Pgn010PGN Jan. 8-14, 2016

Todd Glass and his cracked wit PAGE 15

Ben Carson, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz in a three-way tie for Creep of the Week PAGE 10

Family Portrait: Diane Matkowski has some healthy advice PAGE 23

Mayor number 99 ready for action PAGE 5 Jan. 8-14, 2016

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 40 No. 2

Venture Inn to close next week

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The curtain will officially close on Venture Inn Jan. 17.

The longtime Gayborhood watering hole and restaurant is shuttering after more than 40 years as an LGBT establishment, and decades more as a venue friendly to LGBT clientele.

General manager Henry Brinton said owners Bob and Linda Berkowitz recently finalized the sale of 1217 Spruce St., which encompasses Venture Inn. Details on the most recent sale and new owner were not yet publicly available.

The Berkowitzes purchased the property in 2007 for $1.15 million.

Brinton said the couple, who lives parttime in Florida, was looking to liquidate some of their assets as they aged. But, he said, they intended for Venture Inn to remain open after the sale.

“Bob was negotiating with the new owners and that was part of the verbal agreement but halfway through the process, the new group changed their minds and said they were going to close the doors, and it was too late to get out of the deal at that point,” Brinton said. “But Bob and Linda tried their damnedest to keep it open. It broke their hearts that they couldn’t.”

It is unclear what the new owner plans to do with the space occupied by Venture Inn, which stands in a former stable that dates to the 1830s.

The building housed a number of establishments over the years, officially adopting the Venture Inn moniker and title as an LGBT establishment in 1973.

Brinton was an employee for 10 years and GM for the past eight.

“This wasn’t just a building; it was a home, a family, a community,” he said.

“I’m happy I was able to have an effect personally on that community because it definitely affected me; I did a lot of growing up and learned a lot here.”

Brinton will move on to Valanni.

Every one of the other nine employees has secured employment at Gayborhood establishments, Brinton said.

“Everybody has a job to go to when the PAGE 3 doors close. This staff

Hateful incidents mar Mummers Parade

The Mummers organization has said it will put in place new restrictions to curb bigotry in the annual parade after reports of racism, homophobia and transphobia in last week’s event.

By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com

LEADING THE CHARGE FOR CHANGE: Brittany Lynn and the Miss Fancy Brigade led the Philadelphia Mummers Parade down Broad Street Jan. 1. This marked the fourth year for the LGBT contingent, and the first in which it participated in the Philadelphia Division, a sector meant to foster diversity in the parade. This year’s event was marred by complaints of racism, homophobia and transphobia, including a skit by one brigade mocking Caitlyn Jenner. A member of that group was permanently banned from the parade after he was heard making antigay comments. The LGBT community has been among a number of groups calling for changes to the parade to foster inclusion. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Hearing continued in Gayborhood murder The preliminary hearing for a man accused of killing a psychiatrist in a Gayborhood hotel was continued until February.

Manuel Baez, 27, is now scheduled for a hearing at 9 a.m. Feb. 10 in Room 306 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. He faces charges of criminal homicide, robbery and related offences in the death of Dr. Howard Baker, 75, in a room at the Rodeway Inn at 12th and Walnut streets.

According to authorities, Baker, of Lower Merion Township, frequently stayed at the hotel, located a couple blocks from his practice in the 1400 block of Walnut Street. A housekeeper at the hotel discov-

ered Baker’s body Dec. 21. He was naked on the floor with a belt wrapped tightly around his neck.

The cause of death was ruled strangulation, according to Officer Leeloni Palmiero, a Philadelphia police spokeswoman.

Investigating officers determined Baker checked into the hotel Dec. 20. In the evening, two males visited Baker’s room separately. The second was seen leaving the room just after midnight with Baker’s wallet and backpack.

Authorities contend this person was Baez. A motive is still being investigated. n — Paige Cooperstein

Members of the Miss Fancy Brigade, an LGBT group of local drag performers, had finished marching at the head of the annual Mummers Parade by early afternoon on New Year’s Day. They were sitting in Tabu watching the rest of the marchers on television when the Finnegan New Year Brigade appeared.

“Everybody got kind of silent for a minute,” said Ian Morrison, who performs as Brittany Lynn and helped form the Miss Fancy Brigade.

In the parade, one member of Finnegan was dressed as Bruce Jenner during the Olympic victory. As the Aerosmith song “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” began playing, a marcher dressed as a woman emerged. A sign compared Jenner’s Wheaties cereal box with a box of Froot Loops featuring Jenner from the cover of the Vanity Fair magazine, which announced her coming out as transgender.

“There’s always been satire,” Morrison said. “There was no intelligence whatsoever behind this.”

“You had an LGBT group leading the parade and then they’re being made fun of in the parade,” he continued. “When the Caitlyn Jenner portion got paraded through the Gayborhood, it was a slap in the face.

But I think this had to happen, so it could be talked about in the open and dealt with.”

Morrison’s brigade marched with black and Latino brigades in the Philadelphia Division, which debuted this year in an attempt to showcase the diversity of the city.

“With every step forward, there’s sometimes a step or two back,” he said. “There were some setbacks, but I try to focus on the positives.”

Morrison said Mummers leaders called him soon after the parade to apologize. He said his brigade has been invited to march since 2013 and will continue to do so.

The Mummers released a statement Jan. 2 in relation to the anti-LGBT incidents at the parade. A man from PAGE 13

2

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

PGN LOCAL

locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •

NORTH OF CENTER CITY 1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Barnes & Noble, 1700 N. Broad St. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st floor • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Vice Coffee, 1031 Spring GardenSty. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

SOUTH OF CENTER CITY Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •

UNIVERSITY CITY Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 30 S. 33rd St., Rom. 113 • Christian Association, 3627 Chestnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

Would you like to be on our distribution list?

Contact: don@epgn.com or 215-451-6182 ext. 200 for delivery of complimentary copies.

News Briefing

Sundays every month. The meeting on Feb. 14 will also take place at Tyler. The March and April workshops will take place at Cycles PHL, 1426 W. Susquehanna Ave. — Paige Cooperstein

Mediation set in Morris case DVLF head named top executive At the same time that Samantha Giusti was celebrating her third anniversary as head of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, she was named to a list of top 12 executives of 2015.

Philly Biz Magazine, which published its first issue in December, selected Giusti along with 11 others.

“I was really over the moon,” Giusti told PGN. “When you look at the list, you see it really is Philadelphia’s business titans.”

Julie Coker Graham, incoming president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, were among the other honorees.

Each appears in the magazine to discuss the experiences and inspirations they have in their fields.

Giusti said in her time at DVLF, a grant-making organization that funds LGBT programs and services, she and many volunteers have been able to increase the brand of the organization and engage stakeholders.

“I put a lot of heart into what I do,” Giusti said. “For me, it’s about leading by example. I’d never ask someone to do something I’m not 100-percent committed to. That’s what gets people inspired. You have to show people your passion behind the work you’re doing.”

Giusti volunteered with DVLF for more than a year before joining the staff. She’s also helped coordinate events for Stimulus Productions and volunteered as a peer counselor at the William Way LGBT Community Center.

Giusti said DVLF will undergo a brand refresh this year. A new logo and tagline will debut in the early part of the year. The organization also plans to fine-tune its vision.

To see the full list of top executives of Philadelphia, visit www.phillybiz.net/articles/?articleID=1097.

Cycle workshop for women WTF Cycles, a co-op shop that focuses on bike maintenance, is inviting Philadelphiaarea women to its first workshop.

The free event takes place from 3-6 p.m.

Jan. 10 at the Tyler School of Art, 2001 N. 13th St. People will meet in room 104 of the Architecture Building. It’s open to anyone identifying as a woman, transgender or any other femme-gender identity.

Volunteers will be on hand to teach people basic bike-maintenance skills. Attendees are also encouraged to come with specific questions. Basic tools will be on hand.

WTF Cycles will host open Second

A mediation session between PGN and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office regarding the Nizah Morris incident is scheduled for Jan. 12.

The session, which will be held in Center City, is sponsored by the state Office of Open Records.

Morris was a trans woman found with a fatal head wound shortly after a “courtesy ride” from Philadelphia police in 2002. Her homicide remains unsolved.

PGN is seeking a certified copy of all 911 recordings pertaining to the Morris incident in the possession of the D.A.’s Office. So far, the D.A.’s Office hasn’t complied with PGN’s request.

The mediation session is non-binding, and all discussions that take place must be confidential.

Township spent $418 on adult-bookstore ordinance Berlin Township, N.J., officials say they spent $418.50 in legal fees to prepare an ordinance limiting the hours of operation of an LGBT-oriented adult bookstore in the township.

The dollar amount was disclosed last month in response to an open-records request filed by PGN. Mayor Phyllis A. Magazzu didn’t respond to a follow-up question seeking the identity of the individual or entity receiving the funds.

The ordinance, which passed unanimously last month, limits the hours of operation of Red Barn Bookstore and Berlin News Agency. The businesses must stop operating between midnight-9 a.m. Monday-Friday and all day Sunday.

Red Barn caters to the LGBT community and Berlin News Agency caters to the nonLGBT community.

Thomas Sherwood, owner of Red Barn, said the ordinance is unconstitutional and he intends to file a legal challenge.

In a statement to PGN, township solicitor Eric J. Riso described the ordinance as “sexual-preference neutral” and said it passes constitutional muster.

Inmate requests courtappointed attorney Kenneth J. Houck Jr., an openly gay federal inmate who was brutally beaten by two other inmates at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia four years ago, is requesting a court-appointed attorney.

Houck is suing the federal Bureau of Prisons for $1.8 million in damages.

PGN

He sustained multiple fractures to his right leg due to the incident and continues to walk with a limp, according to court records.

In a recent filing, Houck said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and isn’t capable of litigating the matter himself.

As of presstime, U.S Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya hadn’t ruled on Houck’s request In 2011, Houck pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. His scheduled release date is May 18, 2018.

BOP spokesperson Ed Ross declined to comment for this update.

Court proceeding set in gay-bashing civil case A pre-trial conference is scheduled for later this month in a civil case stemming from a Center City assault of two gay men in 2014.

In September, Francis McGlinn, who reportedly was present during the assault, filed a notice in Common Pleas Court that he VENTURE INN from page 1

has done everything I’ve ever asked them to do, so I made a point when I found out we were closing to go to every manager, bartender, owner in the neighborhood to make sure everyone has somewhere to go. I couldn’t walk away from this and not try to help.”

Of the recurring events and shows that were held at Venture Inn, Brinton said Robert “Sandy Beach” Hitchen’s “La Cage Aux Beach” has secured a new venue: Tabu,

planned to sue Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and Archdiocese spokesperson Kenneth A. Garvin for slander.

McGlinn lost his position as an assistant basketball coach at Archbishop Wood High School, reportedly due to his presence at the scene of the assault. But he wasn’t charged with any criminal wrongdoing.

McGlinn’s formal complaint detailing his allegations hadn’t been filed as of presstime.

A case-management conference on the matter is scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 15 in Room 613 of City Hall.

In October, Philip R. Williams and Kevin J. Harrigan pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the incident and received probation.

In December, a Philadelphia jury convicted Kathryn G. Knott of simple assault and related offenses. She awaits sentencing in February.

Neither side had a comment for this story. n

— Timothy Cwiek where Hitchen will be working.

It was at the final “La Cage Aux Beach” show last month, Brinton said, that he realized how much Venture Inn has meant to the community.

“People were just crying their eyes out.

These were kids I’ve watched grow up. I’ve seen people grow up, break up, come out to their families, have their first dates here,” he said. “But I told them, ‘We’re all family.

This is just a building. But we’re going to continue to be family.’” n

Like us.

Win tickets, passes and other great stuff!

Follow us @ phillygaynews.

News updates more reliable than “a little bird told us”.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

Honor boxes and free library locations 2nd & Chestnut sts. • 2nd & Fairmount sts. • 2nd & Market sts. • 2nd & Poplar sts. • 2nd & South sts. • 2nd & Walnut sts. • • 2nd & Wildey sts. • 3rd & Arch sts. • 3rd & Race sts.

• 3rd & Chestnut sts. • 3rd & Market sts. • 3rd & South sts. • 3rd & Spruce sts. • 4th & Bainbridge sts. • 4th & Chestnut sts. • 4th St. bet. Arch & Market sts., by Holiday Inn • 5th & Chestnut sts. • 5th & Spring Garden sts. • 5th & Spruce sts. • 6th & South sts. • 7th & Pine sts. • 8th & Market sts. • 8th & South sts. • 8th & Walnut sts. • 9th & Market sts. • 9th & Pine sts. • 10th & Market sts. • 10th & Pine sts. • 10th & South sts. • 10th & Spruce sts.• 10th & Reed sts. • 11th & Arch sts. • 11th & Locust sts. • 11th & Pine sts. • 11th & Walnut sts. • 12th & Filbert sts. • 12th & Locust sts. • 12th & Manning sts. •12th & Spruce sts. • 12th & Walnut sts. • 13th & Arch sts. • 13th & Chestnut sts. • 13th & Locust sts. • 13th & Pine sts. • 13th & Sansom sts. • 13th & Spruce sts. • 13th & Walnut sts. •15th & Spruce sts.

• 16th & Chestnut sts. • 16th St. & JFK Boulevard • 16th & Market sts. • 17th & Lombard sts. • 17th & Pine sts. • 17th & Spruce sts. • 18th St. & JFK Boulevard • 18th & Locust sts.

• 18th & Market sts. • 19th & South sts. • 20th & Fitzwater sts. • 20th & Locust sts. • 20th & Pine sts. • 20th & Sansom sts. • 20th & Vine sts. • 21st & Walnut sts. • 22nd & Chestnut sts. • 22nd & Market sts. • 22nd & South sts. • 22nd & Walnut sts. • 23rd St. & Fairmount Avenue • 27th & Poplar sts. • 28th & Girard sts.• 29th & Girard sts. • 30th & Market sts. • 34th & Spruce sts. • 34th & Walnut sts. • 36th & Walnut sts. • 37th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Chestnut sts. • 38th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Spruce sts. • 63rd St. & City Ave. • 69th St. SEPTA station • 505 S. Fourth St. • Broad & Chestnut sts. • Broad & Ellsworth sts. • Broad & Race sts.

• Broad & Spruce sts. • Broad & Walnut sts. • Front & Girard sts. • Germantown & Girard sts. • Juniper & Market sts. • Main & Cotton sts. • Main & Levering sts. • Passyunk Ave & 10th & Reed sts.

• Passyunk & Mifflin sts. • South & Delhi sts. (front door of Whole Foods) • University City SEPTA Station • Walnut & Dock sts., by Ritz Movies • Welsh Road & Roosevelt Boulevard • Wyndmoor SEPTA Station • Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Blanch A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave. • Fishtown Branch, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Frankford Branch, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. • Joseph E. Coleman Branch, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Lehigh Branch, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Main Branch, 1901 Vine St. • McPherson Square Branch, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Northeast Regional, 2228 Cottman Ave. • Oak Lane Branch, 6614 N. 12th St. • Ogontz Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • Thomas F. Donatucci Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Roxborough Branch, 6245 Ridge Ave. • Southwark Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Welsh Road Branch, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • Wynnefield Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

http://www.epgn.com/pages/where_to_find Would you like to be on our distribution list?

Contact: don@epgn.com or 215-451-6182 ext. 200 for delivery of complimentary copies.

3

4

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

6

Weekly features

News&Opinion 2 — News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Op-Ed

Street Talk 14 — Crime Watch

AC

Out Scoutmaster still out of the Boy Scouts of America, despite changes to policy.

9

&

17 23 24 26 29

— — — — —

Scene in Philly Family Portrait Q Puzzle Out & About Comics

C o l 13 — Thinking u Queerly: Resolution m revolution n 27 — Get Out and s Play: Thoughts 12 — Out Money: Stock market corrections

between the seasons

Classifieds 29 — Real Estate 30 — Personals 31 — Bulletin Board

GUIDING THE WAY: The 200 block of South 12th Street has officially been renamed in honor of the late Gloria Casarez. Signage was affixed late last month designating the block as “Gloria Casarez Way.” The signs hang not far from 12th Street Gym, where a mural in Casarez’s honor was dedicated in the fall. Casarez died in October 2014 of complications of breast cancer. She served as the inaugural director of the Office of LGBT Affairs since 2008. Photo: Scott A. Drake

This week in PGN 6 — 40 years ago in PGN 7 — New help for LGBT homeless 9 — Cosby suit includes LGBT assault survivors

A lesbian and former Temple University staffer is at the center of the rape case against Bill Cosby.

15 — Arts & Culture cover story:

Todd Glass’ shattering comedy 22 — Urbane dining at Urban Farmer 27 — Pétanque, anyone?

26

“But those who believe that a deal should not have been made in this case should also be prepared to eliminate plea bargaining in the thousands of violent crime cases that occur in our city annually and the breakdown of the criminal justice system that such a policy would bring.” ~ Op-Ed, page 11

Next week Gettin’ On Outward Bound

Two weeks Mombian On Being Well

PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Editor

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com Staff Writers Paige Cooperstein (ext. 215) paige@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com

Advertising Sales Representative Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Hometown out musician Aiden James struts and strums at World Cafe Live Jan. 9.

Art Director/ Photographer

Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com 267-736-6743 Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 1976-2016 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

Copyright © 1976 - 2016 Copyright(s) in all materials in these pages are either owned or licensed by Masco Communications Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliate companies (Philadelphia Gay News, PGN, and it’s WWW sites.) All other reproduction, distribution, retransmission, modification, public display, and public performance of our materials is prohibited without the prior written consent of Masco Communications. To obtain such consent, email pgn@epgn.com

The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” col­umn. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

5

Kenney becomes Philly’s 99th mayor

By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com When Jim Kenney officially became the city’s 99th mayor Monday in the packed auditorium of the Academy of Music, it was the most “Philadelphia” inauguration one could imagine.

Individual whooping sections erupted as each official took the oath of office, from City Council members to county commissioners and judges. Philadelphia Commissioner Lisa Deeley had some of the most enthusiastic fans. During a prayer, the Rev. Terrence Griffith of First African Baptist Church even joked, “And dear God, I pray that you give us a championship next year,” to which Kenney and others on stage broke into laughter.

“Democracy!” said Darrell L. Clarke, who heard “Yay Clarke!” called out after he accepted his second appointment to serve as council president. “You’ve got to love it in the United States of America.”

Several out judges were also inaugurated Monday. On the Court of Common Pleas, Chris Mallios, Ann Butchart and Abbe Fletman took their oaths of office. Judge Dawn Segal was sworn in for the bench of the Philadelphia Municipal Court after winning a retention vote in November.

For the introduction of Kenney, council members Mark Squilla, who represents the First District including the Gayborhood; Cindy Bass; Maria Quiñones-Sanchez; and Kenyatta Johnson escorted him to the podium.

Kevin Dougherty, an LGBT-affirming judge new to the state Supreme Court, performed the swearing-in ceremony for Kenney, a longtime LGBT ally.

Kenney noted he and Dougherty grew up just 100 yards from each other in South Philadelphia.

“We did pretty good, Kevin,” Kenney said.

Kenney outlined several priorities for himself and city council over the next four years, including expanded pre-K, stronger neighborhood commercial corridors, community schools and community policing.

“While those policies cover a wide range

of issues, they all come from one fundamental truth,” said Kenney, who began his political career in constituent services.

“Government functions properly when it’s accessible and accountable to the people it serves.

“For the one in four people living in poverty in this city,” he continued, “an effective public-transportation system can make the difference of whether or not they can afford to go to that job interview. For a young family, affordable pre-K can make the difference of whether or not they can save for their children’s college education. For an immigrant entrepreneur, a city council representative who can speak their native language can make the difference between a business that succeeds and one that fails. Accordingly, the vision that will guide this administration is that city government should first and foremost deliver efficient, effective service to every Philadelphian.”

Kenney said all city residents must feel they can walk the streets with safety and dignity. He added “black lives do matter,” and that “an overwhelming majority of our police are decent, hardworking public servants who risk their lives every day. We need to give our police the tools to establish strong relationships with the community they are sworn to protect and serve.”

Kenney encouraged all Philadelphians to come together and “row in the same direction.” He said some may find that unity impossible, but noted many are already practicing it. Kenney thanked the local activists who encourage all Philadelphians to acknowledge and do something about any injustices in the city.

“Let’s go to work,” he said.

Rabbi Jill Maderer from Congregation Rodeph Shalom gave the final benediction: “Philadelphians of diverse neighborhoods, races, sexual orientations and languages, today we do not take for granted this peaceful transfer of power we call democracy; grateful for the past leaders who have renewed our city and for the incoming leaders who are dedicated to the promise of our city’s future.” n

Original Australian Company. Photo by Jeff Busby

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE KEVIN DOUGHERTY SWORE IN MAYOR JIM KENNEY MONDAY AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC Photo: Paige Cooperstein

JAN 15–17, 2016 | ACADEMY OF MUSIC

KIMMELCENTER.ORG BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.

@KIMMELCENTER #BWYPHL

6

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY

Gay Scoutmaster remains ousted

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Geoffrey C. McGrath’s ouster as an openly gay Scoutmaster in Seattle received national attention and was credited with helping to liberalize the Boy Scouts of America’s adult-membership policies. But almost two years after his ouster, the 51-year-old software engineer still hasn’t been reinstated.

In a recent interview, McGrath said he’s eager to return to the organization, but local BSA officials appear reluctant to take him back.

In July 2015, national BSA officials agreed to accept openly gay Scout leaders, thereby ending a longstanding ban.

But McGrath said he’s considered “persona non grata” at the BSA Chief Seattle Council, which administers Scouting programs in the Seattle region.

“They haven’t indicated I’m welcomed back,” McGrath told PGN. “To the contrary, they’ve conveyed to other people that I’m forbidden to be a Scoutmaster again.”

McGrath added: “There’s an unspoken rule in Scouting that you don’t air your dirty laundry in public. But I violated their code of silence by protesting, after they kicked me out. So apparently they’re reluctant to have me back.”

McGrath said his return to BSA Scouting would engender goodwill in the community.

“It could be a real healing moment,” he noted.

He’d like to meet with Chief Seattle Council officials, but they haven’t returned his phone calls or emails, he said.

Two Chief Seattle Council officials — Scout executive Michael S. Quirk and Council president Rob McKenna — had no comment for this story.

After McGrath came out in March 2014, BSA officials not only revoked his membership, but they also severed ties with a Methodist church that continued to support McGrath.

As a result, about 20 Scouts

under McGrath’s leadership were left floundering.

McGrath promptly arranged for most of them to join an alternate scouting organization known

This Fab Could for only

when a minimu

as the Baden-Powell Service Association.

The association, formed in 2006, has an open-door membership policy, regardless of gender, religious affiliation and LGBT status.

McGrath said Rainier Beach United Methodist Church has explored having its BSA charter reinstated, as long as he can serve as a BSA Scoutmaster once again.

McGrath said families associated with the PAGE 12

40 years ago in PGN The leader in

NON-MEDICAL IN-HOME CARE AND FREE ASSISTED LIVING REFERRAL for more than a decade.

• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients • Cancer Patients • Bathing • Comfort Care • Companionship

• Dressing • Escort/Transportation • Errands • Grocery Shopping • Grooming • Hourly or Live-in Care

• Incontinence Care • Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Meal Preparation • Medication Reminders • Weekends & Holidays

DPW Approved Aging Waiver Provider in Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware Counties

Philly • 267-909-9248 Lower Bucks • 267-812-5744 www.abcphillybristol.com

Gay grassroots in Pennsylvania Adapted from reporting by Janet Cooper Gay people from smaller communities like State College, Lancaster and Bethlehem began organizing a grassroots caucus.

Organizers hosted regional meetings to keep people across the state informed of each other’s work and provide support for common concerns. The goal was also to help people come out and feel safe, while remaining in their home communities, instead of feeling forced to move to a big city.

“They perceive it as their birthright to live in the communities of their choice,” Cooper wrote.

Antigay legislators keep trying Adapted from reporting by Jim Austin Conservative Pennsylvania legislators sought a way to prohibit gay women and men from being employed by the state as troopers, prison guards, counselors, probation officers or aides in mental hospitals.

The antigay bill, SB743, passed the state Senate 43-3 in November 1975. It called for an automatic dismissal, $300 fine and 90-day imprisonment for any state official who knowingly hired a gay person to fill a forbidden position.

Also excluded from employment was any individ-

ual convicted of a sex crime.

Unlike previous antigay state legislation, SB743 specifically defined homosexuals, instead of applying broadly to anyone convicted of practicing “deviate sexual intercourse,” which was taken to mean anything outside “missionary sex.”

New Eromin administrator appointed Adapted from reporting by Karen Martin Sue Vasbinder took the reigns of the Eromin Center, a counseling and psychotherapy center for sexual minorities, in November 1975. She succeeded Joan DeForeest, who served as interim administrator since April.

DeForeest remained at Eromin as director of community services. Vasbinder graduated from Ohio State University, where she served as co-coordinator of Gay Activists Alliance and participated in Gay Women Sapphoncified and Radicalesbians.

Vasbinder’s duties at Eromin included fundraising and working with the board and staff.

Eromin, derived from “erotic minorities,” became a 501c3 in 1973 as an outgrowth of the Gay Switchboard, a telephone counseling service. It operated in full force until 1983 and had some activity in 1984. n — compiled by Paige Cooperstein

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

7

Putting the pieces together: New home HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY to help LGBT homeless opens in N. Philly

By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com The first time Sakina Dean set foot in the former convent on North Hutchinson Street in North Philadelphia, she saw past the piles of dust and disrepair and imagined a multi-purpose room, a family kitchen and bedrooms for dozens of LGBT people in need of a home.

Dean, who has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Temple University and is pursuing her master’s from the same institution, took a few future residents to the building that would become Divine Light LGBTQ Wellness Center.

“I told them, ‘When we come in, I want you to not look at what you’re seeing, but I want you to have a dream and let’s walk through the vision,’” Dean told PGN. “We went through each room. I said, ‘Outside of the dust and the trash, can we do it? Is this something that you think could happen?’ They all said yes.”

On Sept. 1, Dean opened the first LGBT-housing shelter in Philadelphia. She acknowledged Morris Home, a residential-treatment program for transgender and gender-variant people, which opened in 2012.

“But they’re strictly recovery,” Dean said. “We wanted to broaden our base and address the whole spectrum, not just one specific area. We’re dealing with an abundance of other issues outside of addiction. That is the difference and that’s why we have to have the whole wellness center.”

Dean also runs 10 addiction-treatment homes under the Divine Light umbrella, which she started five years ago. They’re all 501c3 nonprofits, as is the LGBTQ wellness center. Jabbar Fairweather, a local man who often brought donations for Divine Light residents and was involved in real estate, first told Dean about the property on North Hutchinson Street.

It was zoned properly for residential mixed-use and had over a quarter of an acre of land at 14,928 square feet. The property served as a convent in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia — then as Hannah House, a center for women and children — before it sat vacant. After hearing the input from her future LGBT residents, Dean began renting the

property with hopes to purchase it this year.

“We want to build an after-care center and affordable-housing units,” Dean said. “Hopefully we can have different services at the wellness center like recreation.

That’s our dream. We want to be a multi-faceted type of center.

There’s a lot of room to do it. We just need to find the resources.”

According to Philadelphia property records, the lot has a market value of more than $500,000. But when Northstar

SAKINA DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIVINE LIGHT INC. (LEFT), STANDS OUTSIDE THE DIVINE LIGHT LGBTQ WELLNESS CENTER ON NORTH HUTCHINSON STREET WITH DEJA LYNN ALVAREZ, DIRECTOR OF THE NEW CENTER Photo: Paige Cooperstein

Manor Inc. purchased it at the end of 2014, the group paid $250,000.

Dean said she has talked with the owners about a reduced purchase price for her center because she will have to replace the aging heating system at a cost of about $30,000.

“What we always say is we’re running off a wing and a prayer,” said Deja Lynn Alvarez, who started leading groups at the LGBTQ wellness center when it opened and became the home’s director in November. Alvarez also works with the Trans-Health Information Project at GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization.

“Those that have food stamps, we take a percentage of their food stamps just to buy food for the whole house,” Alvarez said.

There are currently 28 residents, with space for 31. The house has 15 bedrooms and nine

bathrooms.

There is no time limitation on residency or specific benchmarks residents must meet to stay. The organizers said the requirements may become more concrete as the program develops.

Dean said some residents, if they’re able, contribute small amounts of money to the center, but it’s not a requirement to stay there. Southwest Nu Stop, a recovery and education center in the city, supports the center’s rent payments, Dean said.

Alvarez said she admired Dean’s vision and execution from the start.

“This woman really seems to get it,” Alvarez said. “There didn’t seem to be any BS with her. This is a dream for me anyway because this is something that myself and other people in the community have talked about for years. And now here I was face to face with this woman that could make it happen. The more we talked, the more I realized that our visions aligned.”

Dean said a big priority is to get LGBT folks who are experiencing homelessness into a safe environment, so they can focus on building life skills and reintegrating into society in all parts of Philadelphia.

“We’re looking for employers to employ people,” Dean said.

“That’s one of the biggest fights with this community. We have so many educated, talented, artistic people and they can’t find jobs or they’re discriminated against because of their identity. Unfortunately, they end up resorting to the streets for just the basic necessity to survive.”

Dean practices what she preaches. She hired Alonda Talley, a former felon, as a residential aide.

“I make sure people here take their medication,” Talley told PGN in December when officers with the Greater Philadelphia Gay Officer Action League visited the center to donate toiletries. “If there’s a problem, I take care of it.”

“I really do appreciate Divine Light,” Talley said. “I really do appreciate Ms. Dean. It gives me courage that I can do better in life. Even though you may have started down a bad path, you don’t have to continue on it. I really think this program deserves a chance.”

PAGE 12

rev. dr. Nadine

Rosechild Sullivan, ph.d.

Spiritual Counseling drsullivan@rosechild.org

215.704.4264

www.rosechild.org

Spirituality • Sexuality • Relationships • Self-Esteem Anthony Petchalonis, D.M.D

Located Near Rittenhouse Square General & Aesthetic Dentistry Now Accepting New Patients Early Morning Appointments Available 248 South 21st St., Phila, PA 19103

215.732.3350

www.yourphillydentist.com

Featuring One Hour Teeth Whitening

BLAKE GASTROENTEROLOGY A S S O C I A T E S , L L C COLON CANCER PREVENTIONS Colon Cancer Screen: We Offer the “NONE ORAL PREP” Young Millennial (Ages 20-34): The fastest RISING INCIDENCE of Colon Cancer African Americans: Screenings for Colon Cancer Starts @ age 45 Non-African Americans: Screenings for Colon Cancer Starts @ age 50 Heartburns/Difficulties Swallowing/Reflux: YOU NEED an EGD!!!

Make Sure it’s not Esophageal Cancer Colon Hydro Cleanse: “Well-Being Maintenance”

GIVE BLAKE GASTROENTEROLOGY A CALL TODAY!!!

215-849-4902

This Fabulous Space Could Be Yours

for only $50 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

8

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

PGN LOCAL

Kenney retains out Human Relations head

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The out lesbian at the helm of the city agency that enforces Philadelphia’s antibias law will remain in the position under the new mayoral administration.

In a statement Wednesday, newly inaugurated Mayor Jim Kenney announced that Rue Landau will continue to serve as executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

“Rue Landau has done an excellent job leading the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations,” Kenney said. “I have no doubt that she will continue to build on her successful tenure to ensure that the rights of all Philadelphians are respected.”

As director, Landau oversees the unit’s work enforcing the Fair Practices Ordinance, among other responsibilities.

The anti-bias law has included protections for sexual orientation since the 1980s and gender identity since 2002.

Landau assumed the role under thenMayor Michael Nutter in 2008. During her tenure, Landau helped pioneer the first full overhaul of the Fair Practices Ordinance in about 50 years. The effort led to standardized language throughout to bring the law in compliance with state and federal laws and to close any

loopholes. The update also included an increase of the fine associated with a violation of the law.

Kenney noted that Landau was also influential in the recent amendments to the city’s Ban the Box law, which governs questions about criminal records during the employment-application process.

Prior to helming the commission, Landau was a senior attorney in the Housing Unit at Community Legal Services, where she specialized in landlord-tenant law.

Landau is one of several LGBT individuals who will head city departments under the Kenney administration.

Kenney announced last month that Nellie Fitzpatrick will remain the director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, a position she was appointed to in January 2014.

Anne Fadullon will serve as director of the Planning and Development Cabinet, a new cabinet voters recently approved to combine and oversee the city divisions of development services, housing, and zoning and planning. Jeff Guaracino will become president and CEO of Welcome America Inc., the official producer of Philadelphia’s Independence Day celebration. The nonprofit is expected to expand its focus to create citywide events year-round. n

Valentine’s Day Dining Specials?

Try Food and Drink Directories in PGN.

FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501 Art Photography — Scott A. Drake 267.736.6743

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

Implications in Cosby charges for LGBT assault survivors

By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com For LGBT survivors of sexual assault, the charges against Bill Cosby could help create an environment where people feel safe to report abuse.

Once considered America’s dad as the star of the sitcom “The Cosby Show,” Cosby was charged last week with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in his Montgomery County home in 2004.

The 78-year-old was arraigned Dec. 30 and could face a decade in prison if convicted. The woman, Andrea Constand, is a lesbian and former employee of Temple University.

“Any time you’re working with an individual who’s not a majority, it’s important to be sensitive to that and competent around that,” said Amy Tarr, a licensed clinical social worker at Mazzoni Center. “People may feel less comfortable about reporting because they’re used to stigma in their daily lives.”

Rape is already a severely underreported crime, experts say. Many of the dozens of women who accused Cosby of abuse took years to do so. They said they felt people would not believe their reports because Cosby was a famous figure.

“Generally, sexual assault is a really awful thing for anyone to experience,” Tarr said.

“The more people are talking about it, the more people who have experienced assault may feel comfortable coming forward and seeking support.”

Tarr said, in her experience, she has not seen a major difference between working with LGBT people who have been sexually assaulted versus non-LGBT people. A 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who identify as LGBT experience sexual violence at the same or slightly higher levels as straight and cisgender people.

Dolores M. Troiani, the lawyer representing Constand, said her client was happy with the results of the Cosby charges.

“We wish to express our appreciation to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, the county detectives and the Cheltenham Police Department for the consideration and courtesy they have shown Andrea during this difficult time,” Troiani said in a statement.

Constand now lives in Canada.

Cosby is free after posting 10 percent of his $1-million bail. He’s scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Montgomery County Courthouse. n

Jury trial set for ICandy lawsuit

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Alina T. Zabroski says a fog-producing machine at ICandy contributed to unsafe conditions on the premises, causing her to fall on a stairway and sustain serious injuries.

Zabroski, 29, filed suit against the popular LGBT nightclub in September 2014.

Efforts to settle have been unavailing, and the dispute is scheduled for a jury trial in February.

According to Zabroski’s suit, the incident occurred about 1:15 a.m. Nov. 23, 2013, at the club, located at 254 S. 12th St. Zabroski alleges that a fog-producing machine at the club contributed to her fall on a stairway. The fog apparently was produced as a special effect, though court records don’t specify why it was produced.

Zabroski sustained injuries to her wrist, hand, ankle and shoulder, with “some or all” of those injuries being of a permanent nature and requiring the continuing expense of medical care.

The incident resulted in “great financial loss and detriment” to Zabroski, according to her suit.

Zabroski alleges ICandy failed to maintain its stairs in a safe condition, failed to reasonably inspect the premises, failed to warn patrons of defective conditions, obstructed patrons’ vision by use of a fog machine, failed to place an appropriate barrier so fog wouldn’t enter the stairway and

failed to provide adequate lighting.

In May, attorneys for both sides met at ICandy and conducted a joint site inspection. Later, ICandy management shared the names of workers who may have witnessed the incident.

In court papers, ICandy denied Zabroski’s allegations, maintaining it did nothing to cause harm to her.

“It is denied there was a dangerous, negligent or defective condition on the premises of which defendants knew the existence of on the night of the alleged incident,” a defense filing states.

The filing goes on to emphasize that ICandy acted reasonably. “[D]efendants deny any allegation of negligent, careless or any other wrongful or liability-producing conduct, and acted reasonably at all times,” club attorneys maintained.

The filing notes that if a dangerous condition existed at ICandy, it should have been obvious to Zabroski. “If it is proven that a dangerous condition did exist, then the condition was open and obvious to [Zabroski].”

The contentious litigation included multiple discovery disputes, resulting in court orders for both sides to turn over records.

According to court records, Common Pleas Judge Lisa M. Rau will preside at a jury trial in February, though a specific date hasn’t been announced.

Neither side had a comment for this story. n

Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal January 13-17, 2016 Three Philadelphia Premieres

“Sexy choreography, indefatigable dancers and purposeful programming caused a sensation.” Los Angeles Times Prince Theater • 1412 Chestnut St. Prince Box Office 215-422-4580 http://princetheater.org/bjm www.danceaffiliates.org

9

10

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Ben Carson, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz

Editorial

Thank you, Mummers This may sound odd coming from an LGBT publication, but we’re glad that Finnegan’s Brigade mocked Caitlyn Jenner in last week’s Mummers Parade.

No, we don’t support the spirit behind the routine, or the abhorrent message it communicated. But we are glad that the group chose such a patently offensive theme because they went so far over the line that real discussion about a long-standing problem is finally beginning.

The Jenner bit was just one in a line of problems at this year’s parade: A member of the same brigade was caught on film chanting “F--- the gays,” several Mummers allegedly beat up a gay man and still others wore brownface as part of their routine. For a city that just hosted the pope, is staging the Democratic National Convention in a few months and is repeatedly cited by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the nation’s most LGBT-friendly cities, the Mummers Parade doesn’t comport with what Philadelphia is, or is trying to be.

But many Mummers have spoken out about the backlash, contending the parade indeed embodies the spirit of Philadelphia. They say we’re a working-class city, down-to-earth folks willing to poke fun at one another. That argument falls flat, though, when the same people are always the ones ridiculing, and those being mocked are not only shut out from a seat at the table, but are marginalized in general from society. It’s like a comedian singling out one individual audience member during an entire routine. It’s a cheap way for a laugh. A parade like this can be edgy, offbeat and satirical without being cheap.

The Jenner skit appealed to the lowest-common denominator of Philadelphians.

People who find it funny that an individual who has struggled with gender identity for decades was able to find the courage to come out and be herself — and whose story represents just a fraction of the journeys toward self-discovery of transgender Americans — should not have the reigns of a large-scale televised event.

This year’s parade seems to have jolted the city out of the complacency that has allowed hateful, racist and bigoted acts to exist for decades in this event. With such a history, genuine progress surely won’t be happening overnight. But — like with marriage equality, nondiscrimination and countless other discussions on basic fairness — education is the first step. And, as we all saw last week, the Mummers are in desperate need of education. n

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.

of what comes out of Trump’s mouth Making sure that gays and lesbians were never afforded legally recognized is true, this doesn’t really mean much. marriages was the focus for the antigay Though it would be a mistake to think right for so long. So many resources were that Trump is for, or even neutral on, poured into stopping John and Bill from LGBT rights. saying “I do” that ever since the Supreme According to the Family Research Court said yes to marriage equality, antiCouncil, a group that has made its name gay groups have desperately been trying in hating on the gays, “FADA would proto regain lost ground. hibit the federal government from penal You may remember that once upon izing people for their personal, moral or a time there was an effort to advance a religious beliefs on natural marriage in constitutional amendment to ban samefederal employment, grants, contracts, sex marriage. If passed by Congress and tax treatment and other programs. It signed into law by President George W. also protects individuals or entities that Bush, it would have written discriminabelieve, teach or establish in codes of tion against same-sex couples into the conduct that sexual intimacy is reserved U.S. Constitution. But it never got that for natural marriage.” far.

That covers an awful lot of ground on Now that marriage which someone can is legal, the antigay say, “God told me So shortly after the right’s strategy has to hate gays so you changed some. Instead Supreme Court ruled, can’t touch me.” The of trying to prevent intended consequences a bill was introduced legal marriage from would be terrible for happening, they’re LGBT people, and no in Congress called the trying to make sure doubt there would be “First Amendment it remains legal for plenty of odious uninhaters to hate under tended consequences Defense Act,” which the guise of “religious too. Not to mention would essentially freedom.” the fact that support shield anyone who for marriage equality So shortly after the is only growing in the Supreme Court ruled, wants to discriminate United States. a bill was introduced against LGBT people — “Natural marriage,” in Congress called the as you can see, is the “First Amendment because discrimination new “traditional marDefense Act,” which is a religious right and riage.” That’s because would essentially positioning same-sex shield anyone who the First Amendment marriage as “unnatwants to discriminate protects “the free exer- ural” sounds worse against LGBT people than merely “untradi— because discrimcise of religion.” tional.” ination is a religious But Carson, Rubio right and the First Amendment protects “the free exercise of and Cruz don’t care. They signed the pledge because they just want those religion.” sweet, sweet “values voters” to sit on Needless to say, the ant-gay right would love to get this bill signed into law. their laps so they can tell them what they But they know it will never go anywhere want to hear for Christmas. And don’t without a president’s support. And so you dare say “happy holidays,” because they have asked the GOP dunce troupe of the only religion these guys are trying candidates to sign a pledge in blood. to protect is Christianity, specifically the OK, I made up the blood part (or did gay-hating kind.

I?), but the pledge reads, “If elected, I According to American Principles pledge to push for the passage of the First Project’s Maggie Gallagher, “Real, Amendment Defense Act and sign it into concrete protections for gay-marriage law during the first 100 days of my term dissenters appear to be just one election as president.” victory away.”

Ben Carson, Marco Rubio and Ted That is, of course, if Americans are Cruz totally signed it. dumb enough to elect one of these Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum and extremists. n Mike Huckabee also signed on to support this ridiculous bullshit, but they are D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay trailing so much in the polls that, well, since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and nobody cares what they think. poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking According to the American Principles on the creeps of the world, she reviews Project, front-runner Donald Trump has rock and roll shows in Detroit with her expressed support for FADA but didn’t twin sister and teaches writing at the sign the pledge. Since barely a word University of Michigan.

OP-ED PGN

40 years strong This is a very special week here at PGN. not a true community until we not only look On Jan. 3, we marked the 40th anniverat issues, but also begin to take steps to corsary of the first issue of PGN. We’ll have an rect them. And making people aware of the official 40th-anniversary edition and event issues is the very first step. later in the year; stay tuned for that informa- As someone who can look back on this tion. community with almost 50 years of activ We are one of the few publicaism, I appreciate how young tions in the nation for the LGBT activists are attempting to bring community that has reached this inclusion to our community, but milestone, and the only one with they sometimes do this without the same publisher at the helm. knowing our community’s his I don’t know if I can accutory. I was a part of the group rately explain my emotions as I that fought to include all in our write this column, but it is one of community, and as I look back joy and something else that I’m on the 40 years of PGN, I see the just beginning to be able to utter: influence that time period had on accomplishment. me and, in turn, PGN, by review That word is strong and I use ing the stories we’ve published it not in the sense of a publica— including topics that some tion that has met every deadline other LGBT publications still to over its 40 years, nor as one that this date have not addressed. is financially stable in an indus Here’s the best anniversary try that is going through major Mark Segal gift we at PGN can give you: changes, but more about our staff We’ll continue each day to proand its capacity to fulfill the promise that vide our readers with what they need to crethe flag on this paper has stated every issue: ate community, and we’ll be proud to allow “Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism.” We all your voices to be heard. And we’ll do do that every week, and that commitment that with respect. has made many people proud and others To the entire staff of PGN, past and presangry, but that is what a newspaper is supent, thank you for making me a proud pubposed to be. Newspapers that print only lisher. But more importantly, thank you for happy or uncontroversial news have become your service to our community. n irrelevant, in this day of new media.

We continue to do our job with a dediMark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s cation to the highest level of journalism, most-award-winning commentator in LGBT including printing features that sometimes media. You can follow him on Facebook look at the disenfranchised in our commuat www.facebook.com/MarkSegalPGN or nity. That spotlight is not always welcomed, Twitter at https://twitter.com/PhilaGayNews. but it’s important to remember that we are

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Evan Sorg

Our community’s outrage over Knott, Harrigan and Williams: what the outcomes we might desire would mean for our criminal-justice system The crimes committed against Zachary Hesse and Andrew Haught on Sept.

11, 2014, were heinous. As a community, we have the right to be outraged.

Kathryn Knott, Kevin Harrigan and Philip Williams, all young suburbanites, came into our city and, on the outskirts of our neighborhood, these outsiders viciously assaulted two of our own while calling them faggots. This outrages me.

It is easy, and perhaps natural, to want to see these three serve decades in prison.

It is likewise easy, and perhaps natural, to decry Harrigan and Williams’ “lenient” plea bargains that “only” included three and five years of probation, respectively, and 200 hours of community service. The same goes for the jury’s decision to convict Knott of “only” simple assault and not felonious assault, for which she would have been eligible for a lengthy prison stint.

As a member of the LGBT community,

I understand these feelings, and I am not immune to experiencing them. But I also see the publicity surrounding this terrible case as an opportunity to take a step back and explain that this case is, for all that it makes us feel, an example of how our criminal-justice system works — and how it must work given current conditions. I also see it as an opportunity to explain the implications of what many of the opinions I have read would mean for our criminal-justice system.

This case involved an aggravated assault — one of the 5,389 aggravated assaults that the Philadelphia Police Department recorded in 2014. This figure does not include the other 2,065 aggravated assaults that involved the use of a firearm in our city in 2014. If it were possible to make an arrest, charge and try every single person for every single one of the 7,456 aggravated assaults that occurred in 2014 in just one day (which isn’t even close to

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

11

Street Talk Will statewide LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes protections pass in Pennsylvania in 2016?

"No, I don't think the state legislature is inclined to do that. I also don't think we need it.

I'm for LGBT rights, but Michelle Cohen just enforce pet groomer what's Bella Vista already on the books. We have enough laws to protect the LGBT community and everyone else.

We don't need to be politically correct to that extent."

"Yes, because Mayor Kenney is our new mayor.

He's a very influential person for the LGBT community.

I think he'll Kerri Daly convince teacher the state South Philadelphia legislature to pass the legislation. We have it in Philadelphia; it's only logical to have it throughout the state."

"Yes. I'm a big supporter of LGBT rights.

Anything that can help stem the violence would be great. I do Allyson Gallagher think it's student possible Center City it will be passed in 2016. We just need to get the word out that everyone matters, including the LGBT community."

"No, because it's unnecessary to have individualized laws like that. I totally side with the LGBT community.

Kristine McKibban But where store manager does it end?

Bellmawr, N.J. Are we going to pass special laws for overweight people, people with red hair or people who don't dress nicely?

realistic), it would take Philadelphia more than 20 years to try each of these cases.

Keep in mind that I am only citing statistics on aggravated assault. I am also only citing statistics for one year. This does not include the 248 homicides, 1,145 rapes, 6,924 robberies or 9,657 burglaries that occurred during the same year as this case.

My example is purposely overly simplistic and ignores, among other things, the fact that police do not make arrests in the majority of cases that come to their attention. It does, however, drive home my first point: If Philadelphia was to abolish plea bargaining, the entire criminal-justice system would seize. For better or for worse, plea bargains are necessary for our criminal-justice system to function.

Harrigan and Williams’ plea deals are not unique. According to a 2011 report on plea and charge bargaining released by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, it is estimated that between 90-95 percent of

state and federal court cases are resolved through plea bargaining. It is easy to denounce plea bargaining as outrageous in this case because it hits us so close to home. But those who believe that a deal should not have been made in this case should also be prepared to eliminate plea bargaining in the thousands of violent crime cases that occur in our city annually and the breakdown of the criminal justice system that such a policy would bring.

Headlines of outlets covering the plea bargains of Harrigan and Williams included, “Appalling plea bargains in gay-bashing case” and “Philadelphia: No jail time for two alleged gay bashers.” We could endlessly debate what an appropriate sentence for these three might be. I won’t do that here. But those who wish to have these discussions should place them within the broader context of crime in Philadelphia, and the capacity PAGE 14 for the Pennsylvania

12

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

PGN FINANCES

Tips for surviving a stock-market correction Q: My partner and I have seen the balances on our investment statements go up and down quite a bit these past few months, which makes us a bit uncomfortable. We are wondering if we’re invested too aggressively.

pects dim for the computer industry. Keep in mind that diversification does not protect an investor from potential loss.

Volatility, or the degree of variation of returns over time for a particular security or market index, is a consideration, but it generally is not as important to an investor with a long-term time horizon.

A: Many investors would have seen some For instance, someone who is investing volatility on their statements these past for retirement in 30 years should not be few months, so you’re certainly not alone. too concerned if an investment The first question I would ask bounces around from one day you is: Why are you investto the next. What is important ing in the first place? Is it for is that the investment continues a longer-term objective such to perform up to expectations. as retirement, or something You can potentially manage the very short-term such as buying effects of volatility by investing a new home this year? Once the money you may need in the we understand the objective, short term (within five years then you can better match or so) in a more conservative your investments and risk level investment, while choosing to appropriately. be more aggressive with the money you have earmarked for For investors accustomed use in 15-20 years. to strong and consistent Jeremy Liquidity risk is the risk stock-market gains, a period of sustained falling stock prices Gussick that a given security cannot be traded quickly enough in the is not easy to accept. All too market to avoid a loss or to often, investors will react to a achieve the desired profit. If you invest in drop in prices by panic selling or digging a stock that “trades by appointment only,” their heels in, despite deteriorating funyou may get a low price if you are forced damentals. But more thoughtful investors to sell the issue on short notice. You may will see a correction or downturn as an be able to reduce liquidity risk by focusing opportunity to review their portfolios and on large, actively traded companies such make adjustments where necessary. as those included in the S&P 500.4 Finally, one sometimes-overlooked risk Definitions, please is that of falling short of reaching a longterm financial goal. Investing too conser A stock-market correction is defined as vatively may contribute to not reaching a time when major market indexes drop an accumulation target. Remember that between 10-20 percent. Declines greater despite several down cycles, stock prices than 20 percent are considered to be bear have historically risen over longer time markets. If confronted with a significant periods. Past performance, however, does market decline, how might your portfolio not guarantee future results. be affected? Here’s a short list of some potential risks you may face as an investor A healthy market decline in stocks, and some ideas about how to potentially reduce the chance of your port It’s important to remember that periods folio suffering a big loss.1 of falling prices are a natural and healthy Market risk, common to all types of part of investing in the stock market. investments, is the possibility that an While professional investors may use a investor will experience losses due to facvariety of trading tools to hedge their porttors that affect the overall performance of folios against a sudden drop in the marthe financial markets. You can potentially ket, perhaps the best move you can make manage the impact of market risk on the is managing your overall exposure to the stocks you hold by allocating part of your risks discussed above. portfolio to other types of assets, such as Now that it’s the beginning of a new bonds.2 In this way, when stock prices year, it’s probably a good time for you to decline, it’s possible that a rise in your contact your financial advisor to review bond investments will help cushion the your portfolio to be sure you’re properly fall. positioned for whatever lies ahead.

Lack of diversification.3 If you only Also, a reminder from our December own a couple of stocks, you are extremely 2015 column on Social Security: vulnerable if one suffers a major decline.

For this reason, experts recommend that Social Security Workshop stock investors hold more than a handful of stocks. That way, if one stock falls To help our LGBT baby boomers betsharply, the drop may have a more limited ter understand how recent legislation may influence on your overall portfolio. Also, impact your Social Security strategy, our it’s important to diversify your stock portfriends at the Delaware Valley Legacy folio among various industry sectors. For Fund and I will be hosting a free educainstance, owning just computer-related tional workshop on Social Security planstocks will do you little good if the pros-

Out Money

ning. If you will be filing for your Social Security benefits in the upcoming months and years, I encourage you to join us to better understand how to make the most of your Social Security benefits.

The workshop will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 13 at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more details about the workshop and/or to register, please email me at jeremy.gussick@lpl. com or call me at 856-354-3200 ext. 203. n

Jeremy R. Gussick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2015 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager as mentioned in Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl. com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor.

Member FINRA/SIPC. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 19962015, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.

1 Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal.

2 Bonds are subject to market and interest-rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and are subject to availability and change in price.

3 There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not ensure against market risk.

4 Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 Stocks is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This article was prepared with the assistance of Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.

In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.

SCOUTMASTER from page 6

church want assurances from the Chief Seattle Council that he’ll be reinstated before they apply for readmission.

“The parents and kids have already been disappointed by the council’s behavior,” McGrath continued. “They don’t want to go through another application process, unless an olive branch is extended by the council. National BSA already extended that olive branch by liberalizing the adult-membership policy. The council should do the same and invite us back, which they haven’t done.”

He said the families also realize BSA Scouting has unique benefits not offered

by Baden-Powell’s scouting program.

“For instance, they know about the preferential treatment an Eagle Scout can receive, when joining the military,” McGrath said. “They also know that being a Boy Scout looks great on a resume.”

Still, the families remain loyal to McGrath, and they value their participation in Baden-Powell. If McGrath can’t return to BSA, the families have indicated they won’t return either, he said.

“We’re ready to move past all of the hurt feelings on both sides,” McGrath concluded. “We’re ready to get back into BSA. The church wants to sponsor us again. We’re just waiting for the council to show us the door is open. I realize we’ve been in a fight. And it’s hard to make up. I get that. But my hand remains extended in their direction.” n SHELTER from page 7

Several residents at the LGBTQ wellness center referred to Divine Light as a movement.

Morgan Drake, 22, a transgender resident of Divine Light, said she feels needed because she helps out around the house.

“It’s not the end-all, be-all for people in my community,” Drake said. “But it’s a start. I’ve been to a lot of programs and haven’t stuck to it. For me, I’m sticking to this one.”

Alvarez noted another goal to help homeless LGBT people obtain drivers’ licenses or other forms of identification, which are essential for employment and social services.

“There are a few that come from foster care that don’t have a birth certificate or anything to even be able to get an ID at this point,” Alvarez said. “We’re trying to figure out how we can do that. There’s got to be a way to work with drivers’ license centers so we can get these folks IDs.” Alvarez and Dean both maintain optimism when speaking about their future goals at the LGBTQ wellness center.

“I always say, our motto is, Divine Light: Where we put the pieces back together,” Dean said. “We have to express love throughout because love heals.”

For more information, call 215-8678885. To donate, visit www.gofundme. com/DivineLightLGBTQ. n

PGN MENTAL HEALTH MUMMERS from page 1

Finnegan also chanted “f— the gays” while holding the cereal box sign mocking Jenner.

The man was banned from Goodtimers Comic Club, of which Finnegan forms part, according to the release.

“The person will not be allowed to march with any other clubs,” the statement continued.

“As of this time, he is no longer considered a Mummer.”

Mike Inemer of Finnegan and Joe D’Urso of Goodtimers signed off on the release, adding Finnegan would be “reaching out to the LGBT community and offering its services to help with an LGBT fundraiser or equality awareness, and to learn more about LGBT concerns.”

A further statement, signed by the presidents of the five traditional Mummers divisions, said they “categorically reject expressions of hate and bigotry.”

The division presidents said they “pledge full cooperation with legal or government authorities looking into these areas of concern,” and “on the matter of the Mummer Comic tradition of satire and poking fun at pop culture, we will continue dialogue with Mummers about sensitivity and with non-Mummers about the Mummer tradition of humor and what can be accepted as freedom of expression and what is over the line.”

To “guarantee respect” going forward, the Mummers presidents said they will require that any club with an ethnically themed performance have advisors or participants that belong to that ethnic group.

“We hope that people realize that the vast majority of thousands of Mummers put forth entertaining and family-oriented productions,” the statement said.

Social media buzzed throughout the weekend with reports of the anti-transgender and antigay actions.

Elicia Gonzales, executive director of GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization, was among the social-media posters who were unhappy about the displays at the parade. She told PGN she and her wife turned on the television shortly before 2 p.m. and saw Finnegan using Jenner as a way to mock the transgender community as a whole.

“Unfortunately it’s completely consistent with the history of the Mummers,”

Gonzales said, noting marchers in past years who participated in blackface or acted as immigration officers rounding up people to deport.

“The thing about it was, the announcers were completely silent,” she continued. “They were commenting about how the Mummers are all about family and friends. It’s conditioning kids to think transphobia is acceptable.”

“We want to have more conversations about how this kind of mockery goes very much hand-in-hand with the violence we see in our communities.”

More than 20 transgender women were killed in 2015 in the USA, according to multiple reports.

Despite this year’s debut of the new diversity division, Gonzales said she doesn’t see much hope for change in the Mummers. She noted children in brownface marching in the 2016 parade.

“I don’t think there’s any sort

He noted the goal is not to be rude to anyone, but to poke fun at events from the past year.

“It’s getting out of hand as far as all these complaints,” said Porco, who said he received angry voicemails in response to the parade. He said the comedy variety show “Saturday Night Life” has also mocked Jenner, but nobody called for a boycott of the show.

Porco said comic brigades don’t have to get approval for their performances in advance.

“A lot of them wait until the last minute to see what’s going on politically and in the world,” he said. “They have freedom of speech to express themselves.”

George Badey, a Mummers spokesman, appeared this week on Fox 29 News with Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. Fitzpatrick said, in speaking with Kenney, the decision was made to have every group submit its planned performances to be evaluated

“It’s getting out of hand as far as all these complaints,” said Porco, who said he received angry voicemails in response to the parade. He said the comedy variety show “Saturday Night Live” has also mocked Jenner, but nobody called for a boycott of the show. of real desire to combat any of these -isms,” Gonzales said. “It still celebrates and potentially awards brigades that perpetrate racist and homophobic themes.”

Finnegan brigade tweeted Jan. 2 that “one bad apple” caused the situation. “THAT individual has been dealt with in house #LoveGays #HappyNewYear,” the tweet said.

Some Twitter users responded that the hashtag #LoveGays missed the larger point of the distasteful presentation of Jenner.

A Twitter user who identifies as a South Philadelphia resident tweeted a video of the Jenner incident the day of the parade to Mayor Jim Kenney. Kenney responded within hours, “It was bad. Hurtful [to many] Philadelphians. Our Trans Citizens do not deserve this type of satire/insult. #Berespectful” “If someone says something derogatory, they’re wrong,” said Rick Porco, one of the heads of the Comics division. “I’m not going to defend it. It’s not worthy of it. It’s a parade.”

against rules and protocols.

Groups who perpetrate biased performances will face disciplinary actions, she said. Badey said educating the Mummers about the nuances of the LGBT community would help them.

Besides unfavorable responses to the brigades’ performances, a gay man was assaulted during the parade. Multiple outlets have reported that John Holtz, 28, of Philadelphia, was walking a dog with friends on New Year’s Day when he crossed paths with a group of four or five drunk Mummers wearing patriotic colors and face paint. Holtz said one man called him a faggot while another punched him in the face. The attack happened near Broad Street about 2 p.m.

Holtz could not be reached for comment.

Officer Christine O’Brien, Philadelphia police spokeswoman, told PGN she had heard of the incident, but the individual did not file a police report, which is necessary for an investigation to begin. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

13

Try something new in 2016: Say no to resolutions The most commonly expressed you are thinking small-scale here as definition of insanity is doing the opposed to the typical goal-oriented same thing time and time again and resolution-style thought process. For expecting different results. As a sociinstance, one of the most common ety, there are likely several ways in resolutions relates to weight loss; which we are “insane” according to instead of setting a goal to lose 10 this definition; however, one abunpounds, create a realistic plan that dantly clear behavior most of us extends only one day at a time. This engage in as individuals may include waking up 10 relates to the New Year’s minutes earlier than usual resolution. Every year we to do a mini-workout one set goals and every year day, planning a healthy we abandon them, and then dinner the day after that every next year we look and going for a walk the fondly ahead to the opporday after that. These sorts tunity to start anew at the of small, daily shifts in chance to finally accomroutine are realistic and plish the goal. attainable and they don’t We all know the drill: It’s require the sort of overthe first week of January haul that our resolutions and your usual treadmill at often do (i.e., the gym the gym is always taken. five days a week when Similarly, liquor stores are you haven’t been for the probably a bit less crowded last half of the year). and grocery stores are sell- Kristina Furia Additionally, if you make ing more healthy foods the decision to do one and less junk. By March, small task differently each these statements will be less true. By day, you likely won’t forget about it June, most of us can’t even remember after a month or two — a small shift our — as I often call them — January in each day becomes part of your Resolutions. In fact, some research daily consciousness. indicates that as few as 8 percent of Regarding habits, creating new ones resolution-making Americans are can take some time, so be certain to successful at achieving what they set not allow setbacks or slipups to deter out to do. I’ll make a bit of a self-dis- you; instead, you can consider these closure here in stating that I have occasional hiccups as a built-in part absolutely no idea what my 2015 resof the process. When the habit is fully olutions were, yet I still experienced established, you are much less likely 2015 to be a successful and fulfilling to revert back to old behaviors. When year. This year, noting a slight sense your new routines have begun to feel of guilt at my forgetfulness despite second nature, you are also probamy solid year prior, I have decided bly ready to take on another lifestyle to opt out of resolution-making and I change. You’ll repeat the same prothink you should too. cess, focusing again on the small Here’s why: Resolutions typically shifts you would like to make in the fall flat over time, they are often simshort-term. ilar year after year (because they’re In the moment, baby steps like never actually accomplished) and, I’m suggesting may feel miniscule perhaps most importantly, when we or even irrelevant to try to improve set ourselves up for all-but-inevitable your life, but days add up and so do failure, we experience an unnecessary better choices. Research indicates blow to our self-perceptions and posthat the happiest people are inclined sibly even our self-esteem (i.e., “I’m to take on each day as its own entity someone who gives up” or “I never with little concern for the day before finish what I start”). The setting and and without an overemphasis on accomplishing of resolutions is an the future. Real, sustainable change unfair gauge for judging our own per- occurs day to day, not year to year. formance over the course of a year.

So, why not try something differ This year, instead of looking to res- ent? Don’t worry about the year, don’t olutions in an effort to push the reset worry about the 10 pounds, just think button on current habits, choices and about today. n overall ways of existing in the world, Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist spetry this: Identify just one thing you cializing in issues and concerns of the would like to improve upon or change LGBTQ community in addition to depres(trying to make multiple changes at sion, anxiety, substance abuse, and other once is typically unsustainable) and mental illnesses. Her private practice, begin by developing a new techPhiladelphia LGBTQ Counseling, offers both individual and couples sessions nique or system for implementing (www.lgbtphillytherapy.com). the desired change. Be certain that

Thinking Queerly

14

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

LOCAL PGN

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Dec. 21-27. 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. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 1:10 p.m. Dec. 21, a man reached into the pocket of a customer inside 901 Market St. and stole cash.

He was described as black, in his 40s, bald, scruffy and wearing a green bomber jacket.

— At 3:35 p.m. Dec. 21, a teen snatched an iPhone from a person’s hand outside 1201 Market St. He was described as a black male, about 15, 5-foot-5 and wearing black clothing.

— At 5:45 p.m. Dec. 22, two men stole a bag from a man near 1100 Sansom St. Both suspects were described as black, the first about 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, with a beard and wearing a brown jacket and black hat, and the second wearing a red jacket.

— At 10:20 p.m. Dec. 24, a man on a bicycle snatched an iPhone from a person’s hand outside 401 S. Broad St. He was described as short, Latino and wearing a baseball cap and gray shirt.

— There was one theft from a parked vehicle Dec. 21-27: outside 800 Pine St. — There was one theft of a bicycle Dec. 21-27: outside 1315 Spruce St.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 4 a.m. Dec. 27, Sixth District officers escorted a male from the front of Voyeur, 1221 St. James St., because he was yelling profanities at patrons and employees and causing a disturbance. The man then kicked the side of the officer’s patrol car, causing damage. The 34-year-old man with a Jamison address was charged with criminal mischief and related offenses.

— At 8:20 p.m. Dec. 27, an employee of Tabu was in the rear of the business, 1206 Chancellor St., when a man approached, threatening him with a butter knife. The employee and a coworker disarmed the suspect and held him for police. The 49-year-old homeless suspect was charged with aggravated assault. n

Wedding Services Directory

KNOTT from page 11

Department of Corrections to house those whom we convict and send away for what some of us might like to be forever.

The fact of the matter is that prisons are overcrowded in both Pennsylvania and nationally. From a policy perspective, it is necessary to lock up fewer people in Pennsylvania given the capacities of our prisons.

Consider the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ November population report: 19 of the 27 correctional facilities in our state are operating over the capacity that they were designed for. The least-populated facility in our state is operating at 85.5-percent capacity. The most overcrowded facility is operating at a capacity of 119 percent. Those in favor of lengthy prison sentences for the three involved in this case should also be prepared to include incarceration in the thousands of other cases involving violence where offenders were not sentenced to jail or prison time. That said, they must also be in favor of building more prisons to house these individuals. Further, they must be prepared to support prison expansions at a time when our incarceration rate in this country has surpassed 700 prisoners per 100,000 residents, which is well above any other nation. To do so, they must be willing to expand correctional budgets to pay for their policy, which were already at $69 billion in the United States in 2006, and had already been increased by 660 percent since 1982. This would require raising taxes or shuffling funding away from things like schools.

Knott opted to take her case to trial, and she was convicted of, among other crimes, simple assault, as opposed to aggravated assault. Here again, outrage was expressed. However, Knott’s case represents an example of how our jury system is supposed to work. A group of Knott’s peers came together, assessed the evidence in the case and came to an agreement as to what, based on their interpretation of the criminal law, she was guilty of. Some of the jurors have said they wanted convictions on aggravated-assault charges. Other jurors did not support that verdict. So the jury worked for three days to compromise and ultimately settled on a verdict that they were all comfortable with. Should any of us ever be in the unfortunate position of being the victim of a crime, we should all be so lucky to have such a thoughtful and measured jury. Some might disagree with their outcome, but this verdict represents the crimes that Knott’s peers agreed she had committed.

Knott exercised her right to a trial, and in this case, the justice system worked as intended. Had the jury not deliberated and compromised, the alternative would have been a hung jury. Knott would have walked out of the courtroom not being held responsible and not facing any consequences.

Rational public discourse is a foundation of democratic nations. We should be having discussions about this horrific case, and as a community we should be angry. However, our opinions on the outcomes of these cases must be placed within the context of the criminal-justice system’s many intricacies, its capabilities, and yes, its realistic limitations. What some of us might want to see happen in this case would have significant implications for our criminal-justice system. Regardless of how you feel about the event, the plea bargains, the verdict or the punishments, we have to realize that criminal-justice issues are not as black and white as they seem. n Dr. Evan Sorg holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Temple University, and is a professor of law and justice studies at Rowan University and former New York City police officer.

AC ul t ure rts

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

Dining Out Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

Page Page Page Page Page Page

15

22 23 27 26 24 17

PAGE 26

Comedian talks life in print and on stage

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Comedian Todd Glass hits the ground running in the New Year when he returns to his home turf Jan. 14-16 at Helium Comedy Club.

The 30-year comedy veteran came out in 2012 at age 48 and released his memoir, “The Todd Glass Situation: A Bunch of Lies about My Personal Life and a Bunch of True Stories about My 30-Year Career in Stand-Up Comedy,” last summer.

In the book, he talks about growing up in a Philadelphia suburb in the 1970s and navigating the ups and downs of his comedy career. By 18, he was opening for big musical acts like George Jones and Patti LaBelle (comedians did that kind of thing back then). He survived the comedy heyday in the ’80s, as well as the decline in

the 1990s and its rebirth through the alternative-comedy scene and podcasting in the 2000s.

But the harder he worked at his success, the more difficult it became to hide his sexuality, Glass wrote. It took a brush with death and a heightened awareness of suicide among LGBT teens to convince him that it was finally time to come out.

Glass said that committing his story to print was enlightening.

“I guess whenever you tell your story it’s always a good thing,” he said. “I hope it would be enter-

taining and then also the part about coming out was a major part of my life. So I think it ends up introducing you to a new audience. At the same time, it helped me a lot because when you are writing a book it’s the best way to figure yourself out because you are not trying to; you’re just writing a book and, as you are doing it, you subconsciously figure yourself out.”

While Glass talks candidly about coming out as a gay man, he prefers not to be referred to as a “gay comedian.”

“That’s not what I lead

with because I don’t think that is what the most interesting about me is,” he said.

“And as I’m saying that, I get it. I’m shitting on somebody else whose whole act is about that. But if you are in front of the right audience, you don’t have to lead with it. Is it part of you? Of course it is. If you’re gay, should you talk about when you came out to your parents? Of course. But with the right audience, I don’t think you have to lead with it. Your sexuality shouldn’t be the most important thing about you. I think everybody goes through this that comes out.”

He noted that he prefers not to be labeled by his sexuality, just as other comedians might not want to be categorized by their identities.

“You wouldn’t put ‘Black comedian comes to Philadelphia for a show’ and PAGE 16 hopefully we’re getting

16

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

it. Just like gay bars. In 50 years, they’re not going to have gay bars because gay couples will be comfortable kissing in front of everybody.”

Aside from his coming-out journey, Glass’ memoir also gives readers a look at how the art of comedy has evolved, and sometime stayed the same, over the last 30 years.

“I think it always gets better,” he said. “Comedy is always better than it used to be. That’s not disrespectful to the greats; that’s an homage to them. They would want to believe that it is better. Comedy is just as good as it ever was. There are a lot of new really funny young people more than ever. With Twitter now, everything changes. I get to towns early because I don’t travel the day of my show. Sometimes I go to the local open-mic night because it’s fun to watch new comedians and it’s the same as it was 30 years ago.

It’s basically getting on stage and performing. There are new ways to connect yourself with an audience, but at the end of the day it’s no different than it was 30 years ago.” n

GLASS from page 15

to the point where we don’t say ‘woman comedian,’” he said. “I don’t want a gay audience, I don’t want a woman audience, I don’t want a male audience. I just want people that love comedy. I noticed that I’ve connected with some more people through the book as they learn about me. The book has helped me be more honest on stage. That honesty doesn’t just have to be I’m gay. Honesty is honesty. Maybe it attracts other people that aren’t gay but like what you are doing. I’ve always thought that if you are doing something right in comedy, you should have everybody in your audience.

I hope that I would draw people that are accepting of everybody.

I’m proud of the people that come to my show because they seem like gentle, kind, decent souls. That’s all I really want to come to the show.”

Glass added while he doesn’t label his brand of comedy, he understands why other performers and theme nights find it necessary to do so.

“I get it,” he said. “I do understand why they put ‘gay comedian’ and why there would be a gay comedy night — the same reason that there is a gay bar, but eventually that will be gone too.

Gay comedy nights came about because for years so many comedians had so many homophobic jokes and [LGBT people] would go and it would make them feel like

shit. So if there was a gay comedy night and even if the comedy was bad, which it could be, at least it wasn’t homophobic.

So I do get it. Hopefully we’ll move past

Todd Glass performs Jan. 14-17 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St. For more information or tickets, call 215-496-9001 or visit www.toddglass.com.

JEFFREY E. GOLDMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW SPECIALIZING IN PARTNERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for wrongfully treated employees!* Experience litigating:

• Partnership & business disputes

• Non-competes

• Executive compensation

• Employment discrimination

• Real Estate Litigation Jeffrey E. Goldman, Esq. 100 S. Broad St. Suite 1330 Philadelphia, PA 19110 Jeff.Goldman@verizon.net

Also handle:

• Wills, Living Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Put 18 years of experience to work for you! *Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care Mark T. Watkins, DO Rebecca Calder PA-C

(215) 829-0170

253 S. 10th St., 1st Floor Philadelphia

Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

(215) 467-3335 Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

17

18

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

Charles S. Frazier, Esq. Attorney at Law

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

• General Practice • Wills and Trusts • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney • Probate

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

Wayne, PA (610) 687-4077 cstar1@verizon.net

PARTNERS IN LAW PARTNERS IN LIFE

When It Comes To Your Money…

Experience Counts

215-735-1006

MINSTER & FACCIOLO, LLC • WILLS & ESTATES • • DISCRIMINATION • • SMALL BUSINESS • • DIVORCE • • EMPLOYMENT • • REAL ESTATE • • CIVIL ACTIONS • • AUTO ACCIDENTS • • POWER OF ATTORNEY • • PRE-NUP AGREEMENTS•

215-627-8200 PA 302-777-2201 DE 521 S. 2ND ST., PHILA., PA APPT. ALSO AVAIL IN DE & NJ

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

Mechanical Contractors Licensed & Insured

Sales Service Installation Maintenance Contracts • Residential & Commercial

• Heating • Air Conditioning • Refrigeration • Plumbing

PA 215-454-6968 NJ 856-353-8720

JAMISON ROOFING

Quality Work at Affordable Prices!

267-770-6722 Respectable, Reliable, Affordable

Serving our LGBT Community for over a decade.

• Retirement Income Planning • Investment Management • Estate Planning • Insurance and Annuities

2014 Five Star Wealth Manager Philadelphia Magazine Award details at www.fivestarprofessional.com

Jeremy R. Gussick, MBA Certified finanCial Planner™

856-354-3200 x203 jeremy.gussick@lpl.com

A Registered Investment Advisor Member FINRA/SIPC

This Fabulous Space Could Be Yours

for only $50 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

19

New Genvoya速 is now available Actual Size

One pill contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you.

To learn more visit GENVOYA.com

Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the adjacent pages.

GENC0006_PhilaGayNews_10.125x11.35_Single.indd 1

11/19/15 11:28 AM

20

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

PGN

Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis).

Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • •

feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time.

• Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before.

• Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone.

• Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider.

• If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection.

Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA.

GENC0006_PhilaGayNews_10.125x11.35_Single.indd 2-3

What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide.

It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood.

This is called “viral load”.

• Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections.

Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).

GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment.

• Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.

• Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

21

22

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

DINING PGNOUT

Urban Farmer ups the steaks in Philly

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com It looks like 2016 is going to be the Year of the Steak, judging by the number of upscale steakhouses opening in Philly in the near future. Leading the stampede is Urban Farmer Philadelphia, which recently opened at Logan Square.

Urban Farmer definitely goes against the grain when it comes to the décor and vibe,

as it eschews the typical male-dominated steakhouse feel with a bright, welcoming and homey — but still chic — aesthetic.

And judging by the number of families and couples dining in the place when we visited, it’s working.

As soon as you get settled, the cheese cart gets rolled to your table by a maître affineur (we thought that sounded classier than saying “cheese peddler”), who explains the cheese selections and, if you

are so inclined, will craft a cheese plate on the spot with your selections ($6 each) and all the accouterments. It definitely starts off the meal on a high note.

The shellfish bisque ($13), on the other hand, was somewhat disappointing.

The presentation itself was artistic enough but the bisque was a tad thin and didn’t deliver a convincing amount Urban Farmer Philadelphia of shellfish flaSun.-Thurs.: 1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. vor, although it 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

215-963-2788 was saved by Fri.-Sat.: http://urbanfarmerphiladelphia. the presence 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. com of a burgundy truffle cracker, which gave the egg resting in the middle of its silky, butdish a much-needed boost. tery confines. The fingerling potato tart Urban Farmer offers a number of sea($11) was basically a loaded baked potato food, poultry and pork entrées to satisfy filtered through the artistic imagination of those of you who don’t want red meat. the fine pastry chef. And definitely order But, since it is a steakhouse, we doubled the candied bacon to go with your steak; down on some red meat in the form of the the thick-cut slabs of sweet bacon and the New York Steak Tasting ($66, an additional huge helping of bacon jam put the culinary $34 with Waygu beef): three 6-ounce cuts sparkle to the steaks. of the best New York strips from around For dessert, the lemon cheesecake crème the country with the option to add a fourth brûlé ($9) was a nice surprise, with the cut of Waygu beef from Colorado. And hearty sweetness of the cake balanced out yes, you can get gloriously drunk off of by the brightness of the champagne sorbet red meat. We found that out. The steaks that accompanied the dish. themselves were great, but Urban Farmer’s With its relaxing atmosphere and solid sides excellently rounded out the meal. meat and potatoes menu (no pun intended The Cattle Valley popcorn grits ($9) were … really), Urban Farmer gives a welcome comfort-food decadent, with a poached twist to the traditional steakhouse. n

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

23

Suzi Nash

Diane Matkowski: Health, happiness and helping others “Keep smiling, keep shining Knowing you can always count on me, for sure That’s what friends are for For good times and bad times I’ll be on your side forever more That’s what friends are for.”

— Dionne Warwick OK, it’s corny but it’s true. And this weekend, friends old and new are gathering to support longtime community activist (and former Family Portrait) Tara Lessard, who was diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer in September. In charge of organizing is the owner of Freedom Massage (who’s bringing a team to perform free chair massages!), Diane Matkowski. We spoke to her about health and happiness.

PGN: Freedom Massage is out on the Main Line. Are you from that area?

DM: I’m actually from Philly, but my father liked trees so he moved us out to the middle of nowhere in the ’70s — a rural little town called Elverson, population 1,200.

PGN: Hmmm, never heard of it.

DM: Most people haven’t. But they just built a Walmart, so I guess we’re on the map now.

PGN: Family?

DM: I have a younger brother who lives in Washington state, my mom’s in Coatesville — she’s a nurse — and my dad worked for PECO but retired early and moved to Maine.

PGN: Wow, he wanted to be immersed in trees!

DM: Yeah, they took down a couple of trees in Elverson and he moved out and went really rural. His driveway in Maine is about 2 miles long. So I’m used to the woods. I love the city too, but I like being on the outskirts so I can be near nature.

PGN: What were you like as a kid?

DM: I was always friendly with everyone, even though I was a little shy. I definitely didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I left high school, it took me a while to figure it out. I was never great with the confines of formal education.

PGN: What was the newspaper that changed your life?

DM: I was doing landscaping and making $5 an hour and thinking, What am I doing with my life? I was still living at home and at that salary couldn’t afford anything. I happened to be looking at a newspaper and saw an ad for a car salesman. I picked it up and, you know, later on in life I had a client who told me, “When you see a door, walk through it.” So that’s what I did and I got the job.

My parents never gave me much guidance, but I’ve been blessed to be able to just walk through those doors to the next step.

PGN: And the next step was at a car dealership.

DM: Yes, which in a weird way for me, was a real-life education. It was the craziest job and I learned a lot quickly.

PGN: What made it crazy?

DM: You’re helping people make the second-biggest purchase of their lives. And they all come in with stories. Most people’s initial thoughts of a car salesman are not warm and fuzzy. So there was a lot of learning about myself and learning how to meet a lot of different types of people where they’re at. I learned how to really listen to people and, as a result, learned a lot of interesting things. And I learned to trust people who’d been doing things longer than I had. At first, I bumped heads with a lot of people until I learned to surrender and allowed them to teach and mentor me. It was my first big lesson that I don’t know everything. It was a good thing. It got me to be the top salesperson in under six months.

PGN: What kind of stories do you remember?

DM: One of my favorites was a woman who just sat down and started talking and she said, “We’re all trying to reach the mountain, Diane. Some people drive VW Bugs, some drive trucks, some BMWs but we’re all looking to get to the same place.”

That always stuck with me. Another was a woman who said, “There are a lot of valleys and plateaus but not many peaks.

And the peaks are the smallest thing, so when you’re on the top of one, scream like hell and enjoy every minute of it.” I would watch the hawk across the street from the lot fly around and I became curious about hawks and read up on them. The nice thing is you have a lot of downtime selling cars so we did a lot of writing and soul searching. Through that, I went on to make some good decisions like buying my first home and setting off to become self-employed with the blessing and care of a lot of good men that I worked with. They took me under their wings and treated me like a little sister or daughter.

PGN: Who knew there was such depth at the car lot?

DM: Well, they say that you attract what you’re looking for. I received my first cassette tape — I’m showing my age — from Deepak Chopra on the car lot. I started my first drum circle through the car lot. It was in some ways very spiritual. But eventually I decided that I wanted to do something that made a difference and I didn’t think that selling Plymouth Neons was it.

PGN: You’ve apparently tried a number of things. I read that you were a landscape gardener and a lab aide.

DM: [Laughs] Yes, I’ve had many interesting jobs. I tended to just go with the flow and went where it felt like I should be at a particular time. It was always embedded in me to see everything good and bad as a learning experience. If it’s bad and you don’t ignore it, the likelihood of it happening again is less, and if it’s good you build on it.

PGN: And you’ve built on it all the way to your own business.

DM: Yes, it’s been pretty cool. It’s doing very well; I currently have seven employees. As soon as this interview is over, I have an author coming who wants me to co-write a book with him on massage.

I don’t know if it will happen, but he’s driving three hours to see me so it’s a huge honor, even if it doesn’t work out. I wrote a book already but that was more on the business side of things.

PGN: You’ve done quite a bit of writing, articles and blogs. In one of them, you

around, it’s my home, it’s how I experience the world and how I communicate with it.

It’s me, it’s everything. We polish our cars and make our houses look nice, but without our bodies, none of that exists. So to me, it’s the very nature of what and who I am.

Not to get too deep and heavy.

PGN: And how did you get into massage work?

DM: I wanted a way to meet people so I organized a drum circle in Valley Forge Park and a guy named Rick O’Brian showed up. He’d been doing massage since the ’80s and got me interested. I started to think, I could do that. I love giving people massages. My parents were kind of hippies and always affectionate. I used to get paid 24 cents a back rub, so I was already in business! Back then, there weren’t many massage schools, maybe two and they graduated eight to 10 people. So I studied with him at his house. And then one day, I walked into the car dealership and went to the owner who I was close to, shook his hand and told him that I’d appreciated everything he’d done for me but that it was time to take a plunge and work on my own. Maybe I was naïve but I had no fear.

I jumped in head first and slowly figured it all out.

PGN: What are things people should look for in a massage practitioner?

DM: I think there is something to experience. You may have innate talent, but it doesn’t match having worked with thousands of bodies. When a new therapist comes in, I spend a lot of time with them, so that even though they may be new, they have a mentor to teach them the ropes. But the most important thing is just to find someone you feel good with. I hire first by personality. You can teach the rest.

PGN: Is your girlfriend also a massage therapist?

Photo: Suzi Nash DM: No, she’s the smart wrote about the intersectionality between one in the relationship. nature and the body. Explain.

DM: One of the things I did in my 20s was She works in IT for a large company. Did I mention that she’s beautiful too? We’ve to go to a survival school run by a genbeen dating for about two years. tleman by the name of Tom Brown. One of his sayings was, “Nature is not just a PGN: I dated a massage therapist and everybackground,” and what he meant by that is one would say, “That must be so great!” but that it’s not just a pretty picture, it also has the last thing she wanted to do at the end of function. Look at trees: They’re beautiful the day was give another massage. I think I and majestic, but they’re also helping us ended up massaging her. Is your girlfriend a to breathe. For me, my body is the same. good masseur?

It’s how the world sees me, it’s how I get PAGE 24

24

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

PORTRAIT from page 23

DM: [Laughs] You know I keep trying. I’m always leaning in and flopping my arm down on her lap to no avail, but she’s very good at tickling, which is nice.

We’re a very touchy couple for sure.

PGN: What things do you like to do outside of massage?

DM: I 100-percent love being in my office doing my work and interacting with the people I work with. Otherwise, I like being outside, just sitting or going for walks. I’m very protective of my hands so I don’t play any sports or anything too crazy anymore. Life is really good right now. I feel like I’m in a beautiful prime.

PGN: But speaking of sports, you had some involvement as the official massage practitioner for the women’s professional soccer team, the Philadelphia Independence.

DM: It was awesome! I don’t even know how they found me, but it was a great timing for me.

It was the year my stepmother passed away after a battle with cancer. Inadvertently, they really helped me through that whole time. I learned a lot more about the human body and how far it can be pushed and the importance of massage when people are really active. They were the sweetest, kindest, most grateful group of people I’ve ever worked with. Hands down. I give a hell of a leg massage after working with all those athletes!

PGN: Were you on the sidelines during the games?

DM: Yeah, they gave me VIP seating for all the games.

Working on the team and then watching them play, it was a really cool experience. I got to work with gold medalists and people from all over the world.

PGN: Drop some names. Who were some of the medalists?

DM: Oh, there’s Heather Mitt who was super-duper sweet and kind. I can’t say enough about her. Lori Lindsey and Joanna Lohman were also really supportive, awesome people. I love the two of them.

PGN: Switching gears. Tell me about birthing babies.

DM: I’ve done some random things but seeing a newborn come into the world, fresh from its mother, is pretty extraordinary. My name got out as

someone who could help if you wanted to have a natural birth without medications. I do breath work and massage and work pressure points to relieve the pain. And I’m five for five so I guess it worked. It’s very emotional, so much so that I’ve taken a little hiatus from it. You get very involved and attached to the couple. Labor can be days long, then the baby is born and it’s like, “Well, that was fun. Guess I’ll be going home.” I still get pictures and stuff, but I needed a break.

PGN: You mentioned that your parents were very hippie-like.

Did that make the coming-out process easier?

DM: Well, when I told my mom her response was, “Wow. I’m really proud of you. I never had the guts to try that.” My dad said, “Oh really? You’re just figuring this out? Ha. I knew it a long time ago.” They had an easier time with it than I did. I honestly did not know that gay people existed until I was in my 20s. I thought that I was the freak that would end up in an asylum. I didn’t understand the way I was feeling. Even when I was with a woman in the beginning, I still thought there was something wrong with me, but friends out here in the ’burbs were kind enough to bring me into Philadelphia. I saw rainbow flags everywhere and was like, What are those? and they were like, “OMG, you poor, poor thing.” Then I stepped into Sisters for the first time and I don’t think I moved. I just stood there with my jaw to the ground.

I couldn’t believe there were so many gay people. No one had ever talked to me about it, which is why I have so much passion for working with the LGBT community now, especially with youth. There’s a presumption that we understand ourselves, but how do you do that out in the middle of nowhere, where I never knowingly ever saw a gay person?

PGN: So we’ll close with passion and compassion and the event coming up.

DM: Yes, I love Tara Lessard.

She and I are on the same page with a lot of things and when I heard she was sick, it was very upsetting and I wanted to do something to help bring the community together for her.

Years ago, she and I spoke about doing a wellness day, an alternative to going to the clubs. People

PGN

are really excited about it. I’ve never done a fundraiser before, so I’ll say forgive me before we’ve even started.

PGN: I’m sure it will be fine.

What can people look forward to?

DM: Well, my award-winning team will be out in full force doing free chair massages and we might even bring a table.

I will be providing a class for couples or friends on the healing power of healthy touch, as well as teaching basic massage techniques and self-care.

I don’t know if you know Yogi Marcy Mackay. She has traveled around the world three times in a “bikini” with The Beach Boys and studied with some of the best yoga instructors in the world. She’ll talk about her experience with yoga and how it has changed her life.

My friend Dawn Smesler from MotherHeart Studio is an icon in the wellness community and she’s giving a talk about slowing down and meditation. But it’s not all serious; we’ll have drag artist Jimmy Two Fingas there and a silent auction with some great stuff.

PGN: Yeah, I saw the kinky boots (and shoes) that were donated.

DM: Yes, we have a ton of stuff: some great artwork, a gym membership, an iPad and one of my favorite items, chef Joy Parham-Thomas is donating a three-course dinner for two!

PGN: Nice!

DM: And we’ll wrap it up with an intention circle so all who attend can send some love out for Tara and all those who are suffering from cancer. n The Tara Lessard fundraiser will run 1-4 p.m. Jan. 10 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, contact Matkowski at 484-889-9749 or info@freedommassage.com, or visit www.facebook.com/ events/1530198497290334/.

Donations for Lessard can also be made at www.youcaring. com/tara-lessard-485933#.VmrE77d20Q.facebook.

For more information about Freedom Massage, visit www. freedommassage.com.

To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

Q Puzzle In gay colors Across

1. Part of an actor’s pay between parts?

5. R.E.M. frontman Michael 10. Israeli statesman 14. Give a good beating to 15. Fable fellow 16. Building manager, briefly 17. How some chatter 18. Jeremy of “M. Butterfly” 19. You don’t want them in your pants 20. President from a southern state 23. Fam. docs 24. Foucault’s farewells 25. Peru’s ___ Picchu 27. Ivan of the court 28. Capone and Capp 31. Really feel for?

33. Peter Pan opponent 36. “Why would ___?”

37. Policy started by 20-Across and ended by 56-Across five years ago 42. Penetrating reed 43. Poet Edna St. Vincent ___

44. “Over my dead body!”

46. Bridal bio word 47. Prop department jewelry 52. Leisure fabric 54. One who does it doggie style?

55. Have the blahs 56. President from a “very” southern state 60. Lorca’s halfdozen 62. Billy Elliot portrayer Bell 63. Omar of “ER” 64. Kinsey org.

65. Fragile layer 66. Fruit flavor for gin 67. Lambda Leg. Defense lawyer, e.g.

68. Bowling alley button 69. Gay wedding guide author Ayers

Down

1. Like Krippendorf’s group 2. Chemical salt 3. Earn, slangily 4. Emulated Vidal Sassoon, e.g.

5. Travels with one’s first mate 6. Polo of “The Fosters” 7. Has the stage 8. Bordeaux bridge

9. Race site in Auden’s land 10. Peruvian pronoun 11. Anal opening, in slang 12. 1998 Ian McKellen film 13. Costner character 21. Part of an apology 22. Albert to Armand, in “The Birdcage” 26. Lit ___ (English major’s class) 28. Alan of “Little Miss Sunshine” 29. Utensil for giving “more” in “Oliver” 30. Went to second, to Billy Bean 32. Phallic fish 34. Belief system 35. Doe in Disney’s “Bambi” 37. Mafia figure 38. Like a slave to a master

39. Patricia Highsmith, as a writer 40. Student on “Glee,” e.g.

41. Universal donor 45. Part of Adam in a Cukor film?

48. If all goes right 49. Vibrator, to a sex toy shop 50. Beats, to Bernstein 51. Uses a rubber 53. Air Force rank of Adrianna Vorderbruggen, who advocated repeal of 37-Across 54. Shooting type 55. Tibet setting 57. Opposite of erect 58. Israeli author Oz 59. Movie theater 61. Oink pen

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER! 3,500 SLOTS • 130 TABLE GAMES • 80 POKER TABLES

Check out our new expanded gaming floor filled with 700 of the hottest new slots, innovative live-action table games, an all-new gift shop & the swanky new Xlounge!

COMING UP AT FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 5PM The Breeze Band 9:30PM Don’t Call Me Francis 10PM DJ Paul Desisto

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 5PM – 10PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 5PM IV Stone Band 9:30PM The Rockets 10PM DJ Eric Vanderslice

Earn entries January 1 – 9 for your chance to score a trip for two to the Big Game in San Francisco!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 3PM Latin Night

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 9PM Showcase Sunday

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 5PM Second Time Around 9:30PM Fish Out of Water 10PM DJ Joe Broscoe

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 5PM Midnight Social 9:30PM Bigg Romeo 10PM DJ Eric Vanderslice

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 5PM The Smooth Edge Band Visit parxcasino.com/calendar for full schedule.

TRIPLE YOUR LUCK SUNDAY

PLAY TO WIN THURSDAYS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

EVERY THURSDAY IN JANUARY

Earn 40 entries to play the Mystery Game for the chance at up to $1,000 free slot play!

Play up to 3X in one day!

Earn 40 entries to reveal a winning free slot play prize right at your slot machine, up to $1,000!

PARXCASINO.COM • MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR CANCEL THESE PROMOTIONS AT ANY TIME. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. VISIT XCLUB FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1.800.GAMBLER

25

26

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

• Cosmetic dentistry • Crowns • Implants • Veneers • Whitening

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

Andrea V. Cronin, DDS Craig T. Wakefield, DDS Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 25 years.

Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 Evening hours available.

Theater & Arts Animus The Philadelphia belly-dance group performs 8 p.m.

Jan. 8 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Art of the Zo: Textiles from Myanmar, India and Bangladesh Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of beautiful woven textiles of the Zo people of Myanmar, India and Bangladesh through March 20, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

Audubon to Warhol: The Art of American Still Life Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a survey of American still life in three decades through Jan. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

Art Photographs — Scott A. Drake — 267-736-6743

“One cannot

think well,

love well,

sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

-Virginia Woolf

Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

A Christmas Story: The Musical The holiday musical-comedy tells the beloved story of a boy and his quest for a BB gun through Jan. 10 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550.

Dancing with the Stars Live!

Dancers from the hit TV show perform 8 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-3522887.

Drawn from Courtly India: The Conley

THE ROAD HOME: Nationally touring out singer-songwriter Aiden James returns to his hometown for a show in support of his latest single, “Last Reminder,” 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

Harris and Howard Truelove Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of masterful drawings from the royal courts of northern India through March 27, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Multitude, Solitude: The Photographs of Dave Heath Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the acclaimed photographer’s black-andwhite pictures of the 1950s and ’60s through Feb. 21, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Once The Tony Awardwinning musical about a Dublin musician who is about to give up on his dream, Jan. 15-17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800.

Sicario The action film is

screened 8 p.m.

Jan. 11 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Jan. 9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Picture This: Contemporary Photography and India Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the work of four contemporary photographers for whom India is an important subject or setting through April 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Plays of/for a Respirateur Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an installation by Joseph Kosuth that includes a selection of his work, along with a group of seminal works by Marcel Duchamp, through the fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Raymond the Amish Comic The comedian performs 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

Shen Yun The Chinese dance and orchestral group performs Jan. 8-10 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Todd Glass The out comedian performs Jan. 14-17 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Vienna Melodies The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Jan. 13-16 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Work on What You Love: Bruce Mau Rethinking Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of designs by the acclaimed commercial artist through April 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Get Out and Play

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

27

Scott A. Drake

In the in-between time

FULL CIRCLES: Boy band O-Town is back together and touring in support of its new album “Lines & Circles,” with a matinee show 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at TLA, 334 South St. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1011.

The Wrath of the Gods: Masterpieces

by Rubens, Michelangelo and Titian Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring paintings and the creative processes of some of art history’s most important figures through Jan. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Music Aiden James The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

O-Town The former boy band performs 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.

Old Soul Revival and Fragile The Yes tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Questlove Supreme The Roots drummer DJs 11 p.m. Jan. 10 at The Foundry at the Fillmore, 1100 Canal St.; 215-3090150.

Bobby Long The British singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Jan. 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Bruce in the USA The Bruce Springsteen tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

Rob Thomas The rock singer performs 9 p.m. Jan. 15-16 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Nightlife Breezy Stardust & Friends: Drag Extravaganza Drag queens Brooklyn Ford, Cherry Pop, Roxi

Starr and more perform 8-10 p.m. at Mitchell Auditorium of Drexel University, 3128 Market St.; 215-895-6400.

The Drag Queen Divas Do Disney!

Drag stars Mimi Imfurst, BEV, Lady Fahrenheit and Iris Spectre perform as Disney characters noon-4 p.m. Jan. 10 at Hard Rock Café, 1113 Market St.; 215-238-1000.

Jerseylicious Brunch Ariel Versace hosts the festivities, 12:30-4 p.m. Jan. 10 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Happy Bear The bear-themed happy hour, 5 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675.

Bridget Everett The comedy cabaret

performer comes to town 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Outta Town The Hidden The sci-fi action film is screened 9:45 p.m. Jan. 8 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.

Spirited Away The anime film is screened 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228.

Lez Zeppelin The all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Havana New Hope, 105 S. Main St.; 215-776-8293. n

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com.

Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

With the outdoor sports all in hibernation and soccer pickup, volleyball and dodgeball waiting in the wings for first-week play, only the swimmers and wrestlers are vying for attention in early January. But there’s some other stuff to talk about too.

PGN is celebrating 40 years of publication this year and, no, I haven’t been here since the beginning (it just feels like it!). Many, many athletic organizations have emerged in the past 40 years.

And many have celebrated milestone anniversaries over the past couple of years.

My question for you: How has your sports organization benefitted or been impacted by PGN? It’s an open-ended question so feel free to let me know what you think about the paper and its association with LGBTQ sports groups in the city. Photos, clippings, relationship meet-ups and whatever else you can think of are fair game. Email me below.

In between the start of the next round of indoor play across the many LGBTQ sport options, perhaps you or someone you know is one of the many referred to in the gyms as a “resoluter,” who pack the gyms from early January until the tapering off around Super Bowl and then give up before spring even, well, springs. I was one once, but this year I have to keep my mind on the goal and stick to it.

One of the best ways to get exercise is with a friend. And a good way to make new friends can be through exercise in the form of sport.

If you swim, consider joining the Fins for one of their sessions. There’s a mix of people and skills, and the first visit is free to check out; Philadelphiafins.org.

Did you enjoy wrestling in high school? At least some aspects of it?

Check out the Spartans on a Saturday on Chestnut Street; Spartanswrestling.com.

Have you played recreational soccer or would you like to give it a try? The Falcons are always looking for players for their pick-up games during the winter months; Falcons-soccer.org.

On warmer Saturdays around 9:15 a.m. you might find the Frontrunners in front of Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row ready for a run up Kelly Drive and back before going to brunch. And running at your own pace means you might still have your solitude for a half-mile, or you can meet some striking runner before or after. On Facebook search Philadelphia Frontrunners.

If you’re like me and prefer an indoor cardio workout, some weights or something else, don’t go it alone all the time.

A workout buddy increases both of your chances of following through on your personal commitments through mutual

support and encouragement. I’m trying to get myself rescheduled to mornings but it’s not working out too well just yet, so maybe I should take my own advice.

Whatever you do this season — whether you’re dodging balls, taking someone down, diving into the deep end or putting miles on the sneakers — the important thing is to get it done. Get out and play.

Something to learn In the meantime, I know it’s quite early to think about it (unless you’re saving $2 a week for plane tickets) but Gay Games 10 in 2018 in Paris already has some information up on its website, paris2018.com. Fortunately, the site is available in French, English and Chinese, and since you’re reading this you’re good to go.

I found an interesting sport that the French are introducing to the rest of us.

It’s called pétanque, which in English is pétanque, so it’s easy to remember.

Sometimes it is referred to simply as boules. I don’t know what the Chinese call it.

Pétanque is a game similar to English lawn bowling or Italian bocce. There’s a target ball called a cochonnet (literally, piglet) made of wood tossed out first and then each of the three players on the team has two hollow metal balls to toss alternately.

With darts and billiards out this time as my go-to sports, considering my athleticism, I’m keen on giving this a try.

If anyone has information on playing spots, equipment and such, I’m all ears.

In any case, if I buy a set to try out, we’ll need a third for a team.

Paris, anyone?

Short stops • Philadelphia Falcons (falcons-soccer. org) indoor-pickup schedule for the winter at the Guerin Rec Center, 2201 S. 16th St., is 8-9:45 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays through January, and 8-9:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays in February and March. Your first time is free, so get out and play!

• Philadelphia Fins Aquatics Club is paddling towards the annual Postal Swim Jan. 31 at Friends Select School on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Looking is free, but you can also donate in the name of your favorite Finner. It helps them raise money for the organization and a nonprofit named each year.

On Facebook, search FINS. n If you want to share a story idea, an interview possibility, fundraiser event or tournament invite, contact scott@epgn.com.

28

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 8-14, 2016

FEBRUARY 12

Looking For Wedding Services Unlike Any Other? ’s Wedding Services Directory can help you plan for a special day that is as unique as you are.

HOT DATE OR

ROMANTIC DINNER? DEADLINE TO ADVERTISE FEBRUARY 5

215-625-8501 ext. 201 or email greg@epgn.com

ADVERTISERS: CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 4-10, 2015

Classifieds 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.

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.

Real Estate Sale VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________40-10

Rommates HOUSEMATE WANTED $400/mo room in S. Phil w/backyard, washer, utilities incl.

No kids, cats or dogs. Need proof of income. Prefer LGBTQ men. Matt - 267.314.2284. ________________________________________40-03 $400 month for room in South Philly house. Utils incl. No children or pets. Proof of income is required. LGBTQ men preferred but open to anyone. Call 267-314-2284. ________________________________________40-02

For Sale Oxygen Concentrator. InogenOne – Regain Independence.

Enjoy Greater Mobility. NO More Tanks! 100% Portable Long-Lasting Battery. Try It RISK-FREE! For Cash Buyers Call 1-800-614-1512. ________________________________________40-02 SAWMILLS From only $4,397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com _____________________________________________40-02

Help Wanted Adonis Cinema needs cashier/cleaner. 2nd & 3rd shift.

Call 215-557-9319. ________________________________________40-05 Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497, ________________________________________40-02 Stanley Home Products/Fuller Brush Representatives Needed. Start your own Home Based Business, Office/ Workplace. Earn extra money servicing people in your area.

Little or no investment. 914-664-1515 rubyjfig@aol.com ________________________________________40-02 TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR for 2016-17 vacancies in 21 Virginia school divisions. Sat, Jan 30 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. @ Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA. See www.wvpec.org Sponsor: WVPEC . ________________________________________40-02 Werner Enterprises wants YOU! Great Pay, Home-time, Benefits, & New Equipment! Need your CDL? 3-4 wk training avail! Don’t wait, call Career Trucker to get started!

866-494-8633. ________________________________________40-02

Auto For Sale 2002 PT Cruiser. Red with wood grain. 112K. Runs good.

Well maintained. $3000.00. Call Joe-856-275-6271. ________________________________________40-10

Adoption ADOPT We hope to adopt a baby to love unconditionally. Expenses Paid. Hillary & Joel 1-800-515-1005 Text 917-574-8103. ________________________________________40-02

Services AIRLINE CAREERS begin here. Get hands on training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715. ________________________________________40-02 PA DRIVERS Auto-Insurance-Help-Line. Helping you find a Car Insurance Payment You can afford. Toll Free 1-800-231-3603 www.

Auto-Insurance-Helpline.ORG ________________________________________40-02

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED

PGN currently has an advertising sales position avaiable for an energetic, self-motivated individual with outstanding communication skills.

Our ideal candidate must have polished sales skills with experience in lead generation and cold calling, combined with a track record of closing the sale.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Two years of successful sales experience, preferably in print and/or online sales • Strong verbal and writing skills • Excellent at relationship building • Ability to work independently and part of a team • Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus • Computer literacy a must Salary/Benefits: Salary plus commission. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation and a casual work environment.

Qualified individuals interested in applying are encouraged to send their resume to greg@epgn.com.

29

30

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 4-10, 2015

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality.

If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________40-09

Massage David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________40-07 Massage with hot blonde female and male assistant.

Also looking for well hung black male for fun. Call Matt at 267-278-0545. ________________________________________40-02

40

PGN

ADONIS CINEMA

“THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”

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

215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday

7am-6am

(closed an hour for cleaning)

1976 - 2 016 Proud to serve the community for 40 years.

Friday- Sunday:

Open 24hrs

ADMISSION: $12.00

Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month - and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

WEEKLY SPECIALS:

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00

MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)

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

Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

www.sansomstreetgym.com

BIGGER, BETTER & MORE ENTERTAINING EVENTS...

PGN

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250.

Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-750-4045.

Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New Jersey; 732-823-2193, mccctl.com.

Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020, www.mccphiladelphia. com.

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

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

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m.

Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-6462597.

Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747.

Silverside Church Services 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921, silversidechurch. org.

Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park; 732-502-0305.

Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118.

Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093, dignityphila@aol.com.

Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356, www.dhbaptist.com.

Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m., New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.org.

St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966, www.saintasaphs.org.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451, www.stjohnsambler.org.

St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m.

Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org.

St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m.

Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393, www.inclusivecatholics. org.

Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445.

St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org.

First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m.

Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215563-3853.

St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-688-1796, www.stpaullevittown.org.

First Baptist Church of Moorestown Welcoming and affirming congregation holds Bible study and discussion at 9 a.m. Sundays and worship services at 10 a.m.

Sundays at 19 W. Main St., Moorestown, N.J.; 856-235-1180; www. fbcmoorestown.org; info@fbcmoorestown.org.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-925-5968; www.stpetersphila.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-622-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterian-church. com.

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly.org.

The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215-438-3077, www.fumcog.org.

Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org.

Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www.lc-hc.org.

Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716, www.

ImagoDeiMCC.org.

Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267-388-6081, www.lwucc.org.

Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364, www.kol-tzedek.org.

Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332, www.mluc.org.

Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739, mapleshadeucc.org.

Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited.org.

Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 10:30 a.m., at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media.

Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets 12:30 p.m. the third Sunday of the month and holds a potluck brunch 12:30 p.m. the first Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853. www.uucdc.org.

Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www.usguu.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-6673618, uucch.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration.us.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609-965-9400, www.uucsjs.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662, www. uupottstown.org.

United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215-946-6800.

Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106.

University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215387-2885, www.uniphila.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 4-10, 2015

31

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday.

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

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088

■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext.

9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m.

Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

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

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

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

221

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330

■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m.

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870.

ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org.

GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m.

Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org.

Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org.

■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-

108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org.

Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658.

Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org.

Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm.

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com.

■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.

32

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 4-10, 2015

National Praise For MARK SEGAL’s Best Selling Memoir

AND THEN I DANCED TRAVELING THE ROAD TO LGBT EQUALITY

“Mark Segal’s work for LGBT equality is historic and significant. The fact that he is still connecting our community is a testament to the passion which he shares in this memoir.”

--Billie Jean King “Mark Segal is a beloved and respected activist for the LGBT movement, and he’s a pivotal voice to tell our story,” --The Advocate “Mark Segal made national news on December 11, 1973 when he interrupted a live broadcast of the CBS Evening News by yelling ‘Gays protest CBS prejudice!’ at none other than Walter Cronkite. He was wrestled to the floor on live national television, an incident often credited as the beginning of the end of LGBTQ invisibility. In his new memoir, Segal looks back on that defining moment in history, as well as the many battles that followed.”

--Queerty “If it happened in the gay rights movement, Mark Segal was probably there.”

--ABC-TV “Mark Segal is one of the major actors in the struggle for LGBT equality in the U.S....A life as eventful as Segal’s demands that a book be written about it.”

--South Florida Gay News “Segal’s And Then I Danced harkens back to the glory days of the gay liberation era. Current activists could learn a lot of useful lessons from reading this memoir, and any American who reads it will learn about some interesting chapters in our nation’s ongoing struggle to form a more perfect union.”

--David Carter, Author of Stonewall, The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution “And Then I Danced is more than a memoir; it’s a revelation……….and that’s a huge part of why this book is so vital. Equally important is how Segal shatters mistaken beliefs about queer history. Segal really puts the movement in context for the post-Stonewall generation.”

Lambda Literary Review --Lambda “Read Mark Segal’s memoir and you’ll get the inside story of how and why he interrupted a live broadcast of The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. What happened afterward will surprise you. It’s one of many surprises in this must-read first-person account of LGBT history as it unfolded after Stonewall. Segal was a witness to that history, and he made some of it happen, changing our country and our lives for the better.”

—Louis Wiley, Jr., executive editor, Frontline (PBS)

“I have read about Segal in other places but nothing is like reading about it as he tells it....Because of Segal and others we have openly LGBT people working in the White House and throughout corporate America.

He has helped make it possible for an entire community of gay world citizens to finding the voice that they need to become visible.”

--Reviews by Amos Lassen “Segal’s writing style is engrossing and never ponderous....And Then I Danced is highly recommended for all LGBT history collections and especially for readers with interest in Pennsylvania/Philadelphia politics.”

--American Library Association’s GLBT Round Table “And Then I Danced is a fascinating page-turner that prompted my tears, laughter, envy, and astonishment--but most of all left me feeling very proud of what our community has accomplished and grateful to Mark for sharing his intimate memoir. While there are many who have witnessed the extraordinary history of the LGBT community, few have played as major a role in creating it as has Mark. It is no exaggeration to say that there is no person alive today who has been a more central participant in as much of the contemporary LGBT rights struggle than Mark Segal.”

--Sean Strub, author of Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS, and Survival “Mark Segal has for decades been a pathfinder for LGBT journalists of all stripes. We’re indebted to him for his years of radical activism, helping to foster a movement for change that has had a dramatic and positive impact for millions.”

--Michelangelo Signorile, author of It’s Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality “Real change never comes without real guts and real vision and real leaders.

Mark Segal is the real deal.”

--Robert Moore, cofounder of Dallas Voice “Mark Segal’s ideas run from the alpha to the omega. Sometimes I think there’s got to be more than one Mark Segal: he has done way too much for one lifetime. I highly recommend this book. If you can’t get to meet Mark in person, this is the next best thing!”

--Michael Luongo, author of Gay Travels in the Muslim World “Before there was Ellen, Will, Grace, Rosie, Andy, and Anderson, Mark Segal was the squeaky gay wheel of American television, pulling stunts that forced the medium to open its closet door. If Walter Cronkite were still alive, he’d say: Not HIM again! And that’s the way it is. And was. Read all about it.”

--Bruce Vilanch, Six-Time Emmy Award Winner “Mark Segal has taken the LGBT aging world by storm, and in the process has made a remarkable difference for our community’s courageous pioneers. We’ve all learned so much from him.”

--Michael Adams, executive director, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders “With gentle humor and the slightest touch of sardonicism….Segal lets readers into his personal life: his loves, losses, and (spoiler alert!) a very happy ending. “Drama seems to follow me,” he writes, and readers will be glad for it.”

--Washington Blade