Philadelphia Gay News Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2009
Equality Advocates names new director By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer After a nearly six-month search, LGBT legal organization Equality Advocates Pennsylvania has chosen its new leader. The organization announced today that Lynn Zeitlin, a local corporate and real-estate lawyer, will take over as executive director of the organization effective Feb. 9.
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Vol. 33 No. 5
Ten years later: Robert Drake By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer On Jan. 31, 1999, Robert Drake lounged on the porch of his newly purchased apartment in Sligo, Ireland, sipping a hot port and preparing to turn in for the night. Ten years later, such moments of leisure are rare for Drake, as he’s still grappling with the physical, mental and emotional scars of the violent attack that occurred that night, which left him confined to a wheelchair and suffering from a traumatic brain injury. On that January night, two men, whom Drake recognized from a neighborhood bar he’d visited earlier in the night, approached Drake and, after he invited them inside, proceeded to beat him almost to death. The pair alleged that they attacked Drake because he made a pass at them; although Drake doesn’t remember anything about the incident, those close to him have denied that he would have made such advances. Drake’s then-partner found him the following day, and he spent several months in a coma on life support in an Ireland hospital. Friends, family and the local LGBT and ally communities rallied to raise enough money to transport Drake back to Philadelphia, where he spent months in hospitals and rehab centers: He said he has no recollection of the ordeal before the time he spent in Moss Rehab, where he finally started to become
slurred speech, which he said he probably will always have to deal with. “When they kept me alive via a breathing tube, it bruised my larynx,” he said. “But, the breathing-control awareness is something I learned and I drew on heavily in re-teaching myself how to speak.” Drake, 46, worked for years as an editor and a literary agent, representing gay writers, and penned such works as 1998’s “The Gay Canon: Great Books Every Gay Man Should Read” and the 1995 fiction novel “The Man: A Hero for our Time,” which tells the story of a gay man who goes on the hunt for a violent antigay attacker. In 1997, Drake won a Lambda Literary Award for co-editing a selection from DRAKE NOW the series “His: Brilliant New Fiction by Gay Writers,” which was accompanied by aware of his surroundings. “Hers: Brilliant New Fiction by Lesbian The brain injury impaired his memory and Writers.” motor skills, and it took months, and even Drake said he’s anxious to continue his years in some cases, to re-learn everyday writing career but that he now struggles with tasks. typing on a keyboard and has to use the “hunt“It happened slowly in stages, like and-peck” typing method, in which he uses everything really,” he said. “All of this — one or two fingers to select one key at a time. speech, self-toileting, even eating — is taught “My main problem is and has been typing,” in rehab by occupational therapists, who work he said. “I forgot how to type. I still have to re-familiarize you with the ‘tools for daily ideas, but executing them has become so living.’” laborious.” Drake, who used to be a baritone singer Drake said that while those, like him, who before the assault and who minored in are struggling to recover from a traumatic brain performance-voice in college, still suffers from a “moderate speech dysarthria,” or See DRAKE, Page 12
ACLU sues State Dept. over HIV case EQUALITY ADVOCATES INCOMING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LYNN ZEITLIN Zeitlin, who served on the Equality Advocates board several years ago, currently works in the real-estate department at Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP. Equality Advocates’ previous executive director, Stacey Sobel, who took over from founding executive director Andrew Park in 2001, stepped down in August for personal reasons, and interim executive director Pam Leland has headed the group since then. “The board has a unique opportunity to expand on the success of our two previous executive directors,” said Doug Metcalfe, board spokesperson. “Lynn’s commitment to our mission of direct legal services, policy reform and education, her leadership style, her extensive professional experience and her knowledge of Pennsylvania’s political, donor See ADVOCATES, Page 13
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit late last month against the Department of State and one of its contracting companies for their treatment of an HIV-positive employee. The ACLU is arguing that the department and the contractor, security company Triple Canopy, violated the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act when they terminated the man, who is going by the name John Doe because of his HIV status. Triple Canopy filed a motion to dismiss the case Jan. 9 and argued that it rescinded Doe’s employment offer because of a State Department policy. Neither the State Department nor Triple Canopy could be reached for comment. In October 2005, Triple Canopy offered Doe, a 20-year Special Forces veteran, a position providing security at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The day before he was to graduate from the training program the
following month, however, a Triple Canopy director told him he was not eligible for the position because the contract between the company and the State Department stipulates that overseas workers cannot be HIVpositive. Triple Canopy’s legal motion argues that the State Department’s “Worldwide Personal Protective Services Contract,” which it is required to utilize to determine eligible security contractors, stipulates that all personnel have a “valid negative HIV result” and also sets out “suggested physical standards,” one of which is that employees must be “free from communicable disease.” Rose Saxe, an attorney with the ACLU’s LGBT and HIV/AIDS divisions, said Doe was diagnosed with HIV in 2000 and had the disease under control. “His doctors said he could deploy; he was healthy and absolutely fine,” Saxe said. “We’re trying now to figure out the reasoning behind this policy in the contract.” Shortly after his termination with Triple
Canopy, Doe filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which investigated the situation and issued a Right to Sue letter, stating that there was “reasonable cause” to believe the State Department and Triple Canopy acted illegally in denying Doe employment. Saxe explained that the ACLU is arguing that Doe’s rights were violated according to both the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA because the first law bans discrimination against those with physical or mental disabilities in federal agencies, while the latter prohibits such discrimination in private companies; HIV/AIDS is included as a potential disability under both laws. Saxe said that despite increased education about the disease, many employers, including the federal government, continue to exhibit a lack of understanding about HIV. “It is bad enough that people with HIV continue to face discrimination because of See ACLU, Page 2
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Binational couple wants Obama’s help in returning to U.S. live in Retford, about 70 miles east of Manchester. The couple wants Obama to issue a directive or executive order instructing U.S. immigration officials to recognize civil-partnership designations like the one they were granted in England in 2006. This action would make it possible for Healing to live in America permanently, and it could help open the doors for others too, they said. “Maybe we’re tilting at windmills, but what’s hope for?” Goble posed. The two men have been together for about 16 years. They lived for about nine years in an old Victorian
“No place is really a home unless I’m with Phil,” Goble President Barack Obama’s said. “This message of hope resonates strongly ordeal has added with Kindall Goble and Phil Healing. some stress to The two men recently had to our relationship, move to England because Healing’s but fortunately work visa had expired and U.S. it had a firm immigration policy doesn’t e n o u g h recognize same-sex partnerships. foundation that Now they hope the new it’s flourishing. After 16 years, presidential administration will correct this inequity. the relationship “Boy, does President Obama’s is as magical as ever.” message resonate with us,” Goble The civiltold PGN. “We’re clinging to the hope that he’ll do something to help partnership designation the our family be reunited. I’ve been couple received ripped apart from my mother, my sister and all my extended family.” in England Goble, 60, is a U.S. citizen, but allows Goble to remain in Healing, 46, is a citizen of the United Kingdom. that country PHIL HEALING AND KINDALL GOBLE p e r m a n e n t l y, When Healing’s work visa Goble added. expired in October, he was forced “In a sense, to move back to England or risk home they restored in Allentown, deportation. Goble followed him which is currently being rented we’re living in exile in the United Kingdom,” Goble said. “It feels last month, and the two men now out. like we’re the victims of ethnic cleansing. We’re being separated out of America because we’re gay. The Bush administration basically said our civil partnership wasn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” 6723 Essington Ave • Philadelphia, PA 19153 Goble said the federal Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law by 1800mynissan or 215 492-1200 President Clinton in 1996, shouldn’t prevent Obama from taking action, because DOMA doesn’t address civil partnerships and is silent on the issue of international relations. By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large
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fear and lack of understanding about how HIV is transmitted,” Saxe said. “But it is especially troublesome when a government contract is at the root of that discrimination. We need the courts to make it clear to the government and its contractors that they cannot discriminate against qualified people because they have HIV.” This is not the first time the State Department and other federal agencies have employed questionable HIV policies, according to Saxe. “We’ve heard about this type of thing with other government agencies having similar contract requirements, so this is not a new thing,” she said. “And the State Department in particular is the same department that was sued for refusing to let people with HIV join the Foreign Service and for discharging HIV-positive people from the Peace Corps. This is not the
A spokesperson for Obama declined to comment for this story at this time. Goble is aware of pending federal legislation that could remedy the couple’s dilemma, including the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow U.S. citizens in binational same-sex relationships to sponsor their foreign-born partner for immigration benefits to the U.S. But such legislation could take years to enact, Goble said. “We’ve clutched at those straws for years. We need something more immediate.” The men have a close friend in Allentown, Daniel Coppinger, who is working quietly behind the scenes, contacting anyone he can think of who might be able to persuade Obama to issue the directive or executive order. “Now is the time for President Obama to do the right thing, while he’s in the good graces of the American people,” said Coppinger, 50. “President Bush has eviscerated our standing in the global community, and this is a perfect opportunity for President Obama to improve international relations.” Coppinger said the couple’s departure from Allentown has been “devastating” to many people. “They’re a civic-minded, loving couple who did so much for the community, especially in terms of promoting the arts.” ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.
first instance of HIV discrimination within this department.” Doe has since found employment as a construction worker, although the pay is much lower than what he would have earned at the Triple Canopy job. “After putting my life on the line for my country for more than 20 years, I can’t believe my government is saying that I’m unworthy to work because I have HIV,” Doe said in a statement. “I need this job to support my family. I’m in good health, well qualified and eager to serve.” The suit does not call for a specific monetary compensation, and Saxe said that while Doe would like to be compensated for the time he could have been working in the Triple Canopy position, he’s more concerned about eliminating the State Department’s policy. “He wants the policy changed. He wants an opportunity to serve his country.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
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Steve Holwerda, chairman of the Portland Business Alliance, said in a statement the board had differing views on whether Adams should resign.
Prime Minister Geir Haarde (right) said Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir may serve as interim prime minister.
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PAC Morris subpoena decision expected
OVER THE MOON: The second annual Lunar New Year Banquet, sponsored by AIDS Services in Asian Communities, brought together about 230 members of the LGBT and ally communities for a night of dinner and dancing Jan. 24. Cyndi Gutierrez, ASIAC HIV counselor (from left); Junnie Cross, ASIAC program manager; Miss Philadelphia 2008 Brintha Vasagar; and ASIAC board members Bich-Thuy Sim and Alan Sim posed for a picture during the banquet, which was held at Wokano Restaurant at 11th Street and Washington Avenue. The event, which raised about $17,700 for ASIAC’s programs, featured a 10-course Asian meal, a silent auction and a raffle. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Tennis league celebrates one year of play By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association, the city’s LGBT tennis league, will host its annual membership meeting this weekend to elect its new board and review its first year in operation, which was sprinkled with successes. PLTA formed in January 2008 as an outlet for LGBT and ally tennis aficionados and amateurs. The organization is a member of the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Alliance, which oversees about 40 international LGBT tennis clubs. Within its first year, the group has recruited 77 members, who have played a combined 5,000 games. PLTA communications director Rick Bluhm said the local LGBT community has been very responsive to the club. “There seems to be a great interest in the Philadelphia area for tennis,” Bluhm said. “Whenever we’ve been out at a recruiting table, people walk by and go, ‘Oh my gosh, tennis!’ There’s a love of this sport in the city.” Bluhm said the PLTA had 27 players join at its first membership meeting in April and, since then, about 10 new members have signed up each month during both the summer and winter seasons. Eric Wachter, PLTA president, said the rapid increase in membership exceeded his initial expectations for the league. “We began our first year thinking that 30
members would allow us to be sustainable after one year,” Wachter said. “To have nearly 80 dues-paying members after our inaugural season illustrates that the LGBT community in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley can support a prosperous tennis association.” The PLTA members run the gamut in age, from 18-50s; location, with members drawing from Philadelphia, the surrounding suburbs and New Jersey; and experience. Bluhm said the association is populated mostly by gay men, but several gay women and a heterosexual ally also play. The PLTA uses the standards set forth by the GLTA to determine which ranking a player should be given: A, B, C or D, depending on experience and skill level. Each classification of players then plays against one another so the competitions are evenly matched. Members can take part in formalized league play in either doubles or singles match-ups, which are held from 2-6 p.m. Saturdays and 9-11 a.m. Sundays, or can participate in noncompetitive social play with other members during these hours. Participants can also search through member profiles and request to play a match against another player in what the association refers to as “ladder” play, which can be scheduled on the members’ own time. Wachter said players also get together for social outings, which helps to strengthen the connections among them and solidify the league. “Membership provides a way for our group to enjoy tennis and make some friends in a
sport that isn’t as conducive to making friends as most team sports are,” he said. P LTA organizers keep track of the results of each match and post the rankings of their members on the league Web site throughout the season. The league holds matches in the summer at FDR Park in South Philly and at indoor locations throughout the winter. Bluhm said one advantage of playing in the PLTA is that the organization doesn’t require players to participate every weekend, allowing them the freedom to get as involved as their schedules allow. “Unlike softball, where you usually have to play every weekend on a team, there’s a lot of flexibility with tennis and, the way we have it set up, you’re encouraged to play every weekend, and some people even play twice, but it’s also OK if you skip a weekend here and there.” All members are encouraged to attend the league’s membership meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., to meet and greet fellow players and discuss the group’s progress. A major component of that progress will be the election of the league’s new board, which will be announced during the meeting. Bluhm said the league is always on the lookout for new members and will have a recruiting station at this year’s Equality Forum, OutFest and Pride. For more information, visit www.plta.us. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.
The city’s Police Advisory Commission plans to reach a decision next month about court-enforcement of its subpoena of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office for records related to the Nizah Morris case. Morris, 47, was a transgender woman who was found with a fatal head wound shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. She died two days later, on Dec. 24, 2002. The PAC has been investigating the case since 2003 to determine if police misconduct took place. But to date, the PAC hasn’t received all of the reports, interview notes, memoranda, cell-phone records and search warrants related to the Morris homicide. In August, the PAC subpoenaed the DA’s office for those records, but the DA declined to cooperate, citing privacy concerns and executive privileges. Police say they cannot supply any of the documents because the entire Morris homicide file has disappeared. At the PAC’s Jan. 21 meeting, chairperson Robert Nix said a decision about enforcing the subpoena in Common Pleas Court is expected by February’s meeting. The DA’s office has offered to allow PAC members to review some additional Morris records if a non-disclosure agreement is signed, but details of the proposed agreement haven’t been finalized. Cathie Abookire, a spokesperson for the DA’s office, has declined to specify the records contained in the DA’s Morris file, nor the conditions that would be placed on PAC members to review those records. The next meeting of the PAC is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at 34 S. 11th St., sixth floor. — Timothy Cwiek
DVLF gets sweet LGBT grantmaking organization the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund will host a Valentine’s-themed fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, 10 Avenue of the Arts. “Gold & Chocolate” will celebrate the recent $100,000-endowment bestowed upon the organization, and proceeds will benefit DVLF and the Elevator Fund at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Tickets to the event are $20 and attendees are also asked to donate a piece of jewelry. The individual who contributes the largest amount of jewelry will receive a complimentary overnight stay at the RitzCarlton. Tickets can be purchased at www.dvlf. org/goldandchocolate or at the door. For more information, call (215) 563-6417 ext. 117. ■ —Jen Colletta
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New gay allegations leveled at fallen church leader By Eric Gorski The Associated Press COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A young man who formerly attended New Life Church says that then-pastor Ted Haggard performed a sex act in front of him in a hotel room in 2006 and sent him explicit text messages. His hidden relationship with Haggard, the man said, was followed by a period of isolation, struggles with drinking, drugs and suicide attempts. Those latest allegations against Haggard, once an influential national evangelical leader, were reported Monday night by KRDOTV in Colorado Springs, which interviewed the man, now 25. In a statement earlier Monday, Haggard apologized for his “inappropriate relationship” with the former church volunteer, but said it did not involve physical contact. The newly disclosed relationship added a chapter to Haggard’s dramatic fall, which began in November 2006 when a Denver male prostitute alleged a cash-for-
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sex relationship with Haggard. Haggard confessed to undisclosed “sexual immorality” and resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of New Life Church. The latest revelations involve Grant Haas, who told the TV station that he met Haggard in 2005 when he was 22. He said he told Haggard that he had been kicked out of a Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for his “struggles with homosexuality.” “It seemed like at that moment his eyes lit up and his whole attitude towards me changed,” he told KRDO. Reached by text message Monday, Haas agreed to be identified by The Associated Press. Haggard’s statement also identified him. “I’m like, ‘This must be God,’” said Haas, who described wanting to be a pastor himself. “Why would this big guy, this big evangelical leader, be taking such an interest in me?” Haas told KRDO that one night in Cripple Creek, a casino town west of Colorado Springs, Haggard “asked me if we were going to be
godly or bad that night.” He said he told Haggard that he wanted him just to be his friend and pastor — but that Haggard masturbated in front of him. Haas also said Haggard at certain times sent him between 1,0002,000 text messages a month, some describing his sexual experiences and drug use from the road. After the Haggard scandal in November 2006, Haas said he contacted the church immediately. The church has said it struck a legal settlement with the man — it has not named Haas — in 2007 that paid him for college tuition and counseling as long as he did not speak publicly about the relationship. Brady Boyd, Haggard’s successor as pastor at New Life, called it “compassionate assistance — certainly not hush money.” According to documents Haas provided KRDO, he is to be paid $179,000 through 2009. Haas claimed the church didn’t follow through on promises to pay for counseling and medical treatment. “Their main focus was, you know, cover it up, don’t say anything,” he
said. “You’ll regret it if you come forward.” Haggard, in his statement Monday, said he met with Haas two years ago — after the first allegations came to light — and asked him “forgiveness for our inappropriate relationship.” Haggard’s wife and a representative of New Life Church attended the meeting, Haggard said. Boyd disclosed details of the relationship last Friday. He said then that evidence pointed to a longrunning “inappropriate, consensual sexual relationship.” On Monday, Boyd clarified that “sexual” didn’t necessarily mean physical contact. “Our hearts go out to everyone hurt by the inappropriate actions that took place under former Pastor Ted Haggard,” Boyd said in a statement. Boyd also suggested that the man would not have come forward if an HBO documentary on Haggard were not airing this week. On Sunday, Boyd told his congregation, “I’m sorry that this wound has been reopened for many of you.” Alexandra Pelosi, director of the
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HBO documentary, said Monday she was sorry if that was the case. “But this is what happens when you don’t handle things properly at the time,” said Pelosi, a daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “If the church had been 100-percent full disclosure at the time, maybe this wouldn’t be a problem now.” Haas maintains a Web site, on which he acknowledges that many people are visiting the site to learn about his experiences with Haggard. On the site, Haas identifies himself as a recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. His résumé says he was an intern at New Life Church in 2005 — the church described him as a volunteer — and currently works at an investment company as a retail account manager. “As far as my personality, I’m a fun, outgoing guy with a great sense of humor,” he says on the site. “I don’t take myself too seriously and have learned from my past experiences to laugh and enjoy life.” Haggard, 52, is married with five children. ■
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National Media Trail wins SAG Portland mayor won’t resign Penn award for ‘Milk’ over lying about teen
The Advocate reports Sean Penn has emerged as an early front-runner in the Oscar race after taking home top honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards Jan. 25. Penn took home the Best Actor prize for his performance as gay-rights activist/ politician Harvey Milk. The film was largely overlooked by the Golden Globes with Penn representing the film’s only nomination and losing to Mickey Rourke’s performance in “The Wrestler.” “As actors we don’t play gay, straight ... we play human beings,” Penn said as he accepted the award. “[I’m] so appreciative of this acknowledgment. This is a story of equal rights for all human beings. Thanks, Gus Van Sant, Lance Black, the counsel of Cleve Jones and the great Harvey Milk.”
Hawaii House backs civil unions
Portland Mayor Sam Adams arrives at City Hall on Jan. 26. Adams said Sunday he would not resign despite calls for him to do so after he admitted he lied and asked an 18-year-old to lie about their sexual relationship. AP Photo: Greg Wahl-Stephens The Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. — A week after knocking Portland for a loop by confessing that he had lied about having a sexual relationship with a teenager, Mayor Sam Adams is projecting an air of business as usual at City Hall. Reporters rushed to meet Adams as he walked toward the City Council chambers on Monday morning. He said only that he was happy to get back to work. The council members discussed a bridge project and didn’t talk about the last week’s events, which included calls for Adams to resign and days of seclusion during which the mayor said he consulted with friends and advisers about his future. After meetings with council members on Saturday, Adams said Sunday he would not resign despite calls for him to do so. “Tomorrow, I go back [to] work as your mayor. I know I have let you down and made mistakes. I ask your forgiveness,” Adams said in a statement. “I believe I have a lot to offer the city I love during this time of important challenges.”
Adams, who was just sworn in on Jan. 1, publicly apologized this past week for lying early in his campaign about the relationship with an 18-year-old male in 2005. The scandal has resulted in an investigation by the Oregon attorney general and has divided the city and its gay and lesbian community. The police union and four Portland newspapers have called for his resignation, but Adams has found strong support to remain, including a rally last Friday on his behalf at City Hall that drew more than 400 people. In his statement, Adams said he would “work harder than I ever have in my life” to help see the city through the tough economic times. Two of the leading business associations in Portland had taken a wait-and-see stance. Steve Holwerda, chairman of the Portland Business Alliance, said in a statement that the board had differing views on whether Adams should resign, but all agreed it was a critical time for the city and some of its major development projects. “Whether or not he stays in office should be based on whether he can lead our city
effectively and with the integrity that all our citizens deserve,” Holwerda said. The board of the Portland Area Business Association went further and said Adams should remain in office, but added, “pending the outcome of official investigation.” The teenager, Beau Breedlove, was a legislative intern when he met the mayor at age 17. He and the mayor both say their sexual relationship started after his 18th birthday, in June 2005. Breedlove, now 21, told The Oregonian last Saturday that the relationship was consensual. “I do not see any relationship that I ever had with Sam as me being taken advantage of,” Breedlove told the newspaper. “I do not feel like I was ever a victim.” When Adams confirmed the relationship this past week, he said it was inappropriate because of the age difference; Adams is now 45. He also said he lied early in his mayoral campaign and asked Breedlove to lie as well, because rumors at the time falsely suggested the relationship involved a minor. ■
The Honolulu Advertiser reports a majority in the state House has signed on to a bill that would legalize civil unions, giving the issue a chance of advancing this session after years of stagnation. Same-sex couples could have their civil union performed by a judge or member of the clergy and partners who enter into civil unions would have the same rights, benefits and protections as married couples. The state would also recognize civil unions, domestic partnerships or same-sex marriages validly performed in other states. “I think it’s just time,” said state House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro (D-33rd Dist.), who sponsored the bill. The state Supreme Court had ruled in 1993 that barring same-sex marriage could be a violation of equal-protection rights.
ABC leads in GLAAD Awards 365gay.com reports that, for the third year running, ABC leads in nominations for the 20th annual GLAAD Media Awards, with “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Ugly Betty” among its six contenders. The awards recognize fair and inclusive portrayals of the LGBT community and issues affecting them. The organization announced its 185 nominees in 41 categories Jan. 27. CBS earned four nominations and NBC nabbed two. The GLAAD Media Awards will be presented at three separate ceremonies: in New York on March 28, in Los Angeles on April 19 and in San Francisco on May 9. ■ — Larry Nichols
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Domestic-violence organization reaches out to LGBT youth By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Although domestic violence is typically considered an issue that only heterosexual women are faced with, one local organization is seeking to raise awareness about relationship violence among the LGBT youth community. Women Against Abuse, which serves nearly 11,000 women and children a year, recently launched an LGBT outreach campaign to educate local youth about the signs of abusive relationships and provide them with adequate resources for assistance. Azucena Ugarte, education and training coordinator at WAA, said the organization began meeting with focus groups at The Attic Youth Center in late 2007 to assess LGBT youth’s understanding of intimatepartner violence, a term Ugarte said she prefers to use so as not to exclude LGBT couples, or those who are dating but not cohabitating. “Our idea was to first gather information about how much youth already knew about dating violence,” she said. “We also wanted to see what kind of outreach materials we could develop to best target that community. It was interesting because this was one of the first times that people actually went directly to these youth and sat them down and said, ‘OK, what is your experience?’” Ugarte said the youth WAA representatives met with exhibited a basic understanding of the physical
and emotional signs of IPV. During one of the focus-group activities, Ugarte and her colleagues asked the youth to move to one side of the room if they agreed with certain statements, such as “Bruises are a sign of IPV” or “I know friends who are in abusive relationships.” Ugarte noted that when she posed the statement “Some LGBTQ youth are in abusive relationships,” the response was significant. “Most of them went onto the ‘disagree’ side of the room. Their reaction was, ‘Well, yes, some are, but no more than straight people.’ What we found was there was a fear of being stigmatized when talking about IPV,” she said. “They wanted it known that, yes, this is happening, but it’s not because we are gay, it happens everywhere. I think this is something we have to consider and
be careful of. This community has been stigmatized so many times, and we don’t want to give them anything else that makes them feel even more stigmatized.” Ugarte said many of the youth also offered the notion that they did not consider IPV between people of the same sex as serious as opposite-sex abuse. “For a girl it’s the idea that, ‘Well she’s my girlfriend and we’re equal, so how can she be abusive? I could defend myself if I wanted to.’ For a lot of the youth, it was hard to identify that it’s actually abuse even though it’s between two people of the same sex.” The youth also expressed reservations about contacting the authorities if abuse was occurring because of fear of LGBT discrimination or of having to out themselves to family or friends. “If a young man calls the police when his boyfriend is beating him up, the police are not going to react in the same way as if it were a girl calling. A lot of these youth think, ‘Where am I going to go? Nobody knows we’re a couple.’ If these youth need help, they may have to out themselves first, which is really hard for them.” Ugarte said WAA met with the youth in subsequent meetings and enlisted their opinions about what messages would be most useful in communicating with local LGBT youth about IPV and, from their input, constructed a campaign to
reach out to this community. In mid-2008, WAA produced a brochure, posters and other materials that detail the signs of abusive dating relationships and provide information on agencies that can assist victims, and distributed them to local organizations such as The Attic, Mazzoni Center, Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative and other youth- and LGBT-service organizations in the city. WAA also employed an internal educational component to ensure that the organization was well-equipped to work with LGBT youth seeking assistance. Ugarte said all WAA staff attended a training session about LGBT abusive relationships and a follow-up session that dealt with issues faced by the transgender community. “This started as a small project, but we knew that if we were going to do this the right way, we needed to be ready. Our services are not
only for women and not only for heterosexuals, but for everyone, but we thought that not all of our staff might be ready to provide the best services that they can to a very diverse population.” Ugarte added that the WAA staff was even more receptive to the training than she anticipated and that, although awareness about LGBT IPV is an ongoing process, it’s one the organization is excited to be participating in. “We still have work to do, but we’re going to hold our staff accountable, because we’re clear that these are services that we want to provide.” For more information on WAA, visit www.womenagainstabuse.org. Youth in need of assistance can also contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at (866) 331-9474 or by visiting www.loveisrespect.org. ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Gay leaders mull taking Triangle Medical General Practice Prop. 8 fight to 2010 vote By Lisa Leff The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Gay-rights activists are weighing the wisdom of rushing in front of voters a repeal of the state-ballot measure that banned gay marriage. While two initiatives seeking to undo Proposition 8 — the voterapproved measure — already have been submitted to the Secretary of State, pro-gay marriage leaders say 2010 may be too soon to bring the issue back before voters. “There is one thing worse than losing Proposition 8, and that would be losing again,” said Chad Griffin, a Los Angeles political consultant who organized Hollywood’s opposition to the ban. He was speaking to about 400 activists who gathered for a statewide planning summit here last Saturday. Although several legal challenges are pending before the California Supreme Court, the option of another ballot fight has been discussed as a backup strategy since Prop. 8 passed with 52 percent of the vote on Nov. 4. The court could render a decision as early as June. If the Supreme Court upholds the measure, that would leave same-sexmarriage supporters with a viable but tight window in which to prepare for a November 2010 rematch, said John Henning, executive director of the gay-marriage group Love Honor Cherish. “The deadline for us to be gathering signatures for a November
ballot initiative would actually be this fall,” Henning said. “We have to raise money, we have to train people how to gather these signatures and we have to get 10,000 people out doing something they may not be comfortable doing.” One of the initiatives submitted to the state for approval this month, launched by a gay-rights group in Davis, would repeal Prop. 8 outright. The second, initiated by two Los Angeles residents, would eliminate marriage as a statesanctioned institution and replace it with domestic partnerships for couples gay and straight. Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said she understands the urgency gay-marriage supporters feel. But ultimately, a decision on timing would have to be based on “what makes the most strategic and political sense” and “a full appreciation of the enormity of such an undertaking,” she said. Apart from the practical mechanics, another factor to consider is whether it would be possible to raise enough money for a serious campaign in a poor economy, Kendell said. Spending for and against Prop. 8 exceeded $75 million, making it the most expensive ballot fight on a social issue in the nation’s history. David Binder, a San Francisco pollster who conducted a postelection analysis of why voters supported Prop. 8, said aiming for November 2010 has several
advantages for same-sex-marriage supporters. For one, the disappointing outcome of the Prop. 8 fight has energized a lot of gay-marriage supporters and the momentum could be lost by waiting two more years, Binder said. Also, California voters will be going to the polls next year to elect a new governor to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger, so turnout is likely to be high. On the downside, passage of the measure indicates that large numbers of voters remain firmly opposed to same-sex marriage. There may not be time to change their minds in 21 months, Binder said. “There is significant groundwork that needs to be done, and I don’t know if it can be done that quickly,” he said. “You want to strike while the iron is hot, but moving too quickly and then losing would have an extremely damaging effect.” Despite the message of caution, several groups already have started raising money and organizing supporters with an eye toward next year. The Courage Campaign, an online political-advocacy group, held a training camp for gay-marriage activists on Sunday modeled after the grassroots-organizing method President Obama used early in his campaign for the White House. “I don’t think anybody knows when is the best time to go back,” Courage Campaign chair Rick Jacobs said. “My philosophy is having it go every time, and eventually we will win.” ■
Arkansas adoption battle heats up MARCH 21 - 27, 2008
Associated Press suburb that theThe mayor of the Athens of Kessariani has agreed to perform ROCK, Ark. — Attorney theLITTLE ceremony. “I haveDustin no objection to celebrating General McDaniel no longer this union so long as the is wants supporters of a new lawlaw aimed respected,” Mayorfrom Spyros Tzokas at banning gays adopting to said.a case challenging the ban. join It is uncertain whether the Earlier this month, McDaniel government will Press recognize the told The Associated he would marriage. supporters of the ban who welcome Theto join Greek government is want the lawsuit. But last preparing to filed introduce week, his office objectionscivilto a partnership legislation laterArkansas this year, request by the conservative grantingCouncil legal rights to unmarried Family to intervene. couples. But, it has notinsaid sameThe council notes its ifJan. 16 sex couples be included. request thatwould McDaniel previously opposed the measure to ban unmarried couples living together from adopting or fostering children. The ban went into effect Jan. 1 after voters approved it in November. The council said McDaniel may Moroccan Association for notThemake the same arguments Human Rights, along that supporters wouldwith in Human court, Rights Watch, has launched a petition following the imprisonment of six men for homosexuality. Moroccan police arrested the men
Gay men jailed in Morocco
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Human Rights and Human Rights reported Watch areSaturday. petitioning the Moroccan McDaniel’sfor a fair political-action government trial for the men and toalso protect rightto toa committee gave their $1,000 privacy. against the measure last campaign The groups are asking supporters fall. to show their opposition to Moroccan In addition, the council questions authorities sending commitment an e-mail to Gov. MikebyBeebe’s petitionmaroc@hrw.org. to rebuff the lawsuit because the governor previously opposed the ban, saying it would limit the number of homes for children who need them. Beebe is a defendant in the case as the state’s chief executive. In filings last Thursday, assistant Protestant groups Moscow attorneys general Joe inCordi and are trying to shutsaid down cartoon Colin Jorgensen thea attorney channel because they claim it general’s 33-page motion Jan. 16 promotes to dismiss thehomosexuality lawsuit was proofand of religious intolerance. McDaniel’s commitment to defend 2x2 broadcasts Western theChannel law. cartoons like “South Park,” which “Regardless of the personal some believe promotes “homosexual politics and policies of the elected propaganda.” attorney general, it is the legal Vitaly Vlasenki, a spokesperson for The Consultative Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches
Cartoons draw Russian ire
obligation of following his office in to defend built a cult Russia the lawsgaining and agencies of the state of despite just 1.9 percent Arkansas,” filings said. the audiencethe share in February. MTV in Russia The Arkansas chapteralsoof the shows “South Park,” but has yet American Civil Liberties Union to receive anyon criticism from sued the state behalf of 29 the adults Protestant group. and children from more than a dozen families, saying it unfairly discriminates and doesn’t put the best interest of children first. The AFC also argues it should be allowed to intervene because of its efforts to put the measure into It wasand announced March 14 that writing successfully campaign the second meeting of the European to get it on the November ballot and Transgender held approved by Council voters. will The be council this Germany. said year the ineffort cost 20,600 man The and $92,716, council, and comprised hours gives the of Europe, the groupTransgender a special interest in defending Transgender Network Berlin and the law. TransInterQueer will meet In addition, theBerlin, AFC wants the May 2-4 inArizona-based Berlin. Their last event Christian Alliance was heldFund in Vienna 2005. to help Defense to beinallowed Representatives from international defend the law in court. ■ activist groups and experts such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are expected to attend
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Editorial
Mayoral scrutiny This week, Portland, Ore.’s openly gay mayor decided to keep his job after it became public that he lied about having a sexual relationship with an 18-yearold male, and critics had called for his resignation just three weeks after he was sworn in. According to reports, Sam Adams, 45, had instructed his onetime lover, Beau Breedlove, to stay mum about their relationship during his election campaign and denied it had happened after he was accused of having a relationship when the teenager was 17. Both say the sex in the relationship began after the younger man turned 18. It seems as though Adams’ critics have been holding him to a higher standard than heterosexual counterparts, where men routinely have relations with just-turned-18 women and there’s a term for older women who pursue younger men: cougars. Portland has a progressive reputation, and as the first major American city with an openly gay mayor, it seems unsure that it can handle the scrutiny. But the city has weathered sex scandals before, most notably that of former Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, alleged to have had a three-year sexual relationship with an underage girl when he was Portland’s mayor in the 1970s. In that case, the statute of limitations had expired by the time the allegations were made public; more than one public official turned a blind eye at the time. While the Goldschmidt case was clearly abuse, he was never prosecuted. However, the state attorney general is currently investigating Adams. The discouraging pattern seems to be that when a male public official is found to have had a same-sex affair, he’s generally forced to resign. For some, it has been situational — if he’s a so-called man of God or espouses family values, is in the closet and has most likely committed a crime, he’s more likely to be forced out of his job (Rep. Mark Foley from Florida, Pastor Ted Haggard, though neither faced criminal charges, and Idaho Sen. Larry Craig). Others, like openly gay Rep. Barney Frank, have endured sex scandals and kept their jobs. Perhaps the openness about one’s sexuality is the difference: When an openly gay man stands accused (fairly or not), the LGBT community is more likely to stand by him. If a closeted individual/homophobe stands accused, it’s not the community’s concern. ■
Correction: In “Family Portraits: Ricky McIntire” (Jan. 23-29), the article incorrectly stated McIntire’s tenure at Woody’s. He has worked at 2-4/Pure since 1990 and at Woody’s since the Weiss brothers bought it two years ago.
Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)
Other Views
Jennifer Vanasco
The fluidity of female desire Female desire is complicated. Lesbians know this. We know it because of “lesbian bed death” — that phenomenon that makes long-term couples sink into acting like roommates. And we know it because all of us have friends who have come out late in life, or who have gone back to men, or who say that they’re “attracted to a person, not to a gender.” Now we have research that — well, if it doesn’t quite explain what’s going on — at least confirms our intuition that female desire is messier and perhaps more expansive than that of men. Men, say researchers, are easy. A New York Times story on female desire looks at the studies of Meredith Chivers at Queen’s University in Ontario. When gay men are shown films of gay sex or a man masturbating, they get aroused. And they know it. With straight men, it’s similar — show them heterosexual sex or female masturbation, and they get excited and know it. But women are different. Show women film of heterosexual sex, gay male sex or lesbian sex and women, lesbian or straight, get hot. What is interesting, however, is that even though their bodies are responsive, women don’t always know they are feeling desire — so, a woman who calls herself straight will say that she is only responding to the heterosexual sex videos, even though she is actually
responding in the same degree to everything; and a lesbian will think that she is only responding to lesbian sex, even though she has the same degree of physical arousal when it comes to films of gay male sex or heterosexual sex. Other researchers say that although men with the highest sex drives have a “more polarized attraction than most males” — meaning if they’re gay they’re really only attracted to men, with women, “the higher the drive, the greater the attraction to both sexes.” The article, though, adds the caveat, “This may not be so for lesbians.” Female desire is complicated indeed. Researchers are divided over whether this male/female difference is due to biology, hormones, culture or a confluence of the three. What they do know is that women feel desire in the mind, no matter what is happening in the body. Some women can think themselves into orgasm (lucky women!). Some women are more turned on by the idea of unfamiliarity, of sex with strangers (thus lesbian bed death); others find their desire dictated by intimacy and emotional connection (hence the women who are “heteroflexible”). These things are independent of physical arousal, since physical arousal for women happens all the time. “Fluidity is not a fluke,” sexologist Lisa Diamond told the Times. Of the women who told Diamond that they
were lesbian, only one-third reported attraction solely to women. The other two-thirds felt genuine, periodic attraction to men. This means that, if we were all honest in our labeling, the majority of women would need to call ourselves “bisexual” or “queer,” instead of “straight” or “gay,” as we do. The research says that there are far more women attracted to people of both sexes than there are women who are attracted to only one sex. If only one-third of lesbians are completely women-centered when it comes to desire — and only 2 percent of the country is lesbian — then that is a tiny number, about 2 million. Yet despite all our focus on processing and intimacy, we need to remember that lesbians — and all women — also have an expansive sexuality. We underrate ourselves by focusing on “lesbian bed death” instead of all the ways we are sexual. Thank goodness for the surge in queer burlesque shows, sexy lesbian club nights and the last season of “The L Word,” all of which remind us that lesbians are sexy, and sexy is fun. Female desire is complicated; how we experience lust is complex. Here’s to more sex for women, however we label ourselves. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist. E-mail her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Mark My Words
Street Talk
Mark Segal
40 years of activism, political progress So what have I learned in the last 40 years? Politics never ends, and if you’re a community that is struggling for equal rights, dealing with the political system is key to accomplishing your goals. Why mention this now, after a tiresome two years of the presidential race? We’re now in the local political season, which ends with the Pennsylvania primary on May 17. This election is all about the race for Philadelphia District Attorney and judicial retention. The DA’s office sets the tone for law enforcement in the city, prosecutes hate crimes, investigates unsolved cases — such as the homicide of Nizah Morris — and, most importantly, can testify in support of or opposition to pending legislation in City Council and the state Legislature. We also will be voting for judges. One of the most notable is the retention of Dan Anders. As many of you know, Anders was the first LGBT person to be appointed to the bench by a governor of Pennsylvania, in this case, Gov. Rendell. Anders joined Anne Butchart as the only openly gay members of the Court of Common Pleas.
Anders’ time on the bench has spotlighted the professionalism, fairness and abilities of this community. He has reached out to every constituency in the city as an openly gay judge. His judicial temperament has won him praise and again proven to the career politicians that having an openly gay judge on the bench can create diversity but also be an asset. Anders has made us all proud. Others from our community will also be running for judge. Leon King 2nd, the city’s first openly gay prison commissioner, is a candidate. And, believe it or not, there’s an openly gay Republican candidate in Montgomery County. This is just the prelude to the upcoming election for City Council, for which several in our community are eyeing a run. As I mark my 40th anniversary as a gay activist — May 10, to be exact — I’ve seen our community grow from one under siege by law enforcement and the legal, political, religious and medical communities to one that is embraced by most. And with education and outreach, we will reach that summit. What an incredible 40 years. And, noting these candidates, a great way to celebrate. ■
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
Letters and Comments Obama was best choice; Warren, not so much Like David Nelson [Letters, Jan. 9-15], I applaud the good work Rick and Kay Warren are doing against HIV/AIDS. And I agree that AIDS is a gay community issue. But I wonder if they would be so involved if it were “just” a gay issue. They have not spoken out in favor of any other issue that is of importance to our community. And Rick Warren is terrible on the issues of women’s reproductive freedom and stem-cell research. In fact, his values aren’t far from Baby Bush’s. Yes, I know, President Obama has said he is not for samesex marriage, but none of the candidates (including Hillary) had the gumption to come out for same-sex marriage. When the choice came down to Obama and Sen. McCain (who was a staunch Bush supporter), it was a no-brainer. However, Obama just needs a dose or two of activism (one march on Washington, D.C., didn’t keep Clinton honest). We must keep our eyes on Obama and the Democrats! Jean Carminati Philadelphia Regarding “Settlement reached in protest dispute,” Jan. 16-22, in
which the city settled with Repent America head Michael Marcavage: “In the settlement, the city agreed to pay Marcavage $4,000.” He filed his lawsuit four years ago. Did he represent himself? Because otherwise, he’s spent a lot more than $4K. Great big victory for the homophobes, isn’t it? — Bill M. Regarding “HBO slights gay bishop,” Jan. 16-22: The headline should read OBAMA SLIGHTS GAYS... AGAIN! The author is incorrect in making it sound like HBO had anything to do with it when it is stated in the article that the Obama team took full blame. Gays, WAKE UP!!! 1- Despite pleas from gay leaders, Mr. Obama refused to convince his African-American supporters in California that ANY discrimination is wrong. Their vote directly led to Prop. 8 passing. 2- Mr. Obama chose Rick Warren to deliver the very first official words of his administration. There are many. many other choices that would have extended an olive branch to the conservatives without totally
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Can Philadelphia support two LGBT film festivals?
Jude Murro student Washington Square West
Hannah Ragan jeweler South Philadelphia
“Yes, I think you’ll have people attending both events. Just make sure it’s welladvertised and you get the word out. The competition might increase the quality of the offerings.”
“No. All effort directed into one event probably would be more productive. Do one big event well and it will be successful. You’ll have a better turnout, rather than splitting into two [events].”
Christopher Terrell printmaker Center City
Natalee Wong student Center City
“No. The city can barely support one Mummers Parade. A second film festival might dilute the effort to the point of extinction. Keep it to one.”
“Absolutely. Center City is known for its love of the arts. I have faith that both festivals will be supported. The more art, the better. Have it be accessible to as many people as possible.”
offending the gay population. 3- In an effort to avoid bad press, Mr. Obama offered Rev. Robinson the “pre-game” at the pop concert. Then promptly made sure no one saw or heard him. Sure, the [White House] Web site can make it sound like we’re in for a gay wonderland. but as always, actions speak louder than words. — Michael H. Regarding the obituary of John Mandes: John “is” a wonderful human being who shared his unique spirit with his students and colleagues while serving as a faculty member here at COD ... those who knew him share that spirit every day. — Jack Tapleshay The obit is beautiful. Thank you so much. I was really concerned that my good words about John not take away from all the important work done by past editors and Mark. And you hit the mark perfectly. Thanks again. PGN is in good hands. John would be very happy. — Al Patrick
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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30 years ago in PGN Sen. moves to ban gay officers Former Pennsylvania Sen. Clarence Bell introduced a bill Jan. 16 that would prohibit openly gay individuals from obtaining employment at numerous state agencies. The bill would have banned openly gay individuals, along with sex offenders, from being hired as state police officers or corrections workers or in positions where they could come into contact with mentally ill, mentally retarded or physically handicapped patients, as well as juveniles and orphans. According to the bill, an employer who knowingly hires an “admitted homosexual” could be fired, fined up to $300 and imprisoned for up to 90 days. A similar bill was introduced in the previous legislative session but did not pass. Bell served six years in the Pennsylvania House and 41 in the Senate, and at the time of his death in 2002 was the longest-serving public official in the state.
Mayor shares screen with Anita Bryant Pittsburgh mayor Richard Caliguiri appeared on a fundraising telethon on Christian talk show “The 700 Club” alongside antigay crusader Anita Bryant. In an ad for the telethon, Caliguiri was included as one of several “notables in the fields of sports, entertainment, education and government” slated to participate in the telethon, which sought to “highlight the international work of the viewersupported ‘700 Club’ and its worldwide counseling ministry.” In addition to Bryant, the telethon, hosted by “The 700
Club” host and founder of Christian Broadcasting Network Pat Robertson, featured Christian musicians Pat and Debby Boone and author Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Caliguiri had already drawn the ire of the Pittsburgh LGBT community when he commented that gay bars in the city were “an affront to all of Pittsburgh.”
Community lays legislative goals Attendees at the Lesbian and Gay Town Meetings held in December and January formulated a list of legislative demands for candidates in the May 1979 primary election. The LGBT platform called on the mayoral candidates to pledge to issue a proclamation banning discrimination against LGBT employees in city agencies and private firms that contract with the city. The community also urged candidates to create a Mayor’s Council on Sexual Minorities, similar to a state-level agency that existed at the time. The platform also demanded that City Council pass a comprehensive gay-rights bill that would include sexual orientation in the city’s nondiscrimination law, and encouraged the police commissioner to institute training for police officers on how to approach issues involving the LGBT community. “The point of this platform is to get the candidates’ position on the record,” said Larry Gross, who oversaw the formulation of the platform. “From this platform we can discuss what candidates we are interested in and how much we’ll expect from them.” City Council expanded the city’s nondiscrimination law to include the LGBT community in 1982. ■ — Jen Colletta
DRAKE From Page 1 injury depend upon the assistance of others, they also need to remain committed to reestablishing their independence. “TBI recovery is kind of like parenting: You need a close eye for a while, then the only way to see how well you’ve done is for caregivers to stand back and let the TBI-endurer see how far they can progress,” he said. “It’s easier for people to take care of you, for them to fit you into what a TBI person is or should be and does.” He added: “People can get addicted to caregiving and, in my recovery, I frequently have to judge between asserting my independence and pissing people off. I am recovering from a violent, intimate physical and mental assault, but I resolutely feel that the greatest way I can honor the investment of love, capital and time — or all three — in my recovery is by regaining my independence. Coddling me is pointless for all. Any parent knows you learn by making mistakes, then correcting them. But, in order to do that, you have to be allowed to make the mistakes in the first place. Recovery from a hate crime is, ideally, ongoing, as are the needs for assistance if you decide to pursue them.” Drake noted that while the local LGBT community was supportive of him following the attack, he said he’s seen that support dwindle in the past few years. He said he thinks some people have given up on his recovery, although he has not. “The trouble was and is recovery is a long, drawn-out, slow process. People have short attention spans. Volunteers burn out quickly, and replacing them is not easy. The benefit is I’ve been able to recover at my own pace. Ten years out and I’m still trying to walk.” Drake said he’s still not willing to accept that he’ll be confined to the wheelchair for the rest of his life. He currently works on walking several times a week and, although he admitted that he does get discouraged and give up occasionally, he always gives it another shot; he’s just in need of volunteers and trainers to assist him in his efforts.
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 “Since day one, my main trouble and that has made all the difference.’ has been balance. And it’s the kind I’ve been too focused on recovery to of thing whose coming back is be angry ... much.” Drake said that over the past never certain. As I understand it, all you can do is practice; either it will 10 years, he’s researched the resources available to victims of come back or it won’t.” Drake said he believes re- antigay hate crimes and, while immersing himself in the local he’s found a plethora of agencies community would serve as an that seeks to stem the tide of such added motivator, but that his social crimes, very few actually provide inclinations have also been hampered by the attack. “I firmly believe that to re-learn a habit like walking, you need practice, practice, practice and socialization. Do you know how hard it is to make friends when you have slightly slurred speech from scarring on your voice ROBERT DRAKE, BEFORE THE ATTACK box, when they PGN file photo had to shove a trache down your throat just to keep you alive? support to those who’ve already When you were outgoing, but now been victimized. Building on his you’re pathetically shy because you own experiences, Drake plans to don’t trust yourself to tell good from institute a new organization, Hate Crimes R Us, which will provide bad people and situations?” Drake’s attackers, Glen Mahon assistance to individuals who’ve and Ian Monaghan, now 31 and found themselves victims of antigay 30, respectively, were found guilty bias. Drake will talk to local in October 1999 of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm and community members about his sentenced to eight years in prison. plans at a luncheon tomorrow At the time of Drake’s attack, at 2 p.m. at Knock, 225 S. 12th Ireland did not have hate-crimes St., to commemorate the 10th legislation on the books. anniversary of the attack. For more In September 2004, however, information on the event, contact a law went into effect that allows cafierow@yahoo.com. judges to impose stricter sentencing “We’re taxpayers and citizens for crimes motivated by a victim’s too. A bias crime is a bias crime. race, religion, sexual orientation Hatred, unlike homosexuality, is and mental or physical disability. learned. You choose to hate; you Drake said he was unsure if and don’t choose to be gay. At least I when Mahon and Monaghan were didn’t.” ■ released from prison, but that he’s tried not to be too preoccupied with Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com. his anger toward them. “I decided early on [that] I could either focus on getting even If anyone is interested in assisting or getting better,” he said. “To Drake in his recovery, contact PGN paraphrase Robert Frost in ‘The editor Sarah Blazucki at (215) 625Road Not Taken,’ ‘I chose the latter, 8501 ext. 206 or sarah@epgn.com.
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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NY court upholds gay-marriage benefits By Michael Virtanen The Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. — A midlevel appeals court last Thursday upheld New York’s policy granting health benefits to spouses of gay state workers legally married outside the state. Five Appellate Division justices, in two concurring decisions, rejected claims that the state Department of Civil Service exceeded its statutory authority in granting healthinsurance benefits to same-sex partners legally married elsewhere. The justices upheld a 2008 ruling from a lower court in Albany,
ADVOCATES From Page 1 and advocacy landscape positions the organization not only to continue our work across Pennsylvania on behalf of the LGBT community, but expand it.” Zeitlin, who is openly gay, graduated from the former Beaver College in 1963 and received her law degree from Villanova University in 1978. Zeitlin has lent her talents to numerous local organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the AntiDefamation League, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, the Philadelphia Bar Association and Liberty City Democratic Club, and served as a board member at Equality Forum. “We are thrilled to have someone of Lynn’s caliber and experience,” said EAP board president Virginia Gutierrez. “Lynn brings a wealth of experience, a visionary leadership style and a passion for equal rights. The board is looking forward to partnering with Lynn to move the organization forward.” Zeitlin said she was initially drawn to Equality Advocates because of its “triple mission of direct legal services, education and policy reform.” She said her firm does a lot of pro-bono work, which has allowed her to see firsthand the struggles of many city residents, including those in the LGBT community. “As an attorney, I’m very aware of the need for legal services for
rejecting a challenge on behalf of four upstate taxpayers brought by attorney Brian Raum, who is also counsel for the Christian-based Alliance Defense Fund. Justice Robert Rose noted that New York’s top court has ruled state law limits marriages conducted within the state to people of the opposite sex. But New York also recognizes valid marriages from elsewhere, except when strictly prohibited by a state statute or the union is considered “abhorrent to public policy,” such as incest, polygamy or when someone was under the age of consent. “Our courts have narrowly
construed these two exceptions, applying the marriage-recognition rule to recognize a wide variety of out-of-state marriages that would not qualify as marriages if they had been solemnized in New York,” Rose wrote. No New York statute specifically precludes recognition of same-sex marriages from elsewhere, nor does the state’s public policy abhor it, he wrote. Justices Karen Peters and Anthony Kane agreed. In a separate concurring decision, Justice John Lahtinen wrote that state workers have been entitled for more than a decade to get health coverage for a same-sex domestic
people who cannot afford to pay legal fees, and certainly in the LGBT community there are many people who need services and have nowhere to go to hire a lawyer,” she said. “Hopefully they know to call Equality Advocates to get the help that they need.” Zeitlin noted that education is an integral component in bringing about viable policy reform in Pennsylvania. She said she’s always surprised to learn that many LGBT Pennsylvanians aren’t aware that — excluding a handful of jurisdictions such as Philadelphia — it’s legal to fire someone in the state simply for being gay. “A lot of times that comes as a complete shock to a lot of people, and they should be aware of the need to correct that by legislation and help Equality Advocates move toward that goal,” she said. “Policy reform has to be a grassroots effort and we need to identify affinity groups who share our mission of establishing full equality under the law for all LGBT people and their families, children and their extended families. This is a great chance to make a huge difference, particularly in light of what we’re seeing on a national level, which is, from my perspective, a very exciting, energized group of people after Proposition 8 passed in California who see the movement toward full equality and full rights for LGBT people as the 21st-century civilrights movement.” Zeitlin said that in the coming months, she will work with LGBT
community leaders and state legislators to bolster support for a statewide nondiscrimination bill and the re-inclusion of the LGBT community into the state’s hatecrimes law. Zeitlin said she will also strive to fend off efforts to pass an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution banning same-sex marriage. “The Pennsylvania state legislature has a very strong rightward bend, and it’s very difficult to get legislation passed that helps with any opening-up or liberalization of rights,” Zeitlin said. “However, I think things are changing and I think that’s not an excuse to fail to make the effort to get our views known. I’m a firm believer that people will listen to you if you make a case that is sensible and fair. I think a lot of people in the straight world will be at least accepting of the concept that fairness includes employment rights, includes housing rights, includes education rights for everyone.” Zeitlin encouraged members of the local LGBT community to contact Equality Advocates if they need assistance and urged those who want to lend their time or services to the mission of Equality Advocates to do so. “We’re going to try and make a real effort to expand our volunteer base and our donor base, so we need all the help we can get across the state of Pennsylvania to accomplish our goals.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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partner. The practical effect of the civil-service ruling was to give an out-of-state marriage certificate the same weight as the affidavit required to get such employee benefits. The policy change initiated in May 2007 under then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer affected spouses of state and municipal workers married in Canada, Massachusetts, California and other places where same-sex ceremonies are or were legal. That was “a narrow accommodation to state employees in an area where the legislature has specifically accorded the [Civil Service] Commission broad
discretion,” Lahtinen wrote. Justice Bernard Malone Jr. agreed. Raum said they plan to ask New York’s top court to hear the case on appeal. “Until the Court of Appeals does address it, it’s not going to be resolved,” he said. He said Lahtinen and Malone seemed to understand that the broader issue affects New York’s citizens as a whole and should be decided by the legislature. “Action taken by the state pertaining to its own employees is different from changing longstanding law that affects all of the state’s citizens,” Lahtinen wrote. ■ A Loving Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics & our allies invites you to celebrate
Sunday Mass, 7:00 PM Social immediately following Mass
Please Join Us! - Services are held at St. Luke & the Epiphany 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request. Information: 215-546-2093 www.dignityphila.org www.dignityusa.org
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Friday, February 13: Tu B’Shevat seder, 8:00 PM. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to the BA phone line by Feb.6th so we can plan accordingly. Sunday, March 1, 3:00 PM: the Folksbiene Troupe returns to the RS Teller Auditorium for an afternoon of Yiddish theater. Saturday, March 14, the world-renowned BA Players present a brand new Purim shpiel, “My Fair Esther,” 7:00 PM. 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. Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 14
On Being Well
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Tony Daniel
Ways to take control of your health One year ago, on the eve of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2008, thenpresidential candidate Barack Obama said: “We have to overcome the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS in the African-American community ... We need to talk about [it] in our homes, in our schools and in our churches. We need to encourage folks to get tested ... In short, we have to take this on clearly and directly.” A little more than one week ago, millions the world over watched history unfold as Obama became the first African American to become president of the United States, and
he has pledged to make reducing HIV/AIDS infection, particularly among black Americans, a priority of his administration. But he also made it clear that all Americans have a responsibility to do their part to end the many social ills that plague our nation and its people, including HIV/AIDS. Health disparities in African Americans and other minority populations are well-documented in the United States. When compared to whites, we have a higher incidence of chronic diseases, higher mortality rates and poorer health outcomes. African Americans have a 10percent-higher incidence of cancer and are twice as likely to develop diabetes as whites. Additionally, we have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, stroke and of course HIV/ AIDS. Of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., HIV/AIDS has hit African
Americans the hardest. Even though blacks account for only about 13 percent of the U.S. population, they comprise nearly half (49 percent) of the people who get HIV and AIDS. African Americans who get AIDS typically do not survive as long, or as well, as other ethnic groups. HIV/ AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women ages 25-34 and the second-leading killer among black males of the same age group. Interestingly — perhaps shockingly — the reasons HIV/ AIDS takes such a heavy toll on black Americans is not directly related either to race or ethnicity, but rather to some of the barriers faced by African Americans. These barriers include poverty (and the resultant lack of access to care), sexually transmitted diseases and stigma, negative attitudes and beliefs directed at people with HIV/AIDS or people whose behaviors may put
them at risk for contracting HIV, such as gay and bi men. What we can do — as individuals, as a community Of course, the most obvious way to avoid becoming infected with the HIV virus is simply to abstain from sex. Wait, did I say that was “simple?” OK, OK. So, if you are sexually active, then here are some steps you need to take: Take the test. You need to know your own HIV status. It only takes a few moments and will save you a lifetime of anxiety and worry. And more importantly, it could save your life or that of your partner(s). Talk about it. You need to be able to talk openly and honestly with your partner(s) about your HIV and STD status and theirs. Learn as much as you can about their past behaviors (sex and drug use) and be honest with them about your own. Consider the risks to each other’s health. Use a condom. A latex condom and water-based lubricant, each and every time you have sex, will greatly diminish your chances of becoming infected, or if you are positive, transmitting the virus to another. Stay clear-headed. Drugs and alcohol can cloud your judgment and sometimes lead to risk-taking that you otherwise would not pursue. Keep a clear mind and use good judgment. Take care of yourself. This may
seem trite, but it is still sound advice and applies not only to sexual health but across the spectrum. Get regular health check-ups. If you don’t have a doctor, utilize the city’s healthcare centers. They offer comprehensive medical care for your entire family, including medical check-ups, family planning, pregnancy-options counseling, prenatal care, well-baby care, blood tests, X-rays, medication, baby shots, flu shots for older adults and TB immunizations, even basic dental care. Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day, and this year’s theme is “Black Life is Worth Saving,” but it is up to each one of us to claim a better life for ourselves and our community, and to hold ourselves accountable for our own health. And we can honestly say that the black life we save may one day be president of the United States. Obama’s vision of a healthy change for black America is within our grasp, but only if we, as African Americans and Americans, are part of the equation! ■ Tony Daniel is community-relations manager for Mazzoni Center’s community-based CTR/STD services program. Mazzoni Center offers confidential/anonymous HIV testing and counseling in Philadelphia’s communities of color aboard its mobile testing unit as a partner in The Collective. Visit www.mazzonicenter. org for more information.
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By Ben Neary The Associated Press CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A bill that would let Wyoming voters decide whether to amend the state constitution to deny state recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere has been introduced in the Wyoming House. A similar bill has stalled in the Senate Education Committee. Rep. Owen Petersen (R-Lyman) is the main sponsor of the House bill. He declined comment on it on Monday, saying he won’t discuss it until it hits the floor. Focus on the Family Action, a Colorado Springs, Colo.-based evangelical group, has been lobbying in Wyoming in favor of passing the measure. The group has called some Wyoming voters to encourage them to lobby senators to support it. Opponents of the bill, including the group Wyoming Equality, characterize the proposal as an attack on the gay community. Existing Wyoming law states that only marriages between a man and a woman may be conducted in the state. However, the state currently
is bound to recognize marriages performed in other states, some of which allow same-sex marriages. Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only states that now allow gay marriage. Thirty other states have placed bans on gay marriage into their state constitutions. California voters passed such a ban last fall despite strong opposition from that state’s gay and lesbian community. Rep. Bob Brechtel (R-Casper), a co-sponsor of the Wyoming proposal, said he and other supporters are motivated by trying to preserve traditional marriage — and not by any antigay sentiment. “We’re not trying to tell anybody how to live their lives,” Brechtel said. “If people want to have some kind of civil union, that’s entirely their business. This is not meant to discriminate against any human person.” Brechtel added: “There is an outgrowth of Judeo-Christian principles and values that has traditionally made families strong. And as one example, we know for a fact that there are social implications in children living without a mommy or a daddy.”
The Trans-Health Information Project will hold a drop-in center for all trans persons from 7-11 p.m. oor; Bob Spencer is a spokesperson forThe Wyoming Equality, a group Humboldt Society, a gaythat and works LGBT issues the state. lesbianonnaturalist club,in will meet He said he the measure at 7:30 p.m.believes at the William Way clearly is an attack on Wyoming’s gay Ties community, despite That Bind Us,supporters’ a 12-step claims to the contrary. “That’s the same thing that’s always said,” Spencer said. “And it is an antigay thing. Otherwise there wouldn’t be an opposition to it.” Rep. Steve Harshman (RCasper) said he’s co-sponsoring the measure because his constituents overwhelmingly support it. He said the bill is not an attack on the gay and lesbian community. “We put restrictions on all kinds of things that some folks want to call social or moral issues,” he said. “We do that all the time. Societies have always done that.” If the measure comes up in the House, there will likely be spirited debate. Rep. Pete Jorgensen (D-Jackson) said Monday that he believes the issue should be left to the choice of the individuals involved. “It is a philosophical position on both sides of the argument, and has no place in a state statute,” he said. ■
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Court upholds New Orleans’ custom PHILLIP R. REEVES, MD PSYCHIATRY FOR LGBT COMMUNITY portraits domestic-partner policy By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans had the right to offer health benefits to unmarried domestic partners of city employees, a state appeals panel has ruled. Three judges from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a Christian group’s argument that the city violated the state constitution and public policies that favor marriage over unmarried cohabitation. The city’s policy covers same-sex and opposite-sex couples who are living together. The Alliance Defense Fund also said the city ordinance that extended health benefits to samesex couples violates terms of the state’s constitutional ban on gay marriage, but the Fourth Circuit
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didn’t rule on that argument. “We are not persuaded by the plaintiffs’ argument that the registry ordinance would confuse the marital status, rights and benefits accruing to married persons ‘as they drive from Lafayette’ to New Orleans,” the judges wrote in the Jan. 15 ruling, noting that New Orleans’ policy “creates no obligations between the parties who choose to register.” Mike Johnson, a Shreveportbased lawyer for the ADF, said the group may ask the Louisiana Supreme Court to review the ruling. “To us, it was a common-sense, obvious violation of the state constitution,” Johnson said of the city’s ordinance. “It still seems that obvious to us.” A spokesperson for the city didn’t immediately return a call for
comment. The Defense Fund sued the city on behalf of a group of New Orleans taxpayers. Lambda Legal, which advocates for the civil rights of LGBT people, intervened in the case and supported the city’s position. “The practical effect,” said Lambda Legal attorney Kenneth Upton Jr., “is that the employees who have a same-sex partner can continue to insure them.” Before 1997, only married spouses were eligible for coverage under the city’s healthcare program. At least 132 people registered as domestic partners between 1997-2003, but only about 10 city employees had registered domestic partners who were receiving health benefits as of August 2003, according to the Fourth Circuit’s ruling. ■
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PAGE 16
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
International News
Larry Nichols
Iceland may appoint lesbian PM
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The fall of Iceland’s government could pave the way for the world’s first lesbian prime minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir. The government collapsed after it was unable to weather the financial crisis, which had severely affected the Icelandic banking system. The President of Iceland recently asked Social Democratic Party leader Ingibjorg Gisladottir to try to form an interim administration after the country’s prime minister stepped down and the entire Cabinet resigned on Jan. 26. A general election has been called for May 9. Former Prime Minister Geir Haarde had hoped he and his Independence Party could continue in coalition with the Social Democrats, but negotiations broke down on Jan. 26 and the coalition was dissolved. “I have decided to ask the leaders of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Party to engage in conversation about forming a new minority government backed by the Progressive Party,” said President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson on Jan. 27. “Therefore, I give Ingibjorg Gisladottir the mandate to lead the talks.” Gisladottir, 54, recently had brain
FINANCIAL CRISIS TOPPLES ICELAND: Prime Minister Geir Haarde (right) addresses journalists at the parliament in Reykjavik, Iceland, Jan. 26. Haarde said the nation’s coalition government had collapsed amid a deepening financial crisis; an out lesbian, Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, may serve as interim prime minister. AP Photo: Brynjar Gauti surgery and is reportedly going to appoint Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir as interim prime minister. “We have taken the baton — the government should be operational before the weekend,” she said after the president’s statement. If chosen, Sigurdardottir, 66, will become the first openly gay or lesbian person to become a head of government. She has been a member of Parliment since 1978 and was
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recently voted the most popular politician in Iceland.
Sweden considers gay weddings Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt announced on Jan. 21 that legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry is on track and should become law by May 1. Reinfeldt said he is confident the legislation will be approved by Parliament despite the lack of support from one of the parties in his four-party coalition government. The junior Christian Democrats said they are not opposed to giving same-sex couples all of the rights of marriage but are against using the word marriage. The opposition Social Democrats have endorsed the bill, and Reinfeldt said that even without Christian Democrat support, he has the votes to ensure passage. The bill would allow samesex couples to have either civil marriages or church weddings in those denominations that approve them. Sweden already allows civil partnerships. A parliamentary committee studying the issue in 2007 called civil partnerships outdated and recommended Parliament allow same-sex marriage. The Swedish Lutheran Church has offered blessing services for couples in civil unions since 2007 but has balked at allowing pastors to perform weddings for gay couples. The Lutheran Church comprises more than 70 percent of Sweden’s population, although few are
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 churchgoers. Until 2000, it was the state church in Sweden. Passage of the bill would make Sweden the fourth European country, after Holland, Belgium and Spain, to allow same-sex marriage. A marriage bill is under consideration in Norway. The United Kingdom affords gay couples all of the rights and obligations of marriage but without the name. Several other countries in the European Union, such as Germany and France, allow same-sex couples limited rights.
Internet crackdown targets gays The government of Bahrain has cracked down on a number of social-networking sites, a move that has hit the nation’s gay and lesbian population hard. The Islamic state is more liberal than neighbors like Saudi Arabia, but it still does not embrace gay people. The ban on social-networking sites, including a site known as Gaydar. com, has forced the country’s gay population to meet in public, placing them at risk for harm from family, friends and strangers. One gay Bahraini man said the crackdown would lead to pornography being sold on the black market. “I also think a lot of expats will end up leaving now,” said the man, who asked to remain anonymous. “They live here mainly because Bahrain is more liberal.”
Court OKs Turkish gay group Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals has overturned a lowercourt ruling that ordered the closure of the country’s largest LGBT civilrights group. Homosexuality has been decriminalized in Turkey as the country attempts to join the European Union, but gays and lesbians regularly report they are abused by police and discriminated against. Last April, for the second time in a year, police raided the offices of the Lambda Istanbul Cultural Center. A dozen police officers were armed with a search warrant that said the center was suspected of being a business that “facilitates prostitution, acts as a go-between [and] provides a place for [prostitution],” offenses criminalized under Turkey’s Penal Code. A judge, with little evidence from the prosecution, found the organization guilty and ordered police to seal the doors. The group appealed and the
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ruling rescinding the order was communicated to Lambda Istanbul’s lawyers on Jan. 20. The Supreme Court of Appeals rejected the local court’s decision on the grounds that reference to LGBT
the authorities was inadequate if not nonexistent.
Soccer fans banned for slurs
Four fans have been banned from British soccer games for three years after pleading guilty to yelling indecent chants at Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell during a Tottenham game that was marred by racist and homophobic crowd behavior. Seven more pleaded not guilty in the case opened at Portsmouth Magistrates Court. At the Sept. 28 game, police identified fans who allegedly aimed indecent, racist or homophobic chants at Campbell, who has been regularly criticized by Tottenham fans since he changed teams seven years ago. “There were families present, very young INDECENT FANS: Four British fans have children. We also been banned from soccer games for three heard from witnesses found the years after pleading guilty to yelling indecent who disgusting chants at player Sol Campbell (above) during behavior embarrassing,” this Sept. 28, 2008 game. Seven more and Susan pleaded innocent when the case opened at magistrate Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Jan. 20. Waddle told the four men who admitted to AP Photo: Tom Hevezi the charge. Waddle also fined people in the name and the statute them $500 and ordered them to pay of the association did not constitute opposition to Turkish moral values. $162 in legal costs. “No doubt you are upright The high court’s judgment also recognized the right of LGBT members of society, but in there you acted like animals, like a herd,” individuals to form associations. The case will now go back to the Waddle said. “This was welllocal court in Istanbul. That court rehearsed, everyone was in sync, is expected to uphold the Supreme everyone knew the words. It was not something that just happened on the Court of Appeals’ decision. “This is an important decision day. Whether or not Mr. Campbell upholding the rights of freedom of was offended, decent members of association and nondiscrimination,” the public found this very offensive said Andrew Gardner, Amnesty and so did the [court]. Anyone who International’s Turkey spokesperson. indulges in this disgusting behavior “The judgment should send a clear will be dealt with very severely by message to the authorities not to the courts.” interfere in the legitimate work of LGBT organizations.” Last year, international-advocacy group Human Rights Watch released a 123-page report detailing harassment and brutality against A Beirut-based gay-rights group gays and lesbians throughout that recently won an award for its Turkey. work is claiming brutality after two The report covered more than three years, documenting how men were beaten and arrested by gay men and transgender people soldiers. In a statement on its Web site, face beatings, robberies, police harassment and the threat of Helem condemned a recent attack where two gay men were having murder. Human Rights Watch said it found sex in the lobby of an uninhabited that, in most cases, the response by building in Ashrafieh, a suburb
Lebanese group condemns bashing
PAGE 17 of Beirut. They were allegedly discovered by Lebanese Army soldiers, dragged out into the street and severely beaten. “One, half-naked, was even exhibited to bystanders attracted to the show, just for fun,” according to Helem. Bystanders intervened and the beating ended. The men were held overnight at a military barracks and have been handed over to civil authorities. They remain in custody. “It is high time that the country’s lawmakers looked at an obsolete, ridiculous law that condemns and punishes homosexuality in Lebanon,” Helem said. “At a time when gay marriage is permitted in many countries, the authorities hypocritically deny the simplest expression of reality, but they will have to face it one day or another.” Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code prohibits sexual relations that are “contradicting the laws of nature,” which is punishable by up to a year in prison. The International Gay and
Lesbian Human Rights Commission recently announced that it would award its 2009 Felipa de Souza Award to Helem. Founded in 2004, Helem (Arabic acronym of “Lebanese Protection for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender”) is based in Beirut, with support chapters in Australia, France, Canada and the United States. The award recognizes the courage and effectiveness of groups or leaders dedicated to improving the human rights of LGBTI and other individuals stigmatized and abused because of their sexual orientation or HIV status. “The first organization in the Arab world to set up a gay and lesbian community centre, Helem’s work has consistently broken new ground in a country that criminalizes homosexuality and where violence and abuse are persistent problems,” the IGLHRC said. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
RuPaul launches reality competition On “Drag Race,” RuPaul hosts, mentors and judges drag contestants as they prepare for each challenge, ranging from photo shoots and fashion designing to makeovers and performing. Of course, the show bears more that just a passing resemblance to another high-profile reality show where contestants try to out-glam the competition with a generous sprinkling of catty behavior. But RuPaul isn’t naming any names. “I think the show honestly is a bit of everything,” she said. “That’s the nature of drag. Drag is allowed to borrow and have nods at every popculture entity. Drag is a sampling of the whole world. In its essence, drag is there to remind the culture to not take itself seriously. We poke fun at everything and always have throughout the ages.” Um ... riiight. Sure. “Drag Race” may have some
elements of shows like “American Idol” and “Top Design,” but RuPaul is beating around the bush with what is clearly the show’s main “I love mentoring the girls and inspiration. So we just had to come seeing what the new talent is out out and ask if “Drag Race” is aimed there,” drag superstar RuPaul said squarely at “America’s Next Top about her new show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Model.” The international celebrity and “Everyone brings that up,” she recording star said she hasn’t had said. “Everyone asks me about it. this much fun doing a TV show in Taking aim at that show? We’re taking aim at every show.” quite some time. “The production is the same Then we just had to ask: “So then, is everything cool between you and production company that did my Tyra?” show on VH1,” she said, referring to her short-lived talk show back “Still cool? Like we’re friends or something?” RuPaul answered with in the day. “Professionally, it was a chuckle. the most fun and the most beautiful This won’t have been the only working situation I’ve ever been in, time PGN made RuPaul laugh out and the same is true on this show. loud. But more on that later. Everyone in there wanted to be there. As reality shows go, “Drag Race” Everyone was so excited. To work on something that is a celebration of is about as classy as you can get and still be fun to watch. Or is it the color, beauty, love and music was other way around? Let’s just say it just a joy for everyone.” is heads, shoulders and wigs above your average show. (We’re looking at you, VH1. For the love of God, make it stop! No more “Rock of Love”! No more “Celebrity Rehab”! No more “Flavor Flav”!) The idea for “Drag Race” had been bouncing around inside RuPaul’s frosted afro wig for a while, as she mentioned it while promoting her excellently trashy exploitation movie “Starbooty” well over a year ago. She said it took a while to get the show going. “It takes a long time for all of that stuff to come around,” she said. “We shot that show in August and it will make its debut Feb. 2. I guess in the big picture, it’s not that long, but I’ve been sitting on a secret for a long time and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.” Compared to other reality shows, “Drag Race” lives up to its namesake with a quick and limited run of episodes, which is kind of sparse considering the number of hopefuls that auditioned for it. “We only have eight episodes, and I’d love to do the thousands that applied but we’ll have to save them for another season,” RuPaul said. “The producers and I chose 30 and then the network chose the final nine. There were some that we fought for after they chose the nine. There RUPAUL were some that we thought, On the cover: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants Tammie Brown (from ‘You guys, we have to put this left), Ongina, Rebecca Glasscock, Jade, RuPaul, Shannel (on tire), one in there.’ There were some Akashia, Nina Flowers, Victoria Parker and Bebe Zahara Benet ready for that didn’t make the cut that I competition. Photos: Logo was really dying to get on the By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer
SHANNEL
NINA FLOWERS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 show.” Unfortunately, there is also no hot-mess audition footage à la “American Idol” included on the show. (And yes, we are dropping hints for the inevitable DVD release.) In all seriousness, it is obvious the show means a lot to RuPaul, who said popular culture has been sorely lacking the art of drag for some time now. “In the past eight years, drag has really gone underground,” she said. “In times of fear in our culture, gender exploration always goes underground. People are afraid of that, especially in times of fear, which we’ve experienced politically, socially and culturally in this country. To bring drag back from the underground, I wanted to show young girls with a new aesthetic of drag and a fresh idea because we’re really introducing drag to the mainstream again for the first time in eight or 10 years.” RuPaul said the recent leadership
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS change in the nation should make the environment ripe for drag’s push to the forefront. “I think drag will go more mainstream,” she said. “Art, love, beauty, everything that has to do with expression is going to be opened up and blooming. It happened before where everything got shut down, but that is changing.” She added that “Drag Race” aims to illustrate that drag shouldn’t just be associated with fringe personalities. “It’s very easy to do, putting it in that box. People feel more comfortable with that than seeing it as something that we all do on some level. I say famously: You’re born naked and the rest is drag. A lot of people have a hard time accepting that because basically they’d have to deconstruct their own image of themselves and rebuild it. A lot of people don’t have the psychological tools to do that. It’s a daunting task.” How true. If someone wants to
JADE
be a model, she can go to modeling school. And people can take lessons to become more musically adept or learn how to dance. But what avenues exist for aspiring queens? “It takes time,” RuPaul said. “They have to do amateur nights and then hopefully join the cast of a show. Hopefully in the town that they live in, there’s a drag venue or community because a lot of places just don’t have it. It takes time and it takes diligence. But there is no school for it.” Looking at the show’s contestants, it’s obvious they all have their act down. RuPaul said the nine contestants on “Drag Race” are all seasoned practitioners of their craft. “The girls who were chosen for the show are all working showgirls, so they know how to put on a show,” she said. “We’re really looking for a girl who can really become America’s next drag superstar and fill my shoes. So these girls are very confident. To do for a profession something that our culture thinks of as subversive, dark-sided and just plain wrong takes a lot of courage. It takes a lot of chutzpah. These girls already have what it takes to overcome. These are not amateurs. These are girls who know who they are and they know what they are doing.” “Drag Race” covers a lot of drag ground, from ultra-glam practitioners all the way to the strikingly bold and punk-styled queens. The show also portrays the contestants outside of their drag personas, RuPaul included. RuPaul said that seeing the extent of their transformations is important to the show. “I listen to Allen Watts tapes before I go to bed,” she explained. “He’s a philosopher from the 1960s and early ’70s. He introduced the Tao and Zen Buddhism to the western world. One of the things he talks about is that there is no inside without an outside. You can’t describe who you are unless you describe the environment, the outside of you. A big part of drag is the mind behind the image. We wanted to show that. We wanted to show these girls as people. It allows the audience to see themselves more clearly. There is always at least two sides to every story.” That’s not to say the show gets all Oprah-like in its intentions. This is still a reality show with prizes at stake, such as $20,000 cash, a supply of M.A.C. cosmetics and a feature photo spread in Paper magazine. So while the relationships among the contestants start out cordial enough in the first episode, it isn’t long
PAGE 21 before the press-on claws come out. “As contestants get eliminated, the stakes are higher and it does get a little reality-show-like,” RuPaul said. “For the most part, these girls are very respectful. They’re professionals and they know what’s at stake. They know that we are looking at every aspect of their personality because that is part of the competition. My personality has allowed me to become a household name and I think part of that has to do with my good nature. You know, I’m not always good-natured. I’m a human being. I think they were mindful of how they behaved because they knew that they were representing and they would have to represent if they won the crown.” RuPaul also said that at least one contestant slipped into bitch mode on the show. “She got a lot of heat from the judges because of it. We all understand. You live long enough,
o Electronic PGN: www.epgn.com
you understand that when people are insecure and they feel threatened, a lot of times they react in a way that seems like they’re being disrespectful. I know I’ve done it. One of the girls in particular has to be put in their place.” Which brings us to the second time PGN gets a hearty cackle out of RuPaul. We foolishly, in the interest of equal time, asked if there was any talk of doing a drag-king version of the show. “No, there hasn’t been any talk of that,” she said, laughing long and hard. “That’s hilarious. It’s a possibility that it could come around, but right now, we’re celebrating the feminine.” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” debuts at 10 p.m. Feb. 2 on Logo. For more information, visit www. rupaulsdragrace.com or www. logoonline.com. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
BEBE ZAHARA BENET
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Offline
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Bruce Yelk
Fun for boys, girls and children of all ages Between President Obama’s inauguration and the Eagles’ pleasantly surprising run to the NFC Championship game, most Philadelphians have leapt into 2009 with enthusiasm and excitement. While one of the aforementioned events signaled a fresh start for our country and the other ended a little too soon for our liking, there’s no need for any blips on your radar in the coming weeks. Even though it’s cold and the economy is stressful, resist the urge to spend all your evenings
and weekends at home. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends, invest time to make new ones and find time to explore all your interests. With a range of diversions on the table before Valentine’s Day, you’re guaranteed to find something that whets your appetite. Even though our beloved Eagles missed out on the Super Bowl this year, that’s no reason to pass on the world’s most popular live television event. Between the commercials and the halftime show, you can probably make it through the entire “game” paying no attention to the actual game. As you make plans, consider one of many local hotspots to catch the Super Bowl in lieu of another
mundane house party. LADIES 2000 is celebrating the big game at Taylor’s, 2310 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, N.J. Drink specials and spanking-new wrap-around TV screens will guarantee you don’t miss a throw, catch or tackle. If you’re looking to stay in Center City, Stir, 1705 Chancellor St., will be rocking from 4-10 p.m. This Super Bowl party will feature food, shot boys and a power hour from 6-7 p.m. with incredible drink specials. Also consider catching the game at Knock, 225 S. 12th St. Though there’s no special Super Bowl party being promoted, Knock is a popular sports spot due in large part to the high-def TVs and a fantastic new bar menu. Provided you make it through
Super Bowl weekend intact, don’t forget that Monday, Feb. 2, is a big day for live music fans. At 7 p.m., Antony and The Johnsons take over the Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside. Frontman Antony Hegarty has been lauded by critics for his exquisite and innovative amalgamations of neoclassical, soul and blues influences. If you love live music, this is your chance to catch a true pioneer in one of the area’s most intimate and popular venues. Tickets for the show are available for purchase at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St., as well as the Trocadero box office, Keswick box office and TicketMaster. After putting in a few productive days at work next week, stop by
Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., on Feb. 5 between 6-8 p.m. for my first event of 2009. After taking a hiatus in January, I’m thrilled to bring back Nightlifegay. com’s monthly Happy Hour. After a couple incredible events in 2008, we kick off 2009 with a special evening featuring live “drinking songs” in the piano bar. Featuring favorites like “Margaritaville,” “Piano Man” and “Fight for Your Right,” we’ll celebrate Happy Hour the way it was intended — with drink specials and no cover charge. Visit Nightlifegay.com for more information. In addition to these exciting events, don’t forget about Media Theater’s run of “Altar Boyz.” This off-Broadway hit takes a satirical look at a Christian boy band from Ohio during the final concert of their “Raise-The-Praise” tour. For anyone who questions the commodification of religion, this is a must-see. It’s smart, funny and incredibly poignant. LGBTcommunity night is Feb. 4 at the theater, 104 E. State St., Media. Call (610) 891-0100 for more information or to purchase your tickets before they sell out. Last but not least, remember that Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St., is the site of Philly’s longest-running drag show. Every Thursday at 11 p.m. sharp, Miss Lisa Lisa brings exciting and hilarious talent to the stage. Cover is $6. That’s it for this go ’round. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer! ■ If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail Bruce@nightlifegay.com, reference Offline.
[ Music reviews? Artist profiles? Detour.
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Out actor returns to role in ‘Rent’ By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer The return of the Broadway touring production “Rent” to Philadelphia is enough to celebrate on its own. But this tour promises to be extra special as it features original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprising their roles as Roger and Mark, respectively. The immensely popular brainchild of late playwright Jonathan Larson exploded onto the Broadway scene in the mid-1990s with its rock-opera mentality, a willingness to tackle issues like AIDS and an array of characters trying to survive and find love and happiness in New York’s East Village. Along the way, “Rent” won numerous awards (The New York Drama Critics Circle Award, The Drama Desk Award, The Obie Award, the Tony Award and the
Pulitzer Prize), played to audiences all over the world and propelled the careers of many of the original cast members, including Rapp, who said he enjoys being able to return to a role that was so pivotal in his own career. “I’ve been acting professionally since I was 9 years old,” the openly gay actor and activist said. “I’m 37, so it’s 28 years. I’ve done a lot of really cool things that I’m proud of in a lot of my years as an actor. But it’s only this one project that has been a fulfillment of everything that I want to do, which is to simply entertain. ‘Rent’ does entertain, but to be part of something that means something in the world that can have an impact on people’s lives ... it certainly had an impact on mine, but it continues to have an impact on many people’s lives. It helps them through crises, inspires them, moves them or helps
them to remember loved ones that they lost. Just to be part of something that is bigger than the normal everyday entertainment is very, very meaningful. It’s rare that you have the opportunity to have that once in a lifetime, let alone twice or more. When they kept asking me and the circumstances worked out very well each time, it made sense to keep coming back.” Rapp has returned to “Rent” a number of times in his career, including the stage production in 2007 and the bigbudget film adaptation in 2005. While it starred most of the original cast, it received mixed reviews and wasn’t considered a success by Hollywood standards. Nevertheless, Rapp said the film continues to feed the success of the stage productions. “Even though the film wasn’t a box-office success, it’s done well on video and it’s been shown on cable,” he said. “Even if we’re talking economy of scale, a film that doesn’t do that great but grosses $30 million at the box office, it’s still seen by however many millions of people. That’s quite a lot of people, considering it would take the show being sold out every night on Broadway for two years to be seen by 1 million people.” Rapp, much like the world depicted in the play, is different from when “Rent” first debuted. He said that revisiting Mark is like revisiting his younger self. “I do feel like I’ve grown up,” he said. “I’m older than Mark. I’ve moved through and past some of the things that Mark struggles with. But I think they were closer to things I struggled with at the time that I first did the show. So in some ways, doing the show is not only a time warp to when we first did it all those years ago, but it’s a time warp to an earlier version of myself.” While society has shifted its focus away from some of the issues at the core of “Rent,” Rapp said the show is still important to generations that have become increasingly jaded about the world around them. “In the United States there has been some complacency in thinking about AIDS and HIV in our own country,” he said. “There’s more awareness of the plight of people living with AIDS and HIV in Africa that developed. Unfortunately, there are people among us who are still living with it every day and
with us, but they haven’t gone over the top in any way to try and talk to us about that, which is more than fine. We assembled an amazing group of people. We’re very lucky. On and off stage, they’re fantastic people.” According to Rapp, the play’s ability to speak to newer and younger audiences is the reason it will continue to win fans and have a profound impact. “My perspective remains that it tells the truth. It tells the truth about love, loss, passion and compassion,” he said. “What people do ANTHONY RAPP AND ADAM PASCAL in a crisis and the questions Photos: Joan Marcus that it asks are still as relevant and powerful they’ve been a little more forgotten. So hopefully ‘Rent’ can just keep now as they were then. The details reminding people of that chapter of the way the East Village is now of our history and that it is also still is quite different from when it debuted. But those are details, just part of our lives today.” The staying power of “Rent” like if you were to do Shakespeare speaks for itself and many young today. The details of the politics of and aspiring Broadway hopefuls kingly courts, that’s different. But cite it as a favorite, an influence or the themes, the questions, the ideas the reason they wanted to get on and the characters — those things stage. Surely it would be a thrill for are timeless.” “Rent” runs Feb. 3-8 at Kimmel’s them to be cast in this production with Rapp and Pascal, though Rapp Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad said if any of his colleagues fall into St. For more information or tickets, that category, they have been very visit www.kimmelcenter.org or call (215) 790-5847. ■ professional about it. “I’m not sure they would tell me either,” he said. “People have said Larry Nichols can be reached at that it’s exciting to do the show larry@epgn.com.
RAPP AS MARK IN “RENT”
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Boy-band satire returns to Delaware Valley By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer The worlds of boy bands and Christian music don’t often cross paths. (Or maybe they have and we didn’t know because no one we know could conceive of such a thing.) Since debuting in 2004, the satirical musical “Altar Boyz” — at the Media Theatre through Feb. 15 — has become something of an off-Broadway sensation and a touring hit as it follows the story of a fictitious boy band on the last night of its tour. “I think it’s kind of a take on what a boy band would be like if they did Christian music, because there haven’t been any groups that have done that,” said Philip Drennen, who plays bandleader Matthew. “It sort of pokes fun at both. It’s geared toward Christian music with sort of a humorous spin without offending anyone. Just the stereotypes that all five guys bring to the show as a parody of the boy band comes in because each one is a really specific type and really
ADRIAN GONZALEZ
JOEY CONTRERES
could be straight out of any boy band.” Keeping with the stereotypes of boy bands (’N Sync, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, New Edition, New Kids on the Block) and Christian groups, the Altar Boyz feature archetypical members, all with biblical names: Matthew (the leader), Mark (the sensitive one), Luke (the bad boy), Juan (the Latin heartthrob) — think of the four canonical gospels — and Abraham (the Jew). Every member has an issue of some kind that plays out over the course of the show. Juan has family issues, Luke likes to hit the bottle and, of course, Mark might be just a little bit gay. “It’s not really an issue,” Michael Jennings Mahoney said of his character’s sexual orientation. “One of the big messages in the
MICHAEL JENNINGS MAHONEY
LEE MARKHAM
PHILIP DRENNEN
show is acceptance of anyone. I don’t think anyone [in the show] really thinks that he’s gay. I don’t
think he thinks of himself as being gay. He knows that he has strong feelings for Matthew but I don’t
think he really understands them.” See ‘BOYZ,’ Page 30
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Family Portraits The venerable Walnut Street Theatre has been the grande dame of Philadelphia theater for 200 years. Throughout those two centuries, she has hosted circus acts, opera performances, vaudeville acts, lectures, music, dance, motion pictures and live theater productions. Performers who have graced the stage include familiar names, from the Barrymores, Will Rogers, the Marx Brothers and Helen Hayes to Katharine Hepburn, Marlon Brando, Ethel Waters and Audrey Hepburn. Jane Fonda, Robert Redford and even William Shatner have all performed at the Walnut. She’s an old gal, but she’s always been ahead of her time. The Walnut, on the corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, was the first theater to install gas footlights and air conditioning. These days, the Walnut prides itself on a mix of tradition and innovation. Walnut’s Independence Studio on 3 allows the theater to produce smaller, more challenging and controversial shows while Studio 5, a 52-seat black-box theater on the fifth floor, is temporary home to a number of smaller independent theater companies. The theater also operates a number of educational programs on top of its main-stage productions. Overseeing all of it is managing director Mark Sylvester, whose extensive career has spanned from summer stock to Broadway as actor, stage manager, box-office treasurer, theater manager, marketing director and general manager. At age 21, he managed his first theater, New York City’s historic Provincetown Playhouse. This season, he is celebrating his 28th year in theater and 15th season at the Walnut. PGN: How did you end up here, or are you from Philly? MS: I was born in Massachusetts but I’ve lived all over. I’ve been pretty much on my own since I was a teenager. I was drawn to the theater at a young age and have
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
By Suzi Nash spent most of my life working in theater in different capacities. It’s the type of business that causes you to move around in order to go where the work is, but I’ve been able to stay in Philadelphia for the past 15 years. I was working at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami and I got a call to come work at the Walnut Street Theatre. It was the right fit and I’ve been here ever since. PGN: What were your first thoughts about the city? MS: Honestly, I was really surprised that the city seemed very rundown. Keep in mind that this was 15 years ago, before a lot of Philadelphia’s renaissance — before they cleaned up downtown and added new streetlamps and other beautification projects. It’s been terrific watching the city turn itself around over the last 15 years. Now it’s such a great, vibrant city, it’s wonderful to be a part of it. PGN: How has theater changed for the small theaters? MS: Well, it’s changed in a number of ways. With the addition of the Kimmel Center and the refitting of the Academy of Music to accommodate big Broadway-style shows, it’s more economical for touring musicals to go to those theaters that have larger seating capacities. But it allows us to do our own thing. PGN: I seem to recall that a lot of the shows used to come to Philadelphia to work the kinks out before going to Broadway, but I don’t see as much of that these days. MS: Yes, a number of plays such as “A Streetcar Named Desire” starring Marlon Brando, “A Raisin in the Sun” featuring Sidney Poitier and “The Diary of Anne Frank” featuring Susan Strasberg all premiered at the Walnut before going to Broadway. Again, I think
it comes down to economics. It takes a lot of money to put up a show. Before, you had a chance to take your show on the road for some time to rewrite it and work out the kinks. Nowadays, you don’t have that luxury like you used to. Under today’s standards, shows like “Oklahoma!” “Brigadoon” and “Carousel” never would have made it to New York. They would have been killed out of town before they had a chance to tweak the show and make the changes that would turn them into great shows. In Philadelphia, we are just a quick train ride away, so the whole New York industry can see your show here before you’ve had a chance to work the bugs out. As a result, Seattle, San Diego, Chicago and Washington, D.C., have become the four cities where plays seem to get their legs. PGN: So back to you: Are you an only child? MS: No, I have an older sister who now lives outside of New Orleans. PGN: Were you her dress-up doll? MS: [Laughs.] No, she was always out of the house. I was always the odd man out. My dad was a schoolteacher and my mother was a nurse and I was the kid that no one quite seemed to know what to do with. PGN: What did you like to do? MS: Mostly daydream about being an adult. I spent a great deal of my childhood dreaming about what I was going to do in the future. And I’ve pretty much done exactly what I dreamed of. PGN: Did you have a blanket or stuffed animal? MS: No, but I did have an imaginary friend. I probably had him a bit longer than most kids, from the ages of about 6 to 10. PGN: How old were you when you
MARK SYLVESTER Photo: Mark Garvin left home? MS: I was about 16 when I moved to Boston on my own. I started working there and finished high school. I was accepted into Harvard College, which is the undergraduate section of the university, but after one semester, I dropped out. I knew I wanted to be in show business and wanted to get started. PGN: What prompted the move? MS: When my parents found out I was gay, they didn’t know how to handle it. They did what they thought was right by trying to get me help, which in the ’70s was psychiatric intervention. There had been an incident at school, which led to them finding out and so they
sent me away to try to get help. The funny thing was, I always knew who I was and it never bothered me. I was always very comfortable with who and what I was even before I had a name for it. I knew I was attracted to men and never gave it a second thought and never felt the need to conform. Other people had concerns about it, which sometimes led to difficulties at home and at school, but I never once doubted who I was. That self-assurance allowed me to just blindly run off to the city and pursue my dreams. I didn’t really blossom until I got away, but I always knew where I was headed. PGN: Do you remember the first play you saw that inspired you to get into theater? MS: I saw the pre-Broadway tryout of Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” I was about 8 years old and I loved it. I was drawn to the magic and escapism of the theater. I had a fairly boring childhood and it was amazing to be able to go to this other world full of drama and excitement. I also loved the community of theater. There’s nothing more magical than 1,000 people getting together and sharing an experience. Theater is a live communicating art form; it’s living See PORTRAITS Page 36
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Q Puzzle “A Guy Named Van” Across
1. Doesn’t swallow 6. “Six Feet Under” creator Ball 10. Judy’s daughter 14. Evita’s married name 15. That’s bull, to Frida 16. Artist Schiele 17. “Spartacus” venue 18. Musical directed by Vincente Minnelli, co-starring Van Johnson 20. London show for Van Johnson, with “The” 22. Desmond of “Sunset Boulevard” 23. “The Lesbian Kama Sutra” author Harding 24. James Dean’s “East of ___ “ 26. “Fried Green Tomatoes” writer Flagg 30. Discharge 31. Where the NY Liberty plays 34. Burger layer 35. “Stop!” to a stud 36. Part of a fruity drink 37. Broadway show for Van Johnson 40. Day, to Caligula 41. Maupin setting for tales 42. Well-endowed one? 43. Old abbr. of Nureyev’s land 44. Pleasure oneself, with “off” 45. Milk source 46. Result of getting rear-ended 47. Inflation meas. 48. Dampen the pansies 51. With 56-Across, movie in which Van Johnson co-starred with Elizabeth Taylor, with “The”
56. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65.
See 51-Across Like some Greek columns “Aida” backdrop Like sex with a dam Head of costume designing Timothy or his sister Tyne Firm member (abbr.) ___ voce (softly)
Down
1. Low-quality meat 2. Cole Porter’s Indiana hometown 3. Pisses off 4. Collette of “The Hours” 5. Eating something salty, perhaps 6. Opportunity for Glenn Burke 7. Love ending? 8. Paul Newman role in “Exodus” 9. Drink with fruitcake 10. Teased 11. Composer Stravinsky 12. Gay travel company ___ Vacations 13. Jodie’s role with the King 19. From the top 21. West of Hollywood 24. Sticky stuff 25. Word after stone 26. Lays one’s hand on the table 27. Lover of Henry and June 28. More like nelly? 29. Linguist Chomsky 30. Prevents from scoring, with “out” 31. A. A. for children 32. Look from Snidely Whiplash 33. Fluids acquired by pumping 35. Panty suffix?
See SOLUTION, Page 36
36. Walk like you’re fagged out 38. Subj. for John Nash 39. Queer items 44. Maryland athlete 45. Bear market opposites 46. Disney duck 47. He waved his stick in Mudville 48. One that blows 49. Mishima’s continent 50. Like Albee’s three women 51. Get it up 52. Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got ___ with It” 53. Pt. of B.D. Wong 54. Fly catcher 55. Rubber stamp 57. Queer ___ three-dollar bill 58. It feels safe in a hole
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Unexpected grief, unexpected joy 267 736 6743
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Gay is our middle name.
By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor “Ciao” is an affecting, low-key romantic drama about two gay men who meet after the death of someone they both loved. The film, which opens today at Ritz theaters, concerns Jeff (Adam Neal Smith), a single financial adviser in Dallas. His best friend Mark was about to meet Andrea (Alessandro Calza), an Italian guy he met over the Internet. However, Mark is killed in a car accident. When Jeff invites Andrea to visit Dallas anyway, the strangers slowly get to know one another through their discussion about the deceased. “Ciao” is essentially a two-hander, but this poignant romance, co-written by Calza and director Yen Tan, never feels static. The film creates an intimate mood that allows viewers to be part of the men bonding. If the film is limited by its micro-budget, the emotional pull of the drama still has a tremendous impact on the viewer. On the phone from his home in Genoa, Italy, Calza spoke about “Ciao” and how he and Tan collaborated on the film. “I saw Yen’s film ‘Happy Birthday,’ and I really loved it. It had a sense of style and pace and the photography of an Asian movie. I’m a big fan of Ozu. He was coming from that kind of experience. I wrote him a compliment about ‘Happy Birthday,’ and he wrote me back. We talked about music, cinema, art, and kept on talking for about two years.” Calza’s bond with Tan prompted the director to “bounce” the idea for “Ciao” off his new friend. The story that served as Tan’s inspiration, the actor explained, dealt with a heterosexual woman who was supposed to meet a guy she was chatting with, but he had an accident. The woman went to see where her friend was living, and eventually moved there. Calza introduced the idea of a gay Internet hookup based on his experience with a guy in Connecticut he met online. The film’s two lead characters mostly interact through their conversations and body language, which become more intimate as they get to know one another — a far contrast to the polite e-mail exchanges between Jeff and Andrea
that open the film. Calza explained: “We wanted to keep the idea of the language barrier as something endemic to two people from different countries coming together to talk. I reworked my lines so they could be realistic. We wanted Andrea to use a language that was simplified English, but not ‘backward’ or distracting. We didn’t want Andrea to take over and make the film too Italian. We didn’t want his energy to electrify the plot.” Given the sparse qualities of “Ciao” — nearly 10 minutes pass before the first line of dialogue is spoken — the chatty Calza had some difficulties adjusting to his character.
up in the script,” the actor joked. Furthermore, Calza insisted that while he, like Andrea, tries to be spiritual and believes in coincidence, he is also very spontaneous. The attitude Andrea has in the film is much more Tan’s personality. “I think when I watch my character, sometimes I see Yen in what I am doing or saying. I see my face, my body, but it’s Yen’s attitudes.” Tan’s control over the content of the film also extended to the love scenes, or lack thereof — “Ciao” is a gratifyingly chaste romance. Of course, some viewers will probably want Jeff and Andrea to shut up and have sex, and Calza said that had he scripted the film alone, he would
ADAM NEAL SMITH AND ALESSANDRO CALZA IN “CIAO” “Yen and I were trying to work the character [to] my sensibility. I speak more quickly, and gesticulate. Andrea is more [reserved]. When actors play a character completely different from them, they use their techniques. When you play someone close but not exactly who you are, you sometimes cross the line [between fiction and reality].” Calza shares some, but not all, of his character’s qualities. “I think Andrea is a very diluted version of me,” he said. The actor failed at learning line dancing from an instructional video, but unlike Andrea, he quite likes country music. “I got into it from watching ‘Urban Cowboy,’” he confessed. Similarly, Calza is not superstitious, but a story recounted in the film about finding success by placing a cat whisker on a computer comes from his life. “You have to be careful what you tell Yen. It will end
PGN
have included a sex scene. The actor also revealed that while he finds actor Smith, who plays his romantic partner in the film, attractive, Charles W. Blaum, who plays Mark, is more his type. Yet audiences will likely appreciate the restraint and intelligence of this touching film. (“Ciao” won the Feature Jury Prize at last summer’s Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.) According to Calza, the film particularly resonates with 30-50-year-old viewers, likely because it’s not about a gay teen in high school trying to hook up with the straight jock. In fact, Calza said, audiences responded more to the theme of loss than the Internet hookup. Now, as new audiences get a chance to discover “Ciao,” they too will find themselves seduced by the quiet sophistication of this elegant, independent queer drama. ■
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Mombian
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 29
Dana Rudolph
‘10,000 Dresses’ celebrates transgender children Beginning with the vibrant sunburst and smiling child on its cover, Marcus Ewert’s “10,000 Dresses” is a joyous book about selfacceptance and identity. It is also the only children’s picture book that features an openly transgender protagonist, and does so with both sensitivity and celebration. Young Bailey dreams of 10,000 beautiful dresses made of crystals, rainbows, flowers and magical windows. “Boys don’t wear dresses,” her mother, father and brother tell her. Bailey replies, “But ... I don’t feel like a boy,” to which her family responds, “Well, you are one, Bailey, and that’s that.” It is only after meeting Laurel, an older girl who befriends Bailey over their shared love of dresses, that Bailey is able to see her creations come to life. “10,000 Dresses” is the first children’s book from Ewert, whose writings have appeared in such publications as the 2004 Lambda Literary Award-winning anthology “I Do/I Don’t: Queers on Marriage.” Ewert also created “Piki and Poko,” an animated cartoon
airing on Logo and aimed at an older audience. The striking collage and paint illustrations by Rex Ray make “10,000 Dresses” stand out in comparison to the many children’s books with uninspired or imitative art. Ray’s work has appeared in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and he has created tour posters for Patti Smith, R.E.M., U2 and Beck, among others. But “10,000 Dresses” is the first children’s book he has illustrated, taking on the request of his friend Ewert. Ewert says gender has always been of deep interest to him, although he does not identify as transgender. The first person he ever came out to was RuPaul, when the singer was a local performer in Ewert’s hometown of Atlanta in the 1980s. Ewert himself did “a ton of drag” in his 20s. More immediate inspirations for the book were the movie “Ma Vie En Rose,” about a transgender girl, and hearing an intersex person wish for a bunch of happy little intersex kids running around. “Transgender stuff and intersex stuff aren’t necessarily congruent,” Ewert notes, “but the hope and the dream that people can grow up without having their gender messed with and their identity messed with, and that they can be happy people,
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really moved me.” Yet Ewert did not want to make “a one-note issue book.” He explains: “Although the gender stuff gets the lion’s share of the attention ... it’s also equally the story about a young artist and what it’s like when you have these ideas and other people around you are saying, ‘That’s impractical, that’s not right for you.’” An early influence that helped Ewert stay true to his artistic vision was the Caldecott Honor book “Frederick,” by Leo Lionni, about a mouse who wants to be a poet but faces family skepticism until his poems inspire them through a cold winter. As a child, he identified with the tiny hero. “I think my whole identity has been built around that,” he reflects. Supportive parents may, however, raise an eyebrow at the harsh reactions of Bailey’s family to her insistence that she is
a girl and doesn’t want to forget about dresses. While her family’s responses unfortunately reflect the all-too-frequent reality of many transgender children’s lives, accepting parents may not want to present these negative images to children who have not yet experienced such bias. Ewert admits he is walking a fine line here between expressing common reactions and frightening some children who may be reading the book. But he sees the scenes as an opportunity for discussion; chances for accepting parents to say, “Well, honey, I would never do this to you. I’m sorry this parent didn’t get it.” Part of the issue, he explains, was the limited space of a picture book. He believes there is more to Bailey’s story. “In my mind, Bailey’s parents will totally come around,” he says. “I really would love to do a sequel and to show
how things are a few months later in the household and that the parents are more accepting now.” For parents, teachers and others wanting more information and guidance about the transgender issues raised in “10,000 Dresses,” Ewert recommends “The Transgender Child,” by Rachel Pepper and Stephanie Brill, as well as some of the safe-schools resources available through PFLAG (pflag.org). For parents of transgender children, he also advises finding other families in a similar position, “to help normalize it for yourself.” One place to start is Trans Youth Family Allies (imatyfa.org), an organization founded by four mothers of transgender children. ■ Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (www. mombian.com), a blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
‘BOYZ’ From Page 25 That vagueness also carries over to the cast members, most of whom tiptoed around the issue of their own sexual orientation. “I think it’s kind of null and void,” Mahoney said. “I think we’re all actors and we’re playing roles. Whether you’re playing straight or gay, it’s our job.” “We can leave it up to the audience to decide,” Drennen added. “Let’s just say we’re in musical theater, so usually in the cast there’s a good number of gays.” (Thanks for clearing that up, boys.) Now that we’ve established who’s behind the scenes, it would be interesting to find out who’s in the audience, since the boy-band craze kind of fizzled out a few years ago (with no sign of making a comeback). Roger Ricker, Media Theatre’s director of public relations, said “Altar Boyz” draws audiences of all kinds. “We do have some senior groups coming because of the matinees,” he said. “I think they’re going to enjoy it because of the energy and talent of these five guys. We have a
lot of young groups that are coming because of the genre of music that it is and what the show related to. I think aside from those people, this show is going to appeal to people who wouldn’t normally come to the theater because it’s a title that is not that well known. So I think we’re going to get some theater goers who are coming for curiosity’s sake.” And then there are the hardcore fans of the show. “We’re also expecting a small percentage of ‘Altar-holics,’ which are the fans that go to each production around the country,” said Lee Markham, who plays Luke. “They just follow the show around. There’s a whole fan base around for this show.” Added Mahoney, “Just as a boy band would have their groupies, the Altar Boyz have their groupies too.” You can catch “Altar Boyz” fever through Feb. 15 at Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media. The theater will host an LGBT night with a private reception at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 4. For more information or tickets, visit www.mediatheatre.org or call (610) 891-0100. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
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worth watching:
Factory Girl This queer biopic of Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller), the 1960s socialite, model, underground film star and drug addict, revolves around The Factory, Andy Warhol’s FRIDAY when a woman she works with (Guy Pearce) art/film studio. Reporter Zero begins to suspect she is not a man Sedgwick’s gay brother, Warhol’s The first documentary about — and is interested in being more other stars and Sedgwick’s journalist Randy Shilts. than friends. A sad and compelling molesting father all play a role in The controversial Shilts drama about the threat so many her decline and fall. 10 p.m. on wrote extensively about the lesbians and gay men live under TCM. AIDS epidemic in the early in countries where staying in the 1980s and civil-rights issues closet isn’t a choice but a matter SATURDAY surrounding the epidemic. His of life and death. With Jasmin Sweet Smell of Success arguments that the bathhouses Tabatabai as Fariba. In German Burt Lancaster is a disturbingly should be closed and safe sex with English subtitles. 9 a.m. on effete monster in Clifford Odets’ practiced assiduously sparked Logo. version of the Ernest Lehman numerous controversies novel about a well-connected within the gay community. Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte newspaper columnist (based on Shilts also authored “And the Robert Aldrich’s smartly Walter Winchell) and his efforts Band Played On.” 6:30 a.m. atmospheric gothic Grand Guignol to destroy all those around him. on Logo. stars Bette Davis as tortured and With Tony Curtis in one of his aging Southern belle Charlotte, best roles, a stunning score by Unveiled whose cousin, played by Olivia de Elmer Bernstein and phenomenal This extraordinary film Haviland, comes back (povertycinematography by James Wong premiered at the Philadelphia stricken) to try and wrest the Howe. The dialogue is to die for. 8 International Gay and family money from Charlotte, p.m. on TCM. Lesbian Film Festival. whose house is scheduled to Fariba is an Iranian translator be demolished to make way SUNDAY who faces persecution for for an interstate. Charlotte has This Week her sexual orientation. She been a recluse since her married George Stephanopoulos reviews flees to Germany, where lover was murdered when she the latest moves of the Obama she assumes the identity of was in her 20s and she was the administration. 10:30 a.m. on another Iranian refugee who prime suspect. Joseph Cotten ABC. dies just before he is granted is de Haviland’s sleazy partner asylum. Fariba must now live in crime and Agnes Moorehead Super Bowl XLIII as a man, hiding her identity is remarkable as Charlotte’s Another year without the Eagles. at work and home. But her housekeeper, Velma. Riveting. 8 The Cardinals vs. the Steelers. 6 life takes an unexpected turn p.m. on TCM. p.m. on NBC.
AN ANTIDOTE FOR THE SUPERBOWL: If the world’s most-watched sporting event is a bore to you because the Eagles aren’t in it or you just don’t like football, try this: Toni Collette stars as Tara, who has multiple-personality disorder, one of whom is a redneck homophobic male who likes guns, which can’t bode well for her gay teenage son Marshall (Keir Gilchrist). 10 p.m. Feb. 1 on “The United States of Tara” on Showtime. Photo: Jordin Althaus/Showtime
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Big Love The fun-loving polygamist returns with his three wives. Tonight, plans to expand the casino fall flat when Barb’s sister, Cindy, returns to steer an anti-gaming committee. 9 p.m. on HBO. The L Word After weeks of whining, Shane finally gets Jenny to forgive her. Which is a good thing, because the movie negatives for the film “The Girls” (which the producers changed from “Lez Girls”) have been stolen and Tina’s to blame because of her frustration over
the show’s new ending. But Tina thinks Jenny stole them. (Yet another murder suspect ... ) While Joyce and Phyllis tell the news about the marriage, the relationship between Jenny and Shane develops, and also shocks their friends. 9 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY House The 100th episode finds the bisexual Thirteen (Olivia Wilde) beginning to suffer serious and life-threatening reactions to her experimental Huntington’s
Queer TV you can always see: All My Children When Bianca’s (Eden Riegel) brother, Josh, shot up Zach’s casino last week, he took Reese (Tamara Braun) hostage. Bianca had just gotten Reese back after nearly losing her. There was a tearful reunion with lots of hugging and kissing and hair-stroking. The couple went back to planning their wedding in Connecticut with Greenlee and Ryan. And then ... Josh had a gun to Reese’s head and Bianca was screaming at him not to shoot her. Erica, Bianca and Reese were frozen in fear while Zach tried to convince Josh to let Reese go and take him hostage. Josh refused. Fortunately, Zach travels on both sides of the law and he took a shot at Josh and blew half his head off, saving Reese’s life and also coincidentally ensuring an organ donor for his dying wife — Josh’s other sister, Kendall. But the trauma of the event has sealed an even stronger bond between Zach and Reese, who already seem like best buddies — or something. Will this latest series of events put distance between Reese and Bianca? Not so much that Bianca’s and Reese’s wedding gowns aren’t being previewed all over the Internet in anticipation of daytime’s first girl-girl wedding! MondayFriday, 1 p.m. on ABC. As the World Turns Luke (Van Hansis) and Noah (Jake Silbermann) are now officially lovers. They’ve had sex (we never got to see them in bed together because the producers chickened out). The most popular gay couple on
TV has been through a lot in recent months, but the real fun is coming up for sweeps month. According to senior publicist Lisa Lugassy, starting in February, Luke and Noah will be involved in a murder investigation/amateur detective plot. Meanwhile, Damian, Luke’s biological father who sent Luke off to a place that “fixes” queers last time he was in town, will also return to Oakdale. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). Great food and great ideas with intriguing and/or cute guests. Her dog-training series this week has excellent tips for dog owners. MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on NBC. Ellen We never tire of the dancing dyke diva of daytime. MondayFriday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvy deconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC. The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Consistently queer-friendly commentary, boy toys in leather gear and nightly drag routines from the Scottish comedian. Monday starts Magic Week, with the best magicians and illusionists in America, beginning with Lance Burton. Monday-Friday, 12:35 a.m. on CBS.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
PAGE 33
Q on the tube: Inside track By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor
IS GREY’S AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW? Are there any gay characters left on “Grey’s Anatomy”? There must not be if we’re sitting around hoping that bisexual Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez, right) might hook up with perpetually hetero intern Lexie (Chyler Leigh). 9 p.m. Feb. 5 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes
disease clinical drug trial. Meanwhile, Cuddy and House continue to spar. 8 p.m. on FOX. Bromance It was only a matter of time before TV got hip to the semi-sexual world of male bromance. In tonight’s series finale, host Brody Jenner (“The Hills”) chooses one out of the final three to become his new buddy and go on the road with him. Really. 9 p.m. on MTV. True Beauty The premise of this reality series is that beauty is interior, not exterior — except the players don’t know that. Watch for the beefcake (Ray!) and openly queeny Nolé Marin (who has a Chihuahua named Empress Minnie). 10 p.m. on ABC. RuPaul’s Drag Race Tonight’s premiere introduces the boys who would be queen. Nine top drag queens compete for a MAC Cosmetics gig, money in the bank and an Elle magazine spread. Who says America doesn’t love royalty? 10 p.m. on Logo. TUESDAY American Idol Must-watch, train-wreck TV. With auditions almost over, Paula Abdul is barely coherent and Simon’s nasty as ever. 8 p.m. on FOX.
Nip/Tuck Sean’s relationship with one of his male students bothers Matt, for obvious reasons. 10 p.m. on FX. WEDNESDAY American Idol The competition continues. 8 p.m. on FOX. Lost The best drama series on TV since “The Wire” has returned, more complicated and nerve-wracking than ever. Tonight the time shifting on the island is perilous to those still remaining and some may die from the aftershocks. With Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lily and Terry O’Quinn. 9 p.m. on ABC. The Real World: Brooklyn This season includes Sarah, a tatted-up bisexual artist who works with victims of sexual abuse; Katelynn, a transgender female who wants to marry her boyfriend; and Chet, a Mormon frat boy. 10 p.m. on MTV. Top Chef: New York San Francisco lesbian Jamie is among the final five and seems to have let go of the scallops, finally. With local restaurateur Stephen Starr among the guest judges. Only five nail-biting episodes left. 10 p.m. on Bravo.
Sordid Lives Ty tells Sara that he and Jacob are boyfriends and comes out to his best friend. Brother Boy and Jackie make a plan to get out of the institution by blackmailing Bumper. The Baptists picket the bar and Glyndora moves in with Bitsy after Ritchie beats her up. Latrelle is getting off the pills and Sissy decides to quit smoking. Noleta shoots G.W.’s ear so she can go with LaVonda to L.A. 10:30 p.m. on Logo. THURSDAY Ugly Betty Tonight’s episode is directed by lesbian filmmaker Rose Troche (“Go Fish”). Betty comes up with a solution to deal with her personal problems, but sexy neighbor Jesse keeps her distracted from her goals. Daniel does his best to cover his tracks, as Connor is adamant on unveiling Molly’s admirer. 8 p.m. on ABC. Grey’s Anatomy What’s next for Callie (Sara Ramirez) as Sadie (Melissa George) leaves Seattle Grace? Paging Dr. Arizona (Jennifer Capshaw)! Will three (women) be the charm? Meanwhile, Izzy has a brain tumor and has sent Denny packing to the afterlife now that he’s told her. And Meredith and Derek are getting married — or are they? 9 p.m. on ABC.
RuPaul is America’s most prominent drag queen. He’s played himself on numerous TV shows over the years, but now he’s hosting his own. RuPaul’s new reality series debuts Feb. 2 on Logo. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is as it sounds — a contest to see who is the best drag queen, among nine contestants considered the top drag queens in the country. The contestants range in age from 24-year-old Akashia to 39-year-old Victoria Parker. Before the queering of America, true drag was marginal. Of course men have dressed as women for centuries — just ask William Shakespeare. And in modern TV times, Milton Berle dressed as a woman for comedic effect on his variety show, as did a host of other comedians like Jack Benny and all of Carol Burnett’s friends. Dustin Hoffman was still talking about his role as Dorothy Michaels in “Tootsie” last week on David Letterman, where he was plugging his latest film. And “Late Night’s” Craig Ferguson continues to do drag routines almost every night. But all of these men play(ed) drag for laughs. None were/are gay. None were bridging the chasm between the queer and straight worlds or even attempting to. In fact, at times, drag by actors and comedians has been a clear put-down of both women and queers. But for more than a quarter-century, the 48-year-old RuPaul Charles has been turning drag into the art form he’s always asserted it is, and without trashing women. There’s far more disrespect for women on “America’s Next Top Model” than on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” RuPaul has always taken drag to a different level. Is it extreme? Yes — it is drag, after all, and drag is about glamour times 10. RuPaul is an entertainer — singer, actor, model. He was the first drag queen ever to be signed as a supermodel in 1994 by MAC Cosmetics. The ads featuring RuPaul read, “I am a MAC girl.” While his gender identity appears to be fluid, RuPaul identifies as a gay man. Yet he has also long asserted he doesn’t care what pronoun is used to describe him: he or she. That was apparent when he posed in a series of photos as both Barack and Michelle Obama in December. (See him/her at eonline or TMZ.) He looked fabulous as both. RuPaul is one of those trailblazers who doesn’t have an easy niche in which to fit. Drag has always been a problematic issue for lesbians and feminists, who have often asserted that drag queens parody women and that drag has always been a bastard stepchild for gay men — something they enjoy in clubs and pretend they’ve never seen in daylight. Certainly “Drag Race” is over the top and trés gay and a lot of fun. The nine contestants are indeed divas, but are they any more or less so than the divas on “Pussycat Dolls,” “Top Model” or “True Beauty”? Bebe hails from Minneapolis and will remind many of that other famous Minnesotan, Prince. Nina Flowers has the most dramatic transformation. Gorgeously sleek and glam in drag, out of drag Flowers is covered in tattoos, has a shaved head and looks like a super-butch leather top — showing once again how drag is, for many, an art form as well as a way of life. A mix of judges will join RuPaul on the panel for “Drag Race,” proving that drag has definitely moved from the margins to the mainstream. Fashion journalist and best-selling author Merle Ginsberg and “Project Runway” breakout star and designer Santino Rice headline with celebrity guest judges. The celebs include designer Bob Mackie, “Xena: Warrior Princess” herself Lucy Lawless, lesbian model Jenny Shimizu, the irrepressible Tori Spelling and several others, like publicist extraordinaire Howard Bragman. RuPaul has been quoted as saying, “What other people think of me is not my business ... I think the problem is that people refuse to understand what drag is outside of their own belief system.” Whatever your belief system or impression of drag, RuPaul continues to be entertaining as well as provocative more than 25 years into his drag career. ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Diversions
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Your guide to arts and entertainment
Theater
Brahms, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
The Day of the Picnic People’s Light & Theatre Company presents a mysterious new play about a witch doctor’s revenge on the widow of a white missionary 30 years later, through Feb. 15, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; (610) 644-3500.
Music other
The Pretenders The classic rock band performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Borgata’s Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.
Exit, Corpse The dark comedy by Philadelphia playwright Nicholas Wardigo runs through Feb. 1 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (800) 5954849.
Sugar Town The monthly show of lady rockers and DJs features a reunion of The Friggs along with an L7 and Bikini Kill Tribute performance and DJ Julia Factorial, 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at Tritone, 1508 South St.; (215) 545-0475.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum The New Candlelight Theatre presents the musical featuring the witty lyrics and toetapping tunes of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, through March 14, 2208 Millers Road, Ardentown, Del.; (302) 475-2313. Give My Regards to Broadway The Kimmel Center’s Broadway Series presents the story of how Broadway developed into a purely American art form, through Feb. 1 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 893-1999. My Name is Asher Lev Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of the story of a young Hassidic artist torn between his observant Jewish community and his need to create, through March 17 at Arden’s Arcadia Stage, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122. No Child ... Two actors portray 16 characters in a live drama drawn from the vivid experience of teaching innercity kids in New York City, through Feb. 1 at Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; (302) 594-
The English Beat The influential rock group performs at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710.
PULL UP A CHAIR: Out singer/songwriter Christine Havrilla performs as a trio with Gretchen Schultz and Bob Beach on a show featuring fellow out singer-songwriter Aiden James at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St. Havrilla’s latest album, 2008’s “In My Chair,” features her singing and playing all instruments and was produced from her home studio. For more information, visit www.christinehavrilla.com or call (215) 928-0770. 1100. O Captain, My Captain: Whitman’s Lincoln The Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 presents the story of two great men with one grand vision for America, through Feb. 8, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
varying accounts of the event, through Feb. 22 on the Mainstage of The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 5688079.
The Odd Couple The classic Neil Simon play runs Feb. 5-March 1 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.
Resurrection Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a new play by out playwright Daniel Beaty about five men from one community ranging in age from 20-60 who have their lives transformed by an extraordinary 10-yearold boy, through Feb. 22 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.
The Rant InterAct Theatre Company presents a new drama in which the witnesses of the shooting of a young AfricanAmerican teenager offer
A Streetcar Named Desire Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tennessee Williams classic as part of its landmark 200th-anniversary
season, through March 1, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. The Trojan Women The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater presents Euripides’ classic tragedy, through Jan. 31 at Second Stage, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore; (610) 328-4271.
Music classical
Visions of America Peter Nero and the Philly POPS present a visual and musical journey through our great country at 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 and 3 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Saeka Matsuyama Astral presents the
Philadelphia recital debut of the acclaimed violinist, 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce St.; (215) 735-6999. Simon Shaheen The Kimmel Center presents the Palestinian composer and virtuoso of the oud and violin, 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. The Longevity of the Short Piece: Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel The Kimmel Center presents a one-of-a-kind program emphasizing the repertoire of the short piece, including works by Grieg, Mendelssohn, Schubert and
Sexcop The Philly-bred rock singer performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710.
Exhibits
a/chroma/scape/s AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of original paintings by Greg Minah and John Cartwright, through Feb. 28, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Adventure Bound The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of sculptures by Pavel Amromin, through Feb. 22, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453. Black Hands, Blue Seas — The Untold Maritime Stories of African Americans Independence Seaport Museum presents an exhibition that explores the African-American maritime experience, through March 22, Penn’s Landing on the
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to pgn@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
Delaware River, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 4138631. Claus Mroczynski: Sacred Places of the Southwest James A. Michener Art Museum presents the German-born photographer’s exhibition featuring sacred Native-American places of the Southwest, through Feb. 1, 500 Union Square Drive, New Hope; (215) 340-9800. First Members’ Exhibition Twenty-Two Gallery presents 17 area artists exhibiting works in a variety of media, through Feb. 11, 236 S. 22nd St.; (215) 772-1911. Flower Power Edge Gallery presents an exhibition of floral-themed artwork, through Feb. 1, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 4137072. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500. InSights: Devon Dikeou — Marilyn Monroe Wanted to be Buried in Pucci The Galleries at Moore presents a mixed-media installation by New Yorkbased artist Devon Dikeou through March 14, 20th
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.
PGN
A Maine Island Life Allens Lane Art Center presents an exhibition of new photographs by David Graham, through Feb. 20, 601 W. Allens Lane; (215) 248-0546.
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Pick
New Works: Vivian Beer and Marilyn Kirsch Wexler Gallery presents an exhibition featuring new works from furniture artist Beer and New York-based painter Kirsch, through Feb. 28, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 923-7030.
Auditions
Philadelphia Chamber Chorus PCC is auditioning singers of all voice parts for its 2009 season on Feb. 2; call (610) 352-3565 or e-mail philadelphiachamberchorus@yahoo.com for details and an appointment; www. philachamberchorus.org.
The Polish Poster Leonard Pearlstein Gallery presents an exhibition of 1,500 remarkable Polish posters created between the 1930s-’90s and originally collected by Prof. Frank Fox, through Feb. 6 at Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.; (215) 895-2548.
Film
Wuthering Heights The 1939 classic tale of brooding passion is screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 1 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.
Plates The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of works by Howard Kottler, through Feb. 22, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453. Saving Face: Portraits from the Collection of Robert Infarinato James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of iconic portraits of artists and celebrities from the collection of Bucks County resident Robert M. Infarinato, through March 15, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Shift: Investigations in Contemporary Art James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition featuring paintings, photographs, film and sculpture with recurring elements, unusual juxtapositions and narratives that skew both time and space, through April 12, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Urban Organic The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and the Center for Emerging Visual Artists present an exhibition of work by eight artists affiliated with both organizations, through Jan.
Batsheva Dance Company Dance Affiliates presents works from a number of popular Dance Celebration companies, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Annenberg Center’s Zellerbach Theater, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 8983900.
RocknRolla The 2008 Guy Ritchie film is screened at 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483.
Books
Catch “Jesus Christ Superstar” through Feb. 1 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. Apparently the producers for JCS 2009 couldn’t be bothered to scan the Hacky Sack-playing masses at Bonaroo to find a convincing-looking Christ figure (read: younger), because the popular rock opera stars singer and actor Ted Neeley, 65, who appeared in the live version of the play and the 1973 film version. On the upside, after 36 years, Neely should be able to execute this role in his sleep. For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org or call (215) 790-5847.
31 at Projects Gallery, 629 N. Second St.; (267) 303-9652. Women through the Lens of Time The Galleries at Moore presents a photojournalism exhibition featuring people, subjects, issues and events that student curators feel have reflected or shaped women’s lives, drawn from the archives of The Inquirer, which span 180 years, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway;
(215) 965-4027. Yumi Kori: utatane The Japan-based architect transforms the Goldie Paley Gallery at Moore College of Art using video and sound to create a multisensory, interactive environment, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.
Dance
Greed: The Tale of Enron The Rebecca Davis Dance
Company explores the roots of today’s fiscal turmoil, bringing the most explosive corporate scandal of the decade to life, at 8 p.m. Jan. 30-31 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700. Israeli Dance Marathon Gershman Y hosts an evening of Israeli dance classics, snacks and music at 8 p.m. Jan. 31, 401 S. Broad St.; (215) 446-3021.
Malcolm Gladwell The author of “Outliers: The Story of Success” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. Mark Bittman The author of “Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye The two Quaker authors of “Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans and the Myth of Racial Justice,” a revealing tale of the relationships between Quakers and African Americans from 1700 to today, host a book event from 6:30-9 p.m. at Arch Street Meetinghouse, Fourth and Arch streets; www. archstreetfriends.org. ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PORTRAITS From Page 26 and breathing. Laughing or crying and experiencing deep emotions in a communal atmosphere is a powerful thing. Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest theater in America and this year is the 200th anniversary. It’s great to celebrate the building, but I think the most exciting thing is the fact that for 200 years the building has been bringing people together. PGN: How did you get started in theater? MS: I started doing summer stock when I was 15. I may have fudged a little bit on my application so that they thought I was 18 and I got to go to the Old Colony Theater in Plymouth, Mass., and do an apprenticeship there. When I was 16, I did the Keene summer theater in New Hampshire and then the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire when I was 17. I met a lot of people who were up from New York who worked in the industry who told me they’d help me out. Next thing I knew, I was working and living in New York. I got a job with the Shubert organization (they’re one of the largest owners of Broadway theaters) doing customer service. I quickly learned that I wanted to work in the theater but not necessarily as an actor. [Laughs.] I was too much of a control freak to be an actor. It’s funny; even before I started acting, I said that I wanted to be a producer. When I was in fifth grade, I used to doodle pictures of the Shubert logo, so it’s amazing that my first job was with the organization. PGN: What was a memorable moment during your career? MS: I was working at the Coconut Grove Playhouse and we were doing a play that was gearing up to go to Broadway called “The Big Love” starring Tracey Ullman. The reviews had come out and they were really, really bad. She read them and locked herself in her hotel room and wouldn’t come out. I had to go to her room and talk her into coming back to the playhouse to perform the show in front of a soldout crowd. PGN: What’s something you would do if you weren’t afraid? MS: Probably skydive. The way my brain works, one half thinks it sounds exciting and the other half says, “It’s too much of a risk, don’t you dare do it.” PGN: Do you collect anything? MS: I have an enormous collection of cast albums from around the world. I have over 2,700 albums of mostly musicals. I probably have
eight copies of “Guys and Dolls” in different languages from different productions around the world. PGN: Any hobbies? MS: I love to shop. A lot of my friends are still in New York, so I’m up there at least one weekend a month. I enjoy fashion and I’m a good bargain hunter, so I like to go up and find nice Versace or Gucci pieces. My favorite designer of the moment is Michael Kors. Oh, and I grow exotic orchids in my apartment. I currently have five orchids in bloom, which is quite a feat for Philadelphia in January! PGN: Non-human companions? MS: I have a parrot named Nicky. He’s a grey-cheeked parrot, which is a rare breed. They are the smallest of all the parrots — they’re sometimes called pocket parrots — and I’ve had him for 18 years. He’s frantically pacing right now saying, “I wish you weren’t on the phone ... ” PGN: Does he talk? MS: When he wants to. He’s kind of shy and doesn’t really talk around strangers. He’s actually very sweet and likes to cuddle and be held, but because he’s so small he’s very leery at first. He’s also very protective of me and a great judge of character. His track record with men I’ve dated has been amazingly accurate! If he doesn’t like someone, I’ve learned that they’re probably not going to work out. PGN: Do you play any instruments? MS: I did. As a child, I played saxophone and piano. I did both fairly well, but when I left home and started on my life’s journeys, I lost it. PGN: Did you have a favorite teacher? MS: Well, yes, but he was a part of the incident that resulted in me being sent away, so I won’t go into any detail. PGN: I’m sure it was a difficult time. I don’t think kids these days realize the history of what people went through not that long ago in the gay community. MS: Absolutely not. We have a lot of LGBT youth on the staff and it’s frightening how little they are aware of the struggles of the community. They’re not even aware of the scope of the AIDS epidemic. I was in New York at the height of the disease. We were in the epicenter of it. In one year, 1986, I lost almost every friend I had. It was incomprehensible. And people today just aren’t aware of how bad it was. PGN: Worst or most unusual job? MS: I took a job one time at a gay
housecleaning service in New York. I quickly learned that it was not for me, but what was funny was that the person whose house I cleaned later became a well-known Broadway producer. I met him again many years later on a professional level and through mutual friends. I never let on that I’d cleaned his place those many years ago! PGN: Last time you cried? MS: Watching the inauguration. When Obama walked onto the platform to be sworn in and the camera panned the crowd, it was overwhelming. The sense of change and the sense of things coming back into control after being out of whack for some time was really moving. PGN: Something you wish you could master? MS: I travel a bit, and I wish I could speak another language. I’ve never been able to do it. I have a friend who speaks nine languages and I find it fascinating. PGN: Favorite fictional character? MS: That’s easy. Charity Hope Valentine from the musical “Sweet Charity.” She’s just so full of hope, optimism and possibility. She is a romantic that always hooks up with the wrong man. My bedroom is decorated with posters of her from the play. PGN: What gave you your sense of hope? MS: I think it’s always been part of my makeup. I don’t know if it’s nature or nurture, but I’ve always been a very aggressively driven person. It might be because I always fought to be who I wanted to be. I’ve been through a lot of tragedies in my life, but those tragedies are what made me who I am today. I had a bizarre health condition a few years ago that almost killed me, but I came through it. Even at a young age, I’ve always visualized myself as a success and a survivor and used that to motivate myself. I never wavered. PGN: What are your duties as managing director? MS: I oversee all the day-to-day and business operations of the theater. I cover everything from negotiating the rights for the productions to hiring the production people, from the actors to the directors who come and work for us. I oversee putting together the budgets and personnel policies. I put together the benefit packages and the insurance packages; all the things that go into running the theater. We’re a $14-million-plus operation, so there’s a lot that goes into it. We have the largest subscription in the world with 57, 000 subscribers.
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 PGN: Do you have to do separate packages for each show that comes in? MS: Yes. We self-produce all our own shows, plus we have a lot of ongoing programs. We do five shows on the main stage and five shows in the Studio 5 space. We put on about 10 different educational productions each year, we have a theater school with professional teachers, we have an outreach program that goes into the schools. We have a scenic and properties shop in Port Richmond and we have a costume-fabrication and wardrobe department right in the main building. We do Camp Walnut, which is a theater-training program for kids 8-18, and much, much more. I’m deeply involved with the marketing of the theater. That’s actually my background. When I went to New York, I worked with an old-time Broadway producer who taught me things that I still use today. PGN: That’s great that you keep old traditions and schools of thought alive. MS: Yes, I love the history of the theater. I co-wrote a book last year, “Walnut Street Theatre: Images of America: Pennsylvania” with Bernard Havard. It’s a celebration of the 200-year history of the theater. It’s available at the theater or in most major bookstores. You can also order it online on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I’m proud to announce that I just received news that the sales have been in excess of 6,500. PGN: What’s your favorite story
SOLUTION From Page 27
from the book? MS: Well, we tell the history in pictures, but my favorite part is about “Big Bill” Tilden. He was the first American to win the Wimbledon singles championship. He held the ranking of No. 1 tennis player in the world for seven years, and was flamboyantly gay. He was known for his theatrical presentation on and off the court. He went on to pursue a career as a producer and actor, but didn’t do very well at it. He starred at the Walnut in a play called “They All Want Something” in 1926. He was a prominent figure and one of the first out gay personalities. PGN: What do you love about the Walnut? MS: It’s such a welcoming place. We don’t do an LGBT series because any given night you’ll find a mix of people here. We have stories and people of all races, orientations, ages and backgrounds. In my view, it’s a utopian kind of audience. It’s what I imagine the future to be: lots of different people coming together to share something as one. It’s a magical experience and something you don’t get sitting by yourself watching a DVD. For more information on the history of the Walnut Street Theatre or its upcoming season, go to www. walnutstreettheatre.org. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Meeting Place
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A community bulletin board of facilities, organizations and activities Activism/Politics
ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) Meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and the Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 386-1981; www.critpath.org/actup. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; (856) 863-3061; www.dvau.org. Equality Advocates Philadelphia Holds a volunteer night second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia Holds general meetings fourth Tuesday of each month (except April) at 6:30 p.m., 4134 Lancaster Ave.; (215) 243-7103; www.gpop.org. Log Cabin Republican Club of Philadelphia Meets at 7 p.m. third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 465-5677; www. phillylogcabin.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Meets seasonally; (215) 760-7184; www.libertycity. org. OutFront! Board of directors meets third Monday of the month; (215) 842-0343.
Arts
Gay Men’s Book Discussion Group Meets at 6:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. Gay Opera Guys of Philly New group for opera appreciation meets last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/Andorra area; (215) 483-1032. Library Book Club Meets to discuss a new book at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Princeton, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. Open-mic night An amateur poetry, music and storytelling event sponsored by The Pride Center of New Jersey, meets at 8 p.m. every third Friday at the George Street Playhouse, 1470 Jersey Ave., North Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 846-0715. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays; (215) 731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club Meets to share and listen to recordings at 6:30 p.m. on last Saturday of the month; (215) 732-7898. Philadelphia Voices of Pride Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; (888) 505-7464; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective Workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. on fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Women’s Book Group Meets first Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; brassygrrl@hotmail.com.
Men
Boys Night Out 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. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 5879933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032.
Friday, Jan. 30
the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call (267) 230-6750 for more information.
The Week Ahead
■ Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will
be held at 10 a.m. and 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Peer counseling services will be available from 6-9 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Crystal Meth Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, a 12-step program, will meet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone
youth support group will meet at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware. ■ Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be held at 11:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous will meet at 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club will meet to share and listen to recordings at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 ■ Gay and lesbian outdoor activity group PhilaVentures will meet for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ The Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group will meet at 5 p.m. at the William Way Center. Gentlemen of Berks and Beyond Social group gets together for hiking, biking, sporting, movies, theater and dinner events; (610) 451-5737; gobabevents@yahoo.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th floor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for 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) 963-2432 ext. 206; johnson_ t@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239. West Chester GayNiteOUT Monthly mingle for men 21 and over meets every third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at West Chester Iron Hill Brewery, 3 W. Gay St., West Chester; West_Chester_ GNO@yahoo.com.
■ The Gay Men’s Opera Club will meet
at 6:30 p.m. ■ Crystal Meth Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. Monday, Feb. 2
■ Positive Brothers, a support group for
will meet at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. Philadelphia, a support group, will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
■ The Gay Men’s Book Group will meet
men of color living with HIV/AIDS, will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ The Spartan Wrestling Club, a gay wrestling team, will meet from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. ■ Men’s leather club the Philadelphians MC will meet at 7:30 p.m. in The Pit at The Bike Stop. ■ Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance will hold open meetings from 10-11 p.m. in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College.
at 6:30 p.m. at the Independence Branch of the Free Library. ■ Men of Color United, a discussion/ support group for gay and bisexual men of color, will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ■ Pink and Blues, a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities, will meet at 7 p.m. ■ Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will rehearse at 7 p.m. at the William Way Center; (215) 731-9230. ■ New volunteer orientation will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way Center.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
p.m. at Giovanni’s Room. ■ Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics, will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous will hold a 12-step meeting at 7 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church. ■ Young, Trans and Unified, a support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23, will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Attic Youth Center. ■
■ Youth Outreach Adolescent
Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIVpositive women, will meet at 11 a.m. at YOACAP. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center, 1201 Chestnut St. ■ BiUnity of Philadelphia’s discussion group will meet from 7-9 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ The Chester County chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a networking and support group,
Parents/Families
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. 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/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833.
Thursday, Feb. 5
■ Women’s book group meets at 6:45
teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.
Recreation
Diversity Dancers Ballroom dancers meet the first Sunday of the month for tea dance and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; (215) 922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol.com. Gay Bridge Club Non-beginners group meets Monday afternoons at the William Way Center; (215) 985-4835. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club Meets from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; (215) 382-0789. Gay and Lesbian Scrabble Players in the tri-state area gather for socializing and friendly/competitive games; ScrabbleGroup@excite. com.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155.
Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists Meets second Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 985-1456; www.humboldtsociety. org.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995.
Indepedence Squares GLBT square dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 735-5812; www.independencesquares.org.
Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and
Male Oenophile Group Male group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate
Men’s Knitting Circle Social and knitting group meets from 6-8 p.m. last Tuesday of the month at Joe Coffee Bar, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social Activities for sexual-minority seniors are held every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures Philadelphia’s GLBT outdoor group meets for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park on Sundays at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave.; (215) 271-8822. Rainbow Room A meeting/activity night held for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their friends Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Rainbow Room of Planned Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) 348-0558. Social XChange A social group for sexual minorities ages 13-23 meets every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th floor; (215) 496-0330.
Religion/Spirituality
Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3847 N. Dupont Hwy., Kent Plaza Suite #2, Dover, Del.; (302) 734-9350. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Hold services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; (215) 343-0406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue; (215) 724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; (215) 242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Eighth and Bainbridge streets; (215) 922-1128; crucifixionphiladelphia@verizon.net. Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ parish holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 18th and Wolf streets; (215) 334-6656. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call (732) 502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets at 4 p.m. Sundays at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; (973) 857-4040. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Non-judgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at Childs Avenue and State Road, Drexel Hill; (610) 259-2356; www. adhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 545-2673; www. emmanuelnb.org. Episcopal Church of the Ascension
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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, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies 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. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Welcoming and inclusive church in northern Delaware, just a few feet south of the Pennsylvania border, with a partnered gay pastor; worship services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays at 3717 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Del.; (302) 798-6683; www. ascensionde.org. Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; (215) 945-2886; www.saint-paulslevittown.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month; (215) 860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; (215) 563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; (610) 622-0800; www. lansdownepresbyterian.org. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m. at 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-3980; www.firstuuphilly.org. The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; (215) 438-3677. First United Methodist Church of Philadelphia Inclusive, welcoming and progressive congregation worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave. Lunch follows; childcare is provided; (215) 438-3677. Gay Christian Singles Philly Burbs Provides support and fellowship for GLBT singles through discussion groups and social events; (610) 457-2081; gcsphillyburbs@aol.com. Global Heart Spiritual Center Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1812 HaddonfieldBerlin Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (609) 868-2372. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy, holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, with an education hour for adults and children at 9:30 a.m., at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; (215) 248-2950; www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-1840; www. centercitylutheran.org. Hope Ministry Family Fellowship Affirming Christ-centered church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays in Allentown; (610) 791-0716; hmff2001@aol.com. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; (610) 358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC. org. Interweave Organization of LGBT Unitarians and allies meets monthly at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill, N.J., 401 N. Kings Highway; (856) 667-3618; www.uucinch.org. LC/NA Delaware Valley chapter A group for Lutherans who are not out in their own congregations meets at 7 p.m. fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; (215) 387-2885.
Jazz Vespers Held at 7 p.m. first Sunday of the month at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist Synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; (215) 764-6364; www. kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; (610) 688-8332; www. mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org. Metropolitan Community Church Holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Bible study at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 735-MCC3; www.mccphiladelphia.com. New Thought Spiritual Community Nondenominational service is offered at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Cradle of Liberty Council, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne; (610) 962-9923. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June, and 10 a.m. June through August at 151 N. Fourth St.; (215) 9224566; www.oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-7601. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets at 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; (215) 241-7260; cpmm@afsc.org. Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh
Send submissions to: PGN Meeting Place 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: (215) 925-6437 e-mail: pgn@epgn.com Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.
Road, Horsham; (215) 646-2597. Silverside Church Holds services at 10 a.m. followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 478-5921. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays fall through winter and “Prayer Around the Cross” at 7 p.m. first Friday of the month at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 732-1918. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; (610) 566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church, with openly gay rector, celebrates Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum is held at 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; (215) 386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; (215) 386-4100. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Children’s program (pre-8th) 10:30 a.m.; youth programming 6 p.m. Sunday; (610) 566-4853; www.uucdc.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy). Childcare is available; (215) 844-1158; www.usguu. org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services at 10:15 a.m. at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Mt. Airy Welcoming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; (215) 836-1812; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Welcoming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 75 S. Pomona Road, Galloway, N.J.; (609) 965-9400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; (610) 327-2662. United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds servies at 11 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; (215) 946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m. Sundays at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 222-3180. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 discussing religious alienation and struggles of faith; (215) 387-2885.
Sports
Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club Meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at Greene
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 Field, Howell Street and Moore Road, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org.
Trans
City of Brotherly Love Softball League GLBT softball league serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; (215) 4622575; www.cblsl.org.
Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Delaware Griffins Women’s football team seeks players; (302) 6339054; www.delawaregriffins.com.
Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618.
Frontrunners Running club meets Saturday mornings at 9:30 for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.frontrunnersphila.org. Gay and Lesbian Bowling League Bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Norristown area; call Doug Schneidig; (716) 864-4393. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club GLBT and allied soccer club; practices Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park;www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team Male and female swimmers meet at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays in Center City; (610) 564-6661; www.philadelphiafins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League Meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September through April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; (856) 889-1434; www. philagaybowling.com. Philadelphia Gay Flag Football New group forming. Contact Jered at gayflagfootball@gmail.com or (214) 770-5373. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club Team seeks players; all skill levels welcome; (215) 913-7531; info@phillygryphons.org. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association Meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday at William Way Center; (215) 755-2641; into@plta.us. Philadelphia Phoenix Women’s football team seeks players; (267) 6799535; www.philadelphiaphoenix.org. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; (917) 656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley Motorcycle club meets regularly; (215) 836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 9 p.m. on Tuesdays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. South Jersey Gay Bowling League Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7 p.m. on Fridays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. Spartan Wrestling Club The gay wresting team meets from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 732-4545; www.phillyspartans. com. Team NJ Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; (908) 234-1481. Team Philadelphia Meets at 8 p.m. second Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center; www.teamphiladelphia.org. Women’s Table Tennis New group forming. Interested women are encouraged to e-mail michelesimone19144@yahoo. com.
Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Philadelphia Transsexual Support Group For M2Fs, F2Ms and intersex people; meets from 35 p.m. first and third Saturdays of the month at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 483-7647. Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, 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@gmail.com; www. tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meetings are at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www.critpath. org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 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) 2501548; www.wexist.org. Young, Trans, and Unified! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.
Women
African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org. Crusty Old LeatherDykes Social and educational group for women of all ages and sexual orientations holds monthly events; www. crustyoldleatherdykes.com. Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet
Key numbers ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377
■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378
■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000
■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513 ■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212 ■ 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., 11th floor; (215) 4960330.
■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009 at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600. Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.
Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com.
Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 1421, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 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.
Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899.
Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319.
Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 900-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsnsj.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 441-3290. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo.com. Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are 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: SJLOCowner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. 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 at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns.village@yahoo.com.
Youth
Under the Rainbow Discussion and social group for 18-25-year-old gays and lesbians meets at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 234; gray_w@camden-ahec.org.
Etc. AIDS Law Project Provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/ AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., suite 600; (215) 5879377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity Philadelphia area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. BiZone A group open to all bisexual, bi-curious and bifriendly people and their partners has meetings at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330.
Boomers and Beyond A support and event programming group for sexualminority seniors meets at 7:30 p.m. every first and third Monday at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776.
Bordentown, N.J. Friends, Lesbians and Gays A political, community and social group that also works to promote Bordentown as a gay-friendly community meets at 6 p.m. on second Sunday of the month at Firehouse Gallery, 8 Walnut St., Bordentown, N.J.; (609) 298-3742.
HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline. org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org.
Delaware Pride Meets at 7 p.m. on first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols For LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense; meets at 2 p.m. on third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southhampton; (267) 386-8907; www.pinkpistols.org. Friday Feast and Fun Dinner hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. second Friday of the month, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 576-8008. Gay Coffee Hours Meets from 6-9 p.m. on second Thursday of the month at Joe Coffee, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 5927384.
Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance Open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; (610) 896-4938. Latina/o Virtual Community Local listserv offers various information and resources; (215) 808-2493; Zorros_mail@yahoo. com; LatinPhillyLGBT@yahoogroups.com.
■ 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 The Philadelphia chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development and educational opportunities. Holds monthly networking events; (215) 701-4760; P.O. Box 12647, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129; www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Monthly Brown Bag forums for LGBT business owners
Health 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.
Suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448. 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.
Lesbians and Gay Men of New Brunswick A social, educational and potluck group meets at 8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing is offered 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) 222-3871. Spanish/English.
LGBTQ and Friends Activity Group Meets at 7 p.m. on third Friday of the month to plan outings and potlucks at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County.
HIV testing Testing offered from 4:30-6:15 p.m. on first and third Thursday of every month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org.
Long Yang Club Philadelphia Social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; P.O. Box 401, Philadelphia, Pa. 19105; www.longyangclub.org/philadelphia.
HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St.,
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.
12-step programs and support groups
Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 985-3382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; (215) 387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898.
Metropolitan Community Church Christian education program is held Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. at the William Way Center. Our Night Out A casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, allied communities, friends and colleagues meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, send e-mail to OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; PhillyGayCalendar.com/org/OurNightOut. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice Offered from 5-8 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month; (215) 238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers Club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; (610) 344-0853; www. primetimersphiladelphia.org. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. first and third Mondays of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662. Philly Paw Pals Gay and lesbian dog owners and their dogs meet on first Saturday of the month at a dog park; (215) 6185290; PhillyPawPals@aol.com. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL affiliated; private; weekly HF nets, monthly newsletter, e-mail server; (302) 539-2392; www. rara.org. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party A party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts at 10 p.m. every second Wednesday at N. 3rd, Third and Brown streets; (215) 413-3666. Silver Foxes Social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older meets from 3-5 p.m. on fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. Stonewall Model Railroad Club Meets monthly; (215) 769-4230; k3k@yahoo.com. Temple University Queer Student Union Meets at 5 p.m. on Thursdays at The Village outside the Queer Student Union office, SAC 205, 1755 N. 13th St. Trenton Gay and Lesbian Civic Association Meets at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the Mill Hill Saloon, 300 S. Broad St., Trenton, N.J.; (609) 396-9788. Thirsty Third Tuesdays Collingswood Out in the Neighborhood meets at 7 p.m. on third Tuesday of the month for coffee, dessert and conversation at Three Beans, 40 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield N.J.; (215) 439-8337.
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.
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at noon on third Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■ 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; 304 S. 12th St.; (215) 840-6141; www.gayphiladelphia.org. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 456-9129. ■
Al-Anon
Gay Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. Fridays at St. Andrew’s Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, N.J.; (215) 986-1029. ■ Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; (484) 529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meeting meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
Meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the William Way Center.
■
Emotional Support
Healing After Loss has monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn. southjersey.com. ■ Pink and Blues is a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. ■ Pink and Blues Main Line, a peer-run mental health support group, meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at Bryn Mawr Consumer Center, 1001 W. Lancaster Ave.; (610) 527-1511. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets at 7:30 p.m. on first Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; (215) 545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets at 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Office Building; (215) 545-2242; www. phillysos.tripod.com.
HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, 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.
Wednesdays:
A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; (215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/ AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■
Thursdays:
A support group for HIV-positive men and women will meet from 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; (215) 769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. ■
Saturdays:
AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington; a social session will follow at 12:30 p.m.; (302) 652-6776. ■
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Meetings are at 2 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center. ■
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
■
HIV/AIDS
Strength In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.
Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting at 6 p.m. at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third floor, room 3208; call Troy, (215) 514-3065. ■
S.A.R.A.
Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLA)
Mondays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Route 9, Marmora, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. ■ Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 542-3279. ■ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge, Metropolitan Community Church, 521 Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 945-5982. ■ Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ ■
■
Mondays:
Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6:308:30 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th floor; (215) 496-0330. ■
Tuesdays:
AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence
■
SEPCADD
■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems with office in William Way Center; (215) 340-9995.
SMOKING CESSATION FreshOUT!, Mazzoni Center’s free quitsmoking program, hosts individual sessions, classes and support groups and offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum and lozenges); (215) 563-0652 ext. 228 or e-mail quitsmoking@mazzonienter.org. ■
CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 40
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
R
���������������� ������������������� Health Directory
every week in
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
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With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals
Fight building over judges redoing mortgages By Larry Margasak The Associated Press Most congressional Democrats say the quickest way to save homeowners like Troy Butler of Saginaw, Mich., is to let them declare bankruptcy and allow judges to dictate new mortgage terms. Easy, except the lenders that would absorb the pain — and lose control of any deals to ease the terms — do not want to get dragged into bankruptcy court by millions of overextended borrowers. Butler, 40, is a laid-off General Motors Corp. worker who has filed for bankruptcy. But the bankruptcy court has no authority to change the terms of his $90,000-plus mortgage that is more than double the value of his home. A bill to give judges authority to alter loan terms for primary homes may be the quickest way to arrest the housing market’s collapse. Most Democrats in the House and Senate support that plan. President Barack Obama told Democratic leaders last Friday that he also backs it, according to a Senate aide who was not authorized to be quoted by name. But 10 groups representing the lending
industry and other businesses are fighting back fiercely. Several have engaged portions of their lobbying machines to stop the legislation. The groups spent $83 million in lobbying on multiple issues in 2008, a figure that shows the power of the banking and investing industry and their business supporters. One Democratic backer of the bankruptcy proposal, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, said the banking industry “has owned this Congress far too long.” Butler, the GM worker, and an industry lobbyist see things much differently. “I’m living from day to day, hoping to make it through the day. I worry about my family, where we’re going to live, how we’ll survive,” said Butler, who has a disabled wife and two children, ages 15 and 11. The chief lobbyist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, Steve O’Connor, said new homebuyers would end up paying higher interest and bigger down payments if lenders are saddled with the risk that a judge could change mortgage terms. “We’re going to defend the industry” against “bad public policy,” O’Connor said. The association’s 23-member government-
affairs team is trying to persuade lawmakers to kill the bankruptcy legislation. The team includes six lobbyists and nine policy experts who double as lobbyists, said O’Connor, senior vice president of government affairs. The bankruptcy solution would not cost taxpayers money, as would mortgagemodification programs that could become part of the government’s huge economic bailout package. But it certainly would harm the bottom line for lenders and investors holding mortgages. The lending industry has voluntary programs in place to change mortgage terms. But Butler’s lawyer, Peter Bagley, said it was a nightmare trying to contact his client’s lender. First, he was told the application for a loan modification would take at least 30 days to process. Bagley then called someone with authority to stop any sale of the home, but only received voice messages that the mailbox was full. The application never arrived. The key to passage of the bankruptcy bill is the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to stop a possible filibuster. Ten Democrats — all still in the Senate — would not back the
plan in a vote a year ago. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the chief Senate sponsor of the bill, said Obama persuaded him in a White House meeting last Friday to remove the bankruptcy proposal from an economic recovery package — to ensure it doesn’t jeopardize the stimulus bill. But Obama pledged his support for the bankruptcy solution, Durbin said. Obama said he would work with Durbin to attach the proposal to other “must-pass” legislation — with the hope that supporters of the overall bill would not vote against it because of the bankruptcy provisions. Of the 10 organizations that asked the House Judiciary Committee to oppose the bill, the largest is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It spent $57.9 million on lobbying in 2008, according to the Center For Responsive Politics, an organization that tracks lobbying expenditures and political donations. The Mortgage Bankers Association, which represents 2,400 member companies in the real-estate property industry, spent $3.8 million and the American Bankers Association totaled $6.8 million. ■
Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property
Beds: 3 Baths: 3.5 Age of property: 6 years Square Footage: 1,475 Cost: $219,900 Realtor: Alicia Fox Real Estate Co: ReMax of Wilmington Phone: 302-657-8000 Direct: 302-419-5477
Beautiful townhome in Bristol Place. Huge eat-in kitchen, finished basement w/full bath. Great location, close to all major highways. Move-in condition.
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CLASSIFIEDS
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CLASSIFIEDS
PAGE 91
Real Estate
APRIL 18 - 24, 2008
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
VENTNOR, NJBRIDESBURG (HEIGHTS) 2 THUMBS UP IN Houseup&onadjacent lot thumb (swimming pool). Hone your green skills with this5 Bedroom, 2 bath,townhouse Laundry Rm, Dinrestored colonial withKitchen, double yarding Room, Sun room & great Living great for gardening. You’ll enjoy room. the gourmet r-2 room, and & UpperHome decks. kitchen withlower all amenities. has2nd 2 BR, 1 bedrooms, 1 bath, great room,and sun2nd room, & BA, master B/R w/walk in closet large deck 1stinclude r. 3 bedrooms, bath, room, BR. Also traditional LR, DR,living finished rec foyer, large dininglaundry area, kitchen, laundry room, and room, room w/W/D and finished deck. Air. Call off withCentral C/A. 8 min. drive215-468-9166 to CC. & conv. after to bus6 pm. $950,000.00. route. 1 yr. home warranty incl. if purchased & _______________________________32-17 settled with Don Sherman. $149,999. Don A. BEACH, DE Sherman,REHOBOTH Re/Max Affiliates, 267-716-8228. 14 x 17 with 11 x 25 add. Many improv. 3 BR, _______________________________ 1.5 BA.CountySht. dist. beach. Ask $62,900. Call Potter 11toacres adjoining State For302-644-3331, lv. mess. or 302-381-2797. est near Keating Summit. Perc approved, _______________________________32-16 electric, direct access to snowmobile trails, PASSYUNK SQUARE perfect for cabin. $51,500. Owner financing. Spectacularly rehabbed townhome w/ beauti800-668-8679. ful h/w oors & magnicently styled living and _______________________________33-05 dining room SNOWMOBILERS through to large EIK tted ATTENTION TUGout HILL/ with granite counter tops, wood cabinets, ADIRONDACK HEAVEN dishwasher, and stainless Second Land on paved road w/ appliances. power! 6 acres w/ oor features two spacious bedrooms and storage shed- WAS: $19,900 NOW: $15,900. hugeacresbath boasts custom tiledw/ shower, extra 108 $109,900. 5 acres new cabindeep soaking tub. in quickly $29,900. Access toNestled snowmobile trails.growing Cabins Passyunk Call at Reggie @ Century 21 built on anySquare. lot starting $19,900. Financing Newport Realty (215)&752-7660. available. Christmas Associates 800-229_______________________________32-17 7843 www.landandcamps.com Open House $315K _______________________________33-05 Fabulous Grad Hosp 2BR 728 S Smedley St, 19146 4/20 1-3pm socks, Jeans, Sun shirts, _______________________________32-16 shoes, sweats, shorts, Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom suits, hats, tables, Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Payment from $199/month! For listings & Informachairs, lamps, pillows, tion 800-604-8363. beds, sofas, shelves, _______________________________32-16 cups, plates, NEW Single-Family homes inglasses, active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, forks, spoons, knives, near Beach and Bays. From $99,000. 302-659toasters, CDs, TVs, 5800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com DVDs, towels, sheets, _______________________________32-16 5drapes, bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! picture frames, Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 clocks.. years @8%apr. For listings 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-16
HOMES FROM $10,000! Foreclosures for sale! 1-4 bedrooms available! These homes must sell! For Listings Call 800706-1762 ext. 6888. _______________________________32-16 ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN NYS Old Scout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & Hunting off limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited time offer- call now! Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com _______________________________32-16 HERKIMER, NY 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. _______________________________32-16
MONTANA LAND BARGAINS 20AC with Utilities & Country Road was $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. WesternSkiesLand.com _______________________________32-16 GOLF SIDE SC HOME Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave 602-758-9062. _______________________________32-16 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some open area, includes old hunting cabin, electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. 800-668-8679. _______________________________32-16
SALE
SALE
Oh, and apartments & relationships..
SALE
Mike Jenofsky
PREFERRED • FREE Listings by Email...DAILY! • Negotiable Commissions!
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Andy Mariano
(267) 341-1066 6737 Harbison DirectAvenue Line 610-789-0982Direct Phone (267) 341-1067 Philadelphia, PA 19149 Office 610-325-4100 Direct Fax (800) 559-2514 x1066 Toll Free (215) E-Mail: 333-5200 Main sold.andy@verizon.net Email: mjenofsky@fpms.com (215) 333-6012 Main Fax
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1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Let CHRIS CHRIS RISS RISSuse his Experience, Enthusiasm, and Contacts to sell your place or find your new beach home. Most Transactions Award
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GRADUATE HOSPITAL 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $260,000 Janis Dubin NORTHERN LIBERTIES 1006 N. 5TH, UNIT 1 – 1BR, 1 ½ bath bi-level condo w/central air $244,900 Alison ErmiliO 244-48 N. 3rd, Unit 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included, $225,000 Kera Ritte SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perna 1541 S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchen w/granite countertops, c/a, finished el basement ing $99,000 Janis Dubin WASHINGTON SQUARE od en 1244 Lombard 3F – 1 BR, 1 BA condos, working fireplace 3F M $199,000,OpJohn Perno UNIVERISITY CITY nd 209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br, 2.5bth porch front w/huge backyard,rac/a, w/d, wood floors and high ceilings. G $639,000 Janis Dubin FOR RENT
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REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
in Philadelphia’s HOTTEST neighborhoods.
FOR SALE: Excellent investment Avenue of Arts! Center City One, 1326 Spruce Street, unit 2903 2 bdrm 2 bath, seperate layout, renovated kit /bath good condition, w/d, spectacular city views, balcony, 1209 sq, asking $435,000 � City location with the finest featureson a When looking at the pricing on other condo buildings of a suburban townhome cost per sq foot basis, Center City One offers a very good price. Recently renovated lobby homes and well managed � 2-3 Bedroom with garages association board. (up to 1,710 sq. ft.) from the low $300’s FOR RENT:
� 3 Bedroom homes garages unit 226 Rittenhouse Sq, with Dorchester
3722 Calumet St- 3bR, landscaped patio, new appliances, c/a, w/d $2,000 mo Janis Dubin (up to 3,400 sq. ft.) from the mid $500’s 205 1601 Spring Garden St #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1300 mo Janis Dubin 711 S. 18th St-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter large 2 bd/den on�Rittenhouse Sq. with balcony and park Deck or balcony each home 1215 Lombard St-2br,2.5, roof deck and garden $1,800 mo Alison Ermilio views! Currently being renovated with new kitchen, w/d, etc. 1613 Lombard Brand new everything working fp’s $2500 mo KeraSchoolhouse Ritter � 10 year tax abatement Lane & Ridge Avenue 2314 Reed St- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood floors, new kit, exposed brick starting $895mo Janis Dubin Available Feb 1. Monthly rent $3500 includes everything. East Falls 2349 Dickinson St- Clean modern 4 bedroom house pet friendly $950 mo Janis Dubin � Free Center City Shuttle 225 E. GIRARD – Immediate availability! Comm w/storefront window, $925 mo Alison 215.844.8888 Ermilio call TomGangemi 484 645 6117 301 RACE, #503 – Res 1 BR/1 BA penthouse unit, w/d, c/a $1,100 mo Alison Ermilio 2015 Walnut St-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse SQ. $3,000 mo Kera Ritter For more info or setPointe up an The Arbours at to Eagle Brewerytown Square The Villas & Regency 4030 W. Girard Ave-Huge Storefront retail space, $1,500 mo Kera Ritter at Packer Park 3512 BARING – Res apartments, utilities included in rent starting at $950 mo KeraBRitter app’t, call TOM TO N S O M E RGANGEMI R E W E R Y TO W N Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Office SOUTH PHILADELPHIA
215.765-2800 CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE
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PAGE 44
CLASSIFIEDS
REAL ESTATE
SALE
REAL ESTATE
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
REAL ESTATE
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REAL ESTATE
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Buy or Sell in the Poconos
SALE
Heights of Collingswood
Close to Mt. Airy Casino & Camel Back.
Corners of Routes 390 & 44 • Candensis, PA 18325 OFFICE: (570) 595-2110 • FAX: (570) 595-7207 CELL: (570) 994-5118
FRED W. BALDI
REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® fred_baldi@hotmail.com
www.PoconosHomesInfo.com RATES HAVE DROPPED: NOW IS THE TIME TO REFINANCE OR PURCHASE
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Enjoy all the comforts of home. The Ultimate in Lifestyle. Convenient to Routes 38, 76, 70, I-676 the New Jersey turnpike and 295. Just minutes from robust downtown Philadelphia, Collingswood is rich in historical associations Neighborhood cafes and quaint shops line the streets symbolic of an earlier time. Our newly renovated apartments feature upgraded Kitchens and Bathrooms. We are located across the street from Newton Lake Park and many activities including fishing, boating, and jogging trails. · · · · ·
Free shuttle to PATCO Speed line 24 hour state of the art fitness center On site dry cleaners On site food market Garage parking available
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Office 856-854-4112 • Fax 856-854-9390
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ANN MOODIE
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Rose Tree Corporate Center II 1400 N. Providence Rd., Suite 6035 Media, PA 19063
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CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
APRIL - 24, 2008 JAN. 3018 - FEB. 5, 2009
REAL ESTATE
SALE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE VACATION/ SALE SEASONAL RENTALS
11TH & LOCUST ST. Available Immediately. One bedroom apartment with central air conditioning, ample closet space and wall to wall carpet. Great Center City Location for only $900 per month. Please call Tom at Solo Realty Co. to see this space. 215564-7656 ext. 22 or tom@solorealty.com _______________________________33-11 DEPTFORD VICINITY 2nd sty. 1 BR, 1 BA, kit, LR, porch, sep. ent. No pets. No smoke. $650 incl. utils. Call Ed, 856-227-2637. _______________________________33-06 ITALIAN MARKET AREA Bi level apt., 2 BR, BA, deck, 2nd fl. huge LR, laundry, EIK. Clean, nice. 267-639-4929. _______________________________33-05
FORT LAUDERDALE GAY RESORT Beautiful Studio, One & Two Bedroom apartments,full kitchens, at very affordable JANUARY SPECIAL RATES from $495Week(2 wk.min) & $89-Night(3 Nite min). Clothing optional heated pool, WiFi Internet, close to Gay & Nude Beaches, Pets Welcome, (954)927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites. com _______________________________33-05 A GREAT VACATION VALUE!! Clean, Safe, & only a tank away. America’s Greatest FAMILY Resort Ocean City, NJ 800786-8884 or visit our website www.AcademyRealEstate.com _______________________________33-05 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. HolidayREAL Real Estate. ESTATE 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________33-05
SALE RENT
COMMERCIAL
148 Smithbridge Road BUSINESS - Concordville PA SPACE
NEW CONSTRUCTIONLocated at 17th and Lombard w/Victorian1100 Style-Priv Sq Ft. onDecks first floor w/magnigicentwith views, Open Floor full basement. Plan makes this home the Is fitted as restaurant now, but Entertaining “Home of the Year”good food retail,Decorasalon or Builder had thefor“Creative professional office space also. tor” in mind for this secluded 2.5 ac-Sng Home-Grmt Kit w/Grnt Call: 267 544-0260 Cntrs-Gas Frplc, Hrdwd Flrs-1st Flr Full Bath-poss for Main Flr Bdrm-2nd Flr Mstr Ste w/Retreat Bth w/Whrlpl Tub, 2 add bdrms plus add Bath, 3rd Flr-poss 5/6 bdrms, W/O ROOMMATES LL-ready to finish-Game Rm or 2nd Fmly Rm-3 Car GarEasy Access to all Major Arteries toPGN Phila & DE- and Train WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISStation TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK
Call Maria McAnulty @YOU 610-636-4557 FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
___________________________________ Century 21- The Real Estate Store GREATER NE PHILA.
Concordville 610-558-5800 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. _______________________________33-10 LRG HIST HOUSE SHARE W/own suite. $550 + el. 215-844-8118. _______________________________33-05 OVERBROOK PARK/CITY LINE www.philarealtyexchange.com 1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 Share house, furn. BR, cable, W/D, A/C. Avail. now. $450/mo. incl. utils. 215-850-7900. FISHTOWN 262 E. GIRARD – Four unit bldg. mixed use, new roof_______________________________33-05 h/w flrs, rehab ongoing $1,100,000 Alison NORTHEAST PHILA. Ermilio House to share. $400/mo. Call Jim at 215GRADUATE HOSPITAL 821-1062. 1514 WHARTON – Property is a cleaned out shell. Rear of property was removed. Ready for _______________________________33-05 DREXEL HILL, PA rehab. Lot next door is available-may be sold as a package. $99,000 JanisHOUSE Dubin TO SHARE On quiet suburban st. Skg. female for 2 BR on 1516 WHARTON – VACANT LOT. $40,000 Janis Dubin downstairs level of 4 BR Cape Cod home. Full LOGAN SQUARE bath & closets. Shared spacious LR, DR & kit. 149 N. 21ST – Six unit building, cleaned out and framed (shell condition) $795,000 John Perno Full bsmt w/ W/D. Off st. pkg. $550/mo. + $300 MT AIRY/OAK LANE winter utils. Call Thérèse, 267-269-8627. 2048 E RITTENHOUSE – 3 br, 1 bath home in need of_______________________________33-05 TLC, hardwood flrs, deck $75,000 Stacy MALVERN AREA Klein/Janis Dubin Share pvt. furn. 3 BR, 3 BA home w/1 prof male. OLD CITY Updated kitchen, office, gym. Great house! 301 RACE, UNIT 503 – Penthouse unit in Old City’s Wireworks Bldg, high ceilings, storage space $650 neg. utils. incl. Short term (2 mos. min.) $269,000 Alison Ermilio OK. You get pvt. BR & BA. 484-924-9956 or 244-48 N. 3RD, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parkingdukellington@aol.com included, tenant occupied until 11/08 $259,000 Kera Ritter _______________________________33-05 GM sks same to share 2 BR apt. 69th St. U.D. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA Newly renov. W/W 610-352-1188. 1145 GERRITT – 3 BR, 1 BA, full basement, new w/dW/D. included $199,000 Alisoncrp. Ermilio _______________________________33-09
1541 S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchen w/granite countertops, c/a, finished basement $99,000 Janis Dubin FOR RENT
RENT
MANAYUNK RETAIL 1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated on Main & Grape. 610-647-1776. www. eadeh.com _______________________________32-17 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn MANAYUNK $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Studio apt. $850/mo. utils. Avail. May.FREE 610Training provided. No +selling required. 647-1776. www.eadeh.com details. www.K348.com _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-05 NORTHERN 13 DRIVERSLIBERTIES NEEDED Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, yard,$1,000 family Sign-On Bonus 35-41 cpm. Earnlg.over rm./den, laundry in bsmt. LR beams weekly. Excellent Benefits.w/exposed Need CDL-A & & brick. Hdwd rs, OTR EIK. $1100/mo. + utils.www. Call 3 months recent 877-258-8782 302-761-9500 or maria@165girardave.com meltontruck.com _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-05 GRAD HOSPITAL AREA Need A New Career? Drive the Big Rigs! 30 1st fgl. 2 newly needed renov. 2now! BR apts, hdwd rs. drivers $700-$800 week. No w/rearNo yard, W/D, C/A. S. 23rd St. $650. CDL, Problem. No1319 Credit, No Problem. 267-320-9618. Start ASAP! 800-961-4319. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-05 Over 18? BetweenOLD HighCITY School and College? Castings. Bldg, Travel andRenovated Have FunFactory. w/YoungCondo Successful CourtyardGroup. 1 Bedrm Apt. HW Flrs. W/D, Ctl Air, Business No Experience Necessary. $1250/mth. Call 215 Lodging, 588-0606.Transportation 2wks Paid Training. _______________________________32-18 Provided. 1-877-646-5050. AVENUE OF THE ARTS _______________________________33-05 Modern 2 bedroom apartment with large livJOB OPPORTUNITY ing room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supice maker, washer/dryer, central A/C, loaded plies Furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. Now! 1-800-307-7131 You pay; gas cooking and electric. Subway _______________________________33-05 and bus at the Mailing front door. $1,200 / Weekly month. Extra Income Brochures. 215-416-5545. Available 2008. This is a pay check! Free 24 hourMay information 1-888non-smoking building. 250-8110. _______________________________32-18 _______________________________33-05 5 bedroom, 2NOW BathsAVAILABLE! Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments $199/month! 5% down, NO 20 2009 POSTfrom OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. years @8%apr. PAID For listings 800-604-8363. EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, FED BEN_______________________________32-16 EFITS, VACATIONS. Call 1-800-910-9941 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! TODAY! Ref #PA09. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! _______________________________33-05 5% down, OWN 20 years @8% apr! For listings A COMPUTER? 800-546-8656 ext. s915. Put it to work! $1000-$3000/mo PT/FT apply _______________________________32-16 online www.BeHomeFree.com _______________________________33-0
HELP WANTED
VACATION/
CASHIERS + CLEANERS
SEASONAL RENTALS LOWER CHELSEA ATLANTIC CITY Lovely 3 bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. plus security dep. Call 609-347-8059. _______________________________32-17 REHOBOTH/LEWES Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. $1500/wk, $5000/mo. 302-236-3338. _______________________________32-19 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________32-16 Pawleys Island, Litcheld, Debordieu, The Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ condo rentals. Beach vacations start here! www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1800-422-4777. _______________________________32-16
Full or Part time All shifts available Apply in Person Sansom St. Gym 2020 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
News sensation.
262 E. GIRARD – Commercial space on busy street, $3,500/MON Alison Ermilio 209 SAINT MARK’S SQ – Res 5 BR 2 1⁄2 BA, Univ. City Victorian, incl. w/d, refrig $3,500/MON Janis Dubin
95 PAGE 45
REAL ESTATE
HELPSALE WANTED
ROOMMATES HELP WANTED 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. _______________________________32-19 NE PHILA. House to share. $350/mo. Call John at 267574-1804. _______________________________32-16 OVERBROOK PARK/CITY LINE Room. Use of kitchen, W/D, cable. $450/mo. 215-850-7900. _______________________________32-16 REHOBOTH BEACH House share, room avail. Inc. pvt bath, deck, pool & utils. 5/1 to 9/1. $5400 season. Call 302-530-1071. _______________________________32-17
Advertising Sales Representative
PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance. Applicants should call Nick Forte at 215-625HELP WANTED HELP WANTED 8501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to:
PGN
SELL AVON! 50% PROFIT. 1-800-AVON-443 (ISR) _______________________________32-20 Banquet Servers Needed Shifts Avail 7days/week $12-14/Hour. Call Today! Best Personnel 1315 Walnut St. Suite 320 215-732-3100 _______________________________32-16 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR For successful growing cleaning company. Starts P/T, becomes F/T. Must be: exible, hands on, detail oriented, willing to learn and grow. Salary commensurate w/exp. Great owners/leadership, great staff, paid training. Call 856-424-1444. _______________________________32-17
Jersey Shore
PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 wanted. Attn.: NickHousekeeper/Driver Forte 40 hours a week. EOE Valid drivers license and references required. Started at $15.6k per year. Med. Insurance after 6 mos. (Low rent Apt. available.)
Advertising works.
PGN Email: jjs@1616pr.com
Seeking part-time editorial intern The Philadelphia Gay News is seeking a part-time editorial intern. As editorial intern, you will perform a variety of duties in support of the editorial staff. Duties might include writing short articles and weekly event listings, research, fact checking, ling, archiving data and special projects. Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, etc.) and write news and features articles. Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A journalistic background is preferred but not required. Intern(s) must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis. This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player
Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to Sarah Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Or e-mail, editor@epgn.com.
PAGE 46
CLASSIFIEDS
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spend a little (Only $50 per week*)
MAKE A LOT ARE YOU HOT!
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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY
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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
this space: only $25 per week*
APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
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*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks
CRC, CVE
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RESTORATION CONSTR
• KITCHENS, BATHS • CUSTOM CABINET • PRACTICING G
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Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!
PAGE PAGE 108 48
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PAGE 108
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APRIL JAN.25 30--MAY FEB. 1, 5, 2008 2009
FOR SALE POLE BUILDINGS 24x40x10’, $9,995 Includes 1-9’x8’ Garage Door, 1-3’ Door. 30’x40’x10’ $10,995 Includes 1-10’x10’ Sliding Door 1-3’ Door. Fully Erected. Maintenance Free. www.fettervillesales.com 800-331-1875. _______________________________33-05 Metal Roofing and Siding: Buy Direct, We manufacture and cut to your length, also a large supplier of Pole Building material 1-800373-3703 www.abmartin.net _______________________________33-05 CLASSIFIEDS ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! Limited Offer! Power Wheelchairs & Scooters. ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. _______________________________33-05
WANTED TO BUY
Is it time to look for a new doctor?
Antiques & Fine Art Wanted. Purchase or Consignment by New England Auction House. One Item, Estate or Collection. American, Asian, European. www.cyrauction.com 1-800-8871026 or 207-657-5253. _______________________________33-05
SERVICES HOUSECLEANING SERVICE Expert housecleaning, servicing the South Jersey area. Prefer to work nights and weekends. Great prices, clean friendly service! Free estimates. References. 609-567-5816. _______________________________33-05 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www. CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-05
Want to to let let Want mom, dad dad mom, and all all and of your your of exs know know exs Wa you’re you’re m tying the tying the a knot? o ex APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
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PAGE 108
CLASSIFIEDS
BUSINESS
APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-05
Individual, Couple & Family Counseling Life & Career Coaching
Specific Expertise: Grief & Loss Transitions in Life Children / Adolescents with Educational or Emotional Needs Private Pay: Moderate Fee Scale Office Location: East Norriton, Montgomery County
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ADOPTION Loving married couple wants to adopt newborn baby for happy life of love, play and learning. Call Sharon and Lou anytime. 1-888-642-1931. Expenses paid. _______________________________33-05 LOVING, FINANCIALLY SECURE Professional couple wishes to adopt newborn. Endless love, educational opportunities, many cousins. Stay-at-home mom. Expenses Paid. Please call Rob & Nancy 800-216-4823. _______________________________33-05 Pregnant? Considering Adoption? A successful educated woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Will be a loving FULL-TIME mom. Expenses paid. Call Lisa (or Adam) 1-800790-5260. _______________________________33-05
DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE. _______________________________33-05 AAA $300 CASH - MOST MODELS Junk OK, + Voucher $500 Gas +$1000 Fast Food/Groceries, 1-888-204-7536, Espanol. _______________________________33-05
information to wedd editor@epgn.com c editor@epgn.com or fax fax us us at at or an (215) 925-6437. and
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
There are easier ways to get noticed...
PAGE 49
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Social Security Disability Claims Appeals
Social Security Disability Claims Appeals PAGE 110 PAGE PAGE 110 PAGE 50 PAGE110 110215-629-0585 Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030
MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2008
215-629-0585 CLASSIFIEDS
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APRIL 25 -- MAY 1, 2008 APRIL 25 MAY 1,2008 2008 2008 JAN.2525 30- -MAY - MAY FEB.1,1, 5, 2009 APRIL APRIL 2008
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030
AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney
Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney
1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com
1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteermman.com
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PARTNERS IN LAW PARTNERS IN LIFE
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1211 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Attorneys-at-Law
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Adult/Personals
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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. _______________________________33-10 Muscular male, 61 seeks same. John Larish, 575 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville, PA 17901. _______________________________33-08 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-05
Latino man looking for friend for serious long term relationship. Spanish speaking a plus. Call 267-816-5896. _______________________________33-05 HOT MOUTH FOR HOT MEN WM seeks CLEAN, fit, STR8/BI/Married men who want great head at my private place in Lansdale. NO RECIP wanted. 8 am-2 pm Mon-Fri. Some weekends. 18-45 ONLY. Call Jon 215 767 9571. _______________________________33-08
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PGN
PAGE 51
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-14 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. 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, 71 ISO 45+ for platonic friendship. Any race, honest, sincere, Phila. area only. goodfriend19004@yahoo.com or PO Box 583, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. All responses answered. _______________________________33-08 ISO DAYTIME J/O MATES Club, group, buddy. Me: sincere D/D free, gntl, subm. bi WM snr. Luvs 2 watch, feel, stroke, lick 2 cumpletion in NE, NJ, nrby. 215-574-1824. OK 2 lv any kind of msg. _______________________________33-05 Older GWM wants to give oral service to males 21-45. My place. Must be clean, discreet, HIV neg. Call RJ at 856-287-6995 evenings. _______________________________33-09 SENIOR FUN 60 year old Caucasian living in the far NE. Can host or travel out within reason. Looking for encounters with men over 30. No biases as far as race or religion is concerned. Extremely oral front and back. With right person I could be a bottom. Call 215-552-9014. _______________________________33-06 GWM looking for slim gay asian male who is young but mature, older but playful. I am 6’, 160 lbs, responsible and fun to be with. 415-205-7326. _______________________________33-08 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________33-06 GM sks same for LTR. Delco. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-09 YOU? WANT A 3 OR 4SOME? And slim? Gay? W or H? Top Male? Or couple? For a closed, clean, fun, hot relationship? Travel to Atlantic City? Casino hotel guests or employees welcome. We: Gay couple, upper 50’s, slim and well hung. 609-247-2829. _______________________________33-05 BUTT NAKED SUPER BOWL PARTY Feb. 1st, 5 PM. Cherry Hill, NJ. Guys 18-50 all races. College dudes, tops, kinky a plus. Get naked or wear jockstrap. 856-562-5663. _______________________________33-05
MEN
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WOMEN ELLEN AND PORTIA OF THE EAST COAST Media darling and her little lawyer girlfriend are looking for other savvy, professional, similarly-situated girl couples (ages 39 to 60) for friendship, travel, dancing, boating, fine dining and lots of laughter. Please contact our agent. 215-284-0447. _______________________________33-05
FRIENDS
BI
DOMESTIC SERVANT Cute, financially secure BDSM couple seeking slim, bisexual submissive female for domestic services. Includes room, board, and small salary. Call Dean & Deidra at 856-813-7085. _______________________________33-06
FRIENDS
TVTS
CD/TV/TG gal, fit, passible seeks other sisters, friends, shoe lovers or females for shopping, clubbing, LTR. Email: marilynluvsshoes@aol. com First time ad. _______________________________33-05
Your Guide To The Gay Music Scene
PAGE 52
THE PLAYGROUND
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
Too much junk in the trunk? (or the attic?...or the cellar?)
SELL IT! in the
PGN
Classifieds
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
FRIENDS
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PAGE 53
THE PLAYGROUND
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PAGE 54
THE PLAYGROUND
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JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009
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For The Best Doctors In Our Community Go To The Source PGN
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PAGE 55
Steve - 717.615.2178 MASSAGE 610.203.2798
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Health Directory
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Reservation deadline is Friday, 3pm, prior to issue to appear. Camera ready ads must arrive by noon on Monday prior to issue. PGN deadlines are strictly followed.
PGN
PAGE 56
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
JAN. 30 - FEB. 5, 2009