago and, month. That means the first party of trust me, it’s a good thing they did this the new year will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 6 at time. Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. This is house It can be an expensive weekend (I have music the way it was meant to be (the a couple of friends who spent a week way Nancy Reagan would want it!), in all in Rome for less than it cost them for a its retro glory, presented to you in style weekend at MAL), but it’s worth it. And by Mike Maserati, Super DJ Terrell Clark if you do it right, you can find a way to and Tony White. do it affordably. Doors open at 4 p.m. and cover is only For a complete schedule and links to $10, but you have to be 21 or over to weekend registration and hotel informaenter. tion, check out www.leatherweekend. com. ■ Jock Strap Night Questions, comments, tricky New Year’s Looking for a way to warm up those resolutions that you need help keeping? cold winter nights? Then strap on your Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or favorite jock and get your ass over to follow him on Facebook for links to back The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., any Monday from 10 p.m. to close. articles and bitchin’ old pop-music videos!

Barcrawlr

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Haute Mexican? Haute Mexican! After ten successful years in northeast Philadelphia, Paloma is serving to-die-for French-Mexican cuisine in Bella Vista. ��

a semifinalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation awards 763 South 8th Street (corner of 8th & Fulton) www.palomafinedining.com www.facebook.com/palomarestaurant 215.928.9500

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 01/04 Vox Ama Deus presents Gershwin & Ellington A vocal choral concert, 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Perelman Theatre, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Grindhouse The modern pulp double feature is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 01/05 Ella Enchanted The 2004 film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St.,

Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Big Shot The Billy Joel tribute band performs 6 and 9 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858.

Sun. 01/06 To Have and Have Not The 1944 film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. The Invisible War The documentary about female sexual assault in the military is screened

4:30 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. ANIMUS Philadelphia’s belly-dance spectacular, 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Mon. 01/07 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. Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Tasting 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Philly Rising Open Stage Sign up and per-

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

form 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

WAR STORIES: “The Invisible War,” the documentary featuring interviews with military personnel, lawmakers and advocates, as well as veterans who have survived sexual assault in the U.S. military, is screened 4:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. For more information, call 610-917-0223.

The Monster Squad The 1987 film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888. 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; 215-8622081.

Tue. 01/08 Open Mic: The Best of What’s Next Sign up and play, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Square Dance Open House Independence Squares hosts an open dance 7-9:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; 215567-3668. GLBT Nite at the NOTE Shelita Buffet hosts an LGBT mixer with drag performances and dancing for all, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 142 E. Market St., West Chester; 484-678-

Wed. 01/09 8518. LRSM Science Cafe — “Beers, Bubbles and Beyond” Something scientific will happen involving beer, 6:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. 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.

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Diaspora The group will discuss “The Empty Family: Stories” by Colm Toibin, 7

p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. The Harvest: Spoken Soul 215 Open Mic Spoken-word artists perform 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.;

Thu. 01/10 215-222-1400. Midge Ure of Ultravox The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Fri. 01/11 Kris Allen The singer and “American Idol” winner performs 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. British Isles of Wonder featuring The Band of the Scots Guards and The Black Watch 3rd Battalion Scottish music is performed 8

p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847. Dessa The singer and rapper performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Paula Cole The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Paula Cole The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band The funk band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

RAVING THE RAVEN: With her upcoming album “Raven” due in stores sometime in 2013, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Lilith Fair alum Paula Cole is hitting the road, performing 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5858.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Big Jay Oakerson The comedian performs Jan. 9-12 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001 Mozart in His Time The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Jan. 10-12 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Sound All Around Brass Children listen to stories with music, sing songs, move to the music, pretend to play an instrument and examine real instruments up close Jan. 5-7 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847.

Continuing Cinderella Arden Children’s Theatre presents a new version of the classic tale through Jan. 27, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.

The Female Gaze: Women Artists Making Their World Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts presents more than 150 works from the Linda Lee Alter Collection of Art by Women, through April 7, 128 N. Broad St.; www. pafa.org. Les Misérables The 25th-anniversary production of the classic musical through Jan. 13 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Live Cinema/Manon de Boer: Resonating Surfaces—A Trilogy Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of a series of three cinematic portraits defined by narratives of time and memory, and structured around the relation between images and sounds, through Feb. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer through March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

KILT IN ACTION: The Kimmel Center presents “British Isles of Wonder,” featuring The Band of the Scots Guards and The Black Watch 3rd Battalion, 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905847.

Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Jan. 13 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Double Portrait Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from designer Paula Scher and illustrator Seymour Chwast through April 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Dr. Doolittle Media Theater presents the story of a veterinarian who can talk to animals, through Jan. 27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Closing The Music Man Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular Broadway musical through Jan. 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Orny Adams The comedian performs through Jan. 5 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. ■

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.

IDOL CHATTER: “American Idol” winner Kris Allen performs 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

FUN PUZZLE & PGN GAMES

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Q Puzzle Nun of the Above Across

1. “The Wizard of Oz” dropout Buddy 6. In stitches, to Edith Head 10. Brandy bottle letters 14. Mazda model 15. Dixie Chicks, e.g. 16. Cry after getting the shaft 17. Singer tapped to play 39-Across 20. Penetrated 21. Church leader 22. “The Name of the Rose” writer 23. “Little Caesar” gangster 25. Heads-up 28. He comes once a year 31. “My bad” 33. Neighbor of Neb. 34. Mountain in 64-Across 36. Tobias pseud-

onym 38. Club for GIs 39. Former nun in 64-Across 43. Bonheur bathed in it 44. Like McKellen’s Magneto 45. Where buoy meets gull 46. Windshield feature 48. Gardner of mystery 50. “It has ___ of its own” (phallocentric saying) 54. Some opera queens 56. Explorer Vasco da ___ 58. Turkish title 59. Baghdad resident 61. “War Requiem” composer Benjamin 64. Classic to be remade for NBC by Meron & Zadan 67. Spread it and

lick it 68. Shows on TV 69. Absinthe flavoring 70. Precious stones 71. Ginsberg’s “Nagasaki ___” 72. Lincoln bas reliefs

Down

1. Ryan Seacrest, and others 2. “Othello” courtesan 3. Poet-novelist May 4. To be, in Toulon 5. Depilatory product 6. 54, in a Ryan Phillippe flick 7. Soaring seafood lover 8. Like welcoming thighs 9. French Christmas 10. Alphabet quintet 11. Fortified like

Dinah? 12. The Plastic ___ Band 13. Place to take a pea 18. Racket extension 19. Cereal box no. 24. Toyota model 26. Sound like Harvey Fierstein 27. Boxing ref’s end to a buttwhipping 29. It gets laid in the street 30. “That’s ___ and you know it!” 32. Poses for Bruce Weber 35. Smooth the way 37. De Matteo of “Desperate Housewives” 39. Chains around a knight 40. Dorothy Gale lived with her 41. State named for a queen who wasn’t sexually

active 42. “That was good, honey!” 43. Announcement from the cockpit 47. Trunks of Mapplethorpe’s photos 49. Do relief work 51. Avoids waiters 52. Senior snubber 53. Emulates Isadora Duncan 55. Saint, in Rio 57. Sandy’s sound in “Annie” 60. Muscle Mary’s pride 62. Apple of a sort 63. Bring to proper pitch 64. Get dressed, with “up” 65. Abbr. on old maps 66. In need of a lube

120,” because that’s how old Moses was, so it’s a big date. We did a whole bunch of events culminating with an event at the Kimmel Center and we raised more money than they’d raised in all 120 years before that. So I was very proud. It was then that I fell in love with event planning and opened my own event company on the side called “Belle Affaire.” I also fell in love with Judaism. I was a lapsed Catholic and after being exposed to the beauty and intricacies of the religion, I converted, so now I’m a practicing Jew. I’m officially part of the tribe.

and we’re working to make WWCC a real cultural hub with a dance troop and more theater performances and other cultural programs. For instance, we have classical pianist Ching-Yun Hu doing a concert Jan. 12. She’ll be playing works by Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Awardwinning composer Jennifer Higdon, who is going to be here for the performance, which is a real coup. We’re also developing our membership program to add real benefits other than supporting the center. Right now you can use your card to get discounts at 25 different places throughout the city as well as discounts to things happening at the center.

PGN: And how did you get to William Way? MP:I realized that I’d found my niche and was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing, except that I wanted to be doing it within the LGBT community, to use my skills as a fundraiser to help the community that I was a part of. I saw the job at WWCC listed and started the interview process. It was grueling but I consider it an honor to work here. I’ve always looked up to Chris Bartlett and his amazing work with DVLF and ACT UP so I was excited to know I’d be working with him here. We’re a team and we have some exciting things happening at the center. Our major donors — we like to call them cornerstones, because they are the foundation that helps keep the doors open here 365 days a year — are really stepping up to the plate. We’re working on a Pew grant to have the first-ever queer jazz festival in the U.S. and we’re hoping to expand the art gallery. We have a thriving music program supported by Pew Charitable Trust

PGN: So in 30 seconds, in this post-gay world, why do we need a gay community center? MP: We need a community center because there needs to be a safe place for members of the LGBT community to come and be able to socialize, to get the support services they need — we are the only place in the area for free LGBTQ peer counseling. We need a space where like-minded people can get together and incubate fantastic ideas that will help the community. LGBT people are still getting kicked out of their homes and still being discriminated against, and we’re a place where you can stop in 365 days a year and get warm, get help and feel safe. There’s no judgment here based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, it’s all about love, support and friendship. It’s incredible that we have a resource like the Mazzoni Center but people underestimate the importance of being able to express oneself and be social with other like-minded people, to have a place

PORTRAIT from page 19

where you support each other and learn from one another. Part of good mental health is nurturing the soul and that’s what we do here. PGN: Very true. Now for some random questions. Scariest weather experience? MP: When I was a kid there was a tornado that went through West Chester. It was scary but fascinating. Now I’m one of those people who watches The Weather Channel as if it were a real channel. In another life I’d be a storm chaser! PGN: Weirdest gift? MP: I’m known for wearing fun accessories. I have 30 murses [man purses] and lots of costume jewelry. I like fake bling and cool shoes, etc. I’m obsessed with accessories, so someone gave me a Barbie jewelry holder for Christmas this year. PGN: Favorite celebrity encounter? MP: I got to meet Cyndi Lauper during Equality Forum and she was great but I’m more star-struck by the gay pioneers. I got to be in a room with Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny, and I was fortunate enough that I’d studied gay history all through school so I was able to really talk to them about their stories and learn from them firsthand. And I’ve always admired drag queens like my friend Jujubee who was on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Mimi Imfurst and the Goddess Isis. They’ve done fundraising shows for us and never charge, they just do it out of the goodness of their hearts to support the community. I love them. They’re so, so civic-minded it’s incredible.

PGN: What’s one item you should throw out but probably won’t? MP: I’m 6-foot tall and in college I was 150 pounds. [Laughs.] I’m not anymore, but in school I did some modeling. Nothing big, but it was fun and I made a little bit of money. The first designer thing I ever bought with my own money was a shirt from the Armani Exchange in the King of Prussia Mall. I wore it every Wednesday to Woody’s for underage night and it’s worn and covered in spills. I’ll never wear it again, even if I got back down to that size, but I just can’t throw it out. My sister was doing some house cleaning for us and she called to ask me if she could cut it up for rags. But I can’t, it holds too many fond memories. I had my first kiss with a boy in that shirt! That’s history. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

464 S. Main St., Hatﬁeld, PA 19440

Real Estate Sale 

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    

Rare opportunity to combine business and residence in this charming Victorian home, located in the heart of Hatfield Boro, corner lot w/ high visibility for your business. Zoned commercial, ideal for medical/ dental, legal/accounting practice, daycare, physical therapy, dance studio, restaurant or other business operations. Features 3-story, 20-rooms, ideal for private residence or convert into larger office space. Complete with ramp for business use and plenty of storage in adjacent second building, ample garages and lot with 20+ parking spaces. Formerly the Ziegler Z. Cope residence, this Victorian “grande dame of Hatfield,” was shared by Ziegler and his brothers who served as the town’s doctor, dentist, post master general and funeral director. Many possibilities await its future owner. Proudly offered at: $514,900.

MLS # 6139278

Virginia Scarano, REALTOR Prudential Fox and Roach

PGN

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12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________37-04 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd ﬂ owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $850-875/mo + bonus. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________37-01 SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 22XX S. 11th St. 2 Bedroom Apartment (2nd Floor). Newly renovated Everything is brand new. Hardwood ﬂooring throughout, C/A, W/D., tile bath. $1000 a month. Call 215-450-2780. ________________________________________37-01

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Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________37-01 Drivers- Pyle Transport (A Division of A. Duie Pyle) Needs Owner Operators. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Mile. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________37-01

Adoption ADOPT A loving, secure, married couple wishes to adopt. We promise to provide unconditional love, faith, joy, education, extended family. Expenses paid. Kathleen/ Gerard; 1-800829-1976. www.kathleengerry2adopt.com ________________________________________37-01

Travel & Resorts Men 609-345-8203 oceanhouseAC@yahoo.com ________________________________________37-05

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 housing-related 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.

Services EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-01 EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________37-01 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-01

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.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

PGN

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. ________________________________________37-03 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-03 I’m looking for a very well end. top (8 or more) who can appreciate a very nice white butt. 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. ________________________________________37-01 Attractive GWM, 37, friendly, sweet, caring, funny, naughtyboy, brutally attacked in prison. Every guy I ever loved has abandoned me. I’m so very lonely. ISO guys to write to me. I will reply to all. Kenneth Houck #06743-015, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 1600, Butner NC 27509. ________________________________________37-02 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-02 GWM, 65 seeks same. John, 570-624-8538. ________________________________________37-04 Bi WM, ready to come out. Will give & receive. Call me Joe or Joey, 215-527-7670. New to the area. ________________________________________37-02

Handsome Certified Therapist

Massage hour. Treat yourself! Appointments: 610-710-6213. ________________________________________36-51 David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-13 BLACK JOCK Black jock. $75, muslc, hot, 5’7””,175#, Mark 610-9310485. ________________________________________37-51

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Call 215-432-6030

PGN

B-7

STAY WARM WITH US!!! DRY SUANA & STEAM ROOM ARE AVAILBLE...

NEW BEGININGS Saturday, January 12th, 2013 Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More.. Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Saturday, January 13th, 2013 Time: 3pm-6pm Boys will Be Boys- Awaken Your Spirit Join P.A.N.G. for: * An Afternoon of Naked Socializing * Complimentary Food & Beverages and Much More... For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com/

ROOMS:

Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00

LOCKERS:

Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people comeMONDAY thru FRIDAY: Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm)

Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 (This Special Not Eﬀective During Party Nights)

SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT

4 hour Lockers (8am – 4pm) Members/Students: $5.00 & Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MANIC MONDAY

5 for 5 ($5 Lockers for 5Hrs) Members/Students: $5.00 Non-Members: $15.00 (4pm to 12 )

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

PGN

Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the ﬁrst Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco. dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; www.gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at the William Way Center; 610-2776595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Philly Dads An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; 215-668-5239.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-3489976. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622; pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2121. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride

Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; 215-834-9063; tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meets 5 p.m.the second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayThursday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 21 S. 12th St., 10th floor; 215-568-2221. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization; 215-732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. 1201 Locust street 4th floor. WeXist FTM support group meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open, second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; 267-250-1548. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7:15 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; 215-5454331.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group based in central Pennsylvania that organizes activities such as concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup.com/ mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/queerconnections/. Sistah 2 Sistah A social/support group for lesbian youth of color, ages 13-24. The group offers weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/

discussions, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215496-0330. Women Coming Out Support Group Women who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the comingout process are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets 7:30 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of NJ.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. You’re Not Alone A group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth that meets during the school year; sponsored by AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington. Call 800-8106776 for more details. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J. Call Connie at 609683-5155 (day); hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861; info@myaonline. org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August, 1315 Spruce St.; 215772-1107. PRYSM Youth Center For youth ages 14-20. Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. at center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610-3579948. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St.; 610-692-1770. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-9632432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; 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: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning

■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377

Key numbers

■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221

■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ 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.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org ■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 South Broad Street; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative 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. 215851-1822 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 and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; 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)

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

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000

available by appointment at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-5869077.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, 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, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday except for noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and

students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladelphia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds 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. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities, 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 4-10, 2013

PGN

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