PGN Jan. 21-27, 2011 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Start your engines! Another season of (drag) racing is about to start.

Family Portraits: Sharon Singer PAGE 21

PAGE 17

MACT looks back 30 years with a retrospective exhibit

PAGE 5

Philadelphia Gay News

Jan. 21-27, 2011

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Vol. 35 No. 3

Gay couple alleges police brutality Police called to a Hunting Park residence on a domestic-violence call last month ultimately beat and harassed the two men in question, sending one to the hospital, according to the complaint. Both the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Police Advisory Commission are investigating. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A local gay man is alleging that several Philadelphia police officers used excessive force against him and his partner, as well as homophobic and racist language. Following a run-in late last month with police, Luis Berrios filed a complaint with the Internal Affairs Bureau Dec. 30, and again on Jan. 13 when department officials said they hadn’t received it, as well as with the Police Advisory Commission Jan. 14. The PAC serves as the civil oversight committee for the police department. PAC deputy director Kelvyn Anderson confirmed that the agency received Berrios’ complaint, but formal action has not yet been taken. Berrios, who lives on the 4500 block of North Seventh Street in Hunting Park, said a neighbor called police in the early morning of Dec. 28 after he and partner Jason Mendez got into an altercation. When police arrived, Berrios said he asked the officers to take his partner home and that he didn’t want to press charges. “We’ve been together for two years and I’d never seen him like that. I told the police he needed time to sober up, and one of the officers assured me that they’d take him home and it’d be OK,” Berrios said. Four officers initially arrived, and Berrios said he first told them PAGE 16

PHILADELPHIA RADICAL FAERIES HOLD “URBAN GATHERETTE” PAGE 8

Rendell looks back on LGBT legacy By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

SUPREME QUEEN: Miss Kitty Hiccups accepts her crown from last year’s winner, Michelle Dupree, during the 2011 Miss’d America Pageant in Atlantic City Jan. 16. A parody of the mainstream competition formerly held in Atlantic City, the pageant raises funds for regional charities. This year’s winner, aka David Hyland, is a New York City native who bested seven other contestants in the categories of swimwear, talent and evening gown. This contest, which drew an audience of more than 1,250, was hosted by out comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer and written and directed by Philly’s Robert “Sandy Beach” Hitchen (left). Proceeds will benefit Mazzoni Center, Schultz-Hill Foundation, National Lesbian and Gay Task Force, Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS and the South Jersey AIDS Alliance. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Oversight agency seeks Morris records from DA By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Once again, members of the Police Advisory Commission are seeking information from the District Attorney’s Office about the killing of a transgender woman, and they’re willing to go to court this time. Gathered at the William Way LGBT Community Center this week, the first time the commission has held a meeting in the LGBT community, the PAC distributed copies of letters sent to District Attorney R. Seth Williams and Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, seeking more informa-

tion on the incident. Nizah Morris, 47, was found on a Center City street with a fatal head wound shortly

after she received a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. She died two days later, on Dec. 24, 2002, from complications due to a fractured skull. The Medical Examiner ruled the case a homicide, and it remains unsolved. Mayor Nutter appointed 14 new members last year to the PAC, which serves as a watchdog PAGE 15

Earlier this week, Ed Rendell relinquished the helm of state government to newly inaugurated Gov. Tom Corbett after an eight-year run as governor and a more-than 30-year career in public office. RENDELL Before leaving office, Rendell spoke with PGN about the LGBT victories and losses the state saw under his administration and the future of the state’s LGBT-rights movement. Rendell’s relationPAGE 14

Supreme Court upholds D.C. marriage By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Marriage equality will remain the law of the land in the nation’s capital, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this week. The top court rejected an appeal by opponents of same-sex marriage Jan. 18, who were seeking to overturn Washington, D.C.’s marriage-equality law. The court didn’t release comment along with its rejection. Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of Hope Christian Church, along with the National Organization for Marriage and the Alliance Defense Fund, had been seeking to put the issue of marriage equality to a vote before D.C. voters. The D.C. Council PAGE 3

2 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

PGN

LOCAL PGNNEWS

Equality PA gets new lobbying power, funding By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A Pennsylvania statewide LGBT organization is starting 2011 with strong footing, including the launch of its advocacy program and new funding boosts. Equality Pennsylvania recently received its 501 (c)(4) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, which allows the agency to do more lobbying and political advocacy work. The organization previously operated under a 501 (c)(3) status, a designation that limits the money and time a nonprofit can devote to lobbying efforts. Equality PA will still retain the former status for its educational component, the Equality PA Educational Fund. Equality PA executive director Ted Martin said the agency is now structured similarly to many other statewide LGBT organizations, and the new designation will go a long way to helping the agency achieve tangible results. “This enables Equality PA to be significantly more political than ever before,” he said. “We can endorse candidates, do canvassing and now do lobbying in a much larger way. This has sharpened our mission and provides the LGBT community more ability to have their voices heard in Harrisburg.” Equality PA was also the recipient of two recent grants that will fuel its work. The group was the beneficiary of a $100,000 grant from the State Equality Fund, a partnership that includes the Tides Foundation, the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, the Gill Foundation, the Arcus Foundation, the Open Society Institute and an anonymous donor. The funding will be spread equally over two years and is dedicated to Equality PA’s work on garnering the passage of municipal LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances. Since the summer, Doylestown and Lower Merion have approved such measures, as did Hatboro, although the town’s DC GAY MARRIAGE, from page 1

approved a measure allowing same-sex marriage in December 2009 and, per district law, sent it for review to Congress, which took no action and allowed the bill to become law in March. The opponents petitioned the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics to allow them to utilize a voter referendum on the issue, but the board refused, saying it would violate the district’s nondiscrimination law. Jackson sued the district, but last year the D.C. Superior Court and an appellate court upheld the Board of Election’s ruling. “Today’s action by the Supreme Court makes abundantly clear that D.C.’s human-

mayor later vetoed the bill. Last week, the Haverford Township Commission approved a similar measure and, if it passes on its second reading next month, the number of municipalities in the state that offer LGBT nondiscrimination protections will stand at 19. Martin said the increased attention to local jurisdictions grew out of a lack of state action on the issue. “We’re now entering our 10th year in which the state has been considering a nondiscrimination bill, and that’s far too long,” Martin said. “When we’ve lobbied in Harrisburg, a lot of elected officials have said that if more local jurisdictions passed this it’d give them the impetus to really do something. So local activists have started doing this and we’ve been working with them on these efforts.” While Equality PA is going to continue pressing for a statewide measure, Martin said his organization is looking for the most feasible outlets for progress. “We have to be realistic and understand that the political atmosphere in Harrisburg is going to be pretty tough over the next two years, so we felt our most proactive efforts would be on the local level,” he said. The grant will fund a “toolbox” the agency is creating that will provide resources for local activists looking to advance nondiscrimination measures, and will also enable Equality PA staffers to travel throughout the state and support such efforts. Martin said the agency hopes to achieve at least two more local-level victories within the next year. The effort to further local nondiscrimination ordinances could also be helped along by the Service Employees International Union, which is providing a $20,000 seed grant for the agency’s 501 (c)(4) initiative. Martin said Equality PA plans to assist SEIU in developing a Lavender Caucus — an LGBT affinity group for members — and said he expects the labor agency to work with them to support local-level nondiscrimination efforts. ■ rights protections are strong enough to withstand the hateful efforts of outside antiLGBT groups to put people’s basic civil rights on the ballot,” said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese, adding that Jackson and the supporting organizations “have fought a losing battle to shamelessly harm gay and lesbian couples in D.C. who seek nothing more than to share in the rights and responsibilities of marriage. The D.C. Council and mayor courageously made marriage equality a reality last year, and the courts have since upheld the rights of D.C. residents to govern ourselves and take the necessary steps to eliminate discrimination in our community.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

4 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

PGN

Contents Steve Black, a longtime activist and cofounder of a regional LGBT-rights group, died Jan. 13. He was 44. Page 12

NEWS

Local News News Briefing Media Trail

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

5, 6, 7 8 6

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

10 10 11 11 11

FEATURES

Crime Watch Obituary

6 12

ARTS & CULTURE

OH LORD: A new glam-rock musical that encompasses religion, fame, good, evil, the antichrist and plenty of blasphemy and irreverence opens Jan. 22 at Prince Music Theater.

Did you commemorate MLK Day with service? Poll results from our online survey as of Jan. 19

0% Yes 4% Not sure 53% No 43% I have to work Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

MACT celebrates 30 years with exhibit By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com For three decades, the Philadelphia chapter of Men of All Colors Together has worked to not only eradicate homophobia, but also to shine a light on the effects of racism in both the LGBT and mainstream communities. To mark MACT’s 30th anniversary, the community will look back on the organization’s rich history with an archival exhibit that chronicles the group’s growth, development and successes. The William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., will stage “Resisting Racism: 30 Years of Men of All Colors Together” through March, the first of its 2011 quarterly archival exhibits. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 27. MACT traces its roots to Jan. 24, 1981, its first meeting. Community activist Joe DeMarco placed an ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer in early 1981, seeking those interested in starting a local chapter of the National Association of Black and White Men Together, and about 40 men came together for the inaugural meeting at gay hotspot A Smart Place, on Arch Street. The group, originally called Black and White Men Together Philadelphia, spent the ensuing months organizing and

solidifying its mission. NABWMT was launched the previous year in San Francisco by Michael Smith, a gay white man interested in civil rights and black culture who witnessed intense racial tensions among the LGBT community, said MACT membership chair Stevie MartinChester. “He was surprised about the reactions around him in regards to race,” MartinChester said. “Racism is something that’s often hidden; you don’t really notice that it’s happening because sometimes it looks like something else. And to Michael Smith, it was strange that this was happening in the gay community because this was a community that was preaching about rights and fairness, and he thought that if we can’t have that in our community, how can we expect other people to? So he put an ad in The Advocate about a pot luck that was going to be a discussion on racism and equal rights and about 20 people showed up — about half of them were interracial couples — and with that he started the group.” In the early ’80s, chapters sprung up around the country and internationally. Locally, the group set forth a multipronged mission statement in April 1981, committing itself to offer opportunities for “interracial socialization,” facilitate exploration of personal feelings on race, to provide a supportive forum to discuss relevant

issues and actively support efforts to promote racial understanding in the state, especially in the gay community. The group elected Jerry Mallon as its first chair and, that spring, began hosting social events, participating in LGBT-rights rallies and protests and sponsoring community discussions on race and sexuality. Martin-Chester said Mallon, who died in the ’90s, was very effective at fueling the group’s early development. “He was really an incredible person. He was a leader in the community and knew how to teach people,” he said. “Knowledge is meant to be shared and doesn’t mean anything if you keep it to yourself. He believed that and taught me and others that.” In 1992, Black and White Men Together Philadelphia underwent a name change to the MACT moniker, a shift that MartinChester said reflected the diversification of the organization. “We changed our name because we were finding we had Puerto Rican and Asian people who expressed interest in our group but they didn’t feel that they were included,” he said. “And there were people who came from interracial backgrounds but they felt like they didn’t have a place with us.” In the early ’90s, MACT’s membership started dwindling, but Martin-Chester and his husband Arthur worked to advertise and promote the group, and ultimately reignited

community interest and involvement. MACT marked a major milestone in 1999 when it first hosted the national convention, a role it reprised in 2009 — drawing more than 125 guests from around the nation to explore the intersection of homophobia, racism and other social issues. MACT member John Jones, who joined in June, said he was attracted to the organization because of its commitment to eradicating oppression — and has found the agency to stay true to its message. “It’s a great group of people,” Jones said. “They’re people who care, people who are committed to making a difference, with regard to many of the unfortunate ‘-isms’ that we all deal with.” Martin-Chester said the archival exhibit can serve as a teaching moment for a community in which commonalities are often overshadowed by differences. “One of the problems I see in the community is that we’re very divided and like staying that way. I don’t think it’s enough to come together united just three times a year — Equality Forum, Pride and OutFest. We should be trying to keep that dream alive all the time, every day. This exhibit shows that when organizations and people from throughout the community work together, this is what is possible.” For more information on “Resisting Racism,” call 215-732-2220. ■

NEWS PGN

6 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Media Trail Archdiocese amends school policy

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Friday, January 21, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Tu Bishvat Seder. Please join us for this special service celebrating the New Year for the Trees. Delicious wine and fruits served to celebrate the New Year for the Trees! Friday, February 18, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services. Please join us for our monthly BA Shabbat Service followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

The Boston Herald reports the Roman Catholic Boston Archdiocese, which came under fire last year when a priest said a lesbian couple’s child could not attend a parish school, has issued a new admissions policy that does not “discriminate against or exclude any categories of students.” The policy distributed Jan. 12 to pastors, parishes and school administrators by e-mail also says parents of all students must understand that schools will adhere to Catholic teachings. The policy was developed by a panel of clergy and lay administrators established by Cardinal Sean O’Malley. The archdiocese was criticized last May when St. Paul School in Hingham rescinded an admissions offer to an 8-year-old boy whose parents were both women.

California LGBT caucus selects chair Yahoo News reports second-term state Sen. Christine Kehoe of San Diego has been elected chair of the California legislature’s LGBT caucus. Kehoe was selected Jan. 13 by the other

six caucus members. “I’m honored to serve as chair and am eager to work with our largest LGBT caucus ever — growing from four members last session to the current seven members,” Kehoe said. The caucus, formed in 2002, was the first LGBT legislative caucus in the nation. Kehoe was first elected to the senate in 2004 and reelected in 2008. She served in the state assembly from 2000-04.

Minn. board passes anti-bullying measure Advocate.com reports outgoing members of the Minneapolis school board voted unanimously Jan. 11 to strengthen the LGBT curriculum and anti-bullying efforts. The board passed a resolution that directs the Minneapolis school district to enhance its tracing of bullying incidents and inclusion of LGBT themes in the curriculum. The resolution directs the district to include educational materials about the safety of LGBT students and to offer yearly trainings for all district staff from administrators to bus drivers. It will mean that sexual-health curriculum will include LGBT issues and an elective course will be created that centers on LGBT history. The resolution also provides for the funding of these programs with either outside fundraising or district funds, and requires that the costs and effectiveness of the new programs be tracked. Carla Bates, the treasurer and first LGBT person elected to the school board, said the measure would not add to the budget. ■ — Larry Nichols

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Jan. 3-9. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association.

window smashed and a GPS stolen. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone thus police were not dispatched.

REPORT: Between 8 p.m. Jan. 4 and 8 a.m.

REPORT: At 3 p.m. Jan. 7 (reported at 9 a.m.

REPORT: Between midnight-1 p.m. Jan. 5, complainant’s 2002 Mitsubishi, parked in the 900 block of Clinton Street, had a

ARREST: At 1:10 p.m. Jan. 7, complainant was on the Broad Street subway when a male snatched her iPhone from her hand, fled to street level and ran west on Lombard Street. SEPTA police apprehended a suspect and recovered the phone. The 16-year-old alleged offender with a North Philadelphia address was charged with theft and related offenses. ■

Jan. 5, out-of-town complainant’s 2000 Nissan, parked outside 1310 Locust St., had a window smashed and a laptop stolen. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone thus police were not dispatched. On Jan. 5, a 9th District officer arrested a male for breaking into a parked vehicle in the 2100 block of Winter Street. This male had a laptop reported stolen from 1310 Locust St. in his possession at the time of arrest. The 51-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address is being investigated for the theft at 1310 Locust St.

ARRESTS: Between 11:15 p.m. Jan. 4

and 12:30 a.m. Jan. 5, 6th District officers arrested three males for prostitution at three locations: 1200 Spruce St., 1300 Locust St. and 1201 Lombard St. to the 35th District), complainant was in the area of 12th and Lombard streets when five males jumped him and a female stabbed him. Complainant went to the hospital six hours later. The offenders were described as five black males and one black female wearing black tights in a silver Honda.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Blue Ball fetes 20 years of fundraising By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com In the past two decades, an annual LGBT event has succeeded in raising more than $2 million for LGBT causes in the area. This year, to honor its 20th anniversary, Blue Ball is offering new parties, new venues and a renewed commitment to fundraising. Blue Ball events will run from Jan. 2630 at various locations throughout the city. The concept was developed in 1991 as a community fundraising effort and, starting in 2002, was spearheaded by LGBT grantmaking agency Sapphire Fund. Community leaders such as Heshie Zinman, Kevin McNealy and Jim Hamilton were among the original crafters of Blue Ball, and Sapphire Fund president Domenic Gallelli, who’s been involved with the event for the past 15 years, said it has grown steadily since its inception. “It started just as a smaller fundraising effort by people who wanted to give back and help the community,” Gallelli said. “I don’t think they thought back then that this really had the legs under it to continue for this long, but here we are 20 years later.” Blue Ball was held in October the past few years, but Gallelli said organizers decided to move the 2010 event to this month, as the initial event was held in January 20 years ago.

Sapphire Fund hopes this Blue Ball will raise up to $45,000, which will go to support the agency’s 2011 beneficiaries: The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center. Gallelli has provided security for many of the Blue Ball parties in the past, but this year stepped up to become the Blue Ball event chair. Although planning has been stressful, he said the support the community has exhibited has been inspiring. “It’s been quite an experience,” he said of the planning process. “It’s been exhausting, but amazing. I can’t stress enough that there’s been so much more involvement from the community than in past years. It’s amazing how much time and effort people are putting into something to help others. So even though the planning and the logistics have been time-consuming and unnerving, it made me see just how much people care about this and how much they’re willing to do for their community.” Organizers this year are especially committed to making Blue Ball open and accessible to all diverse segments of the LGBT community. “Our theme is ‘One Weekend, One Community,’ and I think we need to get back to that this year,” Gallelli said. “There are so many different stakeholders in this community, and we felt like we needed to reach all of those different segments. That’s

been our constant theme in varying forms throughout the years — just the basic elemental celebration of all members of the community. I’m very proud to say that this year’s events cover the entire broad crosssection of the community.” The five-day event kicks off with Junior Blue Jan. 26 at Woody’s, a party for those 18 and over that, Gallelli noted, corresponds well with the agency’s recent youth outreach, including the launch of a new undergrad scholarship program, the appointment of a youth advisor to the board and the selection of The Attic as a beneficiary. The following night, Blue Ball will partner with LGBT social Our Night Out at Q Lounge for the monthly networking event, followed by the Blue Ball kickoff party at the same venue. Woody’s will host Blue Ball’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”-themed party Jan. 28, and the organizers of the women’s Stimulus parties will stage the Ladies’ Winter Wonderland Ball at the TLA that night. The main Blue Ball party will be held Jan. 29 at Trust, Third and Arch streets, and Gallelli said the venue has been wholly welcoming throughout the organizing process. “They’ve been amazingly accommodating and are doing so much in terms of helping out with lighting and staging costs because they really just want to do more

and more,” he said. “I’m still just so overwhelmed by how so many people are coming together to make this a success.” Once the party’s over, supporters can come together the next day for the Sapphire Fund brunch at The Pyramid Club, followed by Sunday Tea at Woody’s. Gallelli said he’s hopeful local community members will mobilize their friends from throughout the region to devote their weekend partying for good causes, spearheaded by Sapphire Fund and its fundraising recipients. “A friend of mine who challenged me to take on a bigger role with this event said to me, ‘Being here is about more than just being here.’ People in this community really get that and believe in doing something beyond just being here as a community: I’ve seen so far just how many people want to give back to this community and do something together, and my goal is that other people see that as well and support these events and the extraordinary work these beneficiary organizations do. Sapphire Fund’s mission is to help organizations that help the community and, no matter how much money we raise, I have immeasurable gratitude for the community and the organizations that do so much work for that community every day.” For more information on Blue Ball, visit www.blueballphilly.com. ■

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8 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

News Briefing Abington rights bill fails

FAERIES IN PHILLY: The Philly Radical Faeries hosted about 120 members of Faeries chapters from throughout the country last weekend for Philly Faeries Gatherette 2011. The four-day event featured group discussions, spoken-word events, socials and outings, all of which focused on exploring the role of the faeire community in an urban environment and the broader LGBT community. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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The Abington Township Board of Commissioners voted 10-5 Jan. 13 against a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited LGBT discrimination and created a human-relations commission to investigate complaints. The failure of the Montgomery County municipality’s measure comes after a successful wave of similar ordinances in suburban locales like Haverford, Lower Merion and Doylestown. The vote was partisan: All Republicans opposed it and all Democrats, including out lesbian Lori Schreiber, voted in favor. “While the bill was defeated on its first reading, the Board of Commissioners has pledged to revisit this issue and work to pass local nondiscrimination legislation in Abington once they have addressed specific issues in the language of the proposed bill,” said Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission chair Steve Glassman, who attended last week’s hearing. “I have pledged our agency’s support and am more than willing to work with them to craft the best possible ordinance which will protect the rights of all Abington residents, including those in the LGBT community.” While LGBT and ally advocates outnumbered opponents at the meeting, which lasted until after midnight, Glassman said the language used by the latter was often misleading and offensive. “We were certainly disappointed by the vitriolic attacks on this legislation by members of the Pennsylvania Family Association, who misrepresented a number of issues related to this ordinance,” he said. “Southern Poverty Law Center has already

categorized this organization as a hate group, and it is disturbing to see them as opponents to this legislation everywhere it arises in Pennsylvania. I hope the commissioners in Abington will look beyond the rhetoric and hate speech and see the necessity of passing a local law that will protect the rights of everyone in employment, housing and public accommodations and education.”

Asian summit fundraiser HOTPOT!, a subset of Queer Philadelphia Asians, will host a fundraising social to generate donations for their participation in an upcoming summit, at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at 4623 Hazel Ave., on the third floor. The group, which works to build community among queer Asian and Pacific Islander women, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, is looking to send eight people to Minnesota next month for the Asian American and Pacific Islander LGBTQ Summit before the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference, a trip that will cost $4,000. This weekend’s social will include vegetarian and vegan food, home brews and an opportunity to learn more about HOTPOT! A $20 donation is suggested.

Center hosts annual meeting The William Way LGBT Community Center will hold its Annual Membership Meeting at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at 1315 Spruce St. Center members will discuss the organization’s progress over the past year and hear about upcoming plans. Members will also have a chance to vote on candidates running for the agency’s board of directors. For more information, call 215-732-2220. ■

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

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Joseph Allen

Editorial

Honor, service, integrity Those three words comprise the motto of the Philadelphia Police Department. But the city hasn’t had the best reputation when it comes to police-community relations — particularly with the LGBT community. Though the city has had a nondiscrimination policy covering sexual orientation in place for nearly 30 years, the police department has not been nearly as progressive. While the days of bar raids, arrests, extortion and constant harassment are gone, the police department is by no means a model for LGBT relations — and integration. To date, there has been a handful or so of openly gay officers. Of those, one was murdered by his boyfriend and another committed suicide. This is not to say that the police department hasn’t made strides and efforts to improve relations with the community. It has. There is an LGBT police liaison, the department has engaged in recruiting efforts in the community and provided LGBT awareness sessions for police recruits. Police have been present at Pride and OutFest for years, and have worked to enforce the law and provide safety for participants and protesters alike. But there are still issues, including civil-rights violations and brutality, particularly in districts outside of Center City. This week, a gay man spoke at the Police Advisory Commission meeting at the William Way LGBT Community Center, claiming police brutality and harassment in response to a domestic dispute last month. Though neither man wanted to press charges — the man said he just wanted his partner to sober up and be escorted home — police arrested both men for assault. Earlier this week — more than three weeks after the incident — the partner was still incarcerated. (The arrest was a violation of his probation.) Regardless of the men’s former records, police harassment and brutality — if it occurred — is never acceptable. Neither man was armed, nor are there allegations of drug use or possession. And under no circumstances is it acceptable for officers to use gay slurs. Even before the man spoke at the PAC meeting, more than one community member raised the concern that the existing police force does not receive LGBT sensitivity training. As commendable as it is for the department to provide sessions to recruits on the community, it is not the same as providing ongoing training to veteran officers. Beyond instituting training for veteran officers, the department could go a long way by creating a gay and lesbian liaison unit staffed and/or led by openly gay officers. Commissioner Charles Ramsey had created a similar unit in Washington, D.C., when he was police chief there. Though he said he would consider establishing a gay unit here, it has not materialized, reportedly due to lack of resources. In addition, the department could institute harsher penalties for officers who engage in brutality or harassment. And finally, the department could encourage the establishment of an association for openly LGBT officers, such as the Gay Officers Action League in New York City. ■

For many years, people have been trying to figure out what makes a person gay. Scientists, psychologists and theologians alike have been stumped. Of course, all they have to do is ask Schenectady City Council member Joseph Allen. He knows what makes kids gay: advertising. You see, in Schenectady, N.Y., an LGBTadvocacy group called In Our Own Voices, along with the state Department of Health, began a billboard campaign that’s part advocacy and part HIV prevention. And let me tell you, the billboards are scandalous. (You might want to shield your eyes before reading this next part because just a mere description of one of these billboards could make you gay or, if you’re already gay, even gayer.) One billboard has a photo of a young African-American man surrounded by his family. It looks like his mom and his dad and maybe his brother. Or his boyfriend. That part is not clear. Next to the photo it reads, “I AM GAY” and underneath says, “And this is where I stay,” followed by, “We have always been a part of this community.” The billboard also contains IOOV’s website and phone number. According to the Schenectady Daily Gazette, the other two billboards in the series include photos of gay black men in church and playing basketball. Each billboard includes “I AM GAY” and the message about community. In any case, some folks in Schenectady are super pissed about these billboards and so they took their concerns before the City Council at its Jan. 10 meeting. According to the Gazette, the Rev. Alfred Thompkins, who likened gay people to “thieves and liars,” told the council he was “really bothered by the message these send” to young people. “A 13-year-old looks at these billboards and says, ‘That must be it, I must be gay,’” Thompkins said. “That goes directly against God’s purpose.” Exactly. What gay person doesn’t remember seeing his or her first billboard and deciding right then and there to be gay? Thompkins clearly understands how this whole gay thing works. The Gazette also reported that a woman who provides daycare to a 2-, 4- and 8year-old accused the billboards of promoting “inappropriate sexual expression” and argued that they should be limited to

“adult business zones,” which the Gazette described as “industrial areas at the outskirts of the city.” She said she didn’t want her daycare kids exposed “to such content.” And who can blame her? Gay men with their families? Gay men in church? Sick. It’s enough to make a child’s eyes explode into pools of flamin’ hot blood. You have to hope that the people on the Schenectady City Council have some sense even if some of their constituents don’t. That’s where councilmember Joseph Allen comes in. He agreed with both of the people who spoke out against the billboards and offered his own searing insight. “Now, I don’t care if you’re gay, straight or whatever, but I don’t think it’s necessary to advertise for them,” Allen said according to the Gazette. “This is not kosher, as far as I’m concerned.” It is not clear from the news story whether a rabbi was consulted, but Allen did worry about the impact of the billboards on kids. “An adult, fine, you can do what you want,” Allen continued. “But who’s going to read these? Young people, vulnerable kids. They don’t say, ‘Adult only.’” But they should. Because Allen apparently thinks that there’s something pornographic about the word “gay” paired with a photo of a gay man and his family. And by claiming that “vulnerable” young people would read the billboards, he’s perpetuating the completely false idea that gays somehow recruit kids. The truly vulnerable young people who read those billboards are, indeed, the LGBT kids who “have always been a part of this community.” And maybe the billboard messages will have an impact on them. Not to “make” them gay, but to make them think, “Hey, maybe I do have a future here. Maybe I don’t need to kill myself. Maybe I am OK.” But in Allen’s Schenectady, that’s apparently a negative message. Seeing as he “called for legislation that would require billboard owners to get their messages approved by the council” (which was quickly smacked down per the whole freedom-of-speech thing), it’s frightening to think what he would deem appropriate. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003.

Correction In “Holiday helpers,” Dec. 17-23, 2010, the owner of The Bike Stop was incorrectly named. The owner is Robert Porter. PGN regrets the error.

OP-ED PGN

A lesson in courage Martin Luther King Jr. Day saw me with me. Then, with the crowd surrounddelivering a speech at the American ing us, a 12-year-old boy told me about Legion. This legion post is in the inner city, the bullying he has suffered because others think he’s gay. Not only is this boy a in fact based in a Pentecostal church. The victim, he wants to help other victims by legion is known for its youth programs in speaking up. I may have been given an the community, so I thought it might be an award for being outspoken, but opportunity to talk about bullying to an urban crowd. Before this boy is a hero for speaking they called me, they recognized up. What’s more, he was supported by his mom and minister. several other awardees. Most Now that is what I call commuinteresting to me was a segnity action and a lesson for us ment of the program where they all. honored boxing legends, such as “One Punch” Carr and two others with “Bang Bang” in Miss’d America was a hit their names and one called the Miss’d America made a triCandyman. As I looked at the umphant return to Atlantic crowd, it occurred to me that City’s Boardwalk Hall last among the veterans and their Sunday night — and while they families present were possibly crowned a new Miss’d America, bullies and their victims sitting the event’s reigning indispensdirectly in front of me. able queen is Robert “Sandy When Billy Denny, Mark Segal Beach” Hichen. Now here’s the real news: the legion’s commander, Aside from the fact that the brand-new announced me by saying they had chosen owners of Resorts International stepped me because I’ve “engaged and informed the public in matters that touched our daily up to the plate and sponsored, along with experiences while maintaining dignity and Tropicana Casino, the show in Atlantic pride under a watchful eye of a grateful City, a city deep in recession, it actually city,” I didn’t know if I could live up to the beat last year’s numbers. They sold over introduction. 1,200 tickets to this event. The pageant’s founders, John Schultz and Gary Hill, and After thanking the legion for the honor the organizers did a great job. It’s the one and congratulating the other awardees, I event I look forward to each year, and can’t spoke about a past meeting with Coretta wait for next year’s surprises. ■ Scott King many years ago as my segue into families and the issue of bullying. At Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the this point, I addressed my words to bullies nation’s most-award-winning commentator in the room, then I spoke from the pulpit in LGBT media, having recently received (literally) to the victims themselves. the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from After the ceremony, we walked into the the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers crowd. All of a sudden, I was surrounded. First by some of the parents, then their of America. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. kids, some of whom wanted their picture

Mark My Words

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Street Talk Was the Tucson shooter influenced by hate speech? “Yes. Even in politics, everyone is forgetting about human decency. We need to treat each other with more respect. Marissa Banning The political student scene is too South Philadelphia contentious, and aggression has become the norm.”

“Yes. Politics has gotten to be crazy. It’s affecting crazy people in a negative way. Why can’t we disagree in Ellyn DiOrio this country receptionist without being Pine Hill, N.J. violent? Everyone should take a deep breath and relax. Chill out.”

“I wouldn’t call it hate speech. But there’s a definite correlation between Jared Loughner’s actions Abbe Dobbs and the fear- yoga instructor mongering Old City of some politicians. That’s why [Loughner] shot a congresswoman. He’s obviously a nutcase. But there was a political motivation to his crime.”

“Yes. From what I’ve read, it was a wellplanned act. Our elected officials are getting out of hand. They’re Son Nid our leaders. carpenter They should South Philadelphia be acting more professionally. That would set a better example for the general public.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Coatesville council elects gay president,” Jan. 14-20: Karl is gay? Who knew! Well at least he landed in the most diverse and friendly place in Chester County. America’s oldest iron and steel town, now with a gay council president — anything is possible! — Coatesville Neighbor It’s so amazing to have Karl as president. The changes that I have seen in the

city in the past year are all positive ones. I only wish we could [bring] more gay men and woman out to this city to help restore some of these amazing houses back into amazing homes. Congrats, Mr. Marking! Keep on going! — Coatesvilleguy In response to “Murder victim’s partner speaks,” Jan. 7-13: This a very revealing article that should have been chronicled in the Daily

News. It is sad that Blahnik’s death is not recorded and covered as effortlessly as any other murder victim’s. Her life was just as valuable. Blahnik’s lover should not fault himself for being dedicated to work hard to provide for his partner. He’s not the murderer. Police should have the killer in their clutches one day soon, I pray. — Rahiem Prodigy In response to “Two murder cases spotlight trans community,” Nov. 12-18:

There are far too many transgender people who have few alternatives for employment. The schools have proven to be havens for bullies and bashers. They are not welcomed there. Most places of employment do not want to “tarnish” their image with the transgendered. If we could create safe schooling for them along with respectable and reliable vocations, I’m most certain that we wouldn’t have these types of street crimes associated with them. — Koanbred

12 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

PGN

Obituary

Steve Black, 44, LGBT activist By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

Steve Black, a longtime activist and cofounder of a regional LGBT-rights group, died Jan. 13. He was 44. The cause of death had not been released at press time. Black, a native and resident of Pen Argyl, helped found and run the Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Alliance for 10 years and was influential in passing measures such as the statewide LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes law. Black graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1984 and Penn State University four years later. He attained his law degree from Temple University in 1992 and lived for a time on Camac Street in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, working at haute Asian restaurant Susanna Foo’s. Liz Bradbury, executive director of the Pennsylvania Diversity Network, met Black in the mid-’90s at the first Lehigh Valley Pride festival. At the time, he was vice chair

of the Pittsburghbased League of Gay and Lesbian Voters, focusing on creating voter guides for LGBT constituents, and recruited Bradbury and her partner Patricia Sullivan as volunteers. In 1998, the trio branched off and created their own LGBTrights agency, PA-GALA, for which Black served as political director. He developed the agency’s voter guide, which provided residents in the 12-county region a detailed description of the positions of political hopefuls. “He came up with a plan to send really comprehensive voter information that rated candidates and endorsed candidates and really told voters why they were good for

the community,” Bradbury said. “And it was done in a way that provided information about candidates based on the districts where people lived, so it was very specific. It was an incredible amount of information that he created that was extremely effective.” Overseeing the mailing list for the group’s 1,000 members was no easy feat, Bradbury noted, and required a lot of organization. For a time, Black commuted to Pen Argyl to work in his family’s diner, Black’s Luncheonette, and later moved back to his hometown. Even at work, he would be developing PA-GALA. “He kept his computers at the restaurant and he’d be taking orders, cooking burgers and in between all of that he’d be maintaining and working on the mailing list,” Bradbury said. “He’d drop the food off and then go back and be updating names and keeping track of donations.” Black got his first taste of politics when

he was elected to the Pen Argyl School District at age 20 and later the Democratic State Committee. In 2000, he served as an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles — his first plane trip — which he paid for himself. Retired political consultant Rob Hopkins worked with Black through PA-GALA, the League of Gay and Lesbian Voters and the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition and said Black exhibited an unmatched commitment to LGBT activism. “I’ve never met anyone in the last 20 years of political activism who’s been more dedicated and more devoted to the issues than Steve,” he said. “Considering how much volunteer time he put in, it’s just incredible. He was a good friend and a trusted asset to this community. With the impact he had, I’m sure his momentum will continue.” Black was instrumental in crafting the language included in the expansion of the state’s hate-crimes law to cover sexual ori-

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entation and gender identity in 2002. Bradbury said that Black was “devastated” when a court overturned the law on a technicality in 2006. Patience, however, was one of his strong points. Bradbury said Black recognized that the legislative process could be a lengthy one and took pleasure in the small victories the LGBT community achieved. When the Allentown City Council failed to pass an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance in 1998, Bradbury said Black rejoiced in the number of pro-LGBT witnesses who testified at a council hearing. “He said to me, ‘Politics and political change move like a dinosaur. It’s slow and you can’t expect everything to change just because we’re working on it,’” she said. Allentown and later Easton did pass such measures, which Bradbury attributed largely to the voter information Black disseminated among the LGBT communities in those areas. Black’s advocacy efforts garnered him national attention with his inclusion among Out Magazine’s Out 100 in 2002. Bradbury and Sullivan left PAGALA in 2005 and Black continued to operate it until 2008. This past summer, he resigned his post as Pen Argyl tax collector, which he was elected to in 2005, after being arrested for driving under the influence. In October, he was indicted on embezzlement charges and a few weeks later again arrested for DUI. Bradbury said Black had long struggled with depression and attempted suicide this past fall. This week, the Allentown City Council is expected to adopt a domestic-partner law, which Black started pressing for 20 years ago and which Bradbury said would be a fitting tribute to the activist. “This will be his lasting legacy. It’s his work that he did for so many years that helped to make this happen,” Bradbury said. Black is survived by mother Patricia Rissmiller, stepfather John Rissmiller, father William Black, brothers William and Thomas Black, stepsister Leslie Ann Behler and several nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 126 E. Pennsylvania Ave. in Pen Argyl, with a private interment. Donations can be made in Black’s name to the Pen Argyl Green and White Youth Association, P.O. Box 132, Pen Argyl, PA 18072. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

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RENDELL, from page 1

ship with the community began when he was elected as Philadelphia’s district attorney in 1977 and he said that, while his term as governor has helped to keep him attuned to LGBT issues, his commitment to the community has always been strong. “Throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, I did things like instruct the Philadelphia Police Department not to enforce sodomy laws and then helped to get those laws off the books,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve evolved much in the last eight years because I’ve held the same views and feelings about this community since the ’80s.” One of his gubernatorial campaign pledges was to offer an open and inclusive environment for LGBT government employees, and Rendell said he was particularly proud of the number of out staffers he was able to employ. “Certainly the number of LGBT men and women that we had in the government was probably unprecedented,” he said. “We had Steve Glassman as head of the Human Relations Commission for all eight years and people in other key positions, and I don’t think any other administration in Pennsylvania has come close to that.”

LOCAL PGNNEWS

Legislatively, Rendell noted that while some LGBT advancements were stymied by conservative resistance, the past eight years have seen increased attention and discussion about the issues. As mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell issued the city’s domestic-partner executive order and said that, during his two terms as governor, he continued to fuel talks about state relationship recognition for same-sex couples, although there was significant “pushback from conservatives.” He also said he continued to pressure lawmakers to approve the LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance and, although the measure has continued to stall, the foundation has been laid for its success. “I think we are continuing to move the ball forward,” he said. “I think the legislature will pass it, and I believe Gov. Corbett will sign it.” While he said support is evident for the nondiscrimination measure, he doesn’t foresee marriage equality succeeding in the Keystone State in the near future. “Of all the issues, I think that’ll be the toughest,” he said. “In terms of antidiscrimination, there’s a general belief that it’s the right thing to do among the legislature

and among the population in Pennsylvania. People are not for discrimination against anybody and that does have broad support. Polls still show a fairly substantial — not what it once was — but still a substantial number of people against gay marriage.” Despite the tenor of the new regime, Rendell said during his administration, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle became increasingly aware of and connected to the community, which he said is due in part to strong lobbying from LGBT activists. “I think there’s been a clear softening of the rigidity that many members of the legislature have on LGBT issues. I think that’s happened as the country is changing socially and as Pennsylvania is changing, but it’s also happened because the community has done good work,” Rendell said. “The community has done great work with the legislature, talking with them and asking for reasonable and responsible changes in law. They’ve done very good lobbying and advocacy, and it hasn’t just been among Democrats who are obviously traditionally more open to LGBT issues but also among Republicans.” Rendell has been a frequent face at LGBT events throughout his tenure as governor,

attending Pride events throughout the state and taking part in several LGBT get-outthe-vote pub crawls in the Gayborhood. That visibility traces back to his campaign for DA, when he was the first politician to openly campaign in gay bars. Rendell noted that before he signed the city’s domestic-partner executive order, he received 45,000 postcards in opposition, an effort organized by the Catholic Church — and 15 letters from Catholic priests, apologizing for them and expressing support. Despite that outcry, Rendell said his visible support for the community didn’t waver and also didn’t affect him politically, as he noted many public officials fear. “For politicians who think there’s a political peril to supporting LGBT issues, I think I’m a living example that there’s no peril and that it’s actually a positive thing for you politically; the community has gotten much stronger in terms of giving money and voter participation ... And I have had a wonderful, wonderful relationship with those LGBT voters and with the entire community.” And Rendell pledged continued support. “If the community ever needs help in advocating in the future, I’m just a phone call away.” ■

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agency for possible police misconduct. The PAC letter to Williams seeks “any and all 911 tapes, transcripts or other documents or materials that relate in any way to the matter of Nizah Morris.” The letter also requests from the DA an itemized list of materials already furnished to the commission, and a “privilege log” detailing the information being withheld. Alexandra Hackett, a spokesperson for Williams, had no comment on the letter. In January 2008, the police said the police homicide file in the Morris case was lost. The PAC letter to Ramsey seeks information about the “status of the Police Department’s efforts to reconstitute the Morris homicide file.” It also asks Ramsey to explain what the department is doing to determine how the file was misplaced. Police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers confirmed the commissioner received the letter and said Ramsey is looking into it. PAC member Ronda B. Goldfein explained the need for the letters. “The PAC sees a need to clean up outstanding matters,” she said after the meeting. “This case has gone on a long time, and

we need information to reach a fair conclusion. And that fair conclusion is something that the PAC owes not just to Ms. Morris’ family or the LGBT community, but to the city that charged us with investigating and resolving these complaints.” The homicide file was transferred to the DA’s Office in 2003, when the DA conducted a joint investigation with police. The police say the file was never returned to them, but that the DA can’t find it either. However, the DA has retained its own Morris homicide file, which it refuses to make public in its entirety. In November 2007, before learning of the missing file, the PAC issued a report about the Morris case that cleared police of any responsibility in her death. However, the report recommended departmental guidelines on courtesy rides, along with additional police training. So far, Ramsey, appointed in January 2008, hasn’t responded to the report. When asked if the PAC is resigned to the fact that Ramsey may not respond, PAC member James C. Crumlish 3rd said, “We’re not resigned to anything.” PAC member Chuck Volz, who is openly gay, said he’s taking a fresh approach to the

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

case, noting it might be necessary to have a new round of public hearings. Four days of hearings were held in 200607. In 2008, after learning about the missing homicide file, PAC members reopened the case and subpoenaed additional Morris records from then-DA Lynne Abraham. When Abraham refused to comply, the PAC signed a nondisclosure agreement and viewed records at the DA’s Office. Goldfein said safeguards have been instituted in the PAC’s internal operating procedures to prevent a similar occurrence. “We retained the ability to enter into an [nondisclosure] agreement,” she said, “but included the provision that it must be agreed to by three-fourths of the commissioners. That will ensure that such an agreement won’t be taken lightly.” Volz said the Morris nondisclosure agreement currently in place doesn’t prevent the PAC from going to court to ensure that any new information received from the DA is made publicly available. “If we’re not satisfied with what we get from the DA’s office, we’re going to court,” Volz said. Trans activist Kathleen R. Padilla praised

the new PAC. She’s a former PAC member, but didn’t serve on the board when the nondisclosure agreement went into effect. “As a former PAC member, I’m very encouraged to see a revitalized commission taking a serious look at the Nizah Morris case, and making sure they have the entire record before issuing another report,” Padilla told PGN. Stephen A. Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, echoed Padilla’s sentiments. “I’m very encouraged by the fact there’s an entirely new set of commissioners who appear to be very interested in moving forward and obtaining every piece of information that will enlighten the public as to what actually happened in the Nizah Morris case,” Glassman said. PAC members said they will report back to the community at the next public meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at 990 Spring Garden St., seventh floor. Also at the Jan. 17 meeting, the PAC elected Mu’min Islam as the new chair. Volz was elected as secretary and Crumlish was elected as parliamentarian. The PAC will elect two vice-chairs at its next meeting. ■

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BRUTALITY, from page 1

that Mendez was his brother so as to avoid any potential awkwardness, but Mendez told police the truth. Berrios said he walked into the kitchen when he heard Mendez yelling, “Babe, they’re beating me up,” and returned to see his partner in handcuffs and the officers with their batons drawn. “I asked what they were doing and the one said that [Mendez] cursed at his partner and he told me to back up,” Berrios said. “They told me to just calm down or that I’d be next.” Berrios said he went to his back porch and made a phone call and that, on his way back in, he saw the officers taking Mendez out front and heard one of them say, “Once he hits the snow, he’ll calm down.” He said the officers threw Mendez facefirst into a pile of snow, repeatedly calling him “nigger” and “faggot.” He said one of the officers must have called for back-up, as 10-12 officers eventually arrived on the scene. When Berrios approached and asked the officers to let Mendez up, he said they became confrontational with him. “I never cursed at them, I never spoke out of line, I didn’t show aggression at all,” he said. “One of them came up and said, ‘Put your hands down’ — I was speaking with my hands because I was excited and emotional — and I asked them to just let me calm down. Jason was in the snow and he was saying he couldn’t breathe and they were just stomping on his ankles and hit-

PGN LOCAL NEWS

ting his legs with the batons, calling him faggot. And one of the officers said, ‘If you want to help him, put your hands against the wall, faggot.’” Berrios said when he complied, the arresting officer, listed in court records as Officer Robert Tavarez, handcuffed him. He said the officer attempted to push him in the snow also, but he resisted, and Tavarez instead pushed him against the police car. “I don’t know what he did with the baton but it felt like he put it between the cuffs and just started twisting it back the opposite way,” Berrios said. “I kept telling him how much it was hurting and he just said, ‘Shut up, pussy faggot.’ I closed my eyes and all I could hear was Jason screaming. And I told him I have a dislocated wrist, and he said, ‘Shut the fuck up, or you’ll have a broken wrist.’ He said, ‘Let me hear you squeal, faggot.’ “And I just started screaming in pain and telling them to just take me, to just put me in jail if they wanted to, so he’d stop. I begged the other officers to make him stop and my neighbor was standing there crying because she knew she couldn’t do anything. I was crying and finally just started banging my head against the windshield to try to knock myself out because I was in so much pain.” During this time, Berrios said he could see that at least two officers had placed Mendez in the back of one of the cars and were hitting him with their batons. He said his neighbor later told him they took Mendez out of the car and put him back

on the ground and attempted to pick him up by the back of his shirt and pants and throw him into the back of a police wagon but missed on the first try, causing him to fall face-first onto the ground. Berrios said neither he nor his partner was read their Miranda rights. Once he was in the car, Berrios said another officer came to the car and said there had been “paparazzi” — neighbors taking video and photos of the incident. “He was asking who was going to take the fall for this,” Berrios said. “He asked who they could blame it on because they had paparazzi out there. And he said he was just going to write that [Mendez] struck him, and I was trying to ask how they can say that happened when he was in handcuffs and shackles. But they said they’d follow the one officer’s report in the other car and then give it to them to look it over and write their report based on that.” When the pair arrived at the 25th District, Berrios said Mendez was transported to Episcopal Hospital by police. He said Mendez was bruised “from head to toe,” had deep scratches all over his body, about 15 nail marks around this throat and a cut-open mouth, as well as large patches of hair that had been ripped out. Berrios later sought medical attention for frequent swelling and numbness in his hands. Berrios was ultimately charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime with intent — during the altercation with his partner, Berrios said he struck him

with a clothes iron because Mendez was pinning him down and did not realize he was having an asthma attack. Mendez faces charges of simple assault, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. Berrios said both he and Mendez told officers they did not want to press charges against one another, but police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers said that, in domesticviolence cases, state law permits charges to be brought if injuries are sustained, with or without the consent of the injured parties. A neighbor bailed Berrios out the next day, while Mendez remains in custody at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. Mendez was arrested last year for drug charges and was on two years’ probation, and a judge placed a detainer following his arrest. Berrios is also on two years’ probation for a retail-theft charge in Delaware County. PAC deputy director Anderson could not give a timeline on when action may be taken on the case, but said it will first be evaluated by the organization’s executive director, as well as during a hearing by its Investigative Review Committee. Evers said that, when complaints are filed with the PAC and Internal Affairs, a notification is placed on the files of the officers involved until a determination of potential wrongdoing is made. Berrios faces a hearing in his case on Jan. 27, and Mendez the following day. ■

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Arts Culture

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

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SEASON THREE CAST AND (BELOW) JUDGE MICHELLE VISAGE

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is back for another lap in the show’s quest to crown this year’s next drag superstar. When the season premieres Jan. 24, the stakes will be considerably higher than in previous seasons, with this year’s winner taking home $75,000 among other prizes and prestige. This season also ﬁnds the show with a new permanent judge in the glossy form of Michelle Visage, who made a name for herself as a member of the 1990s platinumselling group Seduction and RuPaul’s sidekick on the original “RuPaul Show” on VH1. She’s currently juggling her new gig on “Drag Race” with a successful career as a morning radio host for WKTU 103.5 and MIX 102.7 in New York City, as well as KHHT HOT 92.3 in Los Angeles. PGN caught up with Visage to talk about her involvement with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and her increasingly busy workload. PGN: Did you watch the ﬁrst two seasons? MV: I loved them. I love the progression

from season one to season two. In season two, I though Raven was robbed. I just loved Raven. I believed she was the winner, but hey, what are you going to do? PGN: Did you ever expect the show to cross over onto more mainstream networks like it did? MV: I absolutely did. I think the more we get the word out there and the more people start seeing LGBT people are the same as everybody else, the more mainstream acceptance they are going to get. My children are raised in a household where they know being gay or being a drag queen are the way that they are born. It’s just who they are. I think if people start taking more of a responsibility and working with people instead of judging and hating, we’ll go a long way. And the further we come, the more mainstream it will be. I think the show is deﬁnitely

ready to be more mainstream. PGN: How did you end up being brought on the show for the third season? MV: Ru and I go way back. We go back to the club scene together in New York City. But we did morning radio in New York for many years together. The natural progression was for him to take me to be his co-host on the VH1 show in ’96 and ’97. So when this show started, we tried to make it happed from season one, but my radio schedule wouldn’t allow it to happen and I ﬁnally was able to for season three, so we’re back together again. PGN: “Drag Race”

seems to up the ante with each season. What is this season bringing to the table that wasn’t in the ﬁrst two? MV: The ante is deﬁnitely upped this season. Just when you think, Where can

you get bigger and better queens? they keep doing it. They keep ﬁnding them. They keep crawling out of the woodwork or from under a stump. I don’t know where they are, but they are amazing. I’ve been around queens for the past 20 years and there are some queens on here unlike I have ever seen before. The guest judges are amazing this season. Also, there’s a lot of twists and turns, unexpected things that are very different from seasons one and two. PGN: What do you look for in a drag

performer? MV: What I like to look for is more than just body and more than just face. It’s more than just being a pretty drag queen. A lot of people get swept away with realness. And although I’ll give props to any queen that gives realness, because it’s difﬁcult, it’s not everything. I like to see someone who’s well rounded and can do all aspects, who has a great sense of humor. You can’t just be one-note. It’s just like people. If someone is one-note, you’re going to be bored with them really quick. I love somebody who is completely well rounded. I love a camp drag queen but I like to have a whole circle to run to. If we say glamour

18 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

FEATURE PGN

this day, they can bring the glamour, but then turn around and bring the camp. That makes me very happy.

the live events that result from the show? MV: Absolutely. If I get booked, I will be there. I love it.

PGN: Which guest stars this season were

PGN: Having known RuPaul for a long

you most excited about? MV: Lily Tomlin for me was like ... I didn’t even know what to say because I grew up with her and she had done so much and has been so legendary in so many ways. The fact that I can do a show with her and she’s laughing at my jokes, it’s just another thing on my bucket list that I can scratch off. There are some big names on here that you wouldn’t expect to be there. Vanessa Williams was there. That was kind of amazing. Every season seems to outdo the other. PGN: Are they going to make any of the

queens sing one of your songs? MV: That, we’ll have to wait and see. But that would be really funny if that happened. They’ll probably sound better than I did back in 1990. PGN: Being new to the show, did it take

you a while to get into the groove of things?

MV: It took me one episode. It’s funny: One

of the producers said to me, “You know the ﬁrst show, I’m there, I’m who I am but I’m keeping it low-key. By season two, I’m a full-blown drag queen.” So it just took a minute to get back into the swing of things but now it’s in my blood.

PGN: Are you going to participate in any of

time, what can you tell us about Ru that might not be obvious from watching her on TV? MV: People ask me that stuff quite a bit. Ru lives his life very openly. He’s a private person in the sense that he doesn’t just go running to the tabloids. He’s not an overthe-top person, but anything he has done he has written about in books and has lived out on the screen or on the radio. So everything I know about him, you know about him too. There’s nothing that is in the closet, so to speak, with Ru. He lives it all out in the open, which is one of the things I love about him. PGN: Are you still involved with the music

industry?

MV: I am not. Radio has been my life for the past ... this is my 16th year of morning radio. That’s still involved in the music industry in that aspect of it. But as far as singing, no. PGN: Are you ever

tempted to get back into performing? MV: You know, I’m not. I feel like I’m performing doing what I do every day on the radio. Being on the radio is performing even greater than, believe it or not, when I was in Seduction or The S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M. to doing anything on stage. It takes a lot more thought and a lot more preparation and a lot more work than just getting to the studio and singing a song. I really like it a lot. PGN: Is it as glamorous as when you were

working with those groups?

MV: No. But the funny thing is people

make fun of me because I still wear stilettos to work every day when I could wear slippers. I get up. I put a full face of

makeup on. I wear 6-inch stilettos to work, sometimes with gym pants so I look like Peg Bundy. But I feel like glamour can be used everywhere. So I’m glamorous for me and for my husband and my kids and for anybody along the way. But you can’t compare it to being on stage in front of 60,000 people. PGN: Are you working on anything beyond

the show?

MV: There’s always stuff brewing on TV

and perhaps a book. Right now I’m focused on “Drag Race” and my radio show. And being the best mommy and wife that I can be, and that takes a lot of time. PGN: What has been the highlight of your

career? MV: I don’t feel like I’ve gotten to a pinnacle yet in my career. Being in Seduction and being able to go on world tours, even though we opened for Milli Vanilli for nine months and we know the outcome of that. But at the time they were selling out 60,000-seat venues. So being able to play these venues that I used to go to concerts at as a kid was a very big deal. Being on TV with VH1 and Ru and being able to do all the red-carpet event, that stuff was always a highlight for me. Morning radio in New York and Los Angeles is huge. So I think those are the highlights of each thing. It’s only just begun. The new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres at 9 p.m. Jan. 24 on Logo. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

PGN

20 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

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New glam-rock musical gets biblical By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com It’s taken a lot of blood, sweat and mascara, but out actor and performer Erik Ransom is finally ready to launch his new musical, “Coming: A Rock Musical of Biblical Proportions,” which runs through Feb. 6 at Prince Music Theater. “Coming” is a dark and comedic modern-day musical based on the Book of Revelations where the battle between good and evil is waged on the music charts. Ransom, who wrote the play and the music, stars as Damian Salt, a bisexual glam-rock superstar pitted against Josh Crenshaw, an aspiring “American Idol”styled singer-songwriter, and a Christ-figure with a message of love and hope played by Noah Mazaika. “It is a very blasphemous show,” Ransom said. Yay, blasphemy! Pass the popcorn. NOAH MAZAIKA (LEFT) AND ERIK RANSOM IN Ransom said he “COMING” drew inspiration for the show from a number of It turns out that writing the play and the sources. music was a cakewalk compared to what “I had just read Richard Dawkins’ ‘The came after it. God Delusion,’ which ignited my preex“The first draft was easy,” Ransom said. isting issues with mainstream religion. I “It just happened. Since then, there’s been also do a glam-rock act under my own a lot of revisions and rewrites. During the name. I dress up in androgynous clothes rehearsal process, there have been cuts and wear 8-inch heels in a nightclub act. and changes, new songs have been added. I had this idea that my stage persona So it’s been a long undertaking.” was the Crown Prince of Sodom and In keeping with the show’s intertwining descended from the noble lines of Sodom themes of religion, fame, good and evil and Gomorrah. For my nightclub act, I (not to mention jabs at “American Idol” realized there was more to it than I could and the paparazzi), the opening-night get out in that venue, so I wrote this song performance of “Coming” on Jan. 22 for it, ‘New Sodom,’ and it just kept writ- will feature a cameo by out reality-show ing itself.” star Reichen Lemkuhl (“The A-List New That sounds a lot like ... York”), who will play himself as the judge “There are nods to Bowie certainly,” of the faux-reality show “American Icon.” Ransom said. Ransom and Lemkuhl met when the two (Whew! We’re glad he beat us to it.) were performing in “My Big Gay Italian “I play the antichrist in the show and Wedding” in New York City. there is a point where I have a conversa“We became friends and I had talked tion with my father, Satan, who sounds a about the ideas for the show,” Ransom great deal like David Bowie,” he added. said about Lemkuhl’s appearance in Ransom said he fleshed out most of the “Coming.” “I approached him about it story and songs for “Coming” in a rela- and I was surprised that he was perfectly tively short and fruitful span of time. willing to do it.” “The initial draft of the show I wrote Traverse Arts Project presents “Coming: in five days,” he said. “I wrote 60 pages A Rock Musical of Biblical Proportions” and 14 brand-new songs chronologically. through Feb. 6 at Prince Music Theater, They just flowed out of me. Obviously, I 1412 Chestnut St. For more information didn’t sleep much or do much else. I was or tickets, visit www.traversetheater.org socially horrible during that period.” or call 215-569-9700. ■

PROFILE PGN

Family Portraits

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Suzi Nash

Sharon Singer: Head of Israeli Consulate’s public affairs At the tender age of 27, Sharon Singer has already accomplished more than many do in an entire career. She currently holds the prestigious position of director of public affairs and social media at the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia. Prior to that, she held positions in the Israel Defense Forces, including commander and instructor in IDF’s first joint officers’ training course (men and women), head of the Ground Forces Selection & Classification Desk, head of Combat Personnel Section, Artillery Corps and chief training and education officer for the Strategic Planning & Foreign Relations Division. PGN: You have a British accent; where were you born? SS: I was born in Israel in a small town north of Tel Aviv. My parents made what we call aliyah — immigrated from England about 40 years ago. I have two older brothers. I was in the military for nine years and wanted to pursue other directions. I studied public relations for a bit and then this opportunity came along and I decided to jump on it. PGN: What was life like growing up in Israel? SS: I always thought it was similar to life in the U.S., but what I didn’t know was that though we know much about life here, most people didn’t know much about the real Israel. We used to travel a lot and, when I was 12, I went to a skiing school in Lake Tahoe. I remember the instructor telling me he knew two things about Israel: that we had white Mercedes for taxis and that most of us lived in huts. In reality, Israel is a modern country. It’s very cutting edge: Outside of Silicone Valley, it’s where most companies do their research and development ... It is a very democratic, liberal country. PGN: You’re very passionate about it. SS: Yes, it’s true. When you’re in the military, you know exactly what you’re fighting for. It’s not some vague thing 6,000 miles away; the borders that you’re defending are 9 miles from your house. You are facing things that directly affect you on a daily basis. It’s a very different reality. You have a New York-style city with museums and restaurants, arts and culture, a thriving gay community and, just a few miles away, there are soldiers at the border. PGN: Going back to your childhood, what was a favorite thing to do? SS: I was pretty sporty, I liked karate and to ride my bike and swim and play tennis. But I also liked to draw and paint. When I was 11, I picked up the guitar and went on to study music, which was a big portion of my life for a time. I was on prime-time TV

once with my band, which was a big thrill!

PGN: Do most kids look forward to or fear service? SS: It depends on where you’re likely to be placed. We all know that when you turn 18, you’re going into the army. At 16, you start preparing and the army screens to see where you should be placed, so you have plenty of time to digest it, and everyone wants to do their best so you can be part of the elite. They test you and look at your grades and physical ability, etc. Even some people who go in kicking find that they’re matched up so well, it’s the best thing that ever happened to them. One of the things that I like is that because everybody has to serve, it’s an amazing melting pot. You go to training with everyone and it doesn’t matter what your parents did or where you came from; you’re all in the same boat. PGN: What was the hardest physical challenge? SS: I was the commander in the IDF’s first joint officers’ training course. I conducted a three-month intensive training during which I existed on about two hours of sleep per day. I had to do the physical training with them, running 15 miles, uphill carrying gun and gear, trying to make sure my soldiers were OK and not passing out. I was the classroom instructor, standing hours on end, then staying up all night creating the next day’s lesson plan. I was in great shape but smoking two packs a day of Marlboro Reds and living on Diet Coke and ice cream. For a period, I was also the chief of the selection team for girls trying out for the new combat unit. It’s a very demanding 24-hour test, which is hard for the cadets and was even harder commanding! You were deciding whether to place people with artillery units or antiaircraft units, border police, infantry search and rescue, etc., so the test was both physical and pen and paper. I had about 150-180 girls coming in to test every 24 hours and a staff of 120 to oversee. PGN: What’s the most terrifying thing you’ve faced? SS: We were on a mission and we got word that there was a terrorist trying to get into one of the nearby communities. It was 1 a.m. and I was on the phone with my girlfriend. We had a code phrase whenever something like that came up so as not to worry the other person: chasing rabbits. In the middle of the night, I had to grab my gun and go out into the freezing cold and look for this guy. Driving around in a Jeep, you’re very vulnerable. Fortunately another platoon found him. PGN: How old were you when you came out? SS: I was about 16 when I had my first

experience. For some reason, I felt the need to tell my parents. The funny thing is at the time I thought it was just a phase. Usually it’s the parents that say that, but in this case it was me! When I was 19, I realized it was the real thing. My parents were in the States for three years, so by the time they got back I’d had plenty of time to adjust. When they returned, I was 21 and officially came out to them and everyone else.

PGN: Was your family religious? SS: No, and that’s another misconception. Only about 29 percent of the population is practicing Jewish Orthodox: Most people are very secular or progressive. Any concern about homosexuality is more about carrying on the family name or children or will you be happy, that sort of thing. My parents had gay friends, so it wasn’t shocking to them, but it’s always a process. They’ve been amazing supporters. PGN: What about in the military?

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as to who has the best club. It’s really hard to say because the main thing we do is have what we call a gay line. That’s where usually straight clubs have a gay night once a week or month. So it’s more about which line is best. There’s a great party this weekend called SheJ, a big lineup of female DJs from all over. There’s a boys’ club called Barzlai, which is pretty good.

PGN: Switching gears, a favorite place you’ve visited? SS: Outside of Israel, it would be Pushkar in India. It’s one of the oldest cities of India with about 15,000 people and 20,000 Israeli tourists. India, which has a population of over a billion people, is very influenced by Israel. PGN: Lipstick or Chapstick? SS: Lip gloss. I’m a bit of a girlie-girl now. I like wearing makeup, especially eye shadow, foundation, blush ... PGN: Early sign I was gay? SS: A crush on my substitute teacher, Eatti, when I was 6. And the fact that, when I was little, I decided that boys were better than girls. I think I wanted to be one since they had all the fun. I didn’t want to marry Indiana Jones or James Bond or any of the action adventure guys; I wanted to be Indiana Jones and James Bond, since they had all the fun and always got to have a pretty woman by their side.

PGN: What’s something we don’t know about Israel? SS: It’s very small, only about the size of New Jersey. It has a lot of variety though. We might see snow in the north; then moving down, there’s a lot of evergreen trees. The Mediterranean on one side and the Sea of Galilee on Photo: Suzi Nash the other, you have the Dead Sea, then you have Tel Aviv, SS: It’s a non-issue. You can be fully which is very modern, and Jerusalem, out; it’s all about how well you perform. which is ancient, and big expanses of desEven in interviews, if anyone asked, I’d ert in the South. The entire population is tell them I had a girlfriend. It was never a only seven-and-a-half million, smaller problem, especially in combat units. When than the city of New York. But good things come in small packages! ■ you’re under fire, the last thing you’re worried about is someone’s sexuality. To suggest a community memPGN: What’s the best gay club in Israel? ber for “Family Portraits,” write to SS: There’s a big rivalry between portraits05@aol.com.

22 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

TELEVISION PGN

Worth Watching SHE’S GOT THE LOOKS THAT KILL: Uma Thurman unleashes a sizable swath of death and bloody revenge when she stars in the modern martial-arts epic “Kill Bill Vol. 1” followed by “Kill Bill Vol. 2,” 8 p.m. Jan. 21 on TNT.

SWITCH-BLADES: Macho, swaggering Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) has to take to the rink with arch rival Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder) as a male/male skating pair in order to win back their professional ice-skating status in the comedy “Blades of Glory,” 9 p.m. Jan. 22 on ABC. Photo: Paramount Pictures/ Suzanne Hanover

SHOWTIME’S LATEST IMPORT: Cameron Monaghan stars as the openly gay Ian Gallagher, one of the many fiercely independent children living with their flawed single dad Frank Gallagher (played by William H. Macy) in the American version of the popular British drama “Shameless,” 10 p.m. Jan. 23 on Showtime. Photo: Courtesy of Showtime

IS THAT THE ‘ONE’ WHERE ... ?: Jodie Foster takes justice into her own bad-ass hands when thieves break into her house ... No, wait — when her daughter disappears on a flight ... No, wait — when her fiancé is killed by street thugs in “The Brave One,” 8 p.m. Jan. 24 on AMC. Photo: Abbot Genser/ Warner Brothers

COMICS PGN & Q PUZZLE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Q Puzzle Howling Mad Across

1. “Stone Butch Blues” hero 5. Disney canine 10. One way to cook fruit 14. Protected from the wind 15. Vietnam capital 16. Cry after getting the shaft 17. “Ed Wood” role 18. Susan of “Goldengirl” 19. Lacking manners 20. Subject of the movie “Howl” 23. Chemical suffix 24. Classic jag 25. Wicks of the WNBA 26. Queen in “Romeo and Juliet” 28. Caesar’s body 30. “The ___ Game” 32. Brian of figure skating 33. Come out on the beach 36. Not as crazy 37. With 43-Across, event in the movie “Howl” 40. Library ID 43. See 37-Across 44. Bring home the pork? 48. Ref’s call 49. Chambered mollusks 51. Gielgud’s john 52. Metallic organ?

54. Blew it 56. Portrayer of 20-Across in “Howl” 60. With mouth wide open 62. French toast 63. Not a done deal 66. Dancer Taylor 67. Reader computer program 68. Put out 69. Kind of jack 70. Dragged behind 71. Robert of “The Defenders”

Down

1. A left or a right 2. Blanche Wiesen Cook sub ject 3. Wall Street bears 4. Big top performer 5. “Much obliged!” 6. It’s low for a butch’s voice 7. “No” voter 8. Drops trou 9. Puts on the wall 10. Having forgot the Aqua Lube 11. Uma of “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” 12. When queening usually occurs 13. Feeling of hitting rock bot tom 21. Outlying community

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22. Wild animal 23. “The Name of the Rose” writer 27. Three Musketeers unit 29. Worker at the bottom 31. Davidson of “The Crying Game” 33. Sandy-colored 34. “So ___” 35. Sons of, at Beth Chayim Chadashim 38. Eyes, at 53-Down 39. Like Romeo and Juliet 40. Morticia Addams’s cousin 41. Join the Kneelers 42. Greeting from Gide 45. 1984 Lily Tomlin movie 46. Sturgeon stuff 47. Head movement 49. Locale for Brando’s “Apocalypse Now” 50. McKellen of “The Da Vince Code” 53. Name of many a gay bar 55. More frigid 57. Introduction to masochism 58. Go smoothly 59. Country bumpkin 60. Quick on the uptake 61. Queer in Quebec 64. Shakespeare’s “Phooey!” 65 Jan. 1 until now

SOLUTION PAGE 27

24 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Outward Bound

FEATURES PGN

Jeff Guaracino

Get away to New York City and save New York City has a reputation for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick is to spend wisely and to discover the “insider” New York. Here are just a few tips that could make your next visit special and leave your honey saying, “I Love New York,” all without breaking the bank. Best view of Times Square I’ve found the best view of Times Square in the intimate, affordable and an undiscovered gem called the R Lounge, inside the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel at 2 Times Square (www.rloungetimessquare.com). Comfortable and stylish, it’s perched above the masses with a view of the world-famous intersection. You can easily miss the nondescript entrance to the hotel but, once inside, you’ll find a respite from New York’s high energy. There is no minimum charge and the menu is filled with inexpensive options. Insider’s tip: Make reservations for a small group to get the best seats by the window. Most romantic hotel It’s hard to find a gay/lesbian-friendly, pet-friendly, family-friendly, modern and affordable luxury hotel in Manhattan’s most desired neighborhood. But New York’s best-kept secret is the historic Jumeirah Essex House right on the most

famous park in the world, Central Park. The modern rooms are among the largest in the city. A visit to the hotel’s website this week turned up rates of $200 per night for the first weekend of February (rates can change, so visit www.jumeirah.com soon). Just steps from the five-star hotel, you can take a picturesque walk through Central Park. The horse-drawn carriages will put you back at least $50 for a 20-minute ride. Within a two-minute walk of the hotel, grab a bottle of wine for the room at the nearby Oak & Steel at 1775 Broadway, which has an incredible selection of fine French wines at a great price, or slip into Le Pain Quotidien on Seventh Avenue for a romantic French breakfast for about $15. Save on getting there The first way to save money is to leave the car at home! With gas, tolls and parking, it adds up. Amtrak is running great deals right now if you book in advance. A recent search found $36 fares each way the first weekend of February. There is always the ultra-hip and cheap Bolt Bus and Megabus. Once there, use the subway. Plan your trip at www.mta.info. Nightlife TKTS Discount Booths still offer 20-50percent off Broadway and off-Broadway

shows. Also, call your credit card to see if your card offers discounted or premium seats at a better price. Another great nightlife alternative is Jazz at Lincoln Center, offering affordable live music with killer views of Columbus Circle. For gay bars, avoid those with cover charges and try the new Industry at 355 W. 52nd St., between Eighth and Ninth (opposite Therapy). More travel tips Looking for more inside scoop on travel tips and deals? Check out gay travel expert Ed Salvato at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 22 at the Philadelphia Inquirer Travel Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In addition to Salvato’s worldwide gay travel experience as former editor-in-chief of Out Traveler magazine and “Out and About” newsletter, Salvato has arranged special travel deals for those attending his presentation. Start saving right away by getting a half-off discounted admission: Go to www. inquirertravelshow.com and enter the code LGBT5OFF. ■ Jeff Guaracino is a vice president for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.” If you’re traveling locally, check out visitphilly.com!

Ink in the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention February is a magical month in If you like tattoos, you’ll be in heaven! Philadelphia! Yeah, yeah, there’s One last thing: MC colors are not permitted at the convention. Valentine’s Day and all that crap for you romantics out there, but for my money, the best thing about February is the Mid-Atlantic Leather Philadelphia Tattoo Convention. Weekend 2011 Held Feb. 4-6 at the Sheraton MAL was full of changes City Center Hotel at 17th and this year as it moved to a new host hotel near Capitol Hill. Race streets, it’s a three-day The contest and most events festival of body arts, tattoo conwere held at the hotel, which tests and sideshow entertainment including burlesque, fire was a brilliant move on the part breathers, suspension artists and of the organizers, Centaur MC. It made it easy for guests to get live music. It’s run by Tattooed Kingpin and Philadelphia to the events, and even easier to Eddie’s and, if you’ve never change outfits 10 times a day! been, you won’t believe what Lots of people were griping you’ve been missing. about the new requirement to Virtually every tattoo artist in pay admission for the vendor the region will be there showmart, but if you ask me this was Jim Kiley- a no-brainer. Crowd control casing his/her work and doing work on the spot. If you’ve been Zufelt at the old hotel was a constant looking for a good artist, this is challenge, and there’s not much the only way to meet this many you can do when you let everyone in for free. IML has charged admission artists and look through this many portfolios in one day. to its vendor mart for years, so there is a Admission is $20 a day or $40 for the precedent. If anything, it makes you wonder what took MAL so long to do it. weekend and tickets are available only at The theme of the weekend this year was the door. For more information, check out “Evolution,” which was appropriate not www.villainarts.com. just because of the new venue. The crowd Best of all, each night of the weekend, itself continues to evolve: Leather still The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., will be dominates, but each year brings more guys absolutely packed with people from the convention: men, women, straight and gay. in latex, rubber and sports gear.

Leather Lookout

There’s even a growing “furry” contingent (I’m not talking about bears). More power to them, but I just don’t get the connection between leather and dressing up like a sports mascot. Maybe one of them can drop me a line to connect the dots? Oh, and there was a contest too! Doug Pamplin from Pittsburgh won this year. Way to go, Doug! He will compete in May in Chicago at the International Mr. Leather. LOCAL CLUBS & EVENTS: — LIBERTY BEARS: Meetings from 78 p.m. and socials from 8 p.m.-midnight every first Saturday at The Bike Stop. Next meeting: Feb. 5; www.libertybears.net. — KEYSTONE BOYS OF LEATHER: Meetings every third Thursday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m. Next meetings: Feb. 17; www.keystoneboysofleather.org. — PHILADELPHIANS MC: Meetings every first and third Monday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m. Next meeting: Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and 21; www.philadelphiansmc.org. — WOOF! PHILLY: Meetings Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Gold Club, 1416 Chancellor St.; www.woofphilly.com. ■ Questions? Comments? New Year’s resolutions you’ve already abandoned? Contact Jim at LeatherLookout@gmail.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

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26 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 01/21 Bethenny Frankel The best-selling author and star of “The Real Housewives of New York” and “Bethenny Getting Married” holds court at 8 p.m. at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Pigadilly Circus Pig Iron Theater Company hosts its annual benefit cabaret and auction at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Satisfaction/ The International Rolling Stones Show The tribute band performs at 7:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. MST3K: Jack Frost Wisecracking robots bust on campy B-mov-

ies at 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Stimulus DJ K.ash is back for the monthly LGBTQ dance party, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Marathon Grille, 929 Walnut St.; www.stimulusphilly.com.

Sat. 01/22 Millennium Actress The Japanese anime film is screened at 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Defending the Caveman The longest-running solo play in Broadway history, starring and written by comedian Rob Becker, pulls back into town at 6 and 9 p.m. at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

Fresh and Healthy Food

Trevor Project Benefit Concert Tenor Aaron Spencer, countertenor Bryan DeSilva and violist Shane Barker perform a concert to benefit The Trevor Project, an LGBT youth suicide hot line, 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1625 Locust St.; 215-735-1416. American Chameleons: A Performance Showcase Painted Bride Art Center presents Kosoko Performance Group’s secondannual performance party series at 9 p.m., 230 Vine St.; www.kosokoperformance.org. The B-52s The campy alternative-rock band performs at 8 p.m. at Harrah’s Atlantic City, 777 Harrah’s Blvd.; 609-4415000. Hip-Hop Kings and Queens Series Turntable artist DJ Sparkle(s) hosts the showcase at 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Sun. 01/23 Autism: The Musical The documentary about The Miracle Project, a musical theater camp, is screened at 4 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Chrisette Michele The R&B singer performs at 7:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Mon. 01/24 The Big Lebowski The comedy film is screened at 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Evan Dando & Juliana Hatfield The alt-rock singer-songwriters perform at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Predator The sci-fi/action/ horror film is

ALT-ROCK’S FINEST LAND IN A.C.: The B-52s return to the area in support of their latest album, “Funplex,” when they perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Harrah’s Atlantic City, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. For tickets, call 609-441-5000.

screened at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888.

Tue. 01/25 Brad Meltzer The author of “The Inner Circle” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322. The Secret to a Happy Ending The documentary film about alt-Southern-rock band The DriveBy Truckers is screened at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Jonathan Biss Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents the internationally acclaimed pianist at 8 p.m. at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Dine In, Take Out, Free Delivery, BYOB Philadelphia, PA

First Person Arts StorySlams: Beasts Image gallery The performance

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Notices

2028 Chestnut St., between 20th and 21st sts.

215-568-7058

art/storytelling competition, in which audience members are invited to share true stories from their lives based on the night’s theme, kicks off at 8:30 p.m. at L’etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656.

Wed. 01/26 Curtis 20/21: New Music Ensemble Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents the classical ensemble at 8 p.m. at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847.

at 7 p.m. at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St.; (215) 898-7595.

Fri. 01/28

Colm Tóibín The author of “The Empty Family: Stories” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322.

KalichsteinLaredo-Robinson Trio Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents the concert trio at 8 p.m. at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Schubert’s “Great” Symphony The Philadelphia Orchestra performs British conductor Jonathan Nott at 8 p.m. Jan. 27-28 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847.

The Losers Lounge Tribute to The Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and friends Relive the glory days of Las Vegas at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Thu. 01/27 Fay Jacobs The author of “For Frying Out Loud: Rehoboth Beach Diaries” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Chris Illuminati The author of “A**hole-ology: The Cheat Sheet” hosts a discussion

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

WINNING ARTWORK: “infantinnocence” is just on of the works on display at the William Way LGBT Community Center, which is hosting “Condensation,” an exhibition of works by the winner of its 2010 Juried Art Competition for LGBT artists, Alexander Conner, through Feb. 25; 1315 Spruce St. For more information, call 215-732-2220.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Race Philadelphia Theatre Company presents Pulitzer Prize Award-winning playwright David Mamet’s newest play about two lawyers, one black and one white, who are offered the chance to defend a wealthy executive charged with a shocking crime against a young black woman, through Feb. 13 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-9850420. Suor Angelica/Il Tabarro Academy of Vocal Arts presents two tragic one-act operas in concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21-22 at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. The Little Prince Bristol Riverside Theater presents a production adapted from the children’s book of the same name, Jan. 25-Feb. 13 at 120

ers imagined, designed and printed by 17 youth at The Attic Youth Center to increase visibility around queer issues, through Feb. 28, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. California Redemption Value Papermill Theater presents a comedic celebration of the redemptive power of lying, through Feb. 6, 2825 Ormes St.; 510-292-6403. Condensation: Works by Alexander Conner William Way LGBT Community Center, through Feb. 25, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Facing Out, Facing In: Figurative Works The James A. Michener Art Museum, through May 1, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. The Glass Menagerie

CAFÉ GRUNGE: Relive your college rock glory days when alt-rock singersongwriters Evan Dando (The Lemon Heads) and Juliana Hatﬁeld perform at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Call 215-222-1400 for tickets.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

6, 9201 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-0476. Mark Cohen: Strange Evidence Philadelphia Museum of Art, through March 13, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Pleasures and Pastimes in Japanese Art Philadelphia Museum of Art, through Jan. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Quadruple — Consciousness Vox Populi Gallery, through Jan. 30, 319 N. 11th St.; 215-238-1236. A Skull in Connemara Lantern Theater Company, through Feb. 6 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; 215-829-0395. . [title of show] Mauckingbird Theatre Company, through Jan. 30 at Upstairs at Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-923-8909. To Love, Honor and Obey? Stories of Italian Renaissance Marriage Chests Philadelphia Museum of Art, through July, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. The Understudy Wilma Theater presents a comedy about a war of will between actors, through Jan. 30, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824.

Closing Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-785-0100. Bizet | Rodrigo The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia performs with conductor Andrew Grams and guitarist Gyan Riley, Jan. 23-24 at Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847. Resisting Racism: 30 Years of Men of All Colors Together The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition highlight of the long and rich history of the gay, multiracial, multicultural organization, Jan. 27-March 25, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-7322220.

Continuing Amadeus Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning play about the legendary composer, through March 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Attic Youth Center presents Queerealities: Posters for Change The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of post-

Walnut Street Theater, through Feb. 6 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. A Glimpse of Paradise: Gold in Islamic Art Philadelphia Museum of Art, through April, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. John Folinsbee and American Modernism Woodmere Art Museum, through March SOLUTION, from page 23

Annie Media Theater, starring Wanda Sykes as Miss Hannigan, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Gilbert Conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra teams with

A FEW DAYS AWAY: It’s your last chance to catch out comedian Wanda Sykes starring as Miss Hannigan in her theatrical debut in the musical “Annie,” through Jan. 23 at Media Theater, 104 E. State St., Media. Call 610-891-0100 for tickets or visit www.mediatheatre.org.

New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert for Rouse’s Oboe Concerto, through Jan. 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Keigwin + Company The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, through Jan. 22 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 8983900. ■

COMMUNITY PGN

28 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment hot line: 215545-2212 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

Men

A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com.

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com

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

■ 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

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822 or 866-2223871. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for informa-

tion about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

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

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; 856-8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

WeXist

Men of All Colors Together

Young, Trans, and Uniﬁed!

Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at the William Way Center; 610-277-6595; www.MACT-Phila.org.

Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331 ext. 24.

Men’s Coming Out Group

Women

Meets 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-563-0652 ext. 219.

Men of Color United

Bucks County Lesbian Alliance

Men of Standard

Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County

Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-9632432 ext. 211; ruberte_j@camden_ahec.org.

Parents/Families

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County

Meets 7:30 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-348-9976.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County

Meets 7 p.m. the ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; 484-354-2448.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Collingswood, N.J.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

Peer trans health-advocacy organization. 215-732-1207; www.critpath.org/thac. FTM support group meets 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; ﬁrst hour is open, second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; 267-250-1548; www.wexist.org.

Meets 6-8:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.; 609-202-4622; pﬂagcollingswood@yahoo.com.

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

Transgender Health Action Coalition

Meets 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; 215-483-1032.

Gay Married Men’s Association

A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

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

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

Boys Night Out

Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J.

Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbian alliance.org.

Meets monthly; 215-542-2899.

Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 1,000-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www. LSNSJ.com.

Queer Connections

Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; 215-4681352; queerconnect@yahoo.com.

South Jersey Lesbians of Color

Meetings held the ﬁrst and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; 856-824-0881; e-mail: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com.

The Womyn’s Village

The ﬁrst womyn-owned and operated think-tank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Safeguards, 1700 Market St., 18th ﬂoor; 267-221-6155; the_womyns.village@yahoo.com.

Youth

40 Acres of Change

Discussion group for teens and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

HAVEN

For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153.

Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155.

Main Line Youth Alliance

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del.

Mountain Meadow

Philadelphia Family Pride

Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center

Meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; 302-654-2995. Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids’ and teen-talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; 215-600-2864; www.phillyfamilypride.org.

Oasis

Trans

Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; 215-5630652 ext. 509.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine

Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 21 S. 12th St.; 215-563-0652.

Renaissance Transgender Assoc.

Meets at 8 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at 9876 Old Eagle School Road; 610-975-9119; www.ren.org.

T-MAN

Meets 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861; info@myaonline.org. For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; 215-772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org.

For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9024; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

Social X Change

Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

Space to be Proud, Open, and Together

Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 1421, SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester ofﬁce, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; 610-692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org.

Teen Support Group

Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; 215-563-0658 ext. 319.

People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second ﬂoor, 1201 Locust St.; 215-834-9063; tman215@aol.com.

Youth in Transition

Transhealth Information Project

For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 1324. Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432 ext. 205; gibbs_d@camden-ahec.org.

Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; 267-549-6497.

A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at The Attic Youth Center.

Youth Making a Difference

REAL ESTATE PGN

Classifieds PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances. All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

Home of the Week

Featured property:

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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

Presented by Main Street Realty

Silvia Hatzell • Ofﬁce: (856) 858-2200 • Mobile: (609) 828-2642 • SilviaHatzell@yahoo.com Ron Blum Zukin Realty Suite 403 1700 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.496.0923 main 215.900.7360 direct 215.496.0925 fax ron@zukinrealty.com

OPEN HOUSE SUN. JAN 23 11 AM - 1 PM New rehab in a great Passyunk Sq. Neighborhood MLS 5813371

Huge open plan ﬁrst ﬂoor, hardwood. All new stainless appliances. Granite counters. Nice backyard. Basement with powder room. En Suite Master Bedroom. Additional full bath and two more bedrooms PRICE: $309,000

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

REAL ESTATE

VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________35-10 Upstate New York LAND BARGAINS ATV & Snowmobile Trails. State Game Lands. 19 Acres Valley Views- $29,995. 5 Acres Camp Lot- $15,995. Adirondack River-WAS: $119,995. NOW: $69,995. 24 Acres-Tug Hill$17,995. Scheduling land tours 7days/ week. Call 800-229-7843 Or Visit www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________35-02

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________35-10 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________35-12 11TH & SOUTH VIC. Townhouse, 2 BR, 2 full BA, LR, DR, kit, W/D C/A, electric heat, w/parking. $1500/mo. 484-571-9979. _______________________________35-03 HOUSE FOR RENT Located in walking distance to the new gayborhood Passyunk Ave! All newly refinished & waiting for you! 1st fl has hardwood floors, new kitchen, new appliances, 1/2 bath. 2nd fl has 2 bedrooms new eco carpeting, large bathroom, linen closet. Patio yard, basement with washer & dryer. Monthly rental $900 + utilities. Please call Denise or Laura 215 271-8335. _______________________________35-03 JEFFERSONVILLE, NEAR K OF P, BLUE BELL Large efficiency on private wing on home with large yard. Private bath, entrance, kitchen. $495/mo. + elect. & sec. dep. Call 610-5396381, leave message. _______________________________35-03

SALE

Open Houses Sunday Jan. 23, 2011 Noon - 1:00 PM 927 Spruce St. Unit 2R Deluxe Junior 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with new kitchen. Unit contains a queens size Murphy bed. (parking available for just $20,000)....................................................................................$199,900 1109 Spruce St. Unit 1R Deluxe bi-level 2 bedroom, 2 bath with garden and possible parking spot. This unit has been totally rehabbed with wood ﬂoors and Granite and S/S kitchen. Located in the heart of Wash. Sq. West with low taxes and condo fees. ........................$275,000

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM 1109 Spruce St. Units 2R and 3R. your choice of two lovely 1 bedroom, 1 bath units. 2R has been totally rehabbed with new deluxe granite and S/S kitchen. 3R has a white modern kitchen, is newly painted and in move-in condition. ....................$225,000 and $180,000 255 S. Hutchinson St. (between 9th and 10th off Spruce St.) Historic, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath on charming cobblestone street in heart of Washington Sq. West. ...................................................................$250,000 1109 Spruce St. Unit #4. Totally rehabbed loft style condo. Deluxe granite and S/S kitchen. Wood ﬂoors, tile bath, great views. Low condo fees and taxes.................................................................................$185,000

Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey

The Curtis Center 1401 Walnut St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

RENT

ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-10

VACATION

RENTAL AFFORDABLE FORT LAUDERDALE All Gay Resort. Apts., full kit, 10 min Gay Nightlife, beaches, attractions. Clothing opt. pool, WiFi. 877-927-0090, www.LibertySuites.com _______________________________35-02 A GREAT VACATION VALUE!! Clean, Safe, & only a tank away. America’s Greatest FAMILY Resort Ocean City, NJ (800)786-8684 or visit our web site www. AcademyRealEstate.com _______________________________35-02

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30 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 21-27, 2011

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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FLEA MARKET HELPER WANTED Person with van and/or able body to assist me. Must be independent enough to work Friday evening, all day Saturday and/or Sunday. 20 % of gross take of day only pay. garsdumetro@comcast.net or (267)880-1079. Leave message & return phone number & email address required. _______________________________35-04 CDL-A Drivers: Start Fresh With Western Express! Lots of Miles, Brand New Equipment. Great Pay, Excellent Bonuses! Van & Flatbed Divisions. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-02 Reefer, Tanker, Flatbed Drivers Needed! Prime’s extensive freight network offers you: *Plenty of Miles. *Steady Freight. Call Prime Today! 1-800-277-0212 www.primeinc.com _______________________________35-02 Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you’re worth!!! Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________35-12

SERVICES AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________35-02 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal *Computers *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 888-220-3984 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-02 IF YOU USED TYPE 2 DIABETES DRUG AVANDIA Between 1999- present and suffered a stroke, heart attack or congestive heart failure you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. _______________________________35-02

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FOR SALE NEW Norwood SAWMILLS- LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efﬁciency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N. 1-800-661-7746 Ext 300-N. _______________________________35-02 STEEL ARCH BUILDINGS Huge Savings on some of our Winter Clearance Buildings. Selling for Balance Owed, Plus Repos. 16x20, 20x24, 25x30,etc. Supplies Won’t Last!!! 1-866-339-7449. _______________________________35-02

ADOPTION ADOPTION An Unplanned Pregnancy ... does not mean an Unwanted Child. Call Joy/FFTA to discuss your options and choose a family. Financial Assistance Available. 914-939-1180. _______________________________35-02 ADOPT Happily married, creative couple promises love, cozy home & vacation cabin, stay-athome mom, big extended family. Expenses paid. www.CuddlyHome.com Marianne/ Dan 1-877-739-6889. _______________________________35-02

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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. _______________________________35-10 Got a big torpedo? Fire it into a white butt. Call 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. _______________________________35-04

nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out FRIENDS of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18

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