PGN Jan. 9-15, 2015 by The Philadelphia Gay News

‘Motown the Musical’ motors into Philly PAGE 19

AC tourism organization is reorganizing, with LGBT leadership PAGE 5

Family Portrait: Matt Whipple cooks healthy food with a Southern flair PAGE 23 Jan. 9-15, 2015

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PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 39 No. 2

Tabu staffer speaks out after Gayborhood attack By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

BROAD STREET BEAUTIES: A trolley announcing the drag contingent in the Mummer’s Parade made its way down Broad Street Jan. 1. This marked the third year that the collection of local drag stars, who were all bedecked in rainbows, took part in one of Philadelphia’s most well-known traditions, though this year they did not perform at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year’s Mummers Parade also had its own changes, chiefly that the parade moved from City Hall to Washington Avenue instead of originating in South Philly. Photo: Patrick Hagerty

Accused killer of transwoman sends Bible verses to court By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Charles N. Sargent, who’s accused of stabbing to death transwoman Diamond Williams, then dismembering her body with an ax, has sent a series of Bible verses to court officials. The Bible verses are contained in a 24-page “affidavit of truth” that Sargent sent to Philadelphia SARGENT Common Pleas Court in October. The affidavit is “sealed with the Holy Spirit,” according to Sargent. In the affidavit, Sargent describes himself as a “living, breathing man whose advocate is Yahshua, the Messiah, Lord Jesus, the Christ.” The affidavit states that God has zero tolerance for homosexuality,

prostitution, hypocrisy, deception, incest, bestiality and other “wickedness.” It warns that violators will be killed by “the sword,” if they cause God’s wrath to “flare up.” The affidavit emphasizes obedience to God’s moral code. “If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord, your God, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom,” the affidavit states. Some transgressors are cursed by God, including idolaters, those who dishonor their father or mother and anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law. But God has mercy for other transgressions, according to the affidavit. “If a thief is caught in the act of housebreaking and beaten to death, there is no bloodguilt involved,” the affidavit states, quoting from Exodus. The affidavit doesn’t go into details about Williams’ homicide. But accordPAGE 7

Philadelphia police are looking to identify and locate the suspects wanted for an attack that landed an employee of a local gay bar in the hospital for a week. At approximately 2:40 a.m. Dec. 27, two men were walking north on 12th Street when they got involved in a verbal dispute with a group of people that escalated into a physical confrontation. No arrests were made as of presstime. One of the victims, Sam Sierra, is gay, but told PGN Tuesday he could not recall if his attackers made any anti-LGBT remarks. “I wish I did, but I honestly don’t know,” Sierra said. Police spokesperson Lt. John Stanford told PGN that investigators do not currently believe the suspects were acting out of bias. “There isn’t any indication that this is an antiLGBT motivated incident,” Stanford said. According to Sierra, 34, who was working the door at Tabu that night, he and his manager, Joe Beese, were walking towards Market Street to catch the El back to their homes in Fishtown. Sierra stopped to uri-

nate in front of the Mitchell & Ness sporting-goods store when the group, consisting of three males and two females, passed and made remarks to Sierra about him urinating. Sierra said he remembers saying something back to the attackers, but does not remember what. That’s when Sierra believes the verbal altercation escalated PAGE 7 into a physical one.

2015 legislative outlook By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

This year promises to be big for the LGBT community as administrative regime changes take place at the state and local levels and fresh faces in the legislature encounter a bloc of equality advocates determined to push much-needed policy into law. State legislative expectations In 2015, constituents most likely will see the reintroduction of a host of LGBT-related bills that have surfaced in years past, but were consistently met with opposition from Republican legislators. “Certainly, at the least, we will see the introduction of several of the bills we have seen in the

past,” said Andy Hoover, legislative director for American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. “The nondiscrimination bill, hate crimes, school bullying. At the least, those bills will be introduced.” Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin echoed those predictions. “This session of the legislature, with regard to LGBT issues, will perhaps mimic the last session somewhat, with hopefully a much better outcome,” he said. In addition to the issues mentioned above, Martin also said ensuring transgender people are covered in all policy issues will remain a priority. “And HIV prevention and AIDS are always going to be on our radar,” he added. Nondiscrimination legislation

remains the widest-reaching legislation, addressing perhaps what is the most pervasive LGBT issue in the state — and tops many advocates’ list of priorities for the next session. “We still don’t have a statewide law protecting against nondiscrimination,” Hoover said. “We passed marriage equality, which was huge, but you can get fired for [marrying] if your employer is not welcoming.” A nondiscrimination bill would protect LGBTs in everyday situations: going to a restaurant, buying a home or renting an apartment, shopping for a wedding photographer. State law currently prohibits discrimination on such bases as race and religion, but sexual orientation and gender identity remain excluded from the PAGE 6 list. Several-

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

News Briefing

But due to the complicated nature of the issue, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl gave Blatt until Jan. 20 to file a challenge. Sidney L. Gold, an attorney for Blatt, said several organizations have expressed an interest in filing friend-of-the-court briefs in support of Blatt.

Deadline extension granted in trans case

Judge assigned in Scouts case

A federal judge has granted a two-week extension for transwoman Kate L. Blatt to challenge the legality of excluding gender-identity disorder protection in the Americans With Disabilities Act. The ADA protects persons with disabilities from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation and other venues. Blatt contends that Congress acted unconstitutionally in 1989 when excluding GID as a protected disability under the ADA. Blatt is suing her former employer, Cabela’s Inc., alleging discrimination on the basis of her sex and disability. Blatt, 33, says she suffered from GID while working at Cabela’s in Hamburg, Pa. She says Cabela’s banned her from a female restroom, thus discriminating against her due to her disability. But Cabela’s argues that, since GID isn’t covered by the ADA, Blatt couldn’t have been discriminated against because of a disability. Blatt had a Jan. 5 deadline to file a legal challenge of GID’s exclusion in the ADA.

On Dec. 19, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Esther R. Sylvester was assigned to rule on whether a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America should be dismissed. Patricia Evasew alleges that Charles “Chris” Morris repeatedly molested her son Thomas in the 1980s while serving as Thomas’ Scoutmaster. In February 2012, Thomas, 38, shot and killed himself in the parking lot of a building where his BSA troop met. Last year, Patricia Evasew filed suit against Morris and the BSA in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. She’s seeking more than $50,000 in damages. In court filings, Morris acknowledged being a Scout leader for BSA Troop 67 of the Chester County Council between January 1987 and December 1992. Morris, of Paoli, also acknowledged knowing Thomas Evasew, but denied molesting him or contributing to his death. The BSA seeks the dismissal of Evasew’s lawsuit as meritless. If Sylvester doesn’t dismiss Evasew’s lawsuit, a jury trial is tentatively scheduled for September 2015.

“Judge Sylvester is a very bright and fair judge and we look forward to her decision,” said Kenneth M. Rothweiler, an attorney for Evasew. A spokesperson for the BSA had no comment as of presstime.

Hanes to speak in March D. Bruce Hanes, a Montgomery County official who issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in Pennsylvania’s history, will speak about the experience later this winter. Hanes’ presentation, entitled “Marriage Equality: What’s the Problem?” is free and open to the public. The event will take place 7 p.m. March 16 at the Ludington Library, 5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Bryn Mawr. It’s sponsored by the Freethought Society, a nontheist organization. “Mr. Hanes is a hero in our community,” said Margaret A. Downey, president of the Freethought Society. “His stance on same-gender marriages stands as a testimony to the power of activism.” For more information, contact Downey at margaret@ftsociety.org. — Timothy Cwiek

IBA starts mentoring effort

professional-development opportunities to future LGBT leaders. The Independence Business Alliance this month started a mentoring program. The nine-month program will aim to strengthen relationships between experienced IBA members and IBA’s student membership base. For more information, or if you are interested in applying for the program as a mentee or mentor, contact Tom Cavanaugh at 215-557-0190 or via email at iba@independencebusinessalliance.com. Applications are due no later than Feb. 8.

Workshop encourages legacy-planning The first couple weeks after the New Year is often a time of reflection, and what better way to ponder your legacy than with a Penn’s Village workshop that asks, “How will family and friends remember us?” The Legacy Project event will take place 3-5 p.m. Jan. 12 in Room 410 of Academy House, Broad and Locust streets. Led by University of Pennsylvania Medical School Clinical Professor Judith Coche, Ph.D., the event will prompt participants to ponder their values, interests and accomplishments, and which personal stories they wish to share. Participants are asked to bring one or more photos that tell a story about them. Notebooks for journaling will be provided. Space is limited. To register, call 215-9257333 or via email info@pennsvillage.org. n

The area’s LGBT chamber of commerce has launched a new program to provide

— Ryan Kasley

free library and honor box locations FREE LIBRARY LOCATIONS

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.

HONOR BOXES

2nd & Chestnut sts. • 2nd & Market sts. • 2nd & Walnut sts. • 2nd & South sts. • 2nd & Wildey sts. • 3rd & Arch sts. • 3rd & Market sts. • 3rd & Race 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 & Chestnut sts. • 6th & South sts. • 6th St. & Washington Square West • 7th & Pine sts. • 8th & Market sts. • 8th & South sts. • 8th & Walnut sts. • 9th & Market sts. • 9th & Pine 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 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. • University City SEPTA Station • Walnut & Dock sts., by Ritz Movies • Welsh Road & Roosevelt Boulevard • Wyndmoor SEPTA Station •

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

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FINALLY, FLORIDA: Aaron Huntsman (left) and now-husband William “Lee” Jones kissed on the deck of Banana Cafe on Duval Street in Key West this fall. The couple became celebrities shortly after Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Luis Garcia struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage in Huntsman v. Heavilin, declaring it unconstitutional. The two first met during Key West PrideFest in 2004, the same year Gilbert Baker’s 1.25-mile rainbow flag debuted. They were the first gay couple to marry in Monroe County Jan. 6, when Florida became the 36th state, plus Washington, D.C., to sanction same-sex marriage. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Gay-bashing case moves forward By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A preliminary arraignment was held this week for three people accused of attacking a gay couple in Center City this past fall. The charges against Kathryn Knott, Kevin Harrigan and Philip Williams were officially read in court Tuesday, and the case was listed with the Court of Common Pleas. None of the defendants was present. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 5 in Room 905 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St., before Common Pleas Judge Frank Palumbo. The proceeding is open to the public. The three are charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and one count of conspiracy in connection with

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

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the Sept. 11 attack on Zachary Hesse and Andrew Haught. The gay couple was walking near 16th and Chancellor streets when they encountered a group of people, one of whom, identified in court as Harrigan, made antigay remarks before punching Hesse. Hesse said Knott clawed at his face, repeatedly calling him a faggot, and after he pushed her hand away, Williams attacked Haught, breaking his cheekbones. He had to have his jaw wired shut for two months. A judge last month upheld all charges against the three, who have been out on bail since shortly after their Sept. 24 arrest. In the fall, Philadelphia adopted an LGBTinclusive hate-crime law, but none of the defendants can be charged under it, since it was enacted after the incident. However, at last month’s preliminary hearing, assistant district attorney Michael Barry, who is prosecuting the case, emphasized that the suspects’ alleged antiLGBT animus was a primary factor in the crime, and served as the basis for the conspiracy charge. Barry told PGN this week that a trial is not expected until at least later this year. “It’s safe to say it won’t happen in the next couple months,” Barry said. n TD Bank, N.A. | Equal Housing Lender

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Weekly features

News&Opinion 2 7 8 10

— News Briefing — Crime Watch — Obituaries — Editorial Transmissions 11 — Op-Ed Street Talk 14 — International 15 — Media Trail

Thinking Queerly: Young people coming out are inspiring some older closeted LGBTs to come out as well.

21 23 26 28 28

— — — — —

Scene in Philly Family Portrait Q Puzzle Out & About Comics

C o l 12 — Out Money: u Employee benefits m — Dining Out: n 25 Nectar in the ’burbs s 9 — Thinking Queerly: Coming out at any age

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

mASKED mYSTERY: Revelers at ICandy rung in 2015 at the venue’s third-annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Guests wearing masks received discounted admission to the party, and the club had extra masquerade materials on hand for its nonmasked guests. Partiers were treated to a champagne toast at midnight, as well as a complimentary buffet. Photo: Patrick Haggerty

This week in PGN Tasty sushi and sweet seafood flavors are hits at Nectar.

5 — AC LGBT-tourism org shifts gears 6 — Morris cop testifies at DUI trial 15 — New DOMA repeal effort gets local support

19 — Arts & Culture cover story: Motown in our town 25 — Sushi and such at Nectar restaurant

Next week Gettin’ On Outward Bound Paw Prints

Two weeks Mombian On Being Well Work It Out

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

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Actor/comic Patton Oswalt comes to Tower Theater for a night of unrivaled ribaldry.

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Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2015 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 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.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Out tourism official to head AC effort By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com One of the driving forces behind Philadelphia’s renowned LGBT-tourism efforts is now taking the lead at an agency tasked with driving tourism in Atlantic City. Jeff Guaracino began his role Monday as executive director of the Atlantic City Alliance, where he previously served as chief strategy and communications officer, overseeing the advertising, marketing, events-planning and public-relations efforts of the organization. The new position comes amid an agency restructuring, including the resignation of inaugural president and CEO Liza Cartmell. ACA, which was created through a partnership between the state and casino community, was funded through 2016, but a legislative proposal that could be voted on in the coming weeks would reassign ACA’s $60 million in funding over the next two years for property-tax relief. Guaracino said the early shuttering of the ACA would be detrimental. “It would be immediate and dramatic, not good at all,” Guaracino said. “With a city in crisis, you need more marketing, not less. You don’t want the last thing people to remember about Atlantic City is that casinos have closed.” Guaracino said that, since its 2011 launch, ACA has made significant strides in communicating the value of Atlantic City beyond its gaming. “We don’t want to lose the momentum we have had, as we’ve been gaining ground in people seeing us as an entertainment, dining and nightlife destination,” Guaracino said, noting that ACA furthered those goals, despite challenging conditions. “Atlantic City has been through a lot: murders, Hurricane Sandy, four casinos closing, an out-of-control city budget that is unsustainable at our current levels with the decrease of revenue, which has created an economic crisis. We didn’t anticipate that when we started, and the Alliance has really acted as chief crisis officer: working with the governor’s office, the mayor, the economic-development and tourism teams and media worldwide to manage the messaging about the crisis. Without that funding, we don’t have that system in place.” Guaracino said everything hinges on the funding proposal, which he said Mayor Don Guardian noted has created a “Titanic or Noah’s Ark situation” at the ACA — which will also inform the path Guaracino’s work will take. “As executive director, I’m responsi-

ble for the budget, legislative initiatives, reconfiguring the mission to match a new potential budget. Or, I’ll be responsible for shutting down the organization, which would be everything from legal, financial, staffing and contracted legacy programs,” Guaracino said. “There’s going to be a lot to do, either way. You learn a lot by turning an organization into a different one and also if you have to shut down a business. What you have to do is really begin to look at how do you reconfigure available resources to try and cobble together a tourism strategy for Atlantic City.” Whichever the outcome, Guaracino said his experience in the industry has prepared him. Guaracino served as vice president of communications at Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (now Visit Philly) before heading to Atlantic City. He joined GPTMC in 2001 as director of communications. “It’s funny but I feel oddly prepared. Because of my work at Visit Philly and with [Visit Philly president and CEO] Meryl Levitz and the senior management team, I feel very ready for battle, for the challenge,” he said. “I also recognize that Atlantic City is facing very different challenges than ever before. But I’m a quick learner and I can work well with a variety of groups and people at all levels. The relationships I’ve made and the training I’ve had put me in the right position for this.” One of the benchmarks of his Philly work was his leadership on the city’s groundbreaking “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay” campaign, launched in 2003. He has continued to promote LGBT tourism in Atlantic City, working last year to successfully stage Sandblast for the first time in the city and designating a section of the beach as the LGBTfriendly area, among other initiatives. He said the LGBT community could play a vital role in the city’s rejuvenation. “There’s beachfront housing with ocean views at historic lows, and the gay community loves that and is always looking for new places to come. Sandblast and other events can also play an important role in diversification. We’ve done it in Chelsea, in South Beach, in Wilton Manors. Atlantic City is prime real estate, and I think the LGBT community is going to embrace that and be a part of this renaissance.” Regardless of the ACA’s future, Guaracino said he’s optimistic that change will come to Atlantic City. “Marketing and events would drive people here but I understand that the enormity of the financial situation Atlantic City has gotten itself into is a problem. But this is a fight, to continue to do what’s right for the destination. I have many emotions toward it, but I believe in Atlantic City, in that boardwalk, that ocean, and I know it’s going to do great. I just hope we get a chance to continue to propel it forward.” n

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Morris officer testifies in DUI case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Richard Patterson was convicted this week of driving under the influence of alcohol 12 years ago. The sole witness against Patterson was Officer Elizabeth Skala, who arrested him in May 2002. In December 2002, Skala gave Nizah Morris a Center City “courtesy ride.” Shortly after the ride, the transwoman was found by passing motorists with a fractured skull. Michael L. Doyle, an attorney for Patterson, didn’t bring up the Morris incident during Patterson’s Jan. 5 trial. But Doyle said an appeal in Common Pleas Court is likely, and the Morris incident may be raised at that time. On May 11, 2002, around 2:30 a.m., Patterson allegedly sideswiped another vehicle on the 900 block of Walnut Street. LEGISLATION from page 1

dozen municipalities have enacted their own LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances, but the majority of the state’s residents live outside those jurisdictions. “About 70 percent of people at large live somewhere where they don’t have those protections,” Hoover said. “Our main goal is to pass nondiscrimination legislation,” Martin added. “Our effort will be both to introduce House and Senate Bill 300 and to continue the bipartisan nature of the legislation last session. I think there will be more support this time around. We feel it is pretty fundamental to the Pennsylvania LGBT community.” Announced legislation There are a few pieces of legislation that have already been announced for the upcoming terms. State Rep. Mark Cohen will be introducing two major transgender-rights bills, one regarding transgender students and the other transgender health care. The first will amend the Public School Code to eliminate gender-based restrictions and prerequisites for transgender students. The bill would allow all students who identify with a certain gender to use that gender’s spaces and would bar harassment in gender-segregated spaces. The second would expand health-care coverage for transgender individuals, which would require coverage of transition-related care, including hormone therapy, mental-health care and surgery in all private, public and Medicaid plans, the latter being critical to a group experiencing a high poverty rate. State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-8th

Dressed all in black, Skala testified that when she arrived at the scene, Patterson appeared to be intoxicated. She said Patterson smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and was staggering. “He was under the influence of alcohol to the point where it may be a DUI,” Skala told Municipal Court Judge Craig M. Washington. Skala also testified that she summoned a supervisor for guidance prior to arresting Patterson. Under cross-examination, Skala acknowledged refreshing her memory before testifying by reviewing 2002 police records. Doyle posited that Skala replaced her independent recollections of the incident with information she garnered from a 2002 arrest report. In order to be consistent with the arrest report, Skala testified that she arrived at

the scene an hour earlier than the accident actually occurred, Doyle said. “[Skala] does not recall this incident very well,” Doyle said. “Her recollections of that day are not at all clear. She does not independently recall many of the details, such as the time [she arrived].” But Skala said she has a clear memory of the incident and can even remember Patterson’s occupation back in 2002, though she didn’t specify it. Prosecutors suggested that time disparities could be attributed to a gap between the time Skala was dispatched to the accident scene and the time she arrived. But Doyle said the disparity is almost an hour, not a few minutes. Prosecutors also emphasized that Patterson failed to appear at a court proceeding in 2002 and shouldn’t benefit from the trial delay that his absence caused. After hearing arguments from both sides,

Washington declared Patterson guilty of DUI. “I just don’t have a reasonable doubt,” the judge said. “Why should [Skala’s] opinion not be believed? Does the officer have a valid, competent opinion?” Washington set sentencing for 10 a.m. Feb. 23 in Courtroom 603 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. Patterson, who didn’t testify, faces up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine. He remains free while awaiting sentencing. Patterson has 30 days after sentencing to file an appeal in Common Pleas Court. Doyle subpoenaed local authorities for the Police Internal Affairs file on the Morris incident. But outside the courtroom, Doyle said his request was denied on “procedural” grounds, without elaborating. The Morris homicide remains unsolved, and advocates seek a state probe. n

Dist.) issued a co-sponsorship memo in December announcing plans to reintroduce Senate Bill 872 to ban state-licensed mental-health professionals from engaging in sexual-orientation “reparative” or “conversion” therapy with minors. According to Williams’ memo, sexual-orientation change efforts covered under the bill include therapies, counseling or other means of practice seeking to change a minor’s sexual orientation.

that drew national attention did much to jolt some Republicans into rethinking their stance, he added. Hoover pointed to new majority leaders in the state House and Senate as potential supporters. “I think probably, two people to keep an eye on are the new majority leaders in the legislature,” said Hoover. “The House is Dave Reed (R-62nd Dist.), a young guy, 36, representing parts of Indiana County, that fits in that generation of people who don’t think that LGBT issues are a big

“It depends on how much of a priority he will make LGBT issues. When it comes time to negotiate with the legislature, will he make it a priority?” Martin was a little more optimistic. “He has made outspoken commitments on these issues,” he said. “He is the governor of the sixth-largest state in the country. When you have people in positions like this talking about LGBT issues, people pay attention.”

Under Nutter’s administration, the Office for LGBT Affairs was created, the rainbow flag was raised for the first time at City Hall and legislation such as the Equal Benefits Bill, which mandated some city contractors to extend benefits to same-sex partners of employees, was passed — large shoes to fill for his sucessor.

After two terms, incumbent Democratic Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will serve his last days this year. A primary election for the next mayor will be held May 19. Under Nutter’s administration, the Office for LGBT Affairs was created, the rainbow flag was raised for the first time at City Hall and legislation such as the Equal Benefits Bill, which mandated some city contractors to extend benefits to same-sex partners of employees, was passed — large shoes to fill for his successor. Declared Democratic primary candidates for the 2015 Philadelphia mayoral election so far include: Lynne Abraham, former Philadelphia district attorney; Nelson Diaz, former city solicitor and former Common Pleas judge; Ken Trujillo, former city solicitor; Doug Oliver, PGW official and Nutter’s former press secretary; and Anthony H. Williams, minority whip of the Pennsylvania Senate and 2010 Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate. Potential candidates as suggested by the local media include Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke and City Councilman Jim Kenney. n

Fresh faces There is a growing sense among state advocates that with fresh — and hopefully more supportive — faces in Harrisburg and growing public support, or at the least rising favorable opinion, that full equality in Pennsylvania is only a matter of time. “The legislature is slightly more conservative and is always going to be a difficult place to have LGBT-related conversations,” Martin said. “But there is a general sense that this is both an issue of fairness, and economic development, and that its time has come.” Martin cited the oft-circulated rumor in Harrisburg that “on average, it takes six years to get anything passed.” And that’s about how long Democrats have been introducing LGBTinclusive hate-crime and nondiscrimination bills. Last session saw the highest number of Republican cosponsors on such bills, according to Martin. And the Center City Philadelphia gay-bashing incident

Philadelphia Gay News

deal. Then there is Jake Corman (R-34 Dist.), the leader in the Senate, whose district includes State College. To some extent, they are blank slates and hopefully supportive on these issues.” As for Gov.-elect Tom Wolf, Hoover’s hopes are high, but he said there are variables to consider.

Philadelphia

epgn.com

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. 22-28. 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 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 2:20 a.m. Dec. 24, a resident of an apartment building in the 900 block of Pine Street heard glass break and saw the silhouette of a person in the common area of the building. Police checked all apartments in the building and all were secure. Sixth District Officer Erwin attempted to lift fingerprints from the common area. — On Dec. 25, security video showed a male stealing a security camera from outside Spice 28, 1228 Chestnut St. The suspect was described as a 25-year-old Hispanic male, with a thin build, cleanshaven, wearing a white cap and white jacket with a backpack. — Between 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 and 7:50 a.m. Dec. 28, someone stole a 1995 Jeep that was parked outside 218 S. 13th St. — There were two thefts from parked ATTACK from page 1

Police said the group of five passed Sierra and Beese but a moment later two men turned back. Surveillance video captured one removing his jacket as he walked, as if preparing for a fight. Sierra, who was knocked unconscious during the attack, said he remembers Beese trying to defend him from the attackers, who fled west on Chestnut Street. Sierra was released from Temple University Hospital Monday after a week of dealing with seizures related to brain trauma suffered in the attack. He said he now has to undergo rehabilitation and was advised by his doctors not to return to work yet. “I’m told by doctors that I am not really able to work right now,” Sierra said. “With the brain injury itself, they basically told me that I need to get my brain back in order, so to speak.” One suspect is described as a white male SARGENT from page 1

ing to a statement Sargent allegedly gave to police, he invited Williams to his Strawberry Mansion residence during the early-morning hours of July 14, 2013. Sargent claimed he stabbed Williams in self-defense, after she demanded a pre-arranged payment of $40 for performing oral sex — which he refused to pay because she had male genitalia. Assistant District Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur had no comment on Sargent’s affidavit. “As a public official and prosecutor, my duty is to ensure that this case is tried fairly

vehicles reported Dec. 22-28: outside 1305 Walnut St. and 1222 Spruce St. — There was one theft of a bicycle reported this week: outside 1313 Spruce St. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — On Dec. 27, Sixth District plainclothes officers made two arrests for prostitution at 7:55 p.m. outside Juniper and Locust streets and at 8:20 p.m. outside 240 S. 12th St. — At 4:20 p.m. Dec. 22, a male went to the Broad Street Ministry, 315 S. Broad St., and became irate when he was told his mail was not ready for pick-up. The male took out a piece of metal and cut the staff worker on the hand with it. Another staff worker wrestled the male to the ground and police were called. The 52-year-old suspect with a Pottstown address was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault and related offenses. — At 10:25 p.m. Dec. 23, a woman was using her cell phone while in the 1000 block of Clinton Street when a male pushed her from behind, snatched the phone and ran west, then south on 11th Street. A witness chased and caught the suspect at 1100 Lombard St., and police were called. The phone was recovered and the 17-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with robbery and related offenses. n in his 20s of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent, at least 6 feet and 280 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a beard with a mustache. He was wearing a black jacket with a gold zipper and black jeans. The second man is described as white and in his 20s, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, with light brown hair in a long ponytail. He was wearing a black leather jacket with multiple zippers and blue jeans. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Andracchio at Central Detective Division, 215-686-3093. The incident raised concern of a repeat Center City hate crime, following September’s attack by a group on a gay couple in Rittenhouse. Since that time, Philadelphia has adopted a hate-crime law that instates penalties and jail time for crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity or disability, classes not currently covered by the state law. n in a court of law,” MacArthur said, in an email. “I do not think it is proper for me to divulge or comment on the contents of a defendant’s communications.” Sargent, 45, remains incarcerated at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia. He’s charged with murder, abuse of corpse and possessing an instrument of crime. Sargent is a former Marine whose occupation is listed as “freelance bouncer,” according to court records. A jury trial for Sargent is expected later this year. The D.A.’s Office isn’t seeking the death penalty. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

CITY COUNCIL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290

2015 NOTICE OF STATED MEETINGS The Philadelphia City Council will have its Regular Stated Meetings on the dates listed below. All meetings will be held at 10:00 A.M. in Room 400 City Hall.

Thursday, January 22, 2015 Thursday, January 29, 2015 Thursday, February 5, 2015 Thursday, February 12, 2015 Thursday, February 19, 2015 Thursday, February 26, 2015 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Thursday, March 12, 2015 Thursday, March 19, 2015 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Thursday, April 9, 2015 Thursday, April 16, 2015 Thursday, April 23, 2015 Thursday, April 30, 2015 Thursday, May 7, 2015 Thursday, May 14, 2015

Thursday, May 21, 2015 Thursday, June 4, 2015 Thursday, June 11, 2015 Thursday, June 18, 2015 Thursday, September 10, 2015 Thursday, September 17, 2015 Thursday, September 24, 2015 Thursday, October 1, 2015 Thursday, October 8, 2015 Thursday, October 15, 2015 Thursday, October 22, 2015 Thursday, October 29, 2015 Thursday, November 12, 2015 Thursday, November 19, 2015 Thursday, December 3, 2015 Thursday, December 10, 2015 Michael A. Decker Chief Clerk

CITY COUNCIL

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2015 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Economic Opportunity Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1607 and Resolution No. 120184, will meet in City Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times:

Monday, March 2nd, 2015, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 15th, 2015, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 14th, 2015, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 7th, 2015, at 10:00 A.M.

ANGELA DOWD-BURTON, CHAIRPERSON Economic Opportunity Review Committee

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Health and Wellness has many definitions.

LOCAL PGN

Obituaries Joseph Starr III, retail manager, 38 By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Joseph Starr III died Dec. 27 at age 38. Starr was a manager and longtime employee for stores in the Gap Inc. family of retailers. He had been living in Philadelphia for approximately 15 years. Henry Brinton, the partner of Starr’s brother, Michael, said Starr’s passion was politics. “As a person, he was one opinionated man,” Brinton said. “He would sit there and debate everything with you — politics, sports. He loved a good argument.” Starr was a loved regular at Gayborhood establishments like U Bar and the former Westbury Bar. According to Brinton, Starr enjoyed attending performances of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and

participating in GayBINGO! events. He said Starr never missed a fundraiser in the community. In addition to his brother, Starr is survived by sister Kimberly Patrizi and brother-in-law Rich Patrizi; parents Maryann Osborn and Joseph Starr, Jr.; and grandparents Helen and Joseph Starr, Sr. His visitation and funeral service was held Jan. 3 at Rose Funeral Home in Bridesburg. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. n

Stephen T. Johnson, former police LGBT liaison, 63

You can find help locating them all in ’s Health and Wellness Directory

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Stephen T. Johnson, a retired high-ranking Philadelphia Police official who served as the liaison between the department and the LGBT community, died Jan. 2 of pancreatic cancer. He was 63. Johnson served as the department’s LGBT liaison from July 2010-November 2012. He spent more than 35 years as a member of the Philadelphia Police Department, retiring as a deputy commissioner and the head of the department’s Internal Affairs Division. Throughout his career, Johnson was assigned to a number of districts in the city, spent time in the Highway Patrol Unit and was appointed a deputy commissioner in 2008. As LGBT liaison, Johnson worked with the Police LGBT Liaison Committee to funnel community concerns through the proper channels. Johnson attended the committee’s monthly meetings and told PGN near his retirement that he respected the organization’s mission and the efforts of its members. “I was most impressed by how hard these people worked to create an environment of equality for the community,” he said. “I was impressed by their dedication

and their work ethic when it came to extending themselves to rectify situations of prejudice in our city.” Committee secretary Rick Lombardo said Johnson played a key role in that work. “He made sure that if we had an issue, it was resolved, and in a timely manner.” Lombardo noted that, during Johnson’s tenure, the committee took steps to extend its outreach to areas and communities outside Center City, a process Johnson supported and helped facilitate. Lombardo said Johnson was well-respected both by the committee and department, which helped strengthen ties between the community and law enforcement. “He didn’t mess around. If there was any issue at all, he took care of it. He was a cop’s cop, and a pleasure to work with.” A viewing will be held from 8-11 a.m. Jan. 9 at St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church, 522 Cobbs Creek Parkway, followed by a funeral service. Burial will be at Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 Baltimore Ave. n

Philadelphia Gay News We love to get picked up.

PGN mental health

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Stepping out of the closet: Better late than never It’s 2015, and the average coming-out of. The first is the gay man (or less often age in our country is around 16 — and a lesbian) who has known about their homosexuality since adolescence or soon it appears to be getting younger and thereafter, but opted to live a heterosexual younger with each passing year. While lifestyle so as to conform to societal presLGBT youth continue to face difficulties sures and to avoid alienation from family, in light of coming out, it seems that, for friends and religious affiliations. This the younger generation, the consequences of staying in the closet far outweigh those usually includes an unknowing wife who of coming out of it. The same was not plays the role of “beard” and sometimes true for older generations; however, we children too. This scenario often then now see an influx of Baby Boomers and goes one of two ways: The knowingly Generation X-ers coming out after a lifegay member of the marriage engages in time of living as heterosexual. extramarital same-sex affairs Oftentimes, their coming-out or they try their hardest to supstories also mark the end of press their sexual urges and marriages and the start of difengage in behaviors such as ficult relationships with famfantasizing about same-sex ily members, friends and even partners during sex with their children, until new dynamics opposite-sex spouse. The next are established (assuming all scenario involves a late-in-life parties are willing). Yet, more awakening or, in other words, and more people from these a realization of one’s true sexgenerations continue to join our ual orientation followed by a community. So why now? period marked by efforts to understand and cope with these Well, for one thing, being LGBT in 2015 is certainly easnew feelings prior to coming ier than it ever has been. With out. Gay men and lesbians more legal rights and proteccoming from this scenario are less likely to experience tions for LGBT individuals Kristina Furia much psychological consequences and couples than ever before, than those in one of the former acceptance and tolerance have situations, although there is perhaps more also reached new highs. Additionally, intrigue around those who don’t realize greater access to and acceptability around their true sexual identities until later in counseling services and other supports life. This lack of realization may relate to provide closeted adults the opportunity to process difficult feelings associated with an inability to properly interpret or undersexual orientation, therefore increasing stand same-sex attractions or to associthe likelihood that they will eventually ate them with deviant or risky behaviors, come out. But more than that, research on which are therefore not explored as they the subject indicates that coming out later otherwise would be. In short, society’s in life generally occurs when the feeling heteronormative teachings, as well as of remaining in the closet becomes too the role models made available to young unbearable to sustain any longer. people, have historically failed to make And so begins the coming-out process, homosexual exploration feel acceptable. one which is arguably harder, or at the One consequence of this is the men and very least more complex, than coming out women who spend half a lifetime or more dating or even marrying the wrong gender. during adolescence or early adulthood. In the words of one of my clients who The psychological effects also tend to once thought she had a brain tumor after be more pervasive because of the many discovering a sexual attraction to women years of repression, secrecy and fear that in her late 30s (and who gave me permisaccompany an existence in the closet. It sion to quote her), “I realize now, I never takes a great deal of effort to conceal a feared being gay. I feared the infinite significant part of yourself from loved variables of coming out in a socially visones and an even greater effort to try to ible arena, and what that could mean for change it. Specific psychological consemy daughters. My daughters know I’m quences include depression, anxiety, low gay now and feel a sense of pride about self-esteem, alcoholism and drug addictheir mother, regardless of my sexuality, tion, as well as increased stress levels; although that is a part of my tapestry.” n fear can be one of the most stress-inducing emotions to tolerate long-term. One Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist specialrecently conducted study monitored the izing in issues and concerns of the LGBTQ levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, of both openly gay and lescommunity in addition to depression, anxbian adults and closeted adults and found iety, substance abuse and other mental illmarkedly lower levels in the group of out nesses. Her private practice, Philadelphia individuals. LGBTQ Counseling, offers both individual There are several scenarios that newly and couples sessions (www.lgbtphillytherout men and women may be coming out apy.com).

Thinking Queerly

Photography • Fine Art • Portraits • Advertising • Events Scott A. Drake 267.736.6743

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

EDITORIAL PGN

Transmissions

Gwendolyn Ann Smith

A transgender title

Editorial

Blaming the victim The concept of victim-blaming is usually relegated to the realm of violence against women. We’ve all heard, and likely been infuriated by, comments suggesting that a woman would not have been raped had she not worn such a short skirt, or would not have been knocked out by her boyfriend had she not stayed out partying so late. Those ideas are overtly ludicrous and offensive; however, victim-blaming can also be gleaned in other more subtle, yet just as worrisome, situations. For instance, this week news broke about a local gay man who was assaulted in the Gayborhood. A group of five passersby made a comment to the man, then two men in the group doubled back and proceeded to pummel him, removing their jackets in the process, as if readying for a fight. The attack landed the man in the hospital for a week, with bleeding on his brain, seizures and potential ongoing complications from brain trauma. Concern for his health and outrage at the attackers was immediate. However, once PGN reported that the initial comment from the group regarded the man’s urinating against a building, the discourse from some changed — with calls from some readers that the victim be cited, and others commenting that the altercation directly stemmed from his public urination, and thus could have been avoided. Where did the concern for the victim’s well-being go when it was discovered he wasn’t acting 100-percent by the book? None of us is rarely behaving to the letter of the law every minute of the day; ignoring that fact in favor of the thrill of judgment is alarming. Should someone who tosses litter into the street instead of the trashcan be subjected to verbal and physical assault? Or someone who rides a bike through a red light? Or smokes a cigarette in front of a no-smoking sign? Simply because someone exhibits a behavior that has in the past caused personal irritation doesn’t warrant condemnation, and certainly doesn’t justify a responding action that is enormously unbalanced in scope and severity. How about the two gay men who were attacked in Center City in the fall? When the one man pushed the hand of an attacking female, did that justify the ensuing beating? In a society just beginning to have an open discussion about the conditions that led to such scenarios as the Michael Brown shooting, should we really be so quick to pass judgment? n

Normally at this time of year, I might just do a simple column highlighting all that the transgender community has been through this year — and trust me, it would be a long list. It’s been a huge year for our community all over, and transgender issues are at the forefront like they’ve never been before. Before I can wax nostalgic on transgender issues in 2014, however, there was a very big gift given to all transgender people at the closing of the year. On Dec. 18, United States Attorney General Eric Holder’s office issued a press release in which Holder announced the department would consider gender identity, including transgender status, within claims of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a change from the way the Department of Justice has treated title VII in the past: Historically, it was declared that Title VII excluded discrimination based on gender identity. “This important shift will ensure that the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are extended to those who suffer discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status,” Holder said. “This will help to foster fair and consistent treatment for all claimants. And it reaffirms the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.” This is landmark stuff. In short, transgender people are being afforded the same rights as others currently covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Currently, Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability or based on their association with someone of the above. This decision did not come in a vacuum. In April 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled similarly, saying that discrimination against a person based on his or her gender identity is discrimination based on sex, and can be actioned under Title VII. This decision — from Macy v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — was one of the first transgender-rights cases to be decided favorably for a transgender person under Title VII. In September of this year, too, the EEOC filed the first federal lawsuits in Florida and Michigan on behalf of people who were discriminated against in the workplace for being transgender. When filing these cases, a statement from EEOC attorney Laurie Young stated that Title VII “prohibits employers from firing employees because they do not behave according to the employer’s stereotypes of how men and women should act,” again tying transgender issues into the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All of this surely helped to get the ball rolling on this DOJ decision. This decision is also consistent with other departments in the Obama administration, including Housing and Urban Development’s move to protect transgender people as well as

the Department of Education’s take on Title IX. The latter was also determined to cover transgender people under its protections prohibiting sex discrimination. It is moves like this that also helped pave the way for bills such as California’s AB 1266, which protects transgender youth in schools across the state. Again, I cannot underscore how important this is. This secures the civil rights of all transgender people in the United States, and allows us potential recourse from discrimination. It is a very big deal. This is not an ending point, however. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Transgender people are still harassed and ill-treated within Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities. Transgender inmates — not the least of whom is Chelsea Manning — are still denied transgender care. Transgender people cannot openly serve in the U.S. military. I feel I should add another important caveat: Even with this decision, people’s rights can and will be abused. This gives us recourse, but it does not stop things from happening in the first place. We can and will still be discriminated against, even if it is not legal to do so. The difference — and it is a big one — is that we now have the law on our side. Of course, such moves don’t come without backlash. I am sure we’ll see continued assaults on transgender people from the right. Indeed, days before this release, the Family Research Council — an anti-LGBT hate group based in Colorado — got a small amount of press pushing for no less than a constitutional amendment regulating gender identity. “I think the ideal policy for government with respect to [transgender rights] is that your sex is your biological sex,” said FRC spokesman Peter Sprigg. “If your biological sex is unambiguous at birth — if your internal sex organs, your external genitalia and your chromosomal makeup all are unequivocal in declaring you to be of one sex — then that is your sex for life and that is your only sexual identity that the government will recognize.” Now I hate to break it to the FRC, but I don’t think they’ll get a lot of traction on this, even within the upcoming Republicanmajority in the U.S. Congress. I just don’t see that happening. Nevertheless, this gives us a sense of where they are going, and that they will be pressing to roll back some of these changes as they attempt to grasp what the transgender movement is all about, and how to best assault us. Make no mistake, though: When they try, Title VII clearly provides for us another very important tool. Our inalienable rights are powerful. n Gwen Smith will wax nostalgic some other time. You’ll find her on Twitter at @gwenners.

Op-Ed PGN

Op-Ed

Lee Rosenfield

Street Talk

My trip to Israel Following the war with Hamas this past summer, I felt a tremendous sense of urgency to travel to Israel. I needed to demonstrate my solidarity with the Jewish state. My last visit was in 2006 during the second Lebanon war with Hezbollah. At that time, my husband and I led a federation solidarity mission with 15 gay and lesbian Jews from the Greater Philadelphia community, the only mission that went to Israel at that time. Prior to the war, we were 30 strong. Unfortunately but understandably, we traveled with half that number. We went to say “hineinu: we are here.” The message was loud and clear. We would not and never will we let terror dictate our devotion to the State of Israel. That was then. This is now. My husband and I have not traveled to Israel since 2006 due to the birth of our two children, Ethan and Eliana (now 7 and 4, respectively). The responsibilities of caring for two young children, coupled with work and personal obligations, created a separation and distance that quite frankly was becoming perilous to my own understanding of the Mideast conflict. The 24-hour news cycle of misleading information about the conflict and the war was creating dissonance inside, and I felt a threat to my own perceptions, beliefs and understanding. I needed a reboot to make sure that all was in check. The visit would give me the opportunity to challenge my own comprehension of and assumptions about the situation without the interference of terribly biased and increasingly incoherent American media. Moreover, I was feeling ever-greater distance with my loved ones there (some 50 cousins from both our families). I wanted to see them, kiss them and show them that their family in America, Mexico and across the globe stood shoulder to shoulder with them. They, like Israel, would never be forsaken. Last year, my family traveled to Australia for nearly three weeks and while it was a worthwhile experience, it lacked the personal significance that Israel always provides. In Israel, every stone, wall and conversation is full of meaning, history and complexity. Nowhere else in the world do I feel that. It was time to go home. I traveled as part of a national mission of LGBT Jews sponsored by A Wider Bridge, a pro-Israel, pro-Zionist organi-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

zation based out of San Francisco, and with ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America. The personal highlight of the trip was my visit to my beloved cousin Miriam, a true eyshet chayil, woman of valor. Miriam is 91, a Holocaust survivor who along with two sisters escaped Poland. Six other brothers and sisters (including Miriam’s twin brother) perished. All of them are recorded at Yad VaShem, a project I undertook in 1990 when I lived in Israel. I wanted to ensure that all of their souls would be forever remembered. Several years ago, in fact, a bar mitzva boy from Chicago reached out to me: He had selected one of my cousins, who shared his birth date, as his bar mitzvah “twin.” At his ceremony atop Masada, he read aloud the name of my cousin and together, one in body, the other in memory and spirit, undertook the important responsibility of being a Jew. Cousin Miriam didn’t recognize me, the result of the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Nonetheless, I fulfilled my first goal. I kissed her three times and thanked her for all the love and tender care she gave me when I lived in Israel. I kissed her husband of 68 years and embraced my family. The second purpose of the trip was to learn and reflect around the war and the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians (if not with the people directly, most certainly with their political leadership). I traveled from the Galil and Golan in the north, to Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley in the heart of Israel, to Beersheva and the south. ARZA helped me further understand and explore the religious landscape of Israel and to learn how progressive Judaism is slowly and steadily increasing its presence and influence in Israeli society. It was a jam-packed trip. While I missed my family, this was a trip that I had to take. I have returned to the states with a renewed and invigorated commitment to Israel and to advocate for her security and identity as a robust, democratic and Jewish state with Jerusalem as her eternal capital. Am Yisrael Chai! n

The personal highlight of the trip was my visit to my beloved cousin Miriam, a true eyshet chayil, woman of valor. Miriam is 91, a Holocaust survivor who along with two sisters escaped Poland.

Lee Rosenfield of Lambertville is a member of The Jewish Center in Princeton. He is president of Rosenfield Philanthropic Consulting Services, a fundraising practice specializing in capital campaigns, annual fundraising, legacy and planned giving, leadership development, foundation relations and corporate fundraising.

Should gay men be allowed to donate blood after a year of abstinence? "Yes. I think a year of celibacy for gay men is more than adequate to ensure our blood supply's safety. It's Monique Ligons unfortunate tattoo artist that gay men Queen Village might have to be celibate for a year before being allowed to donate blood. But if it's that important to them [to donate blood], so be it."

"Yes. As long as the blood is tested and proven [to be] safe, I don't see why not. Blood is hard to find. We can always use an ample Bettina Pereira student blood supply. Gayborhood People may need it when they go in for a medical procedure. I appreciate the precautions that are being taken. It's one step at a time."

"Gay men should be allowed to donate blood automatically. They shouldn't have to be abstinent for a year. Antoinete Why put that Richardson burden on home health aide West Philadelphia someone? That's just prejudice. I'm against all forms of discrimination."

"Yes. Blood is blood. People need help. Preventing someone from donating blood because they're gay is pure Dalila Robinson stupidity. It homemaker goes against Olney common sense. You never know when you might need blood. Everyone should be allowed to be [blood] donors."

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

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.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

FINANCES PGN

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

Employee perks: What’s required and what’s not

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Q: I’m a small-business owner in South Jersey. I’m considering hiring my first two full-time employees in early 2015. Do you have any suggestions on how I can structure my benefits package to help attract the best candidates?

er-driven health plan, which gives employees more control over medical choices yet limits spending on discretionary care via larger deductibles, is an increasingly popular cost-saving alternative to traditional managed care.

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A: Congratulations on your plans to hire. Being a boss for the first time can be scary and exciting all at the same time. Here are some tips to make sure you’re offering the benefits you must, as well as some extras to attract and keep top candidates.

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The statement “People are a company’s greatest asset” is taking on new meaning: As the nation’s 76-million baby boomers continue to exit the workforce, savvy business owners should have plans in place to prepare for the impending labor shortage. Offering a competitive benefits package can help entice and keep top-shelf workers motivated to help grow your company.

Out Money

Legal requirements First, let’s review mandatory benefits. Many states require employers to allow workers time off — in some cases, paid time off — to vote, to serve on a jury and to perform military service. Additionally, almost all businesses must contribute to the state workers’ compensation program and, where applicable, the state’s disability program. The federal government also may require employers to give workers time off for jury duty, military service and, in some cases, an unpaid leave of absence to care for a newborn or adopted child, or a severely ill immediate family member. Popular optional perks

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

Including “extras” in your package may help woo top-notch workers. Employerpaid life insurance is a relatively inexpensive benefit that is appreciated by employees with dependents, as well as older workers. It also sends the implicit message that you care about employees’ families. An aging workforce, as well as uncertainty over the projected Social Security shortfall, should accelerate demand for retirement plans. If interested in sponsoring a retirement plan, first pinpoint your goals. Do you want to: • Save for your own retirement? Jeremy • Take advantage of tax deducGussick tions? • Maintain a recruiting edge? • Provide a benefit in lieu of higher pay?

To attract and retain high-quality employees, you’ll most likely need to offer other optional benefits. As a starting point, cast your eye to the competition — other small and larger businesses in your industry and region. You’ll want to meet or beat their packages to get the attention of top talent. Paid time off and medical insurance are benefits that full-time workers usually expect. The typical small business offers employees an average of seven paid holidays per year and eight paid vacation days after one year with additional time accrued for longer service, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The skyrocketing cost of medical insurance is daunting, yet incorporated businesses can take advantage of tax deductions to help ease the burden. A consum-

Jumping the retirement hurdle Next, you will need to choose a retirement plan. Your choice will depend, in part, on your goals for the plan. Other considerations: cost to organize and maintain the plan, the number of employees and whether you wish to contribute to workers’ retirement accounts. Keep in mind that small-business owners can take a federal income-tax credit to cover 50 percent of the expense of setting up and administrating a new retirement plan. Here’s a quick rundown of common options — including some low-cost, easyto-set-up plans.1 SEP IRA: The Simplified Employee Plan (SEP) IRA is a popular choice among self-employed individuals and small-business owners. Attractive points include simplicity to set up and administer and the ability to take qualified tax deductions. Another plus: It’s extremely flexible regarding contribution amounts. For instance, the maximum contribution limit for 2015 is $53,000 or 25 percent of salary (20 percent for sole proprietors), whichever is less, of the first $265,000 of salary; the minimum contribution is nothing. Solo 401(k): For self-employed individuals with no full-time employees other than the business owner(s) and their spouse(s). The 2015 maximum contribution limit is $53,000 or 20 percent of salary for sole proprietors, whichever is

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less, of the first $265,000 of salary, plus an additional $18,000 ($24,000 if age 50 or older) in elective deferrals. Total annual contributions cannot exceed $53,000 ($59,000 if making catch-up contributions). SIMPLE IRA: The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA was developed especially for businesses with up to 100 employees. It is an inexpensive plan to set up and maintain, and it has potential tax deductibility and varying annual owner-contribution amounts. The 2015 maximum contribution limit is $12,500 ($15,500 if age 50 or older) or 100 percent of salary, whichever is less. 401(k): For businesses with 25 or more employees. Flexible-owner contribution amounts, including nothing. The 2015 maximum contribution limit is $53,000 or 25 percent of salary, whichever is less, of the first $265,000 of salary, plus an additional $18,000 ($24,000 if age 50 or older) in elective deferrals. Total annual contributions cannot exceed $53,000 ($59,000 if making catch-up contributions). Profit-Sharing Plan: For self-employed individuals or small businesses. Advantages: Large, qualified tax breaks. The 2015 maximum contribution limit is $53,000 or 25 percent of salary, whichever is less, of the first $265,000 of salary, plus an additional $18,000 ($24,000 if age 50 or older) in elective deferrals. Total annual contributions cannot exceed $53,000 ($59,000 if making catch-up contributions). Of course there are many other benefits to consider, including employer-assisted child care, tuition reimbursement and dental and vision care. When developing an employee-benefits package, you will need to weigh your total cost against what competing firms offer, and include options that are well-suited for you and your workforce. 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 2014 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, email him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The Internal Revenue Service.

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.

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International First trans mayor elected in India India has elected its first transgender mayor. Madhu Kinnar, an Independent candidate, won the mayoral election of the Raigarh Municipal Corporation by 4,537 votes, besting Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahaveer Guruji. “People have shown faith in me,” Kinnar said after winning the election. “I consider this win as love and blessings of [the] people for me. I’ll put in my best efforts to accomplish their dreams.” The 35-year-old trailblazer was also clear the victory was owed to an outpouring of public support, as she spent a conservative amount of funds on the campaign. “It was the public support that encouraged me to enter the poll fray for the first time and because of their support only, I emerged as the winner,” Kinnar added. However, not everyone is celebrating Kinnar’s history-making win. “People of Raigarh were fed up with the corruption of BJP, hence they voted for

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Madhu. It is not Madhu Kinnar’s victory, but it’s a loss of BJP,” Raigarh district Congress president Narendra Negi said. Nevertheless, Kinnar’s opposition will not contest the outcome. “We accept the decision of the people and we will review it,” said BJP district president Rajesh Sharma. Kinnar’s election is a historic moment in the battle for global equality and the LGBT population of Raigarh, a city located roughly 300 miles west of the India-Bangladesh border where the population is primarily of Hindu faith.

The national figures on same-sex marriage are set to be released soon but uptake is expected to be lower in more conservative rural areas, where same-sex couples are less likely to find acceptance. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to repeal the same-sex-marriage law, and was recently re-elected to lead the center-right UMP party. Sarkozy told a crowd in October that the law “should be rewritten from the ground-up,” before adding, “If you prefer that I say repeal the law … it comes down to the same thing.”

One in eight Paris weddings Dominican gov’t won’t now for same-sex couples recognize gay marriage Statistics have revealed that Paris is becoming a hub for same-sex weddings in France. Official stats released in the French capital showed that 13.5 percent of weddings in 2014 were for same-sex couples — one in every eight unions. It marks the second year that same-sex weddings have been legal in France, after Socialist President Francois Hollande passed the reform in May 2013. Last year, 1,331 same-sex couples married in the capital, with a running total of 2,365 since same-sex weddings were legalized. A city hall spokesman said there was no evidence of a rush for couples to marry, and that weddings had remained relatively stable at around 100 ceremonies a month.

The Dominican Republic says it will not recognize a same-sex marriage performed for the first time in the conservative Caribbean country. In a Jan. 1 statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Miguel Medina said, “Our legislation does not recognize this type of marriage.” The statement comes two days after the British embassy tweeted that a Dominican man and his British partner had exchanged vows in its Santo Domingo offices. The United Kingdom announced in June that same-sex couples could marry at British consulates in 25 countries. The Dominican Republic is the only Caribbean nation on that list. Embassy officials say more same-sex ceremonies will be performed in the future.

The chairman of the Dominican Council of Evangelical Churches said the embassy ceremony “brings a curse to the nation.”

Zimbabwe LGBT attack injures dozens A Zimbabwean LGBT-rights organization claims more than 30 people were injured when a group of men attacked them at their end-of-the-year party Dec. 19. Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe said in a press release that three vehicles “forced their way” into a club near its office around 11:20 p.m., where the event was taking place, and demanded that security personnel allow them to attend. The group said a man in one of the vehicles threatened the guards with a pistol after they refused to allow him inside the venue. Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe said up to 15 men proceeded to enter the club and began punching those inside. The group said the assailants attacked people with logs, iron bars and empty beer bottles. Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe further noted the men also demanded money and electronics from its members as they attacked them. The men also allegedly attacked five of the organization’s staffers and a female cashier who was working the bar during the party. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Locals sign on to full DOMA repeal By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Legislation was re-introduced this week to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act in its entirety. The Respect for Marriage Act was submitted Tuesday in both chambers of Congress. Congressmembers Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) are leading the bill in the House, while Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is the prime sponsor in the Senate. The House version has 77 cosponsors, including Pennsylvania Congressmembers Matthew Cartwright (D-17th Dist.) and Mike Doyle (D-14th Dist.). The Senate bill has 41 cosponsors, including Pennsylvania Sen. Robert Casey. In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a case filed by Philadelphia native Edie Windsor, found Section 3 of DOMA — which defined marriage as between one man and one woman — unconstitutional. The ruling paved the way for many federal marriage rights to be extended to legally married same-sex couples; however, those who live in states without marriage equality have continued to face barriers. For instance, Social Security and veterans benefits continue to be denied to legally married same-sex couples who live in states that do not sanction same-sex marriage. The legislation was originally introduced in 2009 and the latest version was revised to take into account the SCOTUS ruling; it would add specific language guaranteeing full federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples, regardless of their state of residence.

“The bill provides a uniform rule for recognizing couples under federal law, ensuring that lawfully married couples will be recognized under federal law no matter where they live and guaranteeing that all families can plan for a future of mutual obligation and support with confidence,” Nadler said, noting that the legislation seeks to “finish the job” begun by SCOTUS. “The vast majority of Americans live in states where same-sex couples can marry and public support for marriage equality is growing stronger by the day. Repeal of DOMA is long overdue.” “From Social Security benefits to veterans benefits, DOMA continues to harm families across the country,” said Human Rights Campaign’s government-affairs director David Stacy. “Every legally married couple — no matter where they live — should have access to the full federal benefits and protections they deserve. It’s far past time for DOMA to be completely repealed once and for all. We applaud Sen. Feinstein and Reps. Nadler and RosLehtinen for their tireless commitment to fully repealing this discriminatory and antiquated statute.” Feinstein added that, while the marriage-equality movement has seen impressive strides in the last few years, full federal equality is impossible without the repeal of DOMA. “Only when this bill is passed will we be able to guarantee the federal rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage for all loving couples,” Feinstein said. “I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.” n

media Trail Texas county may open family leave to gay workers The Dallas Morning News reports gay employees in Dallas County could take unpaid leave to care for a same-sex partner under a proposal that would sidestep the Texas ban on gay marriage. The proposal is expected to win approval from county commissioners in the coming weeks. The city of Dallas already has a similar policy in place. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said that broadening the categories for family leave promotes a stronger community. No opposition surfaced when commissioners first discussed the issue in December. Under the proposal, any employee could select one nonrelative as a designated care recipient. A federal judge has ruled the Texas ban on gay marriage unconstitutional, but the law remains while similar cases in other states work through the courts.

Prosecutors weigh hate crime in beating According to the Salt Lake Tribune, prosecutors say they are considering hate-crime charges in the December beating of two gay men in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Dec. 31 that he takes seriously allegations that the two men were attacked because of their sexual orientation, and his office is reviewing the assault case. The victims say two men yelled gay slurs and made explicit sexual references before punching and throwing them to the ground on Dec. 21. Rusty Andrade says he was outside his home saying goodbye to friend Maxwell Christen after a holiday party when two men appeared and attacked them. Police said two suspects from Wyoming later returned to the scene, but no one has been arrested in the case.

Idaho gov appeals marriage case to SCOTUS Yahoo News reports Idaho Gov. C.L. Otter has filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court appealing the legalization of same-sex marriage in Idaho, arguing the state’s case is of national importance. According to the 41-page petition filed Dec. 30, Otter’s attorneys wrote that the high court should review Idaho’s case alone or in addition to a Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals case also addressing the constitutionality of a same-sex-marriage ban. Otter’s main argument is that defining marriage as between one man and one woman is better for children. He also said he believes that states should have the right to define marriage. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Idaho on Oct. 15 after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Otter’s argument. Otter has since requested the Ninth Circuit reconsider its decision. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Motown’s classic era comes to life on stage By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The story of one of the most iconic record labels of all time, as well as some of the legendary talent it helped to launch, is coming to the Academy of Music, as “Motown the Musical” takes audiences on a hits-laden trip, through Jan. 18. The production is the American-dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy as he starts out as a featherweight boxer and becomes a highly successful music mogul, launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more. Out actor Jesse Nager, who plays singing star and songwriter Robinson, has seen a lot of the music business and Broadway

in his career, having performed with artists like Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle and Debbie Gibson, as well as in productions like “Xanadu” and “Mamma Mia.” He said while both gigs have their challenges, Broadway presents different challenges than backing up famous singers and pop stars. “Broadway is a lot more intense,” he said. “You are playing a character and it is a whole evening of acting. With concerts, you pop in, do your thing and get out. Singing back up for someone in concert is different than playing the lead because I’m performing behind them. Although, when you are singing at Madison Square Garden, it’s pretty remarkable. I was with the musical in New York for two years but touring is a lot more fun. We get to interact with the personalities of the cities. It’s more fun and

different in every city we go.” Nager originally played Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations in “Motown” before getting the role of Smokey Robinson. Even though Robinson is a bigger role in the show, Nager doesn’t spend as much time in the spotlight now. “I actually spend less time on stage now than when I was in The Temptations because when I was in The Temptations I was also in the ensemble cast,” he explained. “Motown the Musical” obviously focuses on the story and the music of superstars like Ross, The Supremes, Gaye and The Jackson 5. But Nager said the show also includes the stories of the people behind the scenes who wrote the hits and helped groom the label artists into world-class performers. “This show is based on the book Berry

Gordy wrote and there is a lot of quick mentions of people like The Funk Brothers [the session musicians that performed on most of the Motown recordings],” Nager said. “When Motown was created, he had a charm school that he would put the ladies through so they knew how to act in public. He ran that with Maxine Powell. And there was a guy named Cholly Atkins, who taught everybody how to dance. And then there was Maurice King, who taught everybody how to sing better. Everyone gets a little mention and it’s fun to learn about the workings and the ins and outs of Motown and the people who helped him do it. That’s the thing about Motown: The songwriters had an equal amount of fame. They were just churning out these hits. Writers like Holland-Dozier-Holland were writing for The Supremes and The Page 20

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Temptations. Norman Whitefield wrote all these great songs for The Temptations. It’s really cool. You get to see all the writers as well as all the artists in the show.” Nager added that people don’t have to be familiar with the history of Motwn or its artists to enjoy the show because the label’s music is so woven into the public consciousness, whether people know it or not. “People will be surprised at how many of these songs that they know,” he said. “Motown music is really ingrained in the fabric of American history, whether it’s in commercials or movie soundtracks. This music is everywhere. You can walk down the street or into a restaurant and they are playing a Motown station. Everybody knows these songs. But the music industry was different back then, as far as young singers with dreams trying to make it. That’s always going to be universal and timeless.” Nager added that the majority of the music in the show is performed live by the actors and the show’s backing band. “We travel with four band members and in each city we pick up an orchestra,” he said. “All the vocals are performed live. The interesting thing about how they designed this show is there are some moments where they put on a record but those aren’t major moments in the show.” We had to ask how “Motown the Musical” compares to “Dreamgirls,” the wildly popular and long-running musical that tells the story of the rise of a Motown-like label and the popular Supremes-like girl group it helped to make superstars. Nager said there is a big difference between the two productions. “‘Motown’ is a true story and ‘Dreamgirls’ is fiction. There are so many sides to how Motown was built and created. This is a true story. This is Berry Gordy’s point of view of what actually happened. So right there it has a little more weight than ‘Dreamgirls.’ You see a lot more sides of the story. Berry Gordy was very open about not portraying himself as a nice and easy guy the whole show. He definitely has flaws and he talks about them. He talks about artists getting mad at him. It’s interesting to hear his point of view in this show.”

actor Jesse Nager

We also had to ask about the wild retro fashions the actors get to wear in the show, which Nager said give him a great sense of appreciation of the lengths artists of that era had to go to in order to put on a spectacular show. “It’s a perk but sometime it feels very strange,” he said about the show’s wardrobe. “The retro costumes, when you look back at some of the things that Motown artists wore in their performances, it was just giant hair and giant shoulder pads. Just large, over-the-top costumes.” Nager also said he hopes that artists seeing the show will be inspired by the stories and the talent of the performers it portrays, and realize how much work and perserverence was needed to make it in the industry at that time. “We’re in a culture now of instant stardom,” he said. “Back then, they really had to work for it. The show portrays The Supremes and it really shows them fighting and clawing to get where they got. I hope that will inspire young artists to not just try to become YouTube-famous or ‘American Idol’-famous, but to really work and study and hone their craft as performers.” n “Motown the Musical” runs through Jan. 18 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5847.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Suzi Nash

Matthew R. Whipple: Down-home cooking done right “The greatest miracle on earth is the human body. It is stronger and wiser than you may realize, and improving its ability to self heal is within your control.” — Dr. Fabrizio Mancini Sounds good, but if you need a little help with that miracle, this week’s profile, dietitian and culinary nutritionist Matthew Whipple, is your man. PgN: Something people would be surprised to find out about you? MW: A lot of people are shocked to find out that I was obese as a child. They look at me and assume that I would never have had any problems with weight or eating disorders but I have. It’s been a challenge for me as a nutrition professional because people often feel more comfortable around people they feel are similar to them. They feel they can relate better, so it’s an obstacle for me that they can’t tell that I’ve been there too. PgN: How old were you when you became cognizant that it was a problem for you? MW: Well, my journey to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle has reached its 20th year. It started when I was very young and my parents got divorced. My mom had to work so I was at home alone a lot after school. As a kid of the ’80s we didn’t know a lot about health and nutrition, so I ate a lot of processed and junk food and by the time I was 14, I weighed over 200 pounds. When it came time to go to high school, I made a decision that I wasn’t going to be the fat kid anymore. I was very committed and worked really hard at it and, because I was young, the weight came off relatively easily. But that wasn’t the end of the journey for me, it was just the beginning, and there were a lot of pitfalls along the way. I struggled with disordered-eating patterns for a long time and it wasn’t easy to get where I am right now, which is probably the healthiest I’ve ever been. I tell people it’s not a one-shot cureall; you have to wake up every day and make healthy choices. You have to make it your lifestyle. PgN: How old were you when your parents divorced? MW: I was about 4, so it was pretty much from the get-go. PgN: And you grew up in the South, land of the fried, so it couldn’t have been easy. MW: True, I grew up in swamp country — Houma, Louisiana — which is in the heart of Cajun country. It’s in the protected marshlands/wetlands about an hour away from New Orleans. In terms of its traditions, people and culture, it’s one of the most unique spots in the country: a mixture of French, German, Italian, Spanish,

West-African and Native-American cultures, which all come together to make a really awesome and unique place. You won’t find that kind of thing anywhere else in the world. PgN: One of my exes was from Crowley, La., which is in the Cajun parish of Arcadia, also outside of New Orleans. MW: Yeah, we are the only state that has parishes. The first time I logged on to AOL — I’m dating myself — I was talking to someone in a chat room about the parish I lived in and she thought I lived in a church! Louisiana is unique in a lot of ways. PgN: Family? MW: I have a sister eight years older than me. She has three kids now, so I am a proud uncle. Both of my parents were raised in Houma and my father’s side of the family lived there since the late 1700s. My mother’s side of the family originated in Texas. People usually talk about their mom’s cooking growing up but both of my parents loved to cook. My mom was more meat and potatoes and my dad cooked more traditional Cajun-style cooking, gumbos and étouffées.

in me, but it wasn’t something I identified with. PgN: What was something you enjoyed doing as a family? MW: My parents took me to New Orleans about once a month. We’d visit the French Quarter, we’d eat at restaurants, go to art galleries, etc. I was lucky that my parents exposed me to a lot of culture because many of my friends never left Houma. Even though we were only about an hour from New Orleans, they never went to the city. They were afraid they’d get lost or murdered. PgN: I grew up in Radnor, Pa., and experienced the same thing. I was always astounded at how many classmates had never been to see a play or to a museum in Philadelphia. They were also afraid of the city. MW: Yeah, it’s crazy. But it was one of my favorite things to do. I didn’t even care if we went to a restaurant, I just enjoyed

PgN: I remember visiting Crowley and them bringing us steak, mashed potatoes and rice and beans for breakfast. MW: Oh yeah. A lot of the culture revolves around food. My mom’s a teacher now so I’ve been able to go back and do programs for her students about nutrition and healthy eating. She gets them when they’re young and enthusiastic so it’s really fun. I’ve done tours of grocery stores and other cool programs. It’s been good for me because I’ve been able to practice my skills. PgN: Ha! That’s the first time I’ve noticed your accent — when you said “skills,” you pronounced it “skeels.” My ex only sounded Southern if she got drunk or after calling home. MW: Uh oh, I’ll try to keep it under wraps! PgN: Do you find race relations different in the South, especially in that area because there’s such a history of mixed cultures, octoroons, etc.? MW: Well, I am of mixed race but I wasn’t raised really in a black household, so I didn’t really have a strong association with that particular ethnic group. But the area I grew up in was fairly mixed. I never really had problems with it until I got to middle school and even there it was more an inquisitive type of thing, people just wanting to know. I struggled with identity a little bit because people wanted you to choose a side; there wasn’t much use for multi-racialness. Looking in the mirror, I could see there was other ethnic make-up

when my mom packed a lunch and we’d eat in the park, feeding the ducks and laughing. Both of my parents had a really good sense of humor and we didn’t need money to have a good time, something I really appreciate about them. PgN: What was a favorite book as a kid? MW: It was a book called “Dear Mr. Henshaw.” It was about a young boy who writes to one of his favorite authors and through the correspondence he learns

things about himself. He deals with his parents’ divorce and his difficult relationship with his father. It made me cry. PgN: Were you a sensitive boy? MW: Definitely, I still am. I cry weekly, I find it very cathartic. I believe it helps remove toxins from your body. PgN: What did you do after high school? MW: Most of the people I grew up with went to LSU so I went to Tulane University; I didn’t want to repeat high school! It was a beautiful campus right in New Orleans. Originally, I wanted to be pre-med and study to be an OB/GYN, but because I was too sensitive it wasn’t really right for me. I switched to business school. PgN: [Laughs] What makes a gay man want to be an OB/GYN? MW: It’s perfect! We can look at it clinically plus I just love the thought of helping bring a baby into the world. But I couldn’t handle it if things went wrong. [Laughs] You don’t really want your doctor weeping as he gives you bad news. I started business school then took some time to work in the restaurant industry, which got me on my food path — combining my struggles with losing weight and the food issues with the desire to help people. I guess women can have the babies with someone else and then bring them to me to make them healthy! PgN: What took you out of New Orleans? MW: Hurricane Katrina. I had planned on staying at home. I was going to get a whole bunch of supplies — trail mix, beef jerky and a few bottles of wine, of course — but as the hours progressed, it became clear that this was going to be the big one. My friends and I decided that we should probably leave and Photo: Suzi Nash at the very last minute we packed up the car and took off, thinking still that we’d only be gone for three or four days. I had three or four days’ worth of clothes and some snacks. You don’t expect that you’re never coming back, so I didn’t bring things like my birth certificate or Social Security card, things you need to get a new job and start a new life. The only thing that really woke me up is when my friend came to get me and was pounding on my door. Page 26

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

PGN

“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.

PgNoUt DININg

Life is sweet at Nectar By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Food and Drink Directory

Nestled in the suburban quietness of Berwyn, Nectar, 1091 Lancaster Ave., brings the kind of Asian fare that matches its polished and upscale décor, but with an unexpected and surprisingly welcome French twist. We admit it is kind of strange to see cheese plates offered alongside sushi rolls, but you get used to it. Things start off on a traditional note with the steamed pork buns ($9.50), an Asian slider that has a nice, smoky flavor and is pleasantly tender. Nectar has some interesting takes on sushi, including solid traditional rolls like the seared tuna roll ($15), with spicy tuna on the inside and a nice eel sauce on the outside. But the rolls that take more chances really capture the imagination. The King Kong roll ($23) delivers a commanding high-end surf and turf experience stuffed with filet mignon and Nova Scotia lobster, dusted with sea salt and flying fish roe. On the other side of the spectrum, the Matsutake roll ($14) is a vegetarian sushi roll made with the titular mushroom that they tell us is only available in Japan or on the West Coast. However long

the trek was to get them here, it was well worth it, as the mushrooms, rolled up with pickled avocado, gave us one of the most interesting bites we had. The flavors and textures were unique enough that it still felt like sushi but delivered a lovely, earthy flavor profile that left us not missing fish in the slightest. The entrées at Nectar also are well put together. The shrimp pad thai ($19) hit all the right notes with a slow-building heat that doesn’t threaten to burn out your palette. The wild striped bass ($28) was perfection: seared crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The accompanying oyster mushrooms and black truffle sauce added a nice, decadent richness to the dish. Like we said earlier, cheese in any form and sushi usually don’t fly in the same circles, but here cheese plates are recommended to start or end the meal and, surprisingly, it works. The Chester County artisan cheese Nectar plate ($19) offers a 1091 Lancaster Ave. selection of five local Berwyn, PA 19312 handcrafted cheeses 610-725-9000 with bread and seawww.tastenectar.com sonal berries to round Hours: it out. We challenge Lunch: anyone to finish their Mon.-Fri.: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. meal with the cheese Dinner: plate and not leave Mon.: 3-9 p.m. satisfied. Tues.-Thurs.: 3-10 p.m. Nectar definitely Fri.: 3-11 p.m. has the goods to keep Sat.: 5-11 p.m. Philly suburbanites Sun.: 5-9 p.m. swarming. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

If you go

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

PORTRAIT from page 23

Before we left, she told me to grab my pictures and that’s when it hit me that this was the real deal. It was intense. My parents were able to go there after six weeks and my car was completely underwater but luckily my house was raised and they were able to go in and rescue most of my stuff. PGN: Where did you go? MW: I stayed with a friend who lived in Austin, Texas. It was the headquarters for Whole Foods and back in 2005 they were already doing very progressive things with the local food movement, community-supported agriculture and sustainability. Things you were just starting to read about, they were already doing. PGN: What story were you most affected by? MW: Fortunately, most of my friends and family were in Houma so they weren’t directly in the path of the storm. But after I left Austin, I did an internship in Biloxi and I was stunned by what happened there. Mississippi is actually where the storm first hit, it’s where the 20-foot wall of water came in. They didn’t get the focus and attention that New Orleans did but the entire coastline was wiped out. Three or four years later and it hadn’t been rebuilt, though it was kind of nice not to have a Starbucks everywhere you turned. PGN: What brought you to Philadelphia? MW: I wanted to get more experience with agriculture, to see where our food comes from, so I found an opportunity to apprentice on a farm in Media. It was great. I got to work outside under the sun. Not that I would ever actually want to be a farmer but it was nice for nine months. The farm was under the umbrella of a company called Greener Partners that did a lot of educational programs, neighborhood events and school workshops, a lot of the things I wanted to do. I worked for the foundation for a while and now I’m working on my own doing nutrition and life coaching — not just the food element but dealing with overall wellness: helping people organize their lives in a more efficient manner to make it easier for them to make healthier choices. Everything from nutritional analysis to motivation, from designing menus to clearing out someone’s pantry and taking them on a shopping trip to learn alternative choices. I especially like working with kids, seniors and special-needs clients. My ultimate goal is to create and host a cooking show for kids. We would learn about different cultures, preserved food pathways, unique geographical and demographical dishes.

PGN FUN & GAMES

PGN: From New Orleans to Philadelphia … Where else have you traveled? MW: Well, to complete my culinary-arts degree I did a threemonth externship in Bangladesh working in the commissary kitchen of an organization that advocated for people with disabilities. I got to learn about the cultural and technical practices of Bangladesh cuisine in exchange for teaching about Western practices.

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

PGN: If you could have one object or place to yourself for one day, what would you choose? MW: Reading Terminal. When I was a kid I used to dream about winning the lottery and having my own mansion with a supermarket in the back. I could walk in at any time and take anything I wanted. I’d love to have Reading Terminal all to myself. But I’d want a soundtrack of people talking and Three-way hustling and bustling in the backrejoicing ground.

Q Puzzle

PGN: What was the last thing you ate? MW: It was a chocolate caramel truffle from Whole Foods about an hour ago. It was one of the little samples they were giving away. You have to splurge once in a while. PGN: Your partner is the dapper and debonair Adam Hyman. [We have to say that since he’s sitting right next to us.] How did you two meet? MW: We were lucky enough to be introduced to each other in person, which is rare in this age of online dating. A mutual friend introduced us at a coffee shop and I thought he was dreamy. PGN What item of Adam’s would you like to get rid of? MW: OK, now you’re trying to get me in trouble! I won’t say phone completely because I have one too, but perhaps some kind of timed lock on his cell phone. n To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@ aol.com.

Across 1. Kroll, who shared a three-way with 21-Across and 32-Across 5. Prodded, with “on” 10. “So long!” 14. Where to get off in gay Paree 15. Catch in a trap 16. Sometime defender of gay rights 17. Do golden showers 18. Snake with loose skin around the head 19. Singer/activist Joan 20. Beebo Brinker creator Bannon 21. He plays Dave Skylark in 44-Across 23. Landscape blot 25. Organ pleasured by Britten 26. Bear embrace? 27. Played by ear 32. He plays Aaron Rapaport in 44-Across 36. Squirrel’s nuts, e.g. 37. To the ___ degree 38. Hairdresser’s handful 40. DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black” 41. Graceful steeds 44. With “The,” movie that got no rejoicing from North Korea 47. Put on a con-

dom, e.g. 49. Rita’s second name 50. Land of O. Wilde 51. George Michael and Michael Stipe 55. Instagram message that was posted with the picture of the three-way 60. Rebellion leader Turner 61. Staff symbol 62. Samurai writer Saikaku 63. “Diana” singer 64. Foundation for Humanity name 65. Part of a daisy chain? 66. Bird feeder favorite 67. Six feet under 68. God-awful 69. Type of threeway in this puzzle

Down 1. Stars that shoot off 2. Lesbian comic with a straight man, for example 3. “Crazy” singer Patsy 4. Colleague of Marlowe 5. Snail on the table 6. Shriveled old man of folklore 7. Kaplan of Kotter fame 8. Screws up 9. Overwhelm with sound 10. Minnelli movie 11. “___ do anything better than you” 12. Mapa of “Switched at Birth” 13. Greek liqueur

21. A day with Debussy 22. Dipstick wipers 24. Gag order? 27. You have it with relish 28. Judy Garland’s “Meet Me ___ Louis” 29. “The Great Masturbator” painter 30. Frasier’s response to a client 31. Winter break 32. Problem for a drag queen’s hosiery 33. Verb of Verlaine 34. Cho’s “I’m the One ___ I Want” 35. Power system 39. Mychal Judge’s school 42. Informed about undies? 43. Belgrade native 45. Initiated phone sex 46. Be a couch potato, with “out” 48. Over one’s head 51. Successfully donates sperm? 52. Cause of “bed death” 53. Croupier’s tools 54. Chat room request 55. Sent a dup 56. Woods of “Legally Blonde” 57. Luke Skywalker’s sister 58. Facetious “Gotcha!” 59. Russian singing duo 63. Part of DADT

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Theater & Arts Allora and Calzadilla: Intervals Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of new and recent projects by Puerto Rico-based artists Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla through April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Animus The belly-dance performance group performs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400. The Art of the Female Form The Merritt

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Gallery presents an exhibition about how femininity has been represented in contemporary art through Jan. 31, 385 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford; www.merrittgallery.com. Eschenbach Visits The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with conductor Christoph Eschenbach through Jan. 10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Forbidden Broadway Bristol Riverside Theatre presents a satirical roast of more than 30 Broadway hits through Jan. 11, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; www.brtstage.org.

Media; www. hedgerowtheatre. org. Patton Oswalt The comedian performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-3522887.

GONNA DRESS YOU UP: Contemporary dance meets theater, performance art, opera, ballet and drag when the Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre comes to town Jan. 15-17 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-898-3900.

Les Misérables Media Theatre presents the classic musical through Jan. 19, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Motown the Musical The musical about the story behind the legendary music label, through Jan. 18 at Kimmel’s

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. On the Verge Hedgerow Theatre presents

the new comedy about Victorian lady explorers traveling the globe through Feb. 8, 64 Rose Valley Road,

Private Lives Walnut Street Theatre presents Noël Coward’s comedy about a divorced couple who ends up honeymooning with their new spouses at a French seaside resort Jan. 13-March 1, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. Represent: 200 Years of African American Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhi-

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Philadelphia Gay News

bition highlighting its collection of AfricanAmerican Art Jan. 10-April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Salsa Caliente The annual event featuring dance lessons by Flaco, 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine St.; www. paintedbride.org. Vitra-Design, Architecture, Communication: A European Project with American Roots Philadelphia Museum of Art presents some of the most innovative designs from the family-owned Swiss company through April 26, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

Classifieds

Music Cajun Dance Party featuring Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys An evening of Cajun/French music and fun, 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400

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The Rent-A-Cops The Police tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Zap Mama The R&B fusion singer performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 downstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Seether and Papa Roach The rock bands perform 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000. The Smiths’ Social The music of The Smiths is celebrated 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Nightlife Happy Bear The happy hour for guys of all shapes and sizes, 5-9 p.m. Jan. 9 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. The Britney Prophecy The Faux Real Orchestra sings the songs of Britney Spears 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Jan. 10 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215735-5772.

NERD RAGE: Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt brings his intelligently ribald brand of hilarity to town when he performs 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby. For more information or tickets, call 610-352-2887.

Always Coming Soon: The Future by BRAT Productions BRAT Productions is back with the story of a troupe of misfit vagabonds that finds a machine in a trash heap, 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine St.; 215-925-9914.

Outta Town

Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223.

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies The swing-revival band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at Sellersville Theatre, 24 W. Temple Ave.; 215-257-5808.

The Two Mrs. Carrolls The 1947 film starring Humphrey Bogart is screened 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Comedian Deconstruction The show featuring comedian and improv groups, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at L’Etage, 624 S. Bainbridge St.; 215-592-0626.

The Psychedelic Furs The new-wave ‘80s band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at The Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore; 215-8966420.

Rasputin’s Room Lil’ Steph presents a burlesque show 9 p.m.-midnight Jan. 16 at Ruba ClubStudios, 416 Green St.; 215-627-9831.

The Secret of NIMH The classic animated film is screened 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Colonial

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.

The Reverend Horton Heat The rock-a-billy band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 14 at World Cafe Live, 500 N. Market St.; 302-994-1400. Rob Thomas The rock singer performs 9 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Blade Runner The classic sci-fi film is screened 9:45 p.m. Jan. 16 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. n

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Help Wanted TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR To fill 2015-16 vacancies in 18 Virginia school divisions. Fri, Jan 30, 2015 – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sat, Jan 31, 2015 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon @ Salem Civic Center, 1001 Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153. www.wvpec.org – Job Fair. Sponsored by the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium ________________________________________39-02 HIRING WATER DRIVERS Infinity Oilfield Services. *Greensboro *Covington *DuBois *Muncy *Wysox. Steady local work, weekly pay, benefits! Apply: www.Work4QCER.com Call: 866-208-8005. ________________________________________39-02 Drivers – No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let’s Talk! No matter what stage in your career, its time, call Central Refrigerated Home. 888-673-0801 www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com ________________________________________39-02 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

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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)

Friday- Sunday:

Open 24hrs

ADMISSION: $12.00

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. ________________________________________39-10 Philly boy looking for mail correspondence with guys in Philly while I ﬁnish my incarceration. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes. Lots to discuss. Will reply to every letter. Give this a try, I guarantee you’ll have fun. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, Englewood FCE, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________39-10 BM with big tool wans to nail a bottom to the ﬂoor. BM has equipment to make a bottom wish he wants more. I’m 6 ft and 198 lbs. and have 8.5 inches and 1.25 girth and know how to use it. Call anytime 215-763-3391. All replies answered. ________________________________________39-10 BM just 70 with lots of toys for New Year, so on your tummy and be my playmate. 609-332-5808 text or phone. ________________________________________39-06

Massage David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________39-09

Since 1976

PGN

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

RESTART Saturday, Jan. 10th • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More-

NEW SENSATION Saturday, Jan. 17th • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ Paulie Paul • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More

- ROOMS GO QUICKLY SO CHECK IN EARLY -

WEEKLY SPECIALS: LATE NIGHT CREEP

Half Price Lockers (12 Midnight- 8am/ Monday- Thursday) MEMBERS: $9.00 & NON-MEMBERS: $19.00

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

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

TUESDAYS

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

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

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

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

PGN

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-750-4045.

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; 215-3430406.

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; 610-688-0664.

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

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. Resurrection Lutheran Church Services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-6462597. Silverside Church Services 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921, silversidechurch. org. St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966, www.saintasaphs.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451, www.stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393, www. inclusivecatholics.org.

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.; 215-563-3853.

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; 215-6881796, 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.lansdownepresbyterianchurch.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.; 215563-3980, 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.; 856667-3618, uucch.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore 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 Jan. 9-15, 2015

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 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330

■ 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 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison:Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-686-9980, helen.fitzpatrick@ phila.gov ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ 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 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670 ■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000 ■ 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)

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, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 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.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 9-15, 2015

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