PGN Jan.7-13 2011 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

The Village People return with favorites from the 1970s and ’80s

Family Portraits: Nick Johnson

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Allentown council considers domestic-partner benefits PAGE 7

Philadelphia Gay News Person of the Year: Tyler Clementi 2010

Jan. 7-13, 2011

Vol. 35 No. 1

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

When PGN staff started to reflect on 2010 and consider who had the largest impact on the local LGBT community, there was really one topic that dominated: This was the year that everyone — regardless of sexual orientation — heard about LGBT teen suicide and antigay bullying. It hit home when a student close to home took his own life: Tyler Clementi. His death, as well as others around the country, galvanized the community into action: holding vigils for those who died, contributing videos to the “It Gets Better” project and recognizing and supporting queer and questioning youth.

Photos from 2010

Suicide is not an easy topic to discuss. But to face this tragedy and stop losing our youth, we as a community must address it and we must get allies involved. Until it no longer plagues our youth, we must keep talking about it. Gay youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide as their straight counterparts, a statistic that was thrown starkly into the spotlight in the fall of 2010. Although LGBT TYLER CLEMENTI blogs and news sites were already buzzing with reports of at least three gay youth who took their own lives in mid-September, the issue of LGBT teen suicide finally, and deservedly, broke into mainstream discussions with the death of Rutgers University student Clementi on Sept. 22. Despite countless numbers of LGBT youth who took their lives before Clementi, and many who’ve also done so after his death, Clementi’s tragedy in particular opened up a frank national discussion about the factors that have led to the ongoing epidemic and inspired many to take tangible actions to stymie the trend.

POY runners-up INDIVIDUALS Greg DeShields DeShields made great strides last year to bring greater LGBT awareness to the hospitality industry. DeShields, the senior director of corporate relations at Temple University’s School of Tourism & Hospitality Management and a board member of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, led a discussion on LGBT sensitivity at one of the nation’s largest

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Murder victim’s partner speaks By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HELD ON PENN CAMPUS IN OCTOBER 2010 Photo: Scott A. Drake

Media reaction Clementi was an 18-year-old freshman at the New Brunswick campus of the New Jersey college. Police say his roommate, Dharun Ravi, remotely tapped into a camera on his computer in their dorm room and broadcast Clementi’s embrace with another man live on the Internet. On Sept. 22, Clementi jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge.

Ravi and classmate Molly Wei were later arrested on invasion-of-privacy charges. Clementi’s death first hit the news media Sept. 29, but in the coming days generated a firestorm of publicity, making international headlines. All of the national news networks carried the story on their nightly broadcasts, and reporters were teeming throughout campus, interviewing gay and PAGE 2

conferences of hotel brands this past fall, the first time the topic was addressed by that segment. DeShields, along with other local and regional tourism officials, also participated in the first-ever panel discussion of the LGBT market at the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education conference in Puerto Rico.

state’s nondiscrimination law while working to enhance protections for LGBT residents. As the state’s highest-ranking openly LGBT official, Glassman has worked with LGBT agencies to press for state measures like the LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination and hate-crimes bills. He’s served as an advisor to the numerous local municipalities that this year considered LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances, speaking at the hearings for many of the measures, and was also a vocal opponent PAGE 3 of the eventual shut-

Steve Glassman Glassman has served since 2003 as chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, successfully upholding the

“She was laying there peaceful, like she was asleep, but I touched her and just felt death.” The image of Stacey Blahnik’s lifeless body has been revisited by partner Malik Moorer every day for the past three months. On top of grappling with the murder of his longtime girlfriend, Moorer’s grieving process has been stunted by suspicions, accusations and lack of closure: At press time, a suspect and motive for Blahnik’s killing remain elusive. Before the murder Moorer and Blahnik were together for seven years and, while PAGE 6

Community group pushes for open bids on Scouts building By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A community group continues to push for a competitive-bidding process if land occupied by a local boy Scouts of America council is to be sold, even though the city solicitor says the property can only be sold to the Scouts. Philadelphians Against Subsidized Discrimination opposes the sale of 231-251 N. 22nd St. to the BSA Cradle of Liberty PAGE 14 Council for $500,000.

2 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

PERSON OF THE YEAR, from page 1

straight students, faculty and teachers about Clementi and the larger issue of gay bullying. By October, newspapers throughout the world carried photos of the aspiring musician and “People” ran a cover story on the teen and the struggles that gay teens face. Ellen DeGeneres featured the case on her talk show and “The Dr. Phil Show” ran a special on antigay bullying that included interviews with friends of Clementi’s. CNN ran a special weeklong series on youth bullying, culminating in a town-hall discussion with gay teens Oct. 8. Bob Schoenberg, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s LGBT Center, said it’s “irrefutable” that Clementi’s suicide garnered the greatest amount of media attention for LGBT youth suicide than ever before. Community reaction In addition to mobilizing the media behind the issue, Clementi’s death also spurred the LGBT community into action and enabled the expansion of the ally community. Numerous vigils were held on Rutgers’ campus and throughout the country in the days following his death, including several in Philadelphia. Schoenberg noted that events held on Penn’s campus also memorialized other gay victims of suicide who flew under the media’s radar. Dozens of local LGBT youth took the stage at the Oct. 10 OutFest as the 40,000-

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year-old Billy Lucas, as a way for LGBTs to tell the younger generation not to give up hope for a bright future. Savage submitted the first video Sept. 21, the day before Clementi’s suicide. It’s since generated more than 5,000 video submissions from LGBTs, allies, politicians, celebrities and even President Obama, all of which have been viewed by more than 15 million people. Since the beginning of the campaign, calls to the national LGBT suicide-prevention agency The Trevor Project’s hotline have increased 50 percent. LGBT supporters also took to the Internet after Student John Otto and his mother Kim answer questions Clementi’s death with the about antigay bullying Nov. 15 outside of New Jersey’s Spirit Day campaign, which Statehouse; inside, lawmakers held hearings on the drew pledges from more state’s anti-bullying legislation. AP Photo: Mel Evans than 1.6 million people worldwide to wear purple strong crowd at the festival applauded them, an action conceived of shortly after Oct. 20 in memory of the recent gay youth Clementi’s suicide as a way to show youth suicides. “I think it’s been encouraging,” they had the support and love of the wider LGBT community. Festival-goers chanted Schoenberg said of the community response. “It gets better” to the kids, a mantra popu- “And it’s not just the LGBT community but larized by a suicide-prevention campaign other communities as well. I think more launched in September by out writer Dan allies have paid attention to the plight of LGBT youth as a result of what happened Savage. Savage started his “It Gets Better” video than was previously the case. Even on our initiative after the Sept. 15 suicide of 15- campus, I think we’re paying even more

attention to students who may be at risk and encouraging students to watch for signs of trouble. We always had that attitude, but I think it’s been increased and strengthened as a result of the events over the last few months.” Carrie Jacobs, executive director of The Attic Youth Center, said Clementi’s death communicated the pressing importance of organizing around LGBT-youth safety issues. “This is an issue that continues to plague the LGBTQ youth community, and it really speaks to the importance and need for adults to continue to work to make the world safer for LGBTQ youth and continue to support programs and services that do that,” Jacobs said. Legislative reaction Clementi’s death also had ramifications for future anti-bullying and suicide-prevention efforts. New Jersey LGBT-rights group Garden State Equality and several other agencies had been working with state lawmakers since 2009 on crafting a measure that would strengthen the state’s 2002 anti-bullying law. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was introduced by State Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Sen. Loretta Weinberg on Nov. 8, and it passed 71-1 in the Assembly and 30-0 in the Senate on Nov. 22. “It’s extremely awkward to talk about good coming from tragedy, particularly when the

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tragedy is someone’s death, and we all have to be sensitive to Tyler Clementi’s family in that regard,” said Garden State Equality executive director Steven Goldstein. “But to be sure, Tyler’s passing had a massive public-policy impact in the state of New Jersey. New Jersey would have passed a new antibullying bill had there not been the loss of Tyler, but that said, there’s no way the state legislature would have passed as strong a bill or as quickly as it did.” The measure provides for uniform standards for students and teachers, institutes training for school officials, creates schoolsafety teams to investigate bullying complaints and explicitly prohibits harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity among other groups. Currently, 45 states offer anti-bullying laws, but Goldstein said most don’t provide enough tangible resources to prevent bullying. “These laws have no teeth, and frankly I take the LGBT-rights movement a bit to task for that. The national movement has not yet said, ‘OK, you may have an anti-bullying law and it may cover sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, but is the law itself effective?’ That’s what we did in New Jersey over the past year.” Goldstein said LGBT advocates knew a situation like Clementi’s was possible, but that the measure that was approved in the wake of his death could go a long way to preventing future tragedies. “It’s safe to say you couldn’t come up with an anti-bullying bill that has the strongest possibility of saving lives as New Jersey’s. We really lived in fear that a tragedy like that which took Tyler’s life could happen in New Jersey and we lived with that fear as we saw students take their lives in many other states. Clearly, Tyler Clementi was in every legislator’s mind, as both houses acted with unprecedented speed and passed the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. The memory of Tyler Clementi was the motivation to our legislators.” Clementi also became the namesake of a federal measure introduced by New Jersey’s U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Rush Holt. The pair on Nov. 18 introduced the Tyler Clementi Higher Education AntiHarassment Act, which would require federally funded colleges to have anti-harassment policies that are LGBT-inclusive, would extend to cyberbullying and would provide funding to establish anti-bullying programs. “In the wake of the Tyler Clementi tragedy, we should help colleges across the nation strengthen their anti-harassment programs and make campuses a more positive and safe atmosphere,” Holt said at the time of the introduction. A spokesperson for the Clementi family commented when the measure was introduced that the family was “humbled and gratified that the loss of their son, however painful for them, has inspired nationwide discussion and awareness of the need for a renewal of values of respect for human dignity and personal privacy, particularly for young people in this time of rapidly evolving technology.” ■

RUNNERS UP, from page 1

tering of the Lancaster Human Relations Commission. Despite contending with deep budget cuts, Glassman has successfully navigated the agency through high-profile cases such as the bullying and harassment incidents at South Philadelphia High School. Jason Landau Goodman Landau Goodman emerged last year as a strong LGBT activist. The University of Pennsylvania student was the prime organizer of the effort to pass an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance in Lower Merion. He first proposed the idea to council in 2009 and created Equality Lower Merion to unite the LGBT community behind the measure, which passed in December. Landau Goodman was also named the youth coordinator at Equality Pennsylvania, where he oversees the Student Network Across Pennsylvania, which brings together LGBT and ally college communities. Fern Kaufman Healthcare worker Kaufman made another run for the Pennsylvania House last year and, although she was unsuccessful, she navigated her second successful campaign as an openly LGBT person. Kaufman was present at a bevy of LGBT events throughout the year and went doorto-door every day for months, explaining her fiscal conservative/social progressive position to the largely conservative residents of Chester County, and providing a realistic and tangible understanding of the LGBT community.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Leach participated in numerous LGBT community events throughout the state last year and became a spokesperson for marriage equality both in the LGBT and mainstream communities. He spoke on the issue at the State Capitol in February during the Freedom to Marry week and debated National Organization for Marriage head Maggie Gallagher in Harrisburg in March. Patrick Murphy Although he lost his bid for reelection in November, former U.S. Rep. Murphy (D7th Dist.) was victorious in helping to win a 17-year-long gay-rights struggle. Murphy led the effort in the U.S. House to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which was won in the final days of the session. Murphy took over the repeal effort from former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, who left Congress in the summer of 2009. When he came on board, the repeal bill had 140 cosponsors and, throughout the past year, he was able to garner bipartisan support from a total of 192 cosponsors. President Obama signed the repeal bill into law in December. James Tiano The LGBT community lost a strong ally last year with the retirement of Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Tiano. Tiano served as the liaison between the LGBT community and the police department for 12 years. Last year Tiano and the Police Liaison Committee oversaw the production of a new LGBT training DVD for police, and presented the LGBT-sensitivity program for the first time to new officers who previously served on other forces.

demonstrate the lives that could be lost due to the growing waiting list. Boy Scouts LGBT Working Group Throughout the legal debate between the city and the local chapter of the Boy Scouts on the organization’s antigay policy, the Boy Scouts LGBT Working Group has remained a major player. The group, comprised of, among others, out attorneys Andrew Chirls, Arthur Kaplan and Abbe Fletman, has worked to protect the LGBT community’s interests throughout the discussions, which peaked last year with the federal trial. The Scouts’ policy of disallowing gay members puts the organization’s use of city property at odds with the city’s LGBTinclusive nondiscrimination ordinance, and the working group has advocated for a solution amenable to the LGBT community. LGBT Womyn of Color Conference The second annual LGBT Womyn of Color Conference brought enhanced visibility and empowerment to the local sexualminority female population. In its second year, conference organizers established the Elements Organization to head October’s conference and future events. The conference offered workshops, film screenings and a performance by Grammywinner Dionne Farris. The event brought in women from across the country and solidified itself as a yearly tradition, with the Elements Organization leading community-building efforts throughout the year. LGBT Elder Initiative The city saw its first-ever summit on

COHEN (FROM LEFT), LEACH, DESHIELDS , GOODMAN, GLASSMAN, KAUFMAN, MURPHY AND TIANO

POLITICIANS/POLICE Mark Cohen State Rep. Cohen (D-202nd Dist.) made LGBT history last year when he spearheaded Pennsylvania’s first civil-union bill. Cohen introduced the bill April 22 along with 32 cosponsors. While Cohen acknowledged that it would take time to fully advance the measure, he said the effort would help to raise awareness about same-sex couples’ lack of rights and begin the discussion on how to remedy the civil-rights issue. The bill died in the Judiciary Committee, and Cohen has said he will re-introduce the measure this session. Daylin Leach State Sen. Leach (D-17th Dist.) introduced his marriage-equality bill in 2009 and spent last year campaigning for the bill and the LGBT community.

During his tenure, Tiano served as the liaison to numerous communities and, upon his retirement, several were tapped to handle his diverse slate of responsibilities. GROUPS ACT UP Philadelphia Activist group ACT UP made numerous headlines last year as it staged vocal protests to urge more resources and attention for the homeless epidemic among the HIV/ AIDS community. The organization published a report last summer on the state of local HIV/AIDS housing, finding a 30-percent jump in the number of people on the city’s waiting list for housing funded by Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS. The group presented the study to the mayor’s press secretary in June and met with the mayor in November, after which they organized a mock funeral outside City Hall to

LGBT senior issues in the fall, as gay seniors discussed the unique issues addressing the community and brainstormed tangible solutions to the disparities they face. The summit, held at the William Way LGBT Community Center in October, was conceived by the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly and drew participation from an array of local LGBT and mainstream agencies. The event featured presentations by aging experts and community members such as Heshie Zinman, Fred Bostwick and Tyrone Smith. The event used information provided through the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s senior-survey initiative, which polled local elders throughout the summer on their needs. Contributors plan to create a follow-up report based on the recommendations from the summit and continue to work to meet the needs of the community. ■

4 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

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Contents A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND MEMORIES: Our annual photo favorites will remind you of special event moments you may have forgotten. Go online and tell us your favorite at www.epgn.com. PAGES 8-9

NEWS

Local News News Briefing Media Trail

5 5 6

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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

10 10 11 11 11

FEATURES

Crime Watch Out Law

5 12

ANOTHER FIRST: The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus opened the Fancy Brigade performances at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the first time in the Mummers’ 110-year history.

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News Briefing Couples’ tax session The Bottom Line Financial Services will host a free educational session to explain how same-sex couples can reduce their tax burden at 6 p.m. Jan. 12 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The two-hour seminar will address how to claim a partner as a dependant, tax changes for 2010 and the differences between itemizing and standard deductions. Accountant Walter Moyer will also offer free seminars Taxes for Artists at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at The Leeway Foundation, 1315 Walnut St., and Taxes for Small Businesses at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the William Way. For more information, visit www.thebottomlineinc.net or call 215-238-0230.

Drag, burlesque for women’s cause The Liberty City Kings next week will stage the inaugural event of the local Her HRC program, which brings together

women to support the national LGBT agency Human Rights Campaign. The group’s drag and burlesque performers will be on hand from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jan. 16 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., for the first Her HRC event in the region. A $10 admission to the Liberty City Kings show will also get partygoers a oneyear membership to HRC. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/a3xxe5.

Event to showcase women’s art The Elements Organization will host a fundraiser next week for the third-annual LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference. Winter Hot Chocolate: Erotic Art Showcase will offer festivities from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 16 at Vivant Art Collection, 60 N. Second St. The event is $5 to enter and will feature erotic open-mic poetry, theatrical pieces, live music and art pieces created by LGBT women of color. From 8 p.m.-1 a.m., the organization will host a dance party with erotic-art performances at Q&A Club & Lounge, 1176 N. Third St. Admission to the party is $7 and will feature drag and burlesque shows and music by DJ Bonnie Danger. For more information, call 610-297-4282 or visit www.ourelements.org. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Dec. 20-26. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association.

REPORT: At 7 p.m. Dec. 20, security video at the 12th St. Gym, 204 S. 12th St., showed a male entering the Camac Street entrance and taking a rug and planter from the common area. The offender was described as a white male, 40 years old, 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, with black hair and wearing a blue jacket, blue pants and white sneakers — the same male who has done this twice before.

ARRESTS: At 12:35 p.m. Dec. 23, complainants were in their apartment in the 300 block of South 10th Street when an acquaintance who had taken complainant’s phone the night before knocked on the door. When the door was opened, both complainants were sprayed with pepper spray by a female with the acquaintance; the offenders then struck one of the complainants with a wrench and cut one of the victims with a knife. Sixth District officers McQue and Nheb responded to the 911 call and apprehended one of the offenders, the — Jen Colletta known acquaintance, a 24-year-old female

with a Southwest Philadelphia address. The second offender was described as a black female, 22 years old, who was identified through investigation and an arrest warrant is being obtained. The offenders are charged with aggravated assault and related offenses.

REPORT: At noon Dec. 24, a motion alarm went off at the Franklin Club, 205 S. Camac St. Police responded and found a rear garden door forced open and a smashed glass inner door. Entry was thwarted by the alarm and nothing was taken. Sixth District Officer Nheb recovered some evidence at the scene, which was submitted for latent fingerprint examination. REPORT: At 11:20 p.m. Dec. 24, the attendant of the 5 Star Parking Lot, 1314 Spruce St., was held up at gunpoint by a black male, 25-35 years old, 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds with a mustache and wearing a burgundy hoody, tan pants and brown boots. The offender fled east on Spruce after taking a small amount of cash. REPORT: Between 12:05-9 a.m. Dec. 25, a side window of The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St., was broken and someone stole numerous brass candle toppers. Central Detective Division processed the scene for evidence and fingerprints. ■

6 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

LOCAL PGN

Moorer left work around 9 p.m. and took they had their ups and downs, Moorer said the Broad Street Subway home, noticing as he approached that the front light was they were planning a life together. He purchased a home on Manton Street on and the mail was still in the mailbox, in South Philadelphia one year ago, where both of which he said were unusual. When he went upstairs to look for the couple lived with their five dogs. While he and Blahnik shared a life, they Blahnik, he found her laying facedown on sometimes traveled in different circles. a pillow in bed and realized she was dead Moorer said he tried to pick up as many after feeling her cold skin. He called two friends and the police and hours as he could at his food-services job at Hahnemann Hospital and often didn’t went with the officers who arrived on the have time for the parties and clubs that scene to Police Headquarters at Eighth and Race streets for questioning. Moorer said Blahnik frequented. Blahnik served as the house mother for he was detained for nearly 16 hours, left House of Blahnik and was a mentor to the alone for several of them. When he was released the following day, police kept his organization’s younger members. Outside of the ballroom community, shoes and clothes for testing, and he had to Blahnik was involved with prostitution, go home in socks. “As bad as it was being which Moorer contended at the police station that long, many in the trans community at least I didn’t have to see get involved with. them bringing her out,” he Although Moorer said he said. “I don’t think I would was somewhat aware of this have been able to handle aspect of her life, he didn’t that.” fully learn the extent of her sex work until after her The aftermath death. The medical examiner But he said he loved determined that Blahnik died Blahnik for who she was. of strangulation, and the per“Underneath it all, she petrator used a pillowcase. was a sweet person, a very Even after investigators good person. Sure, we’d fight MALIK MOORER announced that Moorer was sometimes like all couples, not a suspect in the murder, but then there’d be those five minutes where she was just sweet, and that he said suspicions continued to plague him was her. That was who she really was. And since the tragedy, providing ample fodder for community gossip. I loved her for that.” “Within 15 minutes of when I made the October 11 first phone calls, I got a call from Atlanta On the night of Oct. 10, Moorer and from someone asking if it was true. Within Blahnik slept in separate bedrooms, as a half-hour, if you looked outside the Moorer had to wake early the next day for house, it looked like a block party, with work and Blahnik wanted to stay up and how crowded it was with everyone out watch television. there,” Moorer said. “And it wasn’t for supHe called her on his break shortly before port, they were there to gossip. And when 11 a.m. the next day and said she sounded people starting saying I did it, I sucked it normal. Moorer worked a double shift that up at first and tried not to get mad. I tried day and wasn’t able to call again on his to put myself in their shoes and say you afternoon break, but said Blahnik updated know, they didn’t have the whole story so her Twitter account in the early afternoon. they had to create the story and try to make BLAHNIK, from page 1

them in their bedroom. And, each night, sense of it and fill in the blanks.” After police stated that Moorer was not he’s slept in the same bed where he found involved in the murder, however, he said he Blahnik. Moorer is moving to a new house this received only a few apologies from friends and community members who had contrib- month, January but said the past three uted to the rumor mill. months of living on Manton “When you start rumors, Street have been a difficult what happens when you but necessary part of the find out the truth? You can’t grieving process. take the rumors back. With “It’s been hard to deal a rumor I might be able to with but I think it was easier influence 500 people, but than packing up our stuff and it’s harder to get the truth out going to stay with somebody when it comes out. It’s damelse,” he said. “This was the aging. first home I owned. This “As much as this commuperson took my dream away nity is discriminated against, from me. It was my dream to we discriminate against each be self-sufficient and to take other,” he added. “If you have care of my family, and Stacey five gay people in a room, and our dogs, they were my three or four would have family. I couldn’t leave that. something bad to say about STACEY BLAHNIK This was the last place where one of the others. I never she was at, and I didn’t want really realized it before because I always to leave that.” tried to stay out of that stuff, but now I’m He has begun counseling but said the the one being talked about. I haven’t been effects of the murder have carried over to able to really grieve properly yet because all facets of his life. before I could even start grieving, I had to “I used to get crazy hours at work but defend myself.” sometimes now I turn down hours because part of me I guess feels like if I hadn’t been Coping mechanisms working a double that day, I may have been Moorer said the accusations have left able to stop this from happening,” he said. him ostracized. “And I was working so much, and so much He was shunned by Blahnik’s family, was going on, that I feel now like I didn’t and his name was omitted from the obitu- know what was going on with Stacey. So ary. I’ve been feeling like I shouldn’t be away “This is the loneliest I’ve ever felt. I from home as much as I used to be. But it’s wouldn’t wish this loneliness on my worst a big thing to be moving now. That’s the enemy,” Moorer said. first step. The second is getting the person He said he often watches a video the who did this.” couple took on his phone of the two of them relaxing and joking at home, and fre- The investigation quently listened to an old voicemail from When Moorer spent more than half a her, until he lost it when he got a new day at the police station, he did hear some phone. antigay comments from those on the force, Moorer keeps a candle lit in the house which have stuck with him throughout the surrounded by several pictures of Blahnik investigation process. and the Serenity Prayer. He cleaned off the “Some of the cops were throwing around teddy bears and stuffed animals that well- the words ‘queer’ and ‘faggot’ when I was wishers left on his doorstep and keeps there,” he said. “I don’t PAGE 15

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Media Trail Navy officer ousted over antigay videos CNN.com reports that Navy Capt. Owen Honors, who produced profanity- and slurladen videos while second in command of the USS Enterprise, has been relieved of his command of the veseel, a senior defense official said Tuesday. Excerpts from the videos and descriptions of their content were first published Saturday by The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Va. Honors roadcast to his crew a series of comedy sketches in which he uses gay slurs, mimics masturbation and opens the shower curtain on women pretending to bathe together. The videos on the paper’s website, reviewed by CNN, feature a man identified by two Navy officials and The VirginianPilot as Honors, who at the time was the executive officer, or second in command, of the aircraft carrier. He recently took command of the vessel, winning one of the most coveted assignments in the U.S. Navy, which has only 11 aircraft carriers. Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Chris Sims said the videos, which were shown to the crew of the Enterprise while on deployment to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, are “inappropriate.”

Advocates press for rights in Ogden

cates in Ogden plan to press the city’s mayor for a new local ordinance to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Brandie Balken, executive director of Equality Utah, said she’s hoping to make progress on legal issues during the Jan. 7 meeting. Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey declined to comment on the issues. Balken said she plans to press for an ordinance rather than a resolution because she wants any new law to have teeth. The proposal, first brought by Ogden resident James Humphreys, is similar to laws passed in Salt Lake City and other Utah cities. It would prevent many employers and landlords from discriminating based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Task force to target gay-youth suicide Yahoo News reports the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is creating a new task force to handle suicide prevention efforts among LGBT youth, the group announced Dec. 30. Leaders of the task force will be Kevin Jennings, who heads the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and DrugFree Schools, and Charles Robbins, executive director of The Trevor Project. “This task force will bring together the best minds in the country to combat suicide and make sure that every LGBT youth has the opportunity to grow up in a supportive, accepting community and to enter adulthood safely,” Robbins said in a press release. Studies indicate that LGBT youth are anywhere from 1.5 to seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. ■ — Larry Nichols

Utah’s Deseret News reports gay advo-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Allentown considering DP benefits By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pennsylvania’s third-most populous city is poised to adopt a law that would allow city workers to extend their benefit plans to same-sex partners. Allentown City Council president Mike D’Amore introduced domestic-partner legislation on Dec. 15. The measure is cosponsored by five of the seven councilmembers and is expected to pass out of committee Jan. 5 and given final approval shortly after. The bill needs a simple majority to pass. If the council approves the measure and the mayor gives his consent, which he is expected to do, Allentown would become only the fourth municipality in the state to offer government workers domesticpartner benefits: Philadelphia approved a similar domestic-partner law in 1998, with Pittsburgh and Harrisburg following suit in 2008. Adrian Shanker, vice president of Lehigh Valley-based LGBT agency Pennsylvania Diversity Network, and the agency’s executive director, Liz Bradbury, first broached the issue with D’Amore three years ago. Shanker said the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies offer domestic-partner benefits, and D’Amore and other supportive councilmembers agreed such policies are “sound business practices,” enabling the city to attract the best workers. “Our friends on City Council understand that this bill is about fairness and equality for everyone,” Shanker said. “They understand that this is in the best interest of the city of Allentown because this legislation will help the city to recruit and retain the most talented employees. We have a pretty high-quality workforce, and we want it to stay that way.” Equality Pennsylvania, of which Shanker is a board member, also joined the fight. Executive director Ted Martin com-

mended the work of the PDN in advancing the measure thus far. “Equality Pennsylvania salutes the work the Pennsylvania Diversity Network has done to bring this to where it is now, and we’re glad to be partnering with them,” Martin said. “If they do this, it really sends a great message about Allentown: It means that Allentown believes in equality and is looking for an excellent workforce, one that is the strongest and healthiest it can be.” Philadelphia’s and Harrisburg’s domestic-partner benefits are open to opposite-sex unmarried couples, while Pittsburgh’s is limited to same-sex couples. Allentown’s measure would only apply to those in same-sex relationships. Shanker said the measure was structured for same-sex couples to cut down on the cost and because opposite-sex couples, unlike gay couples, have the choice to marry. “People have asked why this is only for gay couples and not for unmarried straight couples, but that’s like saying in order to give equal rights to the gay community, you have to give more rights to the straight community. It’s not about that: It’s not a game of who has more rights, it’s about who has equal rights,” he said. “This about righting a structural wrong. It’s unfortunate that we even have to do this. It’s unfortunate that the state of Pennsylvania doesn’t recognize these relationships because we wouldn’t need this if they did.” The measure has seen little resistance, although some critics have argued that the bill could be a financial burden. Shanker, however, countered that the cost to the city is minimal, while the financial gain could be substantial. “The financial benefit to the city will greatly outweigh the cost,” he said. “The benefit has been seen by so many of the Fortunate 500 companies that have already done this. This is a way to increase the image of the city and the talent in the city’s workforce without costing a lot of money.” ■

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FEATURE PGN

8 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

PGN

Favorite Photos 2010 By Scott A. Drake PGN Art Director

remind the LGBT community of its losses.

Last year, we weren’t the only ones who liked our favorite photo of 2009: “The Kiss” won two awards and was instrumental in a third. It would be presumptuous to think we could win multiple photo awards again this year but, nonetheless, we’d like to share our favorite photos from the previous year again.

The Flag Raising (Oct. 8-14) Hundreds of photos were taken of the historic rainbow flag raising Oct. 6 at City Hall — all from the ground looking up. But this picture, with its different perspective, received more favorable feedback than any other last year. This one is also about community cooperation. We have Gloria Casarez, director of LGBT affairs for the mayor, to thank for helping us get this photo. (1) (This year, Gloria, we’re going to start sharing transportation, since we’re frequently going to the same events anyway.)

Candlelight Vigil (Oct. 22-28) More candlelight vigils were held last year in Philly than any years in recent memory. In October alone, we went to four that were especially poignant and tragic — reminders that many youth do not have the support, resources or strength to be comfortable with their sexual orientation. The front-page photo, taken on the Penn campus, was part of a statewide remembrance at 25 Pennsylvania colleges and universities, held as a tribute to the many LGBT teens who committed suicide in the summer and fall of 2010. Frankly, we’d rather not take photos such as this and we’d rather not cover events such as these. We label it a favorite only to

Memorial Day (June 4-10) In a year when one of the armed services’ greatest battles was equality in the ranks, this photo was taken at the Korean War Memorial, where Gov. Rendell attended his final Memorial Day Service as governor — just days after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense spending bill that had been

1 amended to include a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The statue in the foreground captures our sentiments toward that discriminatory policy, which Congress and President Obama repealed: “The Final Farewell.” (2) 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah @rodephshalom.org Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

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FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

We also like this photo because City Hall always makes for a nice dramatic backdrop. (4)

Gayborhood 40th Celebration (July 1622) For sheer color, we picked this picture of Mayor Nutter and many LGBT business owners, community leaders and allies. The rainbow ribbon-cutting, confetti, umbrellas and sign presentation kicked off two weeks of promotions and parties in the Gayborhood. (3) ACT-UP Body Bags (May 28-June 3) ACT-UP kept us jumping last year. This photo was taken during a protest of proposed state AIDS cuts along South Broad Street. Protesters filled the median with “body bags” and flowers to signify AIDS victims dying because of inadequate education, prevention and protections from the HIV virus.

Patriotic Cowboys (July 9-15) The DC Cowboys were part of an historic Fourth of July parade in Philadelphia last year, along with Frank Kameny and the Philadelphia Freedom Band. This was the first time openly gay LGBT individuals and groups had been invited to participate in the parade. Our photo of Kameny may be more historic because of his participation in the original protests at Independence Hall, but this one captures the energy and enthusiasm of the event. (5) We also like this photo because Independence Hall always makes for a nice dramatic backdrop.

Ben, Bread and Roses (Oct. 1-7) We attend many events for many organizations at a wide variety of venues. Skyline views are really nice, but it’s really just another room that’s really high up. We easily picked this one — with the great open space and dramatic setting — from the Bread & Roses annual recognition at the Franklin Institute. (6) We also like this photo because Benjamin Franklin always makes for a nice dramatic backdrop. Out and Proud (Oct. 15-21) The OutFest youth appreciation was an amazing moment last year. Sharing the stage with the youth while the minutes-long applause filled the streets was a thrill. We really like this image of thousands of people who stopped for a moment to recognize our youth. (7) Wet and Proud (June 18-24) Rainy days and PrideFest had been strangers the past few years, but 2010 brought some torrential rains early in the afternoon. Clothes and hair may have been dampened, but spirits were not. (8) The Blizzard that Broke the Record (Feb. 12-18) Just look at it. (9) (We think this one could win an award.) ■

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week D’Anne Witkowski Michael Medved

Editorial New year, new look In 2011, PGN is poised to celebrate its 35th year. With this anniversary, we are updating our look — hopefully, you noticed the front page — and will be tweaking our content. For the most part, the changes are cosmetic and aesthetic but, hopefully, readers will be able to get more valuable information quickly. Here’s a short list of changes: front-page redesign, updated headline font, reduced table of contents and new column signatures. We switched to a standard four-column format (from five columns), which will standardize our ad sizes and shapes. For the news section, we will try to maintain the progression of local, national and international, depending on space and newsworthiness. If all goes well, we’ll have a few new columnists as well. We moved the bulk of the directories to the middle of the paper, between news and arts, so that they can be more integrated with the content. This also allows us to run complementary content for those sections. The “Detour” section — PGN’s arts and entertainment section — is now “Arts & Culture” and will have its own contents listing on the section page. The “Diversions” events listings are now “Out & About.” For the latter, we will now list events chronologically by day, Friday to Friday, as well as provide a list of stage performances and exhibits, divided into opening, closing and continuous. We’ll also be highlighting four events with photos instead of two and streamlined our TV listings. We have a couple of goals with our updates. First, we’d like to be more engaging and more reader-friendly. With our headline adjustments, we are going for a cleaner look so that we can convey more information, more rapidly. With the front page, we are hoping to showcase more of our content, providing smaller pieces to interest busy readers. Other changes in the works include adding more local lifestyles features, freshening up some colors and ensuring there is art with every article (to the best of our ability). There may be more coming; we’ll let you know as they come. It’s been a few years since PGN’s last facelift, so you’ll have to let us know what you think. Tell us what you like, what you don’t, what you miss, what you love. As always, we appreciate your feedback. Our mission is to be a medium for communication for the LGBT community, internally and externally. And we need to know if we are meeting — or missing — that goal. ■

Happy New Year, everybody! And just in case you wondered if 2011 would find the antigay right as fixated on the complicated genital equation of penis + penis/vagina + vagina <> penis + vagina, worry not. It will always, deep in their hearts (or hearts and web-browsing histories), come down to crotch shots for these folks. Case in point: Michael Medved, conservative radio talk-show host and self-proclaimed expert on the ins and outs of gay sex. At the tail end of 2010, inspired by the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Medved declared on his website, “The New Year brings a new policy to America’s military that mandates acceptance, and even endorsement, of open homosexual behavior.” I think Medved might have the specifics of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy confused with the XXX “military training videos” he rents. He seems to think the military ban was the only thing keeping the military from devolving into an orgy of public man-on-man and/or woman-on-woman sex. Unless, of course, he means something more innocent by “open homosexual behavior,” like handholding and slow dancing. But I kind of doubt that. He goes on to claim that the repeal “denies the vast and crucial distinction between males and females — insisting that men and women are interchangeable when it comes to forming a valid, constructive intimate relationship.” Oh? So the United States military is essentially blind to sex and gender now just because it’s no longer legal to kick gay and lesbian servicemembers out? Sure, Medved. That makes total sense. And despite Medved’s opinion to the contrary, it certainly takes more than slapping two people of the opposite sex together to form a “constructive intimate relationship.” Goodness knows the military is no stranger to damaged straight folks hooking up while on duty (Lynndie England and Charles Graner Jr., anyone?). But, of course, for Medved it all comes down to penises and vaginas. “If men and women are profoundly dif-

ferent — and both science and common sense tell us they are — then an all-female couple is even more different from an allmale couple than either homosexual bond differs from a heterosexual union,” Medved writes. In other words, to quote “Sesame Street,” “One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn’t belong.” He continues, “This distinction helps explain the oft-noted quirk in public attitudes that sees stronger opposition and denunciation, in the Old Testament and elsewhere, to a physical relationship between two males and intimacy between two females.” In other words, this explains why two chicks kissing in a bar are greeted with cheers and two guys kissing are greeted with fists. “A physical connection between a female couple, like a physical connection between man and woman, is based primarily on acts of affection. The most common sexual practice between two men involves an act of aggression — inflicting more pain than pleasure for at least one of the parties,” he writes. Um, OK. So when it comes to homosex, Medved prefers doughnut bumping to sword fighting because the first is sweet and soft and the other is hard and violent. Duh. As far as anal sex “inflicting more pain than pleasure for at least one of the parties,” that doesn’t explain anal sex’s popularity with folks from all over the orientation spectrum. In other words, a lot of heterosexual folks are into butt sex. A commenter on his site said it best: “Michael: Read a book, buy some lube and try some foreplay first.” As Dan Savage points out on The Stranger blog, “So lesbian sex is OK — with Michael and with God — because lesbians don’t have anuses.” The Lord, as they say, works in anatomically mysterious ways. ■ 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.

Got a favorite? As a reader, we know you care about PGN’s content — what we cover, what we don’t, who we cover, who we don’t. For PGN’s 35th anniversary edition, we’d like to know what impact PGN had on you. Was there a story that particularly moved you? A column, photo or writer you loved? Something you hated? Has PGN changed your life (for better or worse)? Did you meet your partner through its pages? If you have a PGN story, send it to editor@epgn.com by Jan. 31. Tell us in 250 words or less why you love (or hate) us. Please include your name, a daytime phone and your city and state. Submissions will be edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation and spatial considerations.

OP-ED PGN

Mr. President, Washington and Franklin thank you When President Obama signed the Deane, acted quickly before the clergy repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he could deport von Stuben and sent him to might have felt the ghosts of Founding the Colonies to serve with Washington. Fathers George Washington and Benjamin Once the lieutenant was here, Franklin smiling over his shoulder. They Washington was concerned about might have even whispered in his ear, von Steuben’s lack of English, so he “It’s about time.” appointed two of his officers History clearly recalls that who spoke French to work as the Revolutionary Army was a translators. One of those offirag-tag band of men with little cers was Alexander Hamilton to no military training. We and the other was his close friend Henry Laurens. Some fumbled through the beginning historians claim the two were of the war of independence with lack of training, conduct lovers — but that’s another column. and organization. Washington Washington and Franklin’s knew that, without help, the trust in von Steuben was realColonies would lose. Since ized as he taught the troops Washington himself was the the essentials of military drills, best this nation had, he looked to Europe for someone who tactics and disciplines, includcould bring order to the troops. ing how to effectively use To that end, Washington wrote a bayonet and organizing a military camp. He authored the Colonies’ representative in Mark Segal the “Revolutionary War Drill Paris at the time, Franklin, to Manual,” which became the see what he could find. standard drill manual until the War Franklin learned of a Prussian military of 1812, and served as Washington’s genius, Lt. Gen. Friederich von Steuben, chief of staff in the final years of the who’d had a string of successes with Revolutionary War. He was part of numerous armies across Europe. There Washington’s inner circle, and a major was one problem: Various kingdoms of factor in the victory of the Colonies. And Europe had asked von Steuben to depart that, my friends, is why gay history is because of his “affections for members important. And a fun read. ■ of his own sex.” And while Franklin was interviewing him, the situation became Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the somewhat hectic as members of the nation’s most-award-winning commenFrench clergy decided to make a crusade and drum him out of France. tator in LGBT media, having recently Franklin had a choice here, and he received the 2010 Columnist of the Year decided von Steuben’s expertise was more Award from the 2,000-member Suburban important than his sexual orientation. He Newspapers of America. He can be and another colony representative, Silas reached at mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Street Talk What LGBT achievement would you like to see in 2011? “A national anti-bullying law. All the suicides in 2010 really affected me. Something needs to be done. I’ve seen a lot Enrique Marquez of bullying in law student Texas, where Washington Square I used to live. West It was quite persistent. I think there should be criminal sanctions because bullying ruins lives.”

“A pill that will prevent AIDS. It must be effective. But people should still practice safe sex to Nia Martin avoid other English teacher diseases. And Madrid, Spain I’d like to see the Pope reach out to the LGBT community. He should help the community feel more open to choice, and not so alienated.”

“Lifting the ban on gay men donating blood. That’s like something from the Dark Ages. The ban is Paul O’Dell unnecessary computer and programmer unfounded. It Poughkeepsie, N.Y. treats gay men like lepers and vectors of disease — which I find reprehensible.”

“The enactment of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania. The [U.S.] Supreme Court isn’t Nancy Powell ready to paralegal do it yet. But Fishtown I think it’s possible in Pennsylvania. Conservative Republicans are becoming more open-minded. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ has helped.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Notable deaths this decade,” Dec. 31-Jan. 6:

You neglected to note the passing of controversial entrepreneur and gay bar operator Jerry Vitelli in June of 2009. I know this might be a sore spot, Mark, but he was a presence in the Gayborhood — for better or for worse — for a while and also owner of the Rendezvous in Atlantic City in the 1970s. — rkq In response to “Family Portraits: Denice Frohman,” Dec. 24-30: Denice is a fantastic poet and great

leader! Philly is lucky to have her. — N. Cabral In response to “Federal legislation losses,” Dec. 31-Jan. 6: Second-class citizenship for another year?! — Gussy Fink-Nottle In response to “Fuel keeps it — and you — light and lively,” Dec. 10-16: The food at Fuel is awesome. Not been

disappointed yet and doubt I will be. A once-a-week (at least) for sure! — Russell6464 In response to “LGBTs protest rent hikes at NE bar,” July 16-22:

Not cause it’s gay (I am), but because ... karma has its way of working. Hopefully he doesn’t try to take over another bar because me and my homeboys won’t be going. He ruins places. — Eddie Timsty

Glad it got shut down.

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.

PGN

12 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Ensuring diversity in the financial services industry Though the equality divide seems to be identity and sexual orientation as well as race and ethnic background. inching closer with the repeal of “Don’t U.S. Rep. Barney Frank Ask, Don’t Tell” and other pro(D-Mass.) is one of the leadtective enactments, provisions are continuously being made to ing visionaries of the DoddFrank 342 act, which protects seal the gap for the LGBT comthe LGBT community in the munity. These changes are not financial industry. One of the an accessory but a necessity in first openly gay members of today’s society. A prime example Congress, Frank has been a is Wall Street, which is very much still a patriarchal and disstrong advocate for equality. criminatory climate. The DoddWith the recent success of the Frank 342 bill is a catalyst of repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t change in diversifying America’s Tell,” Frank’s response to the importance of the repeal and financial industry. It tackles the issue of LGBT discrimination LGBT issues was, “It is to be in the workplace, which is by against violent crimes Angela protected no means an outdated issue. It is driven by bigotry, it’s to be able critically important that people Giampolo to get married, it’s to be able understand their rights and are to get a job and it’s to be able attentive of the legal compensation availto fight for our country ... For those who able to them when faced with discriminaare worried about the radical homosexual tion in the workplace. This is especially agenda, let me put them on notice. Two imperative for the LGBT community since down, two to go.” The agenda for change we can face discrimination based on gender continues with the efforts laid out by the

Out Law

Dodd-Frank 342 legislation. The act mandates race and gender employment ratios — quotas — that private financial institutions that do business with the government must observe. This provision is part of an overarching effort to bring reform to the financial industry within the broader efforts of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173/ Public Law 111-203). It aims to create more than a dozen new financial regulatory offices and establish the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion. The OMWI will monitor and ensure inclusion of women and minority groups, including the LGBT community, in the regulated entities and agencies it oversees. The office will set ground rules and establish criteria for these agencies to include women and minorities in recruitment efforts. If agencies do not meet new standards of inclusion, they will face appropriate action, up to or including termination of contracts. Contracts are major facets of leverage. The new law states that agencies are

required to establish contract proposals describing the procedures for selecting employees, to the extent that is legally permissible. This is a section that specifies diversity of the applicant as a factor in the hiring process. In the case that an agency fails to establish these measures, the law allows for the OMWI director to recommend to the agency head that the contract be terminated. Upon receipt of such a recommendation, the agency head may: (a) terminate the contract; (b) make a referral to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; or (c) take other appropriate action (Section 342(c)(3)). The law has a widespread effect on various entities not limited to domestic financial agencies. Provisions are aimed at large financial institutions but smaller institutions are affected. Many of the provisions give a basic structure of reform, leaving regulators to fill in the details. The effect of this diversity clause has caused some expected backlash, especially Republican opposition. It has been deemed

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LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 overarching and CLASSIFIEDS ineffective, as most of the agencies that are being targeted already have what they believe to be overlapping nondiscrimination laws. Most of the opposition claims Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate AMY F. STEERMAN it to be an example of big governAttorney at Law ment, declaring it to be vague and As a member of the LGBT lacking teeth. Concentrating in Planning community, Jeremy A. Wechsler Regrettably, some of these allegafor Lesbian and Gay Couples can provide compassionate and tions may hold true. While Section • Probate • Wills sound solutions for all of your 342 would require that investment • Living Wills estate planning needs • Powers of Attorney banks, contractors and other agenDS APRIL 25 MAY 1, 2008 CLASSIFIEDS cies be, to some extent, at the mercy PAGE 110 Get In Touch: www.JawAtLaw.com 215-735-1006 of regulators, it does not offer speor (215) 706-0200. 1900 Spruce Street cific solutions. Existing non-disOffices in Willow Grove, PA. Philadelphia, PA 19103 Flexible hours and home visits upon request. crimination laws are not clearly www.amysteerman.com distinguished from some components of the Dodd-Frank 342 prothis space: vision. ForM. these reasons,MA, theCRC, bill CVE HOMAS ARDY James Quesenberry, only $25 per week* may not James be as effective at creating Disability Consultant M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE ATTORNEY AT LAW change throughDisability substantial quota Consultant measurements as hoped by progresCONCENTRATION Sociallike Security Disability sives. Terms “fair inclusion” are IN Social Security Disability not concretely defined. Moreover, it Claims Appeals D ISABILITY lacks thorough Claims guidelines for entities Appeals 215-629-0585 eager to fully comply with the stanI SSUES 215-629-0585 dards. If Suite you are 202 facing discrimination Suite 202 Rd. *when you run Oxford Valley in the workplace, it is important to Oxford Valley Rd. www.ssdiappeals.com for a minimum of 8 weeks Hills, PA 19030 trustFairless your instincts. Do not dismiss Fairless Hills, PA 19030 acts of discrimination as “just part of the job.” Everyone has the right LEGAL SERVICES Charles S. Frazier, Esq. A, CRC, CVEto be treated equally and fairly at William A. Torchia, Esquire James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE Attorney at Law work. If you suspect discrimination, ant Disability Consultant ESTATE & TAX PLANNING begin by taking notes. Keep a record • General Practice GENERAL PRACTICE of the derogatory language, racial • Wills and Trusts C ONCIERGE LEGAL SERVICES sability slurs or comments you hear. This Social Security Disability • Living Wills watorchia@gmail.com als Claims of Appeals paper trail could become important • Powers Attorney Avenue of the Arts in the future. You should file a report • Probate 85 215-629-0585 230 S. Broad St., Suite 400 with the human resources departMark-Allen Taylor, Esq. Philadelphia, PA 19102 ment or, if your company doesn’t Wayne, PA Divorce Suite 202 have one, talk to your management (610) 687-4077 Phone: 215-546-1950 Oxford Valley Rd. Child Custody staff. If your company does not take Fax: 215-546-8801 cstar1@verizon.net Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Support / Visitation action, you can file a charge of disDomestic Partnerships crimination with the Philadelphia Wills & Powers of Attorney Commission on Human Relations, Looking for a new career? Equal Employment Opportunity Name Changes Want to be your own boss? Commission or the Pennsylvania and Tired of the insecurity of today’s economic uncertainty? Human Relations Commission, Technologically-Assisted Reproduction Agreements depending on who has jurisdiction. Learn how we’ve The agency will typically ask your helped 1,000’s of Law Offices of Mark-Allen Taylor, LLC employer to answer to your charges individuals find a 1325 Spruce Street and may even conduct an investigaPhiladelphia, PA 19107 new and rewarding tion, requiring documentation and 215-735-2777 career. Call (215) explanations for actions. Finally, you mat@mat-law.com 321-1963 to schedcould file a lawsuit. Free initial consultation ule a complimentary While the Dodd-Frank 342 law coaching session. is a catalyst for change in diversifying the financial industry, the issue of workplace discrimination in the LGBT community is pervasive. With more laws and protections aimed at leveling the playing field and bringing awareness to the inequity we face, we are one step closer to equality. ■

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SCOUTS, from page 1

Members of PASD say $500,000 for the Beaux Arts building and one-half acre of land is far below market value — and amounts to subsidized discrimination they maintain, because the Scouts intend to continue discriminating against gays and atheists once they purchase the property. Instead, PASD members want competitive bids to ensure the highest return for the city — bidding open to the Scouts. City officials want the building sold to the Scouts to end a lawsuit, and to ensure the Scouts stop seeking about $960,000 in legal fees from the city. Scouts spokesperson Kera Walter declined to comment on whether the Scouts would oppose an open-bidding process. Last month, City Solicitor Shelley Smith said the property is unavailable for sale because of an “agreement in principle” entitling the Scouts as the sole purchaser. R. Duane Perry, a PASD member, questioned whether a legally binding agreement actually exists, noting that no one has produced such a document. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter

requires that city-owned property sold by the city’s Department of Public Property be open to competitive bidding. But Smith stated in published reports that the sale would be handled by the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, a quasi-city agency that doesn’t require competitive bidding. Perry questioned why PIDC would facilitate the process, since he’s not aware of any industrial development that the land sale would produce for the city. “Apparently, the city is trying to suggest that this is an economic-development deal, but I would ask the question, Where are the jobs?” Perry posed. Paul J. Deegan, a spokesperson for PIDC, said the agency focuses on job creation and economic development. Without commenting specifically on the Scouts’ deal, Deegan said PIDC often sells property on behalf of the city. “When the city has surplus properties, they can utilize PIDC to facilitate the sale,” he said. “After approval by City Council, the title of the property would go from the city to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial

Development to the designated buyer.” The Scouts won’t permit openly gay participants, nor will they pay fair-market rent, so the city tried to evict them in 2008. In June 2010, a federal jury rejected the Scouts’ claims of viewpoint-discrimination and equal-protection violations, but ruled the city imposed an “unconstitutional condition” when trying to evict the Scouts. After the mixed verdict, the judge said the city could proceed with an eviction, as long as it was in a constitutional manner. PASD members are urging City Council — which must approve any sale of the building — to require competitive bids. “That’s what we’re encouraging City Council to require,” Perry continued. “But we’re also encouraging Mayor Nutter to take an appeal [of the verdict]. Legal experts agree that this is a very winnable case.” Nutter couldn’t be reached for comment. Last month, City Councilman Darrell L. Clarke introduced legislation enabling sale of the property, with two additional conditions: that the Scouts remain in the building for at least 10 years, and that they make the building available to community groups.

In its current format, Clarke’s bill doesn’t contain a provision for competitive bidding. At press time, Clarke’s legislative aide, Will Carter, had no comment on whether Clarke would amend the bill to allow for an openbidding process. Last month, Mel Heifetz, a gay realestate investor, placed a $1.5-million bid on the property with the city Department of Public Property. He also submitted a $10,000 deposit for the property. Undaunted by the city solicitor’s position that other bids cannot be accepted, his legal team sent a two-page letter to Smith on Dec. 29, asking questions about the “agreement in principle” with the Scouts. PGN submitted a Right-to-Know request for a copy of any sale agreement between the city and the Scouts. The request was denied Jan. 4 by Divisional Deputy City Solicitor Christopher R. DiFusco on the basis that “no records exist which are responsive to the request.” Clarke’s bill has been referred to City Council’s public-property committee, but a public hearing had not been scheduled at press time. ■

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BLAHNIK, from page 6

think it was directed at me, they were just using it kind of in passing. So it just made me think that if they think that way, are they really going to give this the attention it needs? I don’t want them to rush it because if you rush something, it could be done sloppy, but it does need to be dealt with.” Moorer has been in frequent contact with the police and recently spoke to detectives working on the case, who he said gave him confidence that they were investigating thoroughly, and he noted LGBT liaison Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson has been very responsive. Moorer said he was dismayed, however, when the city recently announced it was putting up a $25,000 reward toward the capture of the so-called Kensington Strangler, who is accused of raping and killing three women, and is thought to be targeting sex workers and drug addicts. The city’s contribution brings the total reward money to $37,000. “That was a $25,000 reward for a city

that’s supposedly broke, but not a dollar for Stacey? Why not?” Moorer asked. “Who knows what somebody else knows? It’s not like this is the same person, but people will come out of the woodwork, maybe for even $1,000. Money talks.” Mark McDonald, the mayor’s press secretary, said city-sponsored rewards are “fairly infrequent,” adding that the Kensington Strangler and Blahnik murder are different cases. “They differ in pretty clear ways in the sense that the city is looking for an individual who has killed more than once,” he said. “There’s DNA evidence that points to the same individual in these multiple cases, so on the basis of that and the danger that this denotes, this reward situation was established. It’s the serial nature of the matter that led to this element of the strategy to get this person off the street.” Community response Without reward money from other outlets, Moorer suggested that LGBT community members and the organizations

that represent the community could pitch in to raise a reward. “When does the gay community stick together and say, ‘OK, we’re going to put up a reward for one of our own’? We’re always talking about rights and getting respected, but if we don’t respect each other and come together for one another, how can we expect others to?” Since the murder, however, Moorer said he’s met with a lot of apathy from the local community. He said he’s sent numerous e-mails and made phone calls to community leaders, with little response. Within Blahnik’s circle of friends, Moorer said it seems like many have already moved on, an attitude he attributed to some of the shared issues in the LGBT community. “So many people in this community were raised up and just kicked around their whole lives, rejected by parents and families. So if you don’t really love yourself, it’s hard to love those you’re surrounded by. There’s a word some people use: They

say they ‘live’ for someone. They live for this person or for that person. But that’s not love. When you truly love someone, you work to keep their memory alive,” he said, noting that Blahnik can best be honored by community members striving to emulate the best side of her. “I’m a firm believer that if we were able to bring back Stacey or other people who’ve passed, they’d have a different perspective and tell people, ‘Do this,’ or ‘Don’t do that.’ Some people have already gone back to doing what they were doing before she was killed. But you have to look at what was best in that person and celebrate it and look at what was bad and avoid that to really honor that person.” Moorer said he has “no desire to become an activist,” but said he thinks Blahnik would want him to work for justice for her, which he is committed to doing. “I was so in love with her when she died, and I’m still in love with her. So I’m not going to stop fighting for her. Her voice was taken away, so I’m trying to be that voice now.” ■

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PGN

PGNSTORY FEATURE

Arts&Culture

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE... By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Two of the disco era’s most enduring musical acts will join forces for a concert that is sure to have audiences dancing in the aisles. The Village People and Gloria Gaynor are teaming up for a performance Jan. 15 at the Keswick Theater. Gaynor has top billing but we’re betting The Village People are going to steal the show — probably because they’ve been defying expectations since they began. Formed in 1977 by producer/composer Jacques Morali with partner Henri Belolo, The Village People were conceived as a novelty disco act aimed primarily at gay audiences. The members were given fantasy personas to play on stage, with Victor Willis as the police officer, Felipe Rose as the Native American, Randy Jones as the cowboy, Glenn Hughes as the biker, David Hodo as the construction worker and Alexander Briley as the G.I. By 1979, despite thinly veiled gayety that included beefcake imagery and suggestive lyrics, the group’s popularity had exploded as it crossed over to mainstream world-wide superstardom, thanks to smash hits “Y.M.C.A.” and “In the Navy.” To date, The Village People have sold over 100 million records worldwide. We know: DAMN! By the dawn of the 1980s, things had peaked and wheels had started falling off the disco train. The Village People were popular enough to star in their own major feature film, 1980’s “Can’t Stop the Music,” which by all accounts was a critical and commercial flop. But it remains a popular cult film to this day. The group soldiered on into the mid1980s before disbanding in 1985. But by 1987, the group reformed with some original and new members, and continues to perform and appear on stages and television internationally. These days, The Village People are original members Briley, Hodo and Rose, alongside newer members Raymond Simpson (the cop), Jeff Olson (the cowboy) and Eric Anzalone (the biker). Hodo talked to PGN about the group’s

enduring appeal and status as one of the top-selling acts of the disco era. PGN: It seems like The Village People are as busy now as they were in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Is that the case? DH: Yeah. But we’re a little more in control of the scheduling. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, it was like the producers didn’t care. It was about sending us anywhere and everywhere. And now we have a little more control over that. We don’t let it get out of hand. But we are fortunately continually working.

PGN: Have you performed on a bill with

Gloria Gaynor before? DH: Yes. Gloria opened for us on our national tour in 1977 and we’ve since worked with her. She’s another one who, pardon the pun, survived the disco backlash.

She looks like a million bucks. She’s still out there and she works quite often. PGN: How was it opening for Cher on

her farewell tour?

DH: It was great! We loved her. She’s a

doll. It was first-rate and she couldn’t have been more pleasant.

PGN: Did you think that 30 years after

starting out, the group would still be invited to perform in stadiums and arenas all over the world? DH: It’s actually 33 years and no, not at all. They told us when we started out that we have four years of longevity because we were a novelty group and that was usually how it went. It’s like I say, when they call you a flash in the pan, you’re the one that burns the kitchen down. PGN: What has been the key to the

group’s longevity as performers? DH: Our act. Nobody has ever seen a group like this before. We work on it very seriously. It’s very entertaining. It gives people a reason to get up and dance and jump up and down and sing and have fun. PGN: Is the group full-time for you and the other members or do you have time to work on other projects? DH: Whenever we have time at home we have little projects we do, but this is our main gig.

PGN: At what point in your career did the group members decide they needed more control? DH: When we pulled the group back together in 1987. I had left the group for a while and then the group closed down for 15 months. Then it was reformed in 1987. This time it was by us. The producers let us use the name and the trademark and everything but we were taking care of the business end. We said that we’re not going to let ourselves get run down like it was before. PGN: When members of the group

had to be replaced, was it difficult to find the right people to take their place?

18 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

FEATURE PGNSTORY

That’s been a bit of a problem, but fortunately there aren’t many times that any of us have to miss a show. We hate to miss a show.

We played every one that was offered to us. So we helped raise money and awareness. PGN: Do you think the

PGN: Disco faced a

THEN AND STILL: The Village People in various phases (including the ’80s one you probably forgot about). Photo: Aaron Cobbett DH: It wasn’t difficult to find a new lead

singer because we had already been working with Ray. Then when Randy was let go, it was the second time he was fired from the group. The first time he was fired, our producer brought Jeff into the group. Then when we pulled it back together again, it was obvious that Randy wasn’t going to work out so we brought Jeff back

into the group. Then Glenn, our leatherman, died in 2001 and we had a swing guy, someone who steps in for one of us if we’re sick or can’t do a show. And he fit in perfectly. He’s been with us the past 15 years. It’s hard to find subs because you can’t promise them a monthly salary and they’re usually theater people. When you need them, they’re working or something.

backlash in the early 1980s, and given the gay iconography of the group, was there ever any backlash against tTe Village People? DH: Luckily we survived that whole thing. It really was the ruination of many wonderful acts. We meet friends from the past that had hit records in the disco era and they’re not working at all at this. Even Donna Summer, one of the greatest voices of our time, was silenced for quite a while. It’s too bad but we managed to get through it. PGN:Do either the

group or the individual members support any LGBT causes or charities? DH: There was a time when we played every AIDS dance-a-thon across the United States. We helped raise millions of dollars.

hits.

group will record new music in the future? DH: God only knows. We’re not planning on it and the music scene has changed so dramatically. I don’t know. I really couldn’t say. We’ve worked on stuff, but Jacques, who wrote the music, died and it was really his magic touch that created all those PGN: What has been

the highlight of your career? DH: People ask me that and I say the highlight came before I joined the group. A couple months before I joined the group, I got to meet Katharine Hepburn and talked with her twice. During the group, I don’t know. I guess working on the movie, as big a flop as it was. The people involved were a lot of fun and we had a really good time even though we were exhausted. They were a great bunch of people to work with. PGN: Having been in the group from the beginning, how has the group’s audience changed over the years?

DH: It’s funny. We see parents bringing

their kids and the parents were kids in the 1970s. And their kids have a ball. We’re lucky. We planted a whole new audience. The kids grew up listening to their parents’ records and they’re curious about this group. I think there’s only one other group that is as strange looking as The Village People and that’s probably Kiss. ■ The Village People perform with Gloria Gaynor at 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. For more information, visit www.ofﬁcialvillagepeople. com or call 215-572-7650.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

20 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

COLUMN PGN

Fight the good fight Welcome to 2011! It’s hard to believe will help to inform new policy priorithat we’re over a decade into the new ties and advocacy strategies for 2011. millennium. Though days and weeks This is your opportunity to engage with often pass slowly, the months and years Pennsylvania’s leading LGBT activists, seem to move at an increasingly manic and contribute to the dialogue that will clip. As personal and profeshelp us be successful in the face of mounting political opposisional obligations mount, the tion. A reception will follow at amount of quality time we have Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, to invest in personal, familial and community relationships 200 S. 12th St. takes a hit. One of my New — On the heels of several highYear’s resolutions — and one that I recommend to each of profile incidents of gay bullying, my readers — is to maintain a LGBT columnist Dan Savage consistent commitment to the started the “It Gets Better” campeople and organizations that paign in collaboration with and make a difference in your life support of The Trevor Project. The celebrity and community and community, respectively. videos made for this campaign Don’t wait until the end of 2011 to Bruce Yelk went viral and drew attention to dedicate your time and resources. an increasingly pervasive probStart now! Here’s a list of important community events taking place in the lem. As a complement to building awareness, the Trevor Project runs a nationwide next two weeks to help get things going. helpline for LGBT youth that is available — On Jan. 8 at 1 p.m., the good folks 24/7. On Jan. 22, you’ll have an opportunity to lend support for The Trevor at the William Way LGBT Community Project during its local benefit concert Center, 1315 Spruce St., are hosting the at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1625 Red Balloon Event in support of World Locust St.; from 7:30-9 p.m. Featuring AIDS Day. Originally, the event was tenor Aaron Spencer, countertenor Bryan scheduled for Dec. 1, but it was postponed due to inclement weather. Though DeSilva and violist Shane Barker, this World AIDS Day has passed, it’s imporconcert will inspire even those with the tant that we renew attention to HIV/ most discerning musical tastes. The concert is free and open to the public, but AIDS prevention and awareness, which donations are encouraged. Visit www. requires focus throughout the entire trevorproject.org to learn more about this year. William Way’s executive director, Chris Bartlett, said it best: “In a time that outstanding organization. city, state and federal funding have been In addition to the community-based scaled back because of budget shortages, events discussed here, don’t forget the it is absolutely necessary to continue to 2011 Miss’d America Pageant is comeducate the public on this issue. We cannot sit back and let a bad situation get ing up on Jan. 16 at Boardwalk Hall, worse. We ask that you join us and hold a 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Ever red balloon as we walk from the William since the Stonewall Riots in New York Way Center, up the center median of City, drag queens have been fighting the South Broad Street to City Hall, through good fight and standing up to discrimination against the LGBT community. AC’s City Hall to Love Park, and eventually annual drag competition is one of the making our say back to the William Way fiercest and most outrageous on the East Center. We do this for those people who Coast. I’ve even heard a rumor that one are living with HIV/AIDS and their family and friends who are affected; we stand of Philly’s drag ingénues, Navaya Shay, with them in support.” For more informa- is making her drag competition debut tion, visit www.waygay.org. at this year’s event. If you saw her perform at the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition — Next Monday, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., in November, then you know the audience is in for a treat — and that the other many of the city’s most notable LGBT contestants better bring their A-game. policy advocates will be on hand at the The show runs from 8-10 p.m. This show William Way LGBT Community Center often sells out in advance, so visit www. for the Equality PA, HRC and ACLU acglbt.org to reserve your spot today! Town Hall Meeting. With the loss of so many pro-LGBT officials in the 2010 That’s it for this week. Good luck getmid-term election, it’s critical that we ting back into the swing of things as be vigilant and strategic in the effort to 2011 picks up speed. And remember to secure equal rights for the LGBT community. Through a series of community check www.nightlifegay.com in the coming days for an announcement about meetings across the state over the next my newest event — 2011 is going to be six weeks, Equality PA will work collaboratively with the ACLU and HRC an incredible year! Until next time, get to help set a new statewide agenda. offline and see what your community has The conversations at these meetings to offer! ■

Offline

PROFILE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Family Portraits Suzi Nash Nick Johnson: Aromatherapy and reflexology for life “A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.” — John Locke (1632-1704) As we start this new year, I thought I’d profile someone to give us a little boost. Nick Johnson is the owner of Interior ReConnections. Trained as an interior designer, Johnson found a higher calling bringing harmony to his clients through the practice of feng shui and branching out to encompass the whole mind and body with energy work, nutrition, massage and a number of modalities to soothe the soul and energize the body. From aromatherapy to raindrop therapy (originated from the Lakota Indians), massage, Tachyon energy balancing, nutritional cleansing and maintenance and cocoon sessions, Johnson is the man to help you tap into your fullest potential for 2011. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. NJ: For 25 years, I was an interior designer. I loved it: It’s what I went to the University of the Arts to study. But I always had an interest in the healing arts. Both of my parents died of cancer when I was very young, so I was always trying to understand why they died. I didn’t know it at the time but the universe draws you into what it is you need. I first got into feng shui when I realized that the layout proportion, color, texture, artwork, plants and how it is organized has a significant impact on how we feel. In the ’70s, I went to a holistic health conference and was fascinated by what I learned. There was a documentary from China that they showed about acupuncture. China had just opened up to the world a little and it was the first time most people ever got to see what acupuncture was about, performing operations without anesthesia and that sort of thing. It was amazing, but the thing that really attracted me was reflexology. When I got back, I took a course and soon learned enough to start getting clients. I then started learning shiatsu, which was also not very well known at the time, and things evolved from there. I was still working as a designer for a major firm and, after being with them for 10 years, I got laid off. I decided to use it as a positive experience and took the money from my severance pay to take a number of courses in everything from physiology and anatomy to different modalities of massage. I ended up getting pulled back into design but got certified and did massage, etc., on the side. When I got outsourced again in my design job, I realized that the universe wanted me to move in a different direction. Feng shui allowed me to use my design skills for healing and I also learned about nutrition and environment and energy work. Soon I began to do lectures and take clients.

PGN: So going back a little, are you from this area? NJ: Yes, I was born in Prospect Park and then I went to boarding school at Girard College in North Philadelphia for nine years. Now I live about two blocks from there. PGN: Were you at Girard because your parents died? NJ: Yes. When I was there, Girard was a school for fatherless boys. It’s coed now and they take underprivileged boys and girls. It was a great experience; I certainly learned more than I would have staying in Prospect Park where my aunt and uncle were raising me. Because the school was in Center City, we got to take regular trips to the Art Museum and other sites. After I left school, I lived with my aunt and uncle for a brief time, but that didn’t work out so I moved to the city on my own and have been here ever since. I love it here. I work part of the time at the spa at the Ritz Carlton and we have people from New York, California and all over the world who constantly tell me how much they love Philadelphia — the people, the energy and the fact that we’re always improving instead of declining, like so many other cities.

stuff that went on there. Budding puberty combined with a lot of testosterone and even the straight boys participated. It was confusing for a little Catholic boy. I did find solace in my spirituality: I always felt that things would magically happen to keep me safe, happy and hopeful. PGN: Ever play any sports? NJ: It’s funny, I wasn’t into sports but, because I was tall, they were always throwing me into things. I played basketball and, one year, our team went into the playoffs. I tried to just do my thing, which was blocking the ball. It was exciting but I was much more into the arts and music.

PGN: Even after your parents died? NJ: My dad died when I was 6 and it was odd, mostly because people were like, “Oh, you’re the kid with no father.” But then I went to a school with all fatherless kids, so it was no big deal. When my mother died, it was traumatic. I was only 12, but as soon as I could, I got into therapy to deal with that and the guilt of being gay. I was a devout Catholic and I was in a church that was very repressive — don’t touch yourself, don’t think about sex. So that part was torturous. PGN: What was an early sign you were gay? NJ: Boarding school. There was a lot of

PGN: I had it done once and it was rough. NJ: [Laughs.] Yes, you have crystals in your feet and, when we break them up, you sometimes feel the brittle edges, which stab. I’ll have clients who swear I’m digging into their feet with sharp fingernails and I have to show them my hands so they know it’s not me, it’s coming from the inside. I teach them how to breathe to alleviate the pain, but it’s important to get the bad stuff out. When I’m finished the first foot, they can’t believe the difference. PGN: A lot of the work you do involves counseling? NJ: Absolutely; it’s important to take a holistic approach. Maintenance is important for your daily life, exercise, eating healthy, staying hydrated, cleansing the body and mind, meditating, conscious breathing, soaking in the tub, daily reflexology. Everything is connected. You have to learn to listen to your body and understand what it’s saying. Some people don’t want to listen and that’s fine, but then I’m not the therapist for you. You should probably go to someone else, there are plenty of other people out there who will just do a straightforward body work. PGN: True. NJ: I’m especially concerned because of all the technology these days. There’s so much electrical stuff moving through the air 24/7, it can really affect our energy fields and drag us down.

PGN: Are you an only child? NJ: I have an older brother and, when I moved in with my aunt and uncle, my cousin became like my sister. PGN: What were you like? NJ: Easy, happy-go-lucky.

where you have a little bump is your waist and the heel is your buttock, just like your cheeks. Then coming up the back, the ankle is your reproductive system. We work with our hands but the feet are the most abused area of the body, so it’s important to take care of them.

NICK JOHNSON Photo: Suzi Nash

PGN: What instruments did you play? NJ: I played piano and, in band, I played the clarinet. I wasn’t great at it, but I loved my older brother and wanted to do everything he did. PGN: Back to your business, what’s your specialty? NJ: Aromatherapy has shifted my whole practice, but I really enjoy doing reflexology. It’s a science and basically very simple. People think it’s just about feet but it’s the hands as well, the ends of the body. Specific points represent points on your body. The toes are your neck and head, where your toes meet the feet are your neck and shoulders. The outside of the foot

PGN: What do you recommend? NJ: Breath is like taking in life, so if you don’t know how to breathe properly, you’re affecting your emotions, your health, everything. People don’t realize how the emotional is connected to the physical. In the movie “The King’s Speech,” the king has a terrible stutter. His speech therapist tries to make him understand that there’s an emotional reason behind why he stammers and when they can get to that, they can deal with the technical problems. It’s a beautiful film. It’s a great demonstration of how the emotional is tied to the physical. That’s what I want to do, I want to help educate people. That’s one of the reasons I like the ThetaHealing. It’s a technique that teaches us how to use our natural intuition. It’s all dialogue, so you can even do a session on the phone. I started with EFT, Emotional Freedom Tapping, where you tap certain parts of PAGE 22

PROFILE PGN

22 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Worth Watching

PORTRAITS, from page 21

the body to release emotions, which I also like because it involves acupressure points, but the ThetaHealing helps you tap into your energy. You dig into your emotional core to find the root of a physical problem. You help your body understand and ask the universe to download whatever it is that you need to know. You can actually feel the shift when it happens. It’s also important to cleanse your system. We are affected by the toxins in our environment that impact us through our skin, as well as in the foods we eat. We clean our car filters and the airconditioning units in our home; we need to clean our bodies as well.

TOO CLOSE TO THE FLAME?: Gay couple Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) run into and old female flame of Mitchell’s, only to make a disturbing discovery, on “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. Jan. 12 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Mitch Haddad

GREY AREAS: Arizona (Jessica Capshaw, right) seeks Mark’s (Eric Dane) advice as she tries to reconcile with Callie (Sara Ramirez), who has big news of her own, on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m. Jan. 13 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Danny Feld

PGN: What is cocooning? NJ: It’s a process that you’ll soon hear more about. We put a small pillow over the eyes and belts that wrap around your middle. Disks go under your hands and little booties with more disks for your feet. The practice is designed to help get your energy fields flowing. I love doing it because you can just feel the energy in the room. It’s like filling up your vessel and you feel clearer. PGN: What’s helped you in your business? NJ: I have to say I enjoy being a member of the gay business association, the IBA. They have had some great lectures that have helped me with my business. I went to one on social networking that was very helpful. PGN: Now for some random questions. What’s your favorite section of the Art Museum? NJ: When I was younger, I liked the medieval section with the monastery. I’d bring my lunch and just sit there. As I got older, I was more into modern art.

STAYING ALIVE: Pop and dance expert Paula Abdul can’t seem to get reality competitions out of her system. Catch the pop star as she wears the hats of executive producer, mentor and coach for the new series “Live to Dance,” 8 p.m. Jan. 12 on CBS. Photo:

PGN: What’s the best party you’ve been to? NJ: We went to a mystery party and we all had to dress like the characters. That was fun; I was a race-car driver so I had goggles and a scarf.

Miranda Penn Turin

DO IT FOR THE KID?: Out actor Richard Chamberlain guest stars in an episode of “Brothers & Sisters” with out characters Saul (Ron Rifkin, from left), Scotty (Luke Macfarlane) and Kevin (Matthew Rhys), as the latter two reconsider becoming parents, 10 p.m. Jan. 9 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Adam Taylor

PGN: What’s the worst Christmas gift you ever received? NJ: When I was at art school, I was a hippie. I had Prince Valiant hair and mod clothes. My aunt gave me a polyester pant and vest outfit that had large geometric diamond patterns in gold and orange and green and purple. I tried to take it back but it was a final sale. This Halloween I went to a ’60s-themed party, so I pulled it out and people went crazy over it. They couldn’t believe it was an original. PGN: Any pets? NJ: We have a dog. PGN: Who’s we? NJ: My partner Davis and I. He is an artist too, though we’re very different. He’s very into organized religion and does artwork for churches. I’m really proud of him: His

paintings and things really serve to uplift people. We’ve been together for 30 years. PGN: Did you have a blanket or stuffed animal? NJ: I had a little stuffed dog made from real fur that I loved. I carried it everywhere and, after a while, it really started to smell. I had it for ages and then, one year when I came back from boarding school, it was gone. PGN: What traits do you think you got from your parents? NJ: I look like my dad but I got the baldness from my mother’s side. I used to have a big shock of hair up until I was 30 and then it slowly went away. PGN: Any tattoos or distinguishing marks? NJ: No, I never felt I could carry off a tattoo. I didn’t even start a beard until about 10 years ago. When I started doing energy and nutrition work, the texture and thickness of my hair changed and I was able to grow it out. It’s fascinating seeing how it works. PGN: Does the full moon affect you? NJ: How could it not? And that’s not good or bad, it just does, which makes sense. If the moon affects the tides and we’re mainly made of water, it’s going to have an effect on us too. That recent lunar eclipse we had was really crazy. I like to be conscious of when things like that are happening. I can avoid drama if I know what’s coming. PGN: Who’s an influence in the world? NJ: Oprah Winfrey. I used to listen to her show on the radio when I was in school and I loved when she used to talk about spirit at the end. She stopped doing it because people thought it was too religious. She has done so much for raising people’s consciousness and raising the status of women in the world. I can remember when people got upset if a woman was appointed to a management position, never mind a person of color. She’s done a lot to counteract that. I worked for a time at CoreStates in the interior-design department and I remember when we started the first LGBT group. There was huge discussion over what should be included because some people felt we shouldn’t have bi or trans people involved. I said, How can we not? It was an amazing experience because I had other friends working in the corporate world who had to stay totally closeted. Things have come a long way. PGN: Advice for the New Year? NJ: This is a time to get clear on your vision. People have ideas in their heads but they don’t solidify. I always recommend that you take a moment and write them down. Don’t type what you want, take the time to handwrite it. There’s something energetically different about handwriting that makes a difference in how you experience your words. And don’t forget to drink a lot of water ... ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

COMICS PGN & Q PUZZLE

Q Puzzle Recently Out Across

1. Judy’s daughter 5. Screen siren Garbo 10. In need of some South Beach rays 14. Carbon compound 15. Looks at a hottie in a bar 16. Jannings of old films 17. Where to look, in “Misty” 18. Haunting 19. Aid’s partner 20. Take off your shorts? 22. McKellen’s “XMen” role 24. Narrow cuts 25. One of the Great Lakes 26. Catcher of phallic fish 29. Path through leaves of grass 31. Richard Chamberlain’s Dr. role

33. Sexy buns? 36. Doc’s org. 37. Results of screwing up 39. Taxing mo. 40. Omar in “The Mod Squad” 42. Crotchety sorts 43. De Matteo of “Desperate Housewives” 44. Stop with 46. Tigers of the NCAA 47. One to hang with 48. With 59-Across, movie of 11-Down 51. Derek of “Breaking the Code” 54. Stands next to O’Keeffe 58. “Put ___ Happy Face” 59. See 48-Across 63. Brewing tank 64. Wilde’s tongue, for short 65. Stamp of “Priscilla” 66. Just make, with “out” 67. Jason of “Chasing Amy”

68. Persian Gulf port 69. Log Cabin member, for short

Down

1. Heads up 2. Pentium producer 3. Movie of 11-Down 4. Gave a heads-up to 5. Club head? 6. Where a sailor may hit bottom 7. Suffix with musket 8. Like a muscle Mary’s waist 9. Cruising 10. Goobers 11. Recently out actress 12. Try to deceive 13. John of “Aida” fame 21. Muslim faith 23. Indian mountain passes 27. Actor McCormack 28. Fix a sneaker, maybe 29. “Zip it!” 30. Trials and tribulations

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

31. Bucks 32. Top’s betting phrase? 34. Acted like 35. Carhop’s carrier 38. Leonardo’s thing 41. R.E.M. neck attachment 43. Cost of belonging 45. Where they sing “Hello Dalai”? 47. Ho-hum 49. Put the kibosh on 50. Joe who played gay in “JFK” 51. “Cabaret” actor Grey 52. A girl named Frank 53. “La ___ aux Folles” 55. Green beginner? 56. Placid, for example 57. From A to B, to Debussy 60. Aetna rival, for short 61. “Gone With the Wind” extra 62. Bambi character that wasn’t horny?

PAGE 27

PGN The nation’s oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore.

Sat., Jan. 8, 5:30-7 pm

Fri., Jan. 14, 5:30 - 7pm

Elvis’ Birthday Terrance Dean author of Celebration Straight from Your with a reading of the complete

Advanced Elvis Course by CAConrad

Gay Best Friend: The Straight-Up Truth about Relationships, Work and Having a Fabulous Life

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PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

24 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Out & About The week ahead Fri. 01/07 Dark City The psychedelic noir film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Celebrate People’s

History: Book Release & Poster Show The book release and exhibition celebrates the works of activist artist Josh MacPhee, who commissioned and produced over 100 posters by more than 80 artists that pay tribute to

THE UNDERLINGS: Jenn Harris and Cody Nickell star in “The Understudy,” the latest comedy from Pulitzer Prize-nominee Theresa Rebeck, about a war of wills between actors, through Jan. 30, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. For more information, call 215-5467824.

revolution, racial justice, women’s rights, queer liberation, labor struggles and creative activism and organizing, 7-10 p.m. at Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave.; 215-3873434.

Sat. 01/08 Kiki’s Delivery Service The Japanese anime film is screened 2 p.m. at

Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Nancy Harms The cabaret singer performs at 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225. CA Conrad The out author celebrates Elvis’ birthday with a

reading of his book “The Complete Advanced Elvis Course,” 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.

Sun. 01/09 Cristoforo Colombo Amici Opera Company presents Franchetti’s opera at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Dock Wood Community, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale; 215-2240257. Chamber Music Concert The Philadelphia Orchestra performs an intimate show with guest artists, 3 p.m. at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Nancy Weiss The cabaret singer performs at 3 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-862-5225. Steven Berkoff’s East EgoPo Salon hosts a celebration of wasted youth in London’s East End, 8:30 p.m. at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; www. egopo.org.

Mon. 01/10 Equality PA, HRC & ACLU Town Hall Meeting The advocacy groups host an open meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Machete The pulp action film is screened at 8 p.m. at the

Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. First Person StorySlam Spoken-word artists throw down at 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Tue. 01/11 Wine Tasting: Celebrate French Wines Randy Uhler from Southern Wines and Spirits will guide guests through the intricacies of France’s rich wine culture, 5 p.m. at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Dr. David Brendel The visiting scholar and author of “What is Your Psychiatrist Thinking About” hosts a discussion at 4 p.m. at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St.; 215898-7595.

Wed. 01/12 Philly Sings Sun Records Local artists perform a tribute to the sounds of the legendary Sun Records, 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Thu. 01/13 Kim and Kang Play Bach The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with guest conductor Donald Runnicles of Deutsche Oper Berlin, the BBC

LET’S GET MISÉRABLES: The Kimmel’s Center presents a new 25th-anniversary production of “Les Misérables,” with glorious new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, through Jan. 15 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information, call 215-7905847. Photo: Deen van Meer

Scottish Symphony and the Grand Teton Music Festival, 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. “Dwayne 2011” Cabaret singer Dwayne Dunlevey performs at 8 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-862-5225.

Fri. 01/14 Terrance Dean The author of “Straight from Your Gay Best Friend: The StraightUp Truth about Relationships, Work and Having a Fabulous Life” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. at

Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. The Seventh Annual Elvis Birthday Bash Two acclaimed Elvis impersonators perform a tribute show, 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. The Inca Trail The Philadelphia Orchestra performs music from South America, 7 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. The Smithereens The rock band performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Get your event noticed Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax them to (215) 925-

6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Opening [title of show] Mauckingbird Theatre Company presents a production looking at the creation of a Broadway-bound musical, Jan. 12-30 at Upstairs at Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-9238909. Woman/Object AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of Larry Wood’s works of sculpted steel evoking shapes of the female body, Jan. 14-Feb. 19, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-6276250. Amadeus Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia presents the story of the famed composer, Jan. 7-16 at The Kelsey Theatre at MCCC, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, N.J.; 609-5703333.

work, revealing the artist’s move from impressionism towards modernism, through March 6, 9201 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-0476. Les Misérables The Kimmel Center presents a new 25thanniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, through Jan. 15 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Mark Cohen: Strange Evidence Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a select group of some 50 of Mark Cohen’s black-and-white and color photographs made over the past 40 years, through March 13, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Pleasures and Pastimes in Japanese Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of costumes, masks and poetry

OBJECT-IFIED: Catch “Woman/ Object,” an exhibition of sculptures made of hand-carved and torch-cut steel by artist Larry Wood, evoking shapes of the female body, Jan. 14-Feb. 19 at AxD Gallery, 265 S. 10th St. For more information, call 215-627-6250.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

a war of will between actors, through Jan. 30, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. Virtues and Vices: Moralizing Prints in the Low Countries, 15501600 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of moralizing prints created between 1550 and 1600 in Antwerp and Haarlem, through Feb. 27, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing Art of the American Soldier The National Constitution Center presents the world-debut exhibition of over 15,000 paintings and sketches created by 1,300 American soldiers in the line of duty, through Jan. 10, 525 Arch St.; 215-4096895. Between Now & Then AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by Matthew Ostroff and Amber Dubois, through Jan. 8, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250. Eakins on Paper : Drawings and Watercolors from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents 10 rarely seen drawings and watercolors, early work of Thomas Eakins, through Jan. 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Walnut Street Theatre presents an allnew production of the holiday Broadway musical, through Jan. 9, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Pumpgirl Inis Nua Theatre Company presents the story of a homely, tomboyish pump girl at a rundown gas station in rural Ireland, whose obsession with a local racetrack star threatens more than the feelings of his disenchanted wife, Jan. 11-23 at Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-454-9776.

Continuing Annie Media Theater presents the musical through Jan. 23 with out comedian and TV star Wanda Sykes starring as Miss Hannigan, 104 E. State St., Media; 610891-0100. A Glimpse of Paradise: Gold in Islamic Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the unique status of gold in Islam through a small group of objects drawn from the museum’s collection, through April 2011, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. John Folinsbee and American Modernism Woodmere Art Museum presents a fresh look at the New Hope painter’s life and

exploring the ways in which leisure time was interpreted across all social classes in Japanese art, through Jan. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. The Borrowers Arden Theatre Company presents the story of a tiny family whose dollhouse lives are uprooted and they are forced to make their way in the giant universe that surrounds them, through Jan. 30, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122. Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition focusing on Philadelphia’s tailoring industry, featuring clothing designed by Francis Toscani (1915–1973), through summer 2011, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. To Love, Honor, and Obey? Stories of Italian Renaissance Marriage Chests Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition the commemorative works of art, through July 2011, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. The Understudy Wilma Theater presents a comedy about

Miss Witherspoon New City Stage Company presents a dark farce about a woman who kills herself and is forced to return to earth to ﬁnished the lessons she needs to learn, through Jan. 9 at Adrienne Theatre Mainstage, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-568-8079.

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GIRLFIGHT!: Always the onscreen badass, Michelle Rodriguez kicks booty as Luz in the action ﬂick “Machete,” which, as luck would have it, will be screened on Movie Monday, 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information, call 215-922-6888.

Mozart’s Requiem The Philadelphia Orchestra performs works by the legendary composer, through Jan. 9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Nuncrackers Hedgegrow Theatre presents Dan Goggin’s holiday sequel to “Nunsense” featuring original cast member Micki Sharpe, through Jan. 9, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media; 610-565-4211. The Three Musketeers: A Musical Panto

People’s Light and Theatre Company presents a swashbuckling musical, through Jan. 9, 39 Conestoga Road; 610-644-3500. ■

PGN

26 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

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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. DVDs Women’s 1. “Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement,” directed by Greta Olafsdottir and Susan Muska (61 min., $24.95). A lovingly crafted documentary in which Edie and Thea recount how their improbable romance ignited a lifelong journey around the world and through history. 2. “And Then Came Lola,” directed by Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler (2009, 70 min., $24.95). This wonderfully fun and sexy lesbian romp takes a tour through the streets of San Francisco as photographer Lola races to get to a crucial meeting on time. 3. “The Baby Formula,” directed by Alison Reid (2009, 81 min., $24.95). In this feisty, fun and fantastical comedy, two lesbians in love become pregnant at the same time (with sperm created from one another’s stem cells) and embark on a wild adventure. 4. “Truth Hall,” directed by Jade Janise Dixon (88 min., $14.98). Some dirty little secrets are about to come out! Riskier and more provocative than “Waiting to Q PUZZLE, from page 23

Exhale,” this film examines the bonds of friendship, linking a group of AfricanAmerican women who were inseparable in college. 5. “Girl + Girl: Classic Lesbian Short Films” (2006, 90 min., $19.95). Showcases long unavailable film festival favorites and pioneering works, including the glossy British lesbian coming-out fantasy “Rosebud.” Gay Men’s 1. “BearCity,” directed by Doug Langway (2010, 99 min., $19.99). Follows a tightknit pack of friends experiencing comical mishaps and emotionally sweet yet lusty romantic encounters. 2. “Strapped,” directed by Joseph Graham (2010, 95 min., $19.95). A routine trick at a man’s apartment propels a cynical hustler into a series of strange and life-changing encounters. 3. “The String” (“Le Fil”), directed by Mehdi ben Attia (2009, 90 min., $19.95). Class, cultural and sexual differences are explored in this romantic gay drama set in sun-splashed Tunisia. 4. “Ice Blues: A Donald Strachey Mystery,” directed by Ron Oliver (2008, 84 min., $24.95). Our PI takes on the case of his life and gets caught in a high-stakes whirlwind of deceit and murder when his partner asks him to uncover the source of an anonymous multi-million-dollar donation to a youth center. 5. “Boy,” directed by Auraeus Solito (2009, 80 min., $19.95). A delightful, sexy, romantic coming-of-age story about a young poet in Manila who discovers his sexuality and falls for a macho dancer. 6. “Word Is Out,” directed by Peter Brown et al. (1977/2007, 132 min., $29.95). The first feature-length documentary about lesbian and gay identity made by gay filmmakers. BOOKS Gay Men’s 1. “Mary Ann in Autumn: A Tales of the City Novel,” by Armistead Maupin (Harper, 304 pp., $25.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Twenty years have passed since Mary Ann Singleton left her husband and child in San Francisco to

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

pursue her dream of a television career in New York. Now a pair of personal calamities have driven her back to the city of her youth and into the arms of her oldest friend, Michael “Mouse” Tolliver, a gardener happily ensconced with his much-younger husband. 2. “Me,” by Ricky Martin (Penguin, 292 pp., $26.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). 3. “Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist and Sexual Renegade,” by Justin Spring (Farrar Straus Grioux, 478 pp., $32.50 hb less 10 percent in the store). Drawn from the secret, never-before-seen diaries, journals and sexual records of the novelist, poet and university professor Samuel M. Steward, this work is a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the 20th century. 4. “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary,” by David Sedaris and illustrated by Ian Falconer (Little, Brown, 159 pp., $21.99, less 10 percent in the store). The characters may not be human, but the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life. 5. “Roman,” by Dwayne Vernon (Norcarjo, 272 pp., $15 pb). Roman is a street hustler with an 11th-grade education running the streets of Washington, D.C. 6. “Best Gay Stories 2010,” edited by Steve Berman (Lethe, 252 pp., $18 pb). Confessions and stories that range from in scope from “S” — sensational — to “XL” — extra-liberating. 7. “Probation,” by Tom Mendicino (Kensington, 304 pp., $15 pb). How a closeted gay man’s decision to marry impacts his life and the people he loves, and what happens when the lies unravel. 8. “Great Speeches on Gay Rights,” edited by James Daley (Dover, 150 pp., $3.50 pb). Tracing the movement’s rhetoric from the late 1800s to the present, this anthology includes Ingersoll’s “Address at the Funeral of Walt Whitman,” Milk’s “Hope Speech” and Kameny’s “Civil Liberties: A Progress Report.”

Women’s 1. “Desire by Starlight,” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, 261 pp., $16.95 pb). Best-selling romance author Jenna Hardy, aka Cassandra Hart, sprints through life from one appearance to the next, always on deadline, always in demand, always on the arm of a different beautiful woman. 2. “Inferno: A Poet’s Novel,” by Eileen Myles (O/R, 256 pp., $16 pb). Myles attacks Patti Smith! In a novel! 3. “Ash,” by Malinda Lo (Little, Brown, 272 pp., $8.99 new in pb). Entrancing and romantic, “Ash” is an empowering retelling of Cinderella about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults and “Kirkus Reviews” Best YA Book of 2009. 4. “Tipping the Velvet,” by Sarah Waters (Riverhead, 472 pp., $16 pb). This stunning and steamy debut chronicles the adventures of Nan King, a small-town girl at the turn of the century whose life takes a wild turn when she follows a local music hall star to London. 5. “The Salt Roads,” by Nalo Hopkinson (Warner, 409 pp., $21.99 pb). A lyrical meditation on the lives of slaves and gods alike, a magical journey through a world unique to Hopkinson’s broad vision. 6. “Great Speeches on Gay Rights,” edited by James Daley (Dover, 150 pp., $3.50 pb). Tracing the movement’s rhetoric from the late 1800s to the present, this anthology includes Ingersoll’s “Address at the Funeral of Walt Whitman,” Milk’s “Hope Speech” and Kameny’s “Civil Liberties: A Progress Report.” 7. “All About Love: New Visions,” by bell hooks (Harper, 272 pp., $13.99 pb). In 13 concise chapters, hooks examines her own search for emotional connection and society’s failure to provide a model for learning to love. 8. “The Butterfly Moments,” by S. Renee Bess (Regal Crest, 208, $16.95 pb). After a 20-plus year career as a parole officer in Philadelphia, Alana Blue is ready to leave her job and move on to more rewarding work. ■

PGN

■ 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 hot line: 215545-2212

■ 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 Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

■ 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 at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822 or 866-2223871. 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 available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

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 chronicdisease 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 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups

■ 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; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ 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 e-mail notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org. ■ 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 informa-

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■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288

tion 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.nlgjaphiladephia.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; 856-8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

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■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

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■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633

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■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840

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■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

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

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

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

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■ 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: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

■ 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

Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331

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Community Bulletin Board

28 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

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REAL PGN ESTATE

Classifieds 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. 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.

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

Home of the Week

Featured property:

Collingswood, NJ Old-world charm with modern flair! All the work has been done in this stylish Twin! First floor has nice open floor plan, with formal living room & dining room, new kitchen with 42” cabinets, ceramic tile floor and granite countertops, and new full bath with ceramic tile, glass shower and contemporary fixtures. Second floor has gorgeous new full bath, with ceramic tile floor and walls, and all new fixtures, two bedrooms and a den. Third floor is a loft type area with another bedroom. First floor has refinished wood floors. Other features include new gas heat, c/a, newer windows, updated electric, new ceiling fans, six-panel doors and freshly painted exterior. A nice-size yard (lot is 37’ x 175’)!!

Beds: 3+den Baths: 2 Cost: $199,900 Square footage: 1,200+

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Realtor: Silvia Hatzell Real-estate co.: Main St. Realty Ofﬁce: 856-858-2200

Direct: 609-828-2642 Website: www.MainStRealty.com E-mail: SilviaHatzell@yahoo.com

REAL ESTATE

VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________35-10 OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, JAN. 9th, 1-3 PM 650 Jackson Ave., Glenside. $229,500. Pictureperfect Cottage Cape Single w/ 4 BR, 1.5 Ba., hdwd frls, Open Front porch, Bi-level rear deck w/ huge fenced yard. Quiet street, near train, 25 minutes to Center City. Come to the OH & get a gift card to Dovetail Forest Gifts WEICHERT REALTORS, ROCHELLE SAUBER 215-885-8100 (office), 215-885-8122 (cell). _______________________________35-01 Potter County - 17 acres Keating Township. Borders state forest. Perc, electric, access to snowmobile trails. Perfect for cabin or camper. $72,900. Owner financing 800-668-8679. _______________________________35-01

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. _______________________________35-10 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________35-12 JEFFERSONVILLE, NEAR K OF P, BLUE BELL Large efficiency on private wing on home with large yard. Private bath, entrance, kitchen. $495/mo. + elect. & sec. dep. Call 610-5396381, leave message. _______________________________35-01 3XX DURFOR ST. 3RD & WOLF Award winning street! 2 BR, all appl., new oak fl. garden patio. $990. 215-990-3405. _______________________________35-01 FLOURTOWN 2 BR, 2nd fl. of duplex, must see! Just fully renov. Residential st. Walk to Bethlehem Pk. and all shopping. W/D, off st. pkg., beaut. back yard. $975 + util. Avail. Jan. 15, 2011. No pets. Call 215-233-1354 or 215-605-7409. _______________________________35-01

SALE

FOR SALE

SALE

GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-10

SERVICES

AFFORDABLE FORT LAUDERDALE All Gay Resort. Apts., full kit, 10 min Gay Nightlife, beaches, attractions. Clothing opt. pool, WiFi. 877-927-0090, www.LibertySuites.com _______________________________35-02

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________35-01 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal *Computers *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 888-220-3984 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-01 HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 - present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. _______________________________35-01

REAL ESTATE

VACATION

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS- LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efﬁciency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N. 1-800-661-7746 Ext 300-N. _______________________________35-01

REAL ESTATE

ROOMMATES

RENTAL

SALE

3-Story,Semi-Detached, Colonial - COLLINGSWOOD, NJ $199,900 Old world charm with modern flair! All the work has been done in this stylish Twin! 1st flr has nice open floor plan, with formal Living Rm & Dining Rm, new Kitchen with 42” cabinets,ceramic tile floor and granite countertops, and new full Bath with ceramic tile, glass shower and contemporary fixtures. 2nd floor has gorgeous new full Bath, with ceramic tile floor and walls, and all new fixtures, 2 Bedrooms and a Den. 3rd flr is a loft type area with another Bdrm. 1st flr has refinished wood floors. Other features include new gas heat, c/a, newer windows, updated electric, new ceiling fans, six panel doors and freshly painted exterior. A nice size yard (lot is 37’ X 175’)!!

Presented by Main Street Realty

Silvia Hatzell • Ofﬁce: (856) 858-2200 • Mobile: (609) 828-2642 • SilviaHatzell@yahoo.com

EWS

ADULT PERSONALS

FRIENDS

�� REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

PAGE 47

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SERVICES

AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children. Outreachcenter.com 1-800-597-8311. _______________________________35-01

Trying to Get Out of Debt? NO ObligationComplimentary Consultation. $5K in Credit Card/Unsecured Debt. YOU Have Options!! Learn about NO Upfront Fee Resolution Programs! Call 888-456-4551 _______________________________35-01

HELP WANTED

Advertising Sales Representative PGN currently has a position available for an advertising sales representative. Our ideal candidate must be a proven go-getter – someone who thrives on a new opportunity and is experienced in advertising sales. Our ideal candidate must have the ability to: generate new prospects, cold call, strong closing skills. work independently to reach set sales goals. maintain and up-sell to existing businesses. manage your customer base and work within our systems. You should be highly organized, selfmotivated, have outstanding communication skills, aggressive and able to meet strict deadlines. Qualifications:. Two years of sales experience Strong verbal and writing skills, with excellent phone skills Excellent interpersonal and team skills Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus Computer literacy a must, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Salary/Benefits: Salary plus bonus. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays and vacation and a casual work environment. Older applicants joyfully accepted.

PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Please Contact: Tami@epgn.com

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30 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

HELP WANTED

BUSINESS

PETS FOR

OPORTUNITIES

ADOPTION

P/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus seeks a part-time admin assistant to manage ofﬁce and coordinate communication. 10 hours/week, $10/hour. FMI, visit http://www.facebook. com/philagmc To apply, send cover letter and resume to treasurer@pgmc.org by 1/15/11. _______________________________35-01 LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST Full-Time position. Excellent pay and beneﬁts. Med Tech bachelor degree required. Live and work in Vermont. Apply to: www.NorthCountryHospital.org Tina Dupuis 1-802-334-3218 tdupuis@nchsi.org _______________________________35-01 Drivers- 100% Tuition Paid CDL Training! No Credit Check, No Experience required! TRAINERS EARN $.49/MILE! 888-417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-01 CDL-A Drivers: Start Fresh With Western Express! Lots of Miles, Brand New Equipment. Great Pay, Excellent Bonuses! Van & Flatbed Divisions. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-01 Driver- Drive Knight in 2011! Get paid today for what you hauled yesterday. Top Equipment! Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months OTR experience. 800-414-9569. www.driveknight. com _______________________________35-01 Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you’re worth!!! Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________35-01

Do you earn $800 in a day? Your Own Local Candy Route! 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995. 877-915-8222 All Major Credit Cards Accepted! _______________________________35-01 Frac Sand Haulers with complete rigs only. Tons of Runs in warm, ﬂat, friendly and prosperous Texas! Great company, pay and working conditions. 817-769-7621, 817-769-7713. _______________________________35-01

The Gentlemen Cats of Green Street Rescue: Mikey enjoys conversations (he listens and talks back!), shared meals, couch snuggles, and warm and fuzzy companionship. Marzipan survived an abusive situation and now sports a cute little bunny tail. All he needs to make his life complete is a kind heart, a warm loving home, and extra doses of TLC. Crème looks like the ice cream treat his name suggests and will wait for you at the door, for cuddles and hugs. Check them out: http://gentlemencatsofgreenstreetrescue. blogspot.com/ Green Street Rescue focuses on rescuing stray and feral cats in the city, matching lovable kitties with furever homes full of warm hearts and open arms. We will help you ﬁnd the new love (or loves) of your life! Adoption fee of $75 (for one or a pair!) applies. For more information on our cats available for adoption, please email greenstrescue@gmail.com or check our adoptables album at Facebook. _______________________________35-01

LEGAL NOTICE

PGN ADOPTION ADOPT A devoted childless couple wants nothing more than to share our love & happiness with your newborn. Expenses Paid. Please call Theresa & Steve at: 1-877-801-7256. _______________________________35-01 ADOPTION An Unplanned Pregnancy ... does not mean an Unwanted Child. Call Joy/FFTA to discuss your options and choose a family. Financial Assistance Available. 914-939-1180. _______________________________35-01 ADOPT Happily married, creative couple promises love, cozy home & vacation cabin, stay-athome mom, big extended family. Expenses paid. www.CuddlyHome.com Marianne/ Dan 1-877-739-6889. _______________________________35-01

Gay is our middle name. LEGAL NOTICE

CITY COUNCIL

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1910-3290

2011 NOTICE OF STATED MEETINGS In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, Act 93, 1998, the Philadelphia city Council will have its Regular State meetings on the dates listed below. All meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m.. in Room 400 City Hall.

Thursday, January 27, 2011 Thursday, February 3, 2011 Thursday, February 10, 2011 Thursday, February 17, 2011 Thursday, March 3, 2011 Thursday, March 10, 2011 Thursday, March 17, 2011 Thursday, March 24, 2011 Thursday, March 31, 2011 Thursday, April 7, 2011 Thursday, April 14, 2011 Thursday, April 28, 2011 Thursday, May 5, 2011 Thursday, May 12, 2011 Thursday, May 26, 2011

Check out PGN’s new online business directory

Thursday, June 2, 2011 Thursday, June 9, 2011 Thursday, June 16, 2011 Thursday, September 8, 2011 Thursday, September 15, 2011 Thursday, September 22, 2011 Thursday, October 6, 2011 Thursday, October 13, 2011 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Thursday, October 27, 2011 Thursday, November 3, 2011 Thursday, November 17, 2011 Thursday, December 1, 2011 Thursday, December 8, 2011 Thursday, December 15, 2011

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32 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 7-13, 2011

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