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Casey re-introduces Safe Schools Improvement Act

Family Portrait: Phantazia Washington puts it in writing PAGE 33

“Mothers and Sons,” the latest drama from Terrence McNally PAGE 27

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Feb. 6-12, 2015

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 39 No. 6

Coworker arrested for murder of N. philly lesbian

Judges uphold convictions in Milano case

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld all current convictions against Frank R. Chester, who murdered Anthony V. Milano almost 30 years ago.

In December 1987, Chester and Richard R. Laird escorted Milano out of a Bucks County tavern and kidnapped him to a nearby wooded area.

Upon their arrival, Chester kicked and pushed Milano. Then Laird hacked out Milano’s throat with a box cutter, according to court records.

Milano was gay, and prosecutors called it an antigay hate crime, though there were no hate-crime protections in place for the LGBT community.

In 1988, Chester and Laird were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

But Chester’s first-degree murder conviction was voided in 2011, due to improper jury instructions by the trial judge.

Chester wants his remaining convictions voided — including second-degree murder and kidnapping — on the basis that his trial attorney had a conflict of interest.

Chester’s trial attorney, Thomas F. Edwards Jr., denies having had a conflict of interest in the case. The conflict-of-interest claim stems from a pending DUI charge against Edwards in Bucks County at the time of Chester’s 1988 trial.

Last year, U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d rejected Chester’s claim, but Chester appealed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

On Jan. 29, Judges Thomas L. Ambro, Thomas M. Hardiman and Kent A. Jordan also rejected Chester’s conflict-of-interest claim.

In a 26-page opinion, the judges said Chester presented no evidence that Edwards’ pending DUI caused him PAGE 9

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

pARTY WITH A pURpOSE: Smokin’ Betty’s hosted a packed crowd Saturday night for a Pulse Events party, proceeds from which benefitted national LGBT agency Human Rights Campaign. Guests included City of Brotherly Love Softball League Women’s Division Commissioner Jen Brown (from left), social member Cat Patterson and team manager Sue Doherty, who canvassed the crowd for CBLSL recruitment. Pulse is planning to stage another HRC fundraiser at the end of this month. Photo: Brooke Lutz

State paid $1.5 mil for Whitewood legal fees

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com State officials paid $1.5 million in compensation for legal fees and costs incurred by plaintiffs in the Whitewood case, it was disclosed this week.

ACLU of Pennsylvania legal director Witold Walczak said state officials made the payment, drawn from taxpayer dollars, in December. The Whitewood case established marriage equality in the state in May. According to federal law, the prevailing party in a civil-rights lawsuit is entitled to compensation for its reasonable legal fees and costs.

As the prevailing party,

Love & Lust

Whitewood plaintiffs initially requested about $2.2 million for their legal fees and costs, which state officials called “exorbitant.”

This week, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones 3d formally closed the Whitewood case, noting that the fee-compensation dispute has been resolved.

A breakdown of the specific amounts paid to each attorney wasn’t available.

“There is no document publicly available that provided a breakdown [of the legal fees],” Walczak said.

“That is an internal matter.”

Jeff Sheridan, a spokesperson for Gov. Tom Wolf, couldn’t be reached for comment. n

The search to find the man responsible for killing a North Philadelphia lesbian woman in broad daylight last month has ended.

Randolph Sanders, a coworker of Kim Jones, confessed last Sunday to murdering the 56-yearold newlywed the morning of Jan. 13 at the corner of 12th and Jefferson streets near Temple University, according to police.

Investigators say Sanders killed Jones because she was investigating his alleged theft from their workplace.

Jones was listening to gospel music through headphones while waiting for a SEPTA bus to her job at Turning Points for Children, a youth and family-services organization, when police say Sanders, 36, approached Jones from behind and shot her point-blank in the back of the head.

New details of the incident released after Sanders’ confession reveal that he placed a phone call to Jones’ cell phone just minutes after killing her, asking on her voicemail if she was OK since he hadn’t seen her that morning.

The move was one Homicide Capt. James Clark called “a calculated effort” to hide his role in Jones’ slaying.

Sanders was known to Jones’ family; he attended her birthday party over the summer and her funeral last month.

“I’ve talked to him, I’ve joked around with him,” Jones’ son, Andre Jourden, told the Philadelphia Daily News. “He seemed like a normal human being with a normal head on his shoulders. We were wrong. I was wrong.”

Jones, program director of Turning Points’ Families and Schools Together Program, hired Sanders as her assistant director two years ago. The morning of the crime, Jones had a meeting scheduled with the Department of

SANDERS

Human Services to discuss Jones’ role in allegedly misappropriating $40,000 in funds from Turning Points.

Clark said the two had experienced “some friction” at work, which put him on investigators’ list of possible suspects.

“We are both shocked and saddened by this news,” said Turning Points CEO Michael Vogel in a statement.

PAGE 13

Valentine’s Day happenings in and around the city

PAGES 14-21

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LOCAL pGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

News Briefing Jewish Pride events set The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT affinity group will raise funds for the Jewish community at an upcoming phone bank/cocktail mixer.

Jewish Pride will be among the many groups at JFGP’s Super Sunday event Feb. 8 at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, 272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Bryn Mawr. Cocktails will be served starting at 5 p.m. Phoning begins at 6.

Not good on the phone? You can write thank-you letters instead. Or, if you can’t make it in the evening, there are earlier shifts available.

For more information or to register, visit www. jewishphilly.org/supersunday.

— Ryan Kasley Jewish Pride will also hold a fundraiser next month featuring openly gay Broadway performer Seth Rudetsky.

The event will be held 7-9 p.m. March 8 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., third-floor auditorium.

The event is entitled, “An Evening With Seth

Rudetsky: Deconstructing Broadway on Broad Street.”

Tickets are $36 and $25, depending on the location of the seating. A $360 “patron” ticket includes a pre-event cocktail reception with Rudetsky, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and two premium seats for Rudetsky’s performance.

The pre-event cocktail reception begins at 5 p.m. and will be held on the first floor of the Gershman Y. “We want the LGBTQ community in Philadelphia to know there is a network of support within the local organized Jewish community for LGBTQ issues,” said Jay Steinberg, senior development officer at the Federation.

For more information, contact Steinberg at 215832-0888 or jsteinberg@jfgp.org.

— Timothy Cwiek

qFLIX to return An LGBT film festival that began last summer will return in July. qFLIX, run by Thom Cardwell and James Duggan, will have its second incarnation July 7-12.

The festival will expand by a day to six days.

In addition to the films, the festival will include panel sessions, parties and meet-and-greets, as well as several new award categories and the opening of a director’s brunch. qFLIX filled a gap left by the indefinite postponement of LGBT film festival QFest. n — Jen Colletta

Casey re-intros anti-bullying bill

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D) last week re-introduced anti-bullying legislation that includes protections for LGBT students.

Casey, along with co-prime sponsor Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), submitted the Safe Schools Improvement Act last Thursday.

The bill would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require schools in states funded by the ESEA to adopt anti-bullying policies that explicitly prohibit harassment based on a number of factors, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Casey introduced the bill in the last three sessions of Congress.

“Bullying is a challenge that impacts far too many children and families across the country,” Casey said in a statement. “Right now only 17 states have anti-bullying laws that contain protections for members of the LGBT community. That has to change.”

In addition to mandating codes of conduct, the SSIA also would require states to collect data on bul-

lying and harassment and report it annually to the Department of Education, which would then be tasked with submitting a report on nationwide bullying every two years to Congress.

“With the advent of text messaging, social media and social networking, many children find they cannot escape the harassment when they go home at night,” Casey said. “It follows them from the moment they wake until the moment they go to sleep. This legislation will ensure that school districts across the country take proactive steps to combat bullying and protect children.”

Dr. Eliza Byard, executive director of GLSEN, commended the lawmakers for again leading the charge for the legislation.

“We have long worked with Sens. Casey and Kirk to make SSIA — our most significant legislative priority in Congress — a reality,” Byard said. “We thank them for their ongoing leadership and again look forward to working with them and their colleagues in Congress to make these protections and local supports a reality for schools and students across the country.” n

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • ASIAC, 1711 S. Broad St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., 2nd floor • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • I Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Pa. AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • Parker Hotel Lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Phila. FIGHT/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 5th floor • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Santa Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. • Safeguards lobby, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St.

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market sts. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. WEST OF BROAD

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Book Bin, 22nd & Market sts. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South sts. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market sts. • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race sts. •

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

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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pGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Weekly features

News&Opinion 2 — News Briefing 9 — Crime Watch 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk 24 — International Media Trail

AC &

29 33 35 36 38

— — — — —

Scene in Philly Family Portrait Comic Out & About Q Puzzle

Jim Kenney throws his hat into the Philadelphia mayoral ring after 23 years on City Council.

14-21 SOCCER SATURDAY: Members of the Philadelphia Falcons celebrated the end of another successful season at the 2015 Annual Banquet, Jan. 31 at William Way LGBT Community Center. Guests included outgoing president Eduardo Argothy (from left); Janine Remillard, who presented the Hall of Fame award to Kelley Collings; and Hall of Fame committeemember Stephen Connolly. Lee Laroco was also inducted to the Hall of Fame, and awards were additionally given for Longtime Supporter, Best Captain/Organizer, Most Dedicated, Most Improved Player and Rookie of the Year.

Team Orange is the New Gay was highlighted for winning the summer league of the LGBT-friendly soccer club. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Feb Ho

Ro di

DEADLIN JA

215-62 or email

C o l u m n s

12 — Before the Bells: Keep the flame burning 12 — Out Law: gayborhood.LGBT

Classifieds 40 — Real Estate 41 — Personals 43 — Bulletin Board

This week in pGN

Auctions, theater, dinners, parties and all things you love and lust for over Valentine’s Day.

6 — Cohen running for Council again 8 — Court hearing on police discrimination suit

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14-21 Love & Lust for Valentine’s Day 27 — Arts & Culture cover story: Terrence McNally talks about “Mothers and Sons” 31 — Landing a big role on stage

“The murals along the El are such an ode to Philly, where we fell in love. It just fits our personalities: kind of a celebration of Philly, of our love for Philly and for each other.” ~ Neal Santos, talking about marrying his partner Andrew Olson Feb. 8 on the SEPTA Love Train, page 19

Next week Dining Out Get Out and Play Out Money

Two weeks Gettin’ On Outward Bound Paw Prints

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

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

Editor

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

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

Advertising Sales Representative Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com Jen Johnson (ext. 219) jenj@epgn.com Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

“Whale” of a tale of a man who isolates himself after the death of his partner and lets his despair bring him to self-destruction.

Art Director/ photographer

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

National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America

Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2015 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

LOCAL pGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

D.A.’s Office withheld key Morris document from city agency

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office withheld from the Police Advisory Commission a key document pertaining to the Nizah Morris incident, it was disclosed last week.

In January 2011, the PAC requested from D.A. Seth Williams “any and all 911 tapes, transcripts or other documents or materials that relate in any way to the matter of Nizah Morris.”

Last week, a representative of the D.A.’s Office acknowledged that the office had in its possession since 2008 a seven-page list of Morris-related documentation.

But the office didn’t provide the list to the PAC, despite the PAC’s written request — and a subsequent subpoena — for all Morris-related documentation in the D.A.’s possession.

Morris was a transgender woman of color who was found with a fatal head wound in 2002, minutes after entering a police vehicle for a Center City “courtesy ride.”

The evidentiary list was created by the city Law Department in 2003, in response to a wrongful-death suit filed by Morris’ mother, Roslyn Wilkins.

That suit was settled in its early stages by a $250,000 city payment.

PGN obtained a copy of the list from an alternate source, and gave it to the PAC, after the D.A.’s Office indicated by omission that it didn’t have a copy.

The list shows that dozens of Morris evidentiary items are unaccounted for by police and/or the D.A.’s Office, including comprehensive 911 transmissions.

In 2012, several Morris advocates told the PAC they felt at risk, if so much eviPAGE 25 dence could be unac-

Lib City elects new board members, addresses hate crimes

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

Philadelphia’s LGBT Democratic club held its annual meeting last week at the William Way LGBT Community Center, at which its members elected new board members and held a panel discussion on hate crimes, which included testimony from elected city, state and federal officials.

The 2015 board nominees approved at the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club’s annual meeting include: Rhone Fraser, who earned a Ph.D. in African American studies from Temple University and is a broadcast journalist, blogger and college English and history professor; Mason Lane, chief of staff to state Rep. Brian Sims (D-81st Dist.); Andy Spiers, a therapist with Morris Home, a program of Resources for Human Development, which supports trans and gender-variant individuals, and an adjunct professor of sociology at Harcum College; and Anne Wakabayasho, campaign manager for Anne Lazarus for Supreme Court.

They will join returning board members Wade Albert, Tony Campisi, David Feldman, Stephanie Haynes, Sara Jacobson, Malcolm Kenyatta and April Murdock.

After the board nominations were confirmed, a panel of elected officials discussed the status of hate-crimes legislation. Pennsylvania lacks LGBT-specific protections under the current statewide hate-crimes law. Legislators have so far been unsuccessful in bringing an LGBTinclusive bill to a vote, despite the momentum gained on the issue after the Sept. 11 gay-bashing incident in Philadelphia.

“Last year’s panel was about marriage equality, but with that pretty much settled, Liberty City wanted to focus on hate

crimes,” said Campisi. “Not only because of what happened in Philly in September, but because of multiple instances across the state and country.”

The panel included Lane; Kyle Wherrity, legislative assistant to Congressman Bob Brady; and Nellie Fitzpatrick, Philadelphia’s director of LGBT affairs.

This fall, Philadelphia adopted a law that instates fines and jail time for individuals whose crimes are motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity or disability — classes not protected by state law.

Campisi said the panel discussion illustrated that the state needs to close that gap.

“I think the message was that there is work to be done,” said Campisi. “At the city level, it’s clear that everything that can be done from a policy and legislative point of view has. Any further advancements on the issue have to be done at the state level.”

Campisi noted that state Republicans — with the exception of a few — have not been open to considering the issue in the past two legislative sessions. The panel recognized the need to win over more colleagues from the other side of the aisle.

“We have to be actively reaching out and talking to representatives at the state and federal level, telling them why hate-crimes protections are important,” said Campisi.

“Especially at the state level where there is almost a knee-jerk reaction from the other side of the aisle to get the issue passed.”

Over the next few months, Liberty City will undergo its process to endorse candidates for Philadelphia’s spring primary election. The club encourages all candidates seeking an endorsement to fill out the endorsement questionnaire on its website.

For more information, visit www.libertycity.org. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

LOCAL PGN

Cohen announces run for City Council

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com After a close but unsuccessful campaign in 2011, a Philadelphia native with family ties to City Council and the state legislature will make another run in the Council-atLarge race.

Sherrie Cohen, 59, who identifies as a lesbian, would be the city’s first openly LGBT councilmember if elected. She narrowly missed winning a seat in the last Council election by only 1,600 votes, capturing more than 45,000.

The self-described activist for social, economic, racial, educational and LGBT rights, and lifelong feminist, said she’s “very excited for the wonderful opportunity the community has to elect an openly LGBT person.”

Last Saturday at the John C. Anderson Apartments, more than 150 people packed a room to witness Cohen officially launch her campaign.

“This campaign is about fighting for progressive causes throughout the city and being a champion for progressive issues in City Hall,” she said. “Philadelphians need a strong voice for fully funded schools, neighborhood development without displacement and workers’ rights.”

Cohen said she is an advocate for the community-schools model, in which

schools become the hub of a community as opposed to being shuttered.

“I will continue to be against school closures. I will fight for more funding, and a fair, full-funding formula from the state.”

“I hear the cries of people who say

$7.25, the city’s minimum wage, isn’t enough to survive on,” Cohen added. “I will fight to increase that. Forty percent of Philadelphians work at jobs where they have poverty-level wages. They deserve more. That is not the Philly we want to live in. I want to provide people with livable wages and the dignity that comes with that.”

Also on her list of priorities is managing

the needs of long-term residents as the city undergoes redevelopment.

“I’m concerned about the development happening around the city, which often does not take into account the needs of long-term residents,” she said. “I support policies where we are not driving out long-term residents in neighborhoods that are developing.”

She also expressed concern about the number of LGBT homeless youth.

“Approximately 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT,” she said. “We need more housing and support for them.”

Cohen’s support of LGBT issues extends beyond youth.

“I will strive to uplift the lives of all LGBT people in our city. I would be a direct link to our city government for all members of our community.”

She also noted that the homicide epidemic, especially among trans women of color, deserves discussion and action.

“The amount of unsolved trans women of color homicides is a problem that needs citywide attention and focused efforts,” Cohen said.

The candidate has a strong history of activism and standing up for the less for-

tunate.

In the 1970s, Cohen recounted, she and a dozen other women were dragged out of City Council and thrown down four flights of stairs by police officers while protesting Council’s refusal to hear about LGBT civil-rights legislation.

More recently, Cohen and others successfully sued Mayor Michael Nutter for his plan to close 11 public libraries — an effort she considers one of her proudest achievements to date.

Her father, the late David Cohen, was a longtime City Councilman. Cohen was also his chief of staff.

“My father was responsive to the needs of all people in Philly. He was known as the conscience of Philadelphia,” Cohen said. “I will strive to walk in his legacy.”

Her brother is state Rep. Mark Cohen.

She said one of her greatest strengths has been and will continue to be her ability to build coalitions.

“I am a coalition-builder by temperament and work,” Cohen said. “I have a lifetime of experience bringing people together, and that’s what’s needed as a Councilperson.”

Cohen is currently endorsed by Action United PAC, Victory Fund and the Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia.

The primary election will take place May 19. n

Recently engaged or married?

PGN wants to hear from you!

With marriage equality now the law of the land in Pennsylvania, our March 6 Wedding Issue will celebrate local couples who have, or are planning to, put a ring on it.

Email editor@epgn.com by Feb. 27 to have your announcement included.

LOCAL PGN

Kenney confirms mayoral run

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com In his first sit-down interview since resigning from City Council last Thursday, James Kenney confirmed with PGN that he would be running for mayor this spring.

“I had been thinking about it for a number of years,” Kenney said. “I have a list of things I want to do to make Philadelphia a better city. I’ve been able to get some of them done as a councilman, but there are bigger things that only the mayor can do.”

A formal declaration is expected this week.

Initially, Kenney, 56, counted himself out of the race — discouraged by the less-than-desirable pace of fundraising. But then everything changed with Ken Trujillo dropped out.

“When Trujillo bowed out, there was this apparatus in place,” said Kenney. “And his folks asked me, ‘Well, what do you think?’”

To which Kenney said he thought, “If I don’t do it now, then I am never going to do it.”

And within 48 hours, Kenney prepared to resign from his position as an at-large city councilman — a post he’s held for the past 23 years.

At his last day in office last Thursday, Kenney said he was struck by the level of nostalgia he felt at saying goodbye to so many people.

“My colleagues and everyone I worked with were good friends, even though we fought sometimes,” Kenney said.

He said it is precisely these relationships he has forged over the past two decades that could be perhaps his biggest advantage over other mayoral candidates — and one of his greatest selling points to the people of Philadelphia as he campaigns over the next 109 days.

His rapport with City Council is invaluable when the mayor’s office is critically dependent on the governing body to implement major projects.

“Everyone in City Council, whether the media portrays them that way or not, are motivated people who want to do good,” said Kenney. “Everyone wants to move the needle forward and do better for the people.”

According to Kenney, in order to get things done, a mayor needs to know what motivates each councilmember and what they want for their districts, and help them accomplish those things. Then when the time comes and the mayor’s office wants to get a big project done, they’ll want to do the “heavy lifting” for you.

“It’s a mutually beneficial effort,” said Kenney. “You can’t do it by yourself.”

As an at-large councilman, Kenney worked in and with every Philadelphia neighborhood, unlike the district councilmembers who focus their constituent-services work on their respective areas.

In addition to his tenure in City Council, Kenney said his upbringing gave him the perspective it takes to manage the needs of a city whose residents run the diversity gamut.

“I was raised in a blue-collar, IrishCatholic home in South Philly in the ’60s and ’70s — a time when people thought differently and spoke differently about people who are different,” Kenney said. “But my parents didn’t tolerate any of that type of behavior. Friends or family who spoke like that, whether it was racial prejudice or about someone’s sexual orientation, were openly admonished by my parents in front of me. I grew up in a household that was disconnected from that type of prejudiced thinking.”

While attending St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Kenney said he was instilled with the Jesuit virtue of service.

“They really molded into me the idea that service to others and helping them is what makes you happy,” he said.

His desire to help others prompted him to run for council in 1991, and later compelled him to become one of LGBT Philly’s earliest proponents in municipal government.

“I will tell you that if a gay man or lesbian woman is for civil rights, that’s awesome, or if an African-American or other minority is for civil rights, that’s awesome,” Kenney said. “But when you are a white, straight, Irish-Catholic Mummer from South Philly and you’re for domestic partnerships, that’s really awesome.”

Kenney was a prime sponsor of domestic-partnership legislation in the mid-’90s.

He said he experienced a lot of pushback for his support, including stacks of mailings from parishioners in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and even some flack from friends.

“The guys in my Mummers club ribbed me for that one,” he said. “They said to me, ‘What are you doing with this stuff?’ But they came around. Especially when you put a face to it; everyone knows somebody, a friend or family member, PAGE 9

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Oral arguments held in cop case

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The city has requested the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by N. Melville Jones, a gay police officer who alleges pervasive antiLGBT workplace bias.

On Jan. 28, Common Pleas Judge Linda A. Carpenter heard oral arguments from both sides concerning the city’s request.

Jones alleges that a former supervisor, C. Daniel Castro, outed him, triggering a chain of events that created a hostile work environment for Jones.

Alleged acts of bias against Jones include: being sent out on patrol without proper uniform and weaponry; being asked if he gets paid while having sex in the men’s locker room; and being transferred to the “graveyard” shift.

Jones’ lawsuit also implicates four other coworkers: Michael Houck, Robert Ortiz, Cynthia Rascoe and Laverne Vann.

City attorney Benjamin D. Salvina argued that Jones failed to name the four in his anti-bias complaints with the city’s Human Relations Commission.

Thus, Salvina argued, Jones failed to exhaust his administrative remedies for claims directly relating to the behavior of those coworkers.

Salvina said the court lacks jurisdiction over those claims, and that Jones’ claims against Castro are meritless.

Barak A. Kassutto, an attorney for Jones, argued that all of Jones’ claims stem from Castro’s behavior, along with a pre-existing atmosphere of anti-LGBT animus within the police department. He said Jones didn’t have to file a complaint with the HRC for every act of discrimination, since they all flowed from Castro’s behavior.

Carpenter told the attorneys to confine their presentation to a recitation of pertinent facts, and to refrain from giving their interpretation of relevant law.

“Just give me the facts,” the judge said.

“I know the law.”

She noted that Castro was promoted to the position of police inspector, a very powerful position within the department.

If evidence indicates that all alleged discriminatory acts were connected to Castro, the claims directly related to the four other coworkers won’t be dismissed at this stage, Carpenter said.

She said a “trier of fact” can decide if Jones’ allegations are factual and sufficient to prove violations of anti-bias laws.

She also said if police officials “thwarted” Jones’ ability to ensure reasonable investigations at the HRC, that can also be taken into consideration.

The judge reminded Kassutto and Salvina that one of them isn’t going to like her opinion. But she told Salvina that if her ruling goes against the city, she won’t give him permission to file an appeal.

She said a ruling will be issued shortly, after she reviews relevant paperwork.

Jones is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, and a non-jury trial.

After the hearing, Kassutto expressed guarded optimism.

“Employees who have already reported ongoing employment discrimination shouldn’t have their rights curtailed for not returning to an administrative agency to report every discriminatory act of what they already indicated was an ongoing discriminatory practice,” Kassutto said in an email. “Our client made multiple complaints, both to the city’s Human Relations Commission and the police department’s Equal Opportunity Office. I’m optimistic the case will be permitted to move forward.”

Salvina declined to comment.

Castro no longer works for the city. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in an unrelated matter and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. n

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who is LGBT.” The bill finally made it through Council in 1998. The issue came full-circle in 2013, when Kenney spearheaded an LGBTreform bill that included enhanced protections for transgender people and several first-in-the-nation LGBT initiatives and eased restrictions on the domestic-partner registration process. It passed soundly,14-3.

Kenney said some of the provisions of that legislation, and others still needed, address the seemingly small day-to-day things that have a large impact on the LGBT community.

“I know how hard it is for, say, a samesex couple when they need to enroll their child in school, and the application asks them to identify the ‘father’ and ‘mother,’” Kenney said. “If we can drill that stuff down, that would have a huge impact.”

Kenney also recognized the need to continue to train law enforcement in interacting with the LGBT community.

“They are doing a great job, but we can do better,” he said. “Especially when it comes to things like investigating the homicides of transgender people.”

Kenney said he would continue all of Mayor Nutter’s pro-LGBT efforts, such as the creation of the Office of LGBT Affairs and the rainbow flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, started by the late Gloria Casarez.

“Those things help LGBT people feel more a part of the Philadelphia community,” he said.

Kenney also acknowledged that LGBTs live in every Philadelphia neighborhood, not just the Gayborhood, and that their concerns are equally important.

“We need to pay attention to the LGBT people throughout the city, to understand what is going on in their neighborhoods and how it affects them as members of the LGBT community.” n As the list of candidates for the mayoral race solidifies, PGN will conduct more in-depth policy-specific interviews with each candidate.

MILANO from page 1

to avoid specific trial strategies.

Chester argued that Edwards failed to cross-examine Laird; failed to impeach Laird with his criminal record; selected pro-deathpenalty jurors; failed to introduce evidence that Laird was the sole killer and the only one with a motive to kill Milano; failed to seek admission of toxicology evidence showing that Milano was drunk; and failed to elicit from Chester that he had no intent to kill Milano.

But the judges said Chester didn’t offer evidence that those alternate strategies were avoided due to Edwards’ pending DUI. “There is no record support for [Chester’s] assertion that Edwards’ performance at trial was affected by his desire to curry favor with the District Attorney or that he chose to ‘lay down’ against the Commonwealth in his representation of Chester,” the judges wrote.

“Although there may have been plausible

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

9

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Jan. 19-25.

Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association.

To report crime tips, visit www. phillypolice.com or call 215686-TIPS (8477).

NOTICE: Do you bike in or around Center City? Then check out www.phillypolicebikeregistry.com, register your bike and upload a photo, to get interesting and valuable bicycle-related information.

INCIDENTS — Between 1:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 19, a resident of an apartment in the 1200 block of Chestnut Street forgot to lock the door and found that a keyboard, painting and speakers were stolen while the property was unoccupied.

Sixth District Officer Corrado attempted to lift fingerprints.

— Between 6:10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 19, someone entered an apartment in the 1200 block of Locust Street without force and stole a laptop, watch, ring and cell phone. Sixth District Officer DeLuca attempted to lift fingerprints.

— Between 10:20 p.m. Jan. 18 and 6:30 a.m. Jan. 20, someone forced open the liquor storage closet inside Knock, 225 S. 12th St. There was no forced entry

into the premises, and an undetermined amount of liquor was stolen. Central Detectives processed the scene for evidence.

— At 8 p.m. Jan. 21, a patron’s wallet was stolen from her handbag inside Charlie Was a Sinner restaurant, 131 S. 13th St. Security video showed the offenders to be a black male in his 30s wearing a puffy jacket and a jeff cap and a black female in her 30s wearing a white puffy jacket.

— At 2 a.m. Jan. 23, a man was pushed against a wall in the vicinity of 13th and Locust streets and the contents of his wallet were stolen. The incident was reported at 5:30 p.m. to the Drexel University Police. The suspects were described only as two black males.

— At 8 p.m. Jan. 23, a man pulled into the lot at 1314 Spruce St. in his 2010 Ford and turned it over to a male he thought was a valet, but who was not. The man drove the vehicle south on Juniper Street. He was described as a black male between 45-50 and 5-foot-8.

— At 2:30 a.m. Jan. 25, a man met another male outside Voyeur Nightclub, 204 S. Camac St. He said the male seemed friendly so he went with him into an alley, where the male produced a small pocketknife and a second male appeared. They stole the man’s cash, cell phone and prescription medications. The suspects were described as black males. The first was in his 20s, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with facial hair and a medium complexion.

The second was also in his 20s, 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, with a

alternative strategies for defending Chester, none of them was inherently in conflict with Edwards’ desire to be placed in [a probation program] and avoid imprisonment [for DUI].”

The judges also rejected Chester’s assertion that the trial judge should have asked if he wanted a conflict-free attorney.

“Chester is not entitled to relief on an argument that the trial judge failed to inquire into the potential conflict — unless he can establish that an actual conflict adversely affected Edwards’ performance,” the judges noted.

Additionally, the judges rejected Chester’s claim that the prosecutor should have told the trial judge of Edwards’ potential conflict of interest.

“Even if [the prosecutor] neglected an ethical obligation to disclose the potential conflict at the time of the trial — and we do not decide nor imply that he did — Chester

light complexion and freckles.

— At 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25, a resident heard the doorknob of a residence in the 1200 block of Lombard Street. jiggle and looked out and saw the screen door was open. The resident opened the door and saw a male crouched down, who said he was looking for someone named Dave. When told no such person lived there, the individual walked east on Lombard Street.

He was described as a black male in his 40s, 5-foot-8, wearing a tan beanie hat and baggy black pants.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 10:40 a.m. Jan. 21, Sixth District Officers Ferrero and Grant, who had set up surveillance in the area of 200 S. Juniper St., observed a male steal an unattended bicycle.

The 29-year-old suspect with a Lawncrest address was charged with theft.

— At 11:40 a.m. Jan. 22, Sixth District Officers Ferrero and Grant, who had set up surveillance in the area of 1300 Walnut St., observed a male steal an unattended bicycle.

The 58-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with theft.

— At 9:20 a.m. Jan. 24, a man in a wheelchair was inside the methadone clinic at 928 Market St. The elevators were not working and another male offered to push him to the rear entrance. Once in the 900 block of Ludlow Street, the male stole money from the victim’s coat pocket after a brief struggle.

would still have to show that he pursued his rights diligently, and it seems to us rather plain that he did not.”

The judges noted that Chester didn’t raise his conflict-of-interest claim until August 2001, which was almost eight months after the deadline to do so.

The judges said prosecutors failed to cite the relevant law when objecting to Chester’s untimeliness, but noted their main reason for rejecting Chester’s claim was its lack of merit, not its untimeliness.

The judges did agree with Chester’s attorneys that Jones misquoted and misidentified a pertinent court case when rejecting Chester’s conflict-of-interest claim.

But they said Jones’ overall opinion was legally sound, despite those errors.

The judges heard oral arguments Jan. 13.

Attorneys for Chester have 14 days to petition for a rehearing by all 13 judges on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

At 9:50 a.m., Sixth District Officers Witherspoon and Haas saw and detained the suspect inside McDonald’s at 10th and Market streets. The victim was located and identified the 52-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address, who was charged with robbery and related offenses.

— At 9 p.m. Jan. 24, First District officers were flagged down by a male who stated his iPhone was stolen at 10 p.m. the night before inside ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. The man said when he called the phone, a male wanted to meet at 12th and Market streets to sell it back. The officers observed as the meet took place and apprehended the 33-year-old culprit, who was charged with receiving stolen property.

— At 11:55 a.m. Jan. 25, Sixth District Officer Thomas arrested a male outside 121 S. Broad St. who was wanted for failure to appear in court. The 46-yearold suspect with a Center City address was charged with contempt of court.

SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 3:20 a.m. Jan. 19, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 100 S. 13th St. — At 9:15 a.m. Jan. 24, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense inside 1300 Market St. — On Jan. 25, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 12:35 a.m. outside 247 S. Camac St. and 3 a.m. outside 117 S. 13th St. n

His attorneys couldn’t be reached for comment.

Prosecutors have the option of retrying Chester for first-degree murder after all potential appeals are exhausted.

“At the appropriate time, we’ll take a careful look at the issue of retrying Mr. Chester,” said Stephen B. Harris, chief of appeals for Bucks County. “The only issue is whether Mr. Chester is tried for first-degree murder.

And that’s still on the table. That’s what we’ll take a careful look at.”

Harris also expressed agreement with the judges’ ruling.

“We’ve always believed Mr. Edwards didn’t labor under a conflict of interest. And we’re very pleased with the court’s opinion.

It’s a solid opinion that will stand, if challenged.”

Chester, 46, and Laird, 51, remain on death row in state prisons. Laird’s bid for a new trial is pending in state Supreme Court. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Sally Kern

Editorial

Off to the races Now that 2015 is in full swing, so too is campaign season — and it’s shaping up to be a busy one.

Among the most notable races this May 19 will of course be the Democratic primary for Philadelphia’s next mayor. We now have four declared mayoral candidates, and another set to declare this weekend.

To clarify, neither PGN nor our publisher has endorsed any candidate for mayor. While a local blog suggested otherwise this week, it’s entirely too early for our publisher or our editorial board to make any endorsements.

Our endorsements are based on a careful and thorough process, anchored around election interviews with our candidates, where we ask all candidates in a particular race the same set of questions on LGBT policies and positions. (We are this week running a news story based on an interview with candidate Jim Kenney, who requested a sit-down with PGN to announce his mayoral candidacy; he will be asked the same positions questions as his fellow candidates when we begin those interviews in the coming weeks.) From there, our editorial board then reviews the candidates’ positions and, fusing research into each individual’s record on LGBT issues and positions on other social-justice topics, decides who we feel would be the best person to move the LGBT community forward. We’ll be making our official mayoral endorsement in early May. We employ the same endorsement process for candidates in other races, which this year will include City Council candidates. We will publish writeups based on the candidates’ interviews in early May, along with our endorsements.

In the interim, we will be running profiles on LGBT candidates in local races. There are two out candidates for City Council, as well as two out judicial candidates, and we’ll be highlighting their stories, and those of any other out candidates who declare, in the coming weeks.

While this election may not be as high-profile as next year’s presidential race, it will certainly have big implications for all Philadelphia residents, LGBTs and allies included. Here we have the chance to decide who will lead our city at least the next four years, as well as who will be making our laws.

We have an opportunity to make history by electing our first openly LGBT City Councilperson. While Philadelphia has made impressive strides for LGBT equality, especially in the last few years, there are still policies and programs that can be enacted to further LGBT progress. To make that a reality, we need to make sure we have the best leaders in place — an aim that can be furthered by getting out the vote for LGBT-friendly candidates, and getting out to the polls May 19. n

Mental illness is a serious, unfairly this state have the stigmatized issue in this country. right to According to the National Alliance on seek and Mental Illness, one in four Americans obtain deals with some kind of mental illness counseling yearly and many receive no treatment. or conver So please know that I’m not joking sion therwhen I say that Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern is a very sick woman and that apy from a menI hope that she gets the help she so destal-health perately needs. provider Now, I’m not a psychologist, but I don’t see how a mentally healthy perin order to son can maintain the kind of obsessive control or hatred of LGBT people that inspires end any the bills she recently introduced in the unwanted Oklahoma legislature. All three serve no sexual attraction, and no state agency purpose other than to make life harder shall infringe upon that right. Parents for LGBT Oklahomans. may obtain such counseling or therapy For example, take the so-called for their children under 18 years of age “Preservation and Sovereignty of without interference by the state.”

Marriage Act,” a desperate move to try It’s sad that Kern’s interest in mental to thwart marriage equality, which is health exists solely to harm rather than legal in Oklahoma. help others.

“No employee of this state and no Then there’s the “freedom to discrimemployee of any local governmental inate” bill that’s been popular in other entity shall offistates as of late in In other words: “Hey gov- order to address the cially recognize, grant or enforce a of bakers havernment employees, you horror same-sex marriage ing to make cakes license and continue like your job? Better not for a same-sex couto receive a salary, ple’s wedding when play nice-nice with any pension or other said bakers believe employee benefit that homos make gay couples or you’ll be at the expense of Jesus vomit. filing for food stamps. taxpayers of this While other states state,” the bill reads. (Ha ha just kidding, we’re have used CYA “No taxes or pubterms like “religious Republicans, we’ll proba- freedom” to justify lic funds of this state shall be spent the refusal of serbly cut those, too.)” enforcing any court vice, Kern comes order requiring the right out with it: issuance or recognition of a same-sex “No business entity shall be required marriage license.” to provide any services, accommoda In other words: “Hey government tions, advantages, facilities, goods or employees, you like your job? Better not privileges related to any lesbian, gay, play nice-nice with any gay couples or bisexual or transgender person, group or you’ll be filing for food stamps (Ha ha association.” just kidding, we’re Republicans, we’ll Could these bills pass? They probably cut those, too.)” shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean they Kern is not alone in her marwon’t. After all, Republicans dominate riage-equality desperate-measures freak Oklahoma and marriage equality is scarout. Todd Russ, another state represening the shit out of them. tative, wants to do away with marriage As for Kern, she’s been crying for licenses in the state all together just to help since at least 2008, when she said spite the gays. that homosexuality is “the biggest threat Kern also authored the “Freedom to that our nation has, even more so than Obtain Conversion Therapy Act,” which terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big guarantees people the “freedom” to threat.” mentally and emotionally damage their It can’t be fun to be her. n LGBT children by trying to get them “cured.” As you may know, California D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay and New Jersey have banned so-called since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and “conversion therapy” because it is bullpoet (believe it!). When she’s not taking shit. Kern’s bill is a proactive measure to on the creeps of the world, she reviews keep Oklahoma from making the same rock and roll shows in Detroit with her move. twin sister and teaches writing at the The bill reads in part, “The people of University of Michigan.

Op-Ed PGN

Calling out ageism

Street Talk

Last Sunday on one of those morning Of course, then you’ll find those same news talk shows, Wisconsin Gov. Scott young politicians telling senior voters Walker was asked about Hillary Clinton’s that they want to hear about the issues of possible candidacy for president. He concern to them in an attempt to get their responded: “People want to look to the votes. future, we don’t want to go back in time.”

In this case, the funny thing is that To me, that is pure and simWalker most likely supports ple ageism. ideas that would take us back Let’s get this elephant out of to 1950 — with his anti-labor, the room. What he’s attemptwomen’s health, LGBT and ing to do is say that Clinton immigration positions. is old, and an “older” person Here’s an action point, at least in office would take us back for me. From today forward, I into the past, not the future. refuse to allow a public official Outrageous, and I say again, to treat an older citizen in this ageist. fashion. If I hear it I’ll yell age And if you’re not sure what ism, or if I know they’re speakageism is, think along the lines ing, I’ll have a picket sign ready.

The hypocrisy is that such of racism, anti-Semitism, a a line was never used when simple hate or willingness to someone like Ronald Reagan discriminate or, in this case, degrade someone who is older was running. You might not like simply for his or her age.

Mark Segal Hillary Clinton, but don’t use There’s another way this her age as an excuse. If you do, same ageist argument comes from younger you offend all older people. n politicians. The line goes, “It’s time for the Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the older officials to make room for the next nation’s most-award-winning commengeneration.” In other words, maybe they tator in LGBT media. You can follow should retire to allow those of a younger him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ generation to get that job. Would that be MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter. called job discrimination? The only thing com/PhilaGayNews. disqualifying them from the job is age?

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback In response to “Kenney confirms mayoral run,” Jan. 30: I am glad that Kenney is running. I was proud to work with him on the LGBT omnibus and other issues. He is the only shining star in this mayoral race, though.

Anthony Williams? He is nothing more than a voucher pusher, a puppet for white hedge-fund managers on the Main Line who want to privatize education. That City Committee endorsed him, even in light of the issues with the Philly school district, is appalling. Most relevant to this publication, vouchers are bad for LGBT students, as it forces them to either choose between being true to themselves or getting a good education (the beneficiaries are religious schools).

Lynne Abraham? Nothing more than a throwback to the tough-on-crime era of the ’80s, ’90s and parts of the ’00s, where everyone turned off their brain and favored policies and laws that locked people up for small-ball stuff. California reformed three strikes, states are legalizing or decriminalizing weed and, someday, these reforms will make it to Pennsylvania; she is extremely passé. Tough-on-crime policies also hurt certain segments of the LGBT community, especially trans women of color.

Nelson Diaz? Who? Basically, we know nothing about this guy, and while he may

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

be able to benefit from ethnic voting, he may take votes away from Kenney, who has been endorsed by PFUN, whose member organizations include many Latino/a interest organizations who are working against ICE. Philadelphia needs Kenney. If he doesn’t win, then Philadelphia will never advance into the modern era.

Will the Supreme Court rule in favor of marriage equality?

"Yes, I think they will.

The country has been moving in the direction of marriage equality. I think the court will Chad Nelson move in software developer that same East Passyunk direction.

I don't think they'll want to reverse any previous promarriage-equality decisions."

"Yes. People feel better about LGBT rights. The momentum is definitely there for marriage equality. And Cindy Ngo the younger student generation Olney is all for it. I think that will also help persuade the Supreme Court."

"Maybe I'm living in Lala Land, because Philly is so liberal, but I can't imagine the Supreme Court denying Emily Roberts this basic student human right North Philadelphia of getting married. Heterosexuals can get married. I don't see how the court could deny that right to lesbians and gays who want it."

"Yes, because so many states have marriage equality already.

I'm gong to make a leap of faith and say yes. Isn't Julie Seidman student it too late North Philadelphia to go back now? Backsliding would be too horrible to contemplate, at this point."

— Jordan Gwendolyn Davis In response to “Hollywood is lagging behind,” Jan. 23-29: AHHMen! — SisterSoami DeLux Thank you for speaking up about this. So many great films are out there, yet why haven’t we heard?

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

Please include a daytime phone number.

Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space con­sid­er­ations.

— kittybrat In response to “Nutter officiates dignitary’s same-sex wedding,” Jan. 23-29: As a queer Jew in Philly, words will never be able to adequately explain how much this wedding happening in City Hall means to me.

— Shane Rubin

We want to know!

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

11

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

Before the Bells

Jen Colletta

Remembering the romance Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, a time for couples to pay some extra attention to one another and celebrate their relationship. While it may seem like couples in the throes of wedding planning may be extra-focused on their relationship round-the-clock, a romance reminder may be sorely needed.

No matter the size of a wedding, there’s sure to be some stress. And with stress may come heightened tempers and emotions between the soon-to-be newlyweds — a recipe for some fiancée fighting.

Studies have shown money to be the number-one wedding stressor, but the list of headache-producers can be endless: decisions on vendors, the guest list, menu, décor, ceremony readings, wedding party … And with the stressors may come the fights: Photographer A vs. Photographer B? Plus-ones or no plus-ones? Chicken or steak?

Candle or flower centerpieces?

Traditional or modern ceremony?

Sweetheart table or wedding-party table? My fiancé and I have butted heads on things I would have never even considered caring about before getting engaged.

I’ve found that most wedding-planning disagreements are rooted not in both of our stringent investments to a particular point of view — really, who honestly cares about the difference between navy and peacock blue? — but rather a loss of perspective, aggravated by the tension of too many things on our minds. With details in overdrive, it’s easy to lose your grasp on the long run, instead ascribing heightened meaning to just about everything. We’ve tried to combat that by both remaining cognizant of how quickly we can devolve into wedding mania — and actively fending off the crazy.

We made a conscious decision to refrain from any wedding planning near the holidays. There’s certainly enough to worry about around that time, and we wanted to have the time and attention to devote to our family and friends. In that vein, we’ve tried to do our best to expand conversations with loved ones to beyond wedding talk; at family gatherings or outings with friends, we’ve found it’s common to be asked how the planning process is going, but it’s nice to have a

break from wedding chat. After all, these folks were in our lives before we got engaged, and they’ll be there after, so it’s important to keep up ties that have nothing to do with the wedding.

We’ve also tried to re-frame our tasks. For instance, our DIY centerpieces required a plethora of thrift-shop outings, which could get quite tedious. So instead of thinking of them as Sundayafternoon errands, we started building in more fun to the tasks: scheduling a dinner date at a restaurant we’d never been to near one of the shops, or doing the shopping first, followed by a movie. With so many to-dos, incorporating non-wedding outings can help you reconnect and remind you what all the planning is for in the first place.

We’ve tried similar tactics for other seemingly mundane wedding tasks. Before surrounding ourselves in a sea of wedding invites, stamps and labels a few weeks ago, we cooked dinner together, opened a bottle of wine and put on a movie we had been looking forward to watching. A lot of time has been spent planning things with pen and paper or in front of the computer; instead of doing this while holed up at home, bring your laptop or notebook to the park for a picnic and planning session, or schedule a weekend away just the two of you to work on wedding brainstorming, and spend some time together.

With the amount of stress, decisions to be made and joint projects, wedding-planning really does seem to be good preparation for life after the big day. While the wedding is all over within 24 hours, what it signifies is meant to last a lifetime, a journey full of choices and complications.

Learning how to weather challenges, though seemingly small, together before the wedding day is good practice for those bigger obstacles down the road.

And though cliché, honesty really does seem to be the best policy. It’s too easy to head down that rabbit hole of wedding insanity, so sometimes a wake-up call is needed: Telling your partner if he or she seems to be losing perspective, or recognizing it in yourself, can help alleviate tension and avoid unnecessary fights. n

COLUMNS PGN

.LGBT: An Internet Gayborhood ner; however, eligibility during Rainbow flags. Gay cruises. this period is limited strictly to Logo. Domain names? trademark holders whose marks The LGBT community has are registered in the Trademark carved out plenty of homes for Clearinghouse. itself, but it has yet to officially claim a stake in the virtual one.

None of this could be posWhile the Internet has played a sible without the approval of central role in the community the Internet Corporation for for many years by providing Assigned Names and Numbers a space to share information, and the Domain Name System. meet other commuTo make a very comnity members and plicated process simgrow LGBT-owned ple, in order to reach businesses, creating another person on an “.LGBT” domain the Internet, Internet had never been Protocols (more conceived of until commonly known recently. as IP addresses) are That’s right — in used. Every comjust a few days, your puter or device on favorite websites the Internet has a could be Mazzoni. unique IP address, LGBT, AtticYouth. just like a telephone LGBT or PGN. which is a Angela number, LGBT, and you rather complicated have Afilias, one of Giampolo string of numbers. the most influential DNS coordinates Internet companies you’ve never these unique identifiers around heard of, to thank for that. the entire globe and makes The Ireland-based company, using the Internet easier by with U.S. operations headquarallowing a familiar string of tered in nearby Horsham, is the letters (the “domain name”) to world’s second-largest domain be used instead of the arcane registry, with more than 20-mil- IP address. So instead of typlion names under management. ing 207.151.159.3, you can Afilias powers a wide variety type www.internic.net. It is a of Top-Level Domains, and “mnemonic” device that makes will soon support hundreds of addresses easier to remember. new TLDs, including TLDs Without domain names, the for cities, brands, communiexperience of surfing the web ties and generic terms. The as we know it would cease to .LGBT domain is the first and exist. only web address dedicated to ICANN is the organization the entire LGBT community. that is responsible for coordinating DNS, IP addresses, With it, Afilias’ mission is to generic Top-Level Domain provide a positive and pronames (gTLDs) and much tected space where community more. Since “.LGBT” is conmembers as well as businesses, sidered a gTLD, much like the organizations and other entities commonly used “.com,” it is in who wish to reach our comhigh demand. This is because munity can now interact with domain names can potentially one another. While it isn’t comaffect how search engines will pletely inclusive, “LGBT” is find a site, as well as how users the most accepted and widely will remember it. Therefore, used term for our large and diverse community and, accord- TLDs are seen as financially valuable assets because they are ing to Community Marketing believed to be superior to other Inc.’s eighth annual LGBT domain names with respect to Community Survey, “LGBT” is both of these elements. also the term most preferred by In my opinion, the only our community members.

Afilias just ended its “sunforeseeable problem Afilias rise” period, during which could run into is maintaining trademark holders were able its Acceptable-Use Policy. The to register names, and on Feb. AUP is a strict policy enacted 10 registration is open to all to protect the community from LGBT community members possible misuse of the space and those serving it. A “sun— i.e., homophobic people or rise” period is a 30-day period companies with anti-LGBT where domains are awarded in agendas buying up domains to a first-come, first-served manspread their messages of hate.

Out Law

The AUP will be policed by Internet users, as it’s impossible for Afilias to monitor the content on each and every site.

There is a special page to report abuse of the domain, which will then be submitted to a dedicated department created by Afilias for this purpose. If there is clearly something defamatory like “God hates fags,” Afilias will work its magic and stop the site from working at an .LGBT address. Afilias cannot take sites “down” per se, but AUP violations will result in the site’s removal from the LGBT space.

It’s not to say that defamatory language is impermissible.

For example, if an .LGBT site has posted a controversial article and there is a conversation happening in comments on that site that includes defamatory language, that site will not be removed from the registry if it is clear that the site’s existence is not anti-LGBT on purpose, and it was only the comment thread that went awry. If there is anything that questionable, it will be sent to the brand manager, Brett Samuels, to make a final determination.

Afilias is well aware of the First Amendment and that will be of utmost importance in its determinations. Chief Marketing Officer Roland LaPlante put it best: “The large and vibrant LGBT community now has an Internet address that embraces the full breadth and diversity of LGBT people around the world in a protected, inclusive manner.” And in order to make .LGBT a protected space, sites with the intention to be derogatory to the LGBT community will not be tolerated.

Once again, the LGBT community has found yet another place where it can flourish, create and innovate — the World Wide Web. In the Internet world, TLDs are like beachfront property and on Feb. 10, you can pick up your island oasis! n Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights.

Her website is www.giampololaw.com and she maintains two blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www.lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal questions at angela@giampololaw.com.

pGN

way line. Upon exiting the subway at the Hunting Park stop, the suspect walked to a silver GMC Yukon with a rear sticker that they were able to trace to Sanders.

He has been charged with murder as well as carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a firearm in public in Philadelphia and possession of instrument with criminal intent. He has no prior arrests.

According to an online profile he created on Vitae.com, Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in social relations and psychology in 2002 from Cheyney University and a master’s in education in 2004.

A judge on Monday denied Sanders’ request for bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18.

Jones married her partner in December. n

MURDER from page 1

“This is a very difficult situation for everyone involved and we appreciate all of the words of support from friends, family and supporters.”

Vogel also said he believes Sanders’ misappropriation of funds was an isolated incident and that third-party investigators were being hired to confirm that.

“He’s an absolute scumbag,” Jean-Paul Jourden, Jones’ other son, told NBC 10.

“That’s all I can think about this guy. To shoot a human in broad daylight in front of people and leave her on a corner.”

Detectives connected Sanders with the crime by using surveillance video that showed the suspect fleeing the crime scene to the northbound Broad Street sub-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Two bachelor auctions to find your Valentine

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and two local venues are hosting bachelor auctions to help singles mingle — and raise funds for two LGBT-related organizations.

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Don’t miss your chance to win a Valentine’s Day dream date with some of Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus’ most eligible bachelors.

This year’s PGMC Bachelor Auction will once again take place at Woody’s, but in an anticipated change, it will be held Saturday night instead of Sunday afternoon: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 7 at Woody’s, second floor, 202 S. 13th St. “We decided to switch things up this year and move the auction to Saturday,” said PGMC fundraising chair Paul Fontaine.

“We wanted to give people the chance to drink and be merry without worrying about going to work in the morning.”

Plus, the $10 ticket to the auction allows you to skip the cover charge when the dance floor opens to the public at 10 p.m.

The fiercely fabulous Stella D’Oro will host this year’s lineup of bachelors, which includes six PGMC members as well as two surprise guests that will be revealed at the event.

Each bachelor has two minutes to show off his talents and convince spectators to bid on him. Winning bidders get a date at either a show or restaurant.

“This is our second-biggest annual fundraiser,” said Fontaine. “We usually raise between $4,000-$5,000.”

For more information, visit www.pgmc. org.

AIDS Law Project Didn’t win your dream date at the PGMC auction? Well, get ready to try again with another dreamy lineup of Philly’s finest bachelors.

The first-ever V15 Bachelor Auction, benefiting the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania — which offers free legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS — takes place 8-11 p.m. Feb. 12 at Boxers, 1330 Walnut St. The event, hosted by Lady S, will feature a silent auction, drink specials, drag performances and raffles in addition to the auctioning of 15-20 bachelors. Winners receive a 25-percent discount for dinner at nearby Knock.

“We are so excited for the Law Project’s first bachelor auction,” said fundraising coordinator Sean Doam. “We hand-selected these amazing —and desirable— men just for you. They come from all walks of life: bartenders, IT, the medical field, etc.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to score oneon-one time with Trevor “the all-American boy next door” or Will “the witty artist,” and more amazing men.

To see pictures of the bachelors and for more information, visit facebook.com/ V15Bauction or aidslawpa.org. n

Back in black (leather)

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Buckle up, Philly.

After being locked away someplace dark for the last few years, the Mr. and Mrs. Philadelphia Leather Contest is ready to return in 2015 to heat up Valentine’s Day at The Bike Stop.

Jim Kiley-Zufelt, chair for the contest committee and Philadelphians M.C. captain, said the contest had lain dormant for the last half-dozen years because interest had waned.

“We went on hiatus after the 2008 contest,” he said. “The previous owner of the bar decided to give it a rest because they didn’t get enough contestants to really have a contest in 2009. We only had one man and one woman, and that doesn’t result in a very entertaining competition. So we put it on hold and the new owners decided they would let it sit until there was enough interest. Over the years, they heard enough people talking about it so they decided to bring it back. They reached out to the Philadelphians M.C. to see if we would be interested in helping them bring it back and co-producing the event with them.”

Kiley-Zufelt said the break seems to have regenerated interest in the leather contest.

“It was just one of those things where the community needed to recycle a little bit. There’s just been more people talking about it and wondering where it was.

When something takes a break, absence

makes the heart grow fonder. So people are excited about it again.”

The event will try to live up to that anticipation when it returns with new elements to keep the spectators entertained and engaged.

“There’s a whole new generation of people who have grown up watching ‘American Idol’ and seeing different types of competition,” Kiley-Zufelt said.

“They’ve definitely got different attention spans.

So we are borrowing things from pop culture. For example, we’re inserting audience voting into the competition. The audience votes will actually count toward selecting the winner. People will be able to vote on their smartphones and see the votes tallied on their screens during the performance.”

Kiley-Zufelt added that competition organizations are also hoping to appeal to community members outside The Bike Stop’s usual clientele.

“We are trying our best to promote it around the city and across many social-media networks,” he said. “There’s definitely more cross-pollination between bars. There’s the bear crowd that goes to The Bike Stop and also Tabu. And you’ve got other crowds that go to Tabu. We’re definitely trying to appeal to more than one sector of the community.”

The Mr. and Mrs. Philadelphia Leather Contest is free to attend and starts 8 p.m.

Feb. 14 at The Bike Stop, third floor, 206 S. Quince St. For more information, visit www.phillyleathercontest.org. n

Dan Savage brings amateur porn fest to Philly

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

and preferences.

Some films are humorous, others artistic, thought-provoking or outrageous — but all One of the most anticipated amateur 18 of the 5-minute films are what Savage porn film festivals is making its way to calls “humanizing, sex-positive portrayals of sex, versus dehumanizing commercial Philadelphia later this month.

Dan Savage’s sex-positive “HUMP! pornography.”

Here are a few descriptions from the Tour” will screen 6, 8:15 and 10:30 p.m.

“HUMP!” website: “‘The Grocer’: The Feb. 21 at Union triumph of cinematic kink has forever Transfer, 1026 changed how several thousand humans Spring Garden view grapes and carrots; ‘Rube’: A book St. called ‘Rube,’ plus a handful of lube, trig“HUMP!” gers a chain reaction you won’t believe; films are sub‘The Glory Hole’: This heartwarming new mitted by ordiporno classic dazzled audiences more than nary people, any other film.” not profesSavage said the festival started as a joke sional adultwith a coworker at The Stranger. film actors, and “I thought it would be funny to announce include straight to the office that we were doing an amaand LGBT parteur-porn contest,” Savage said. “It took ticipants in a a while for our publisher to agree. They diverse array SAVAGE thought no one would submit films.” of sexual styles

But Savage ended up receiving plenty of submissions. After booking a theater, the next question was if anyone would actually show up to watch it, he said.

“The theater was filled that first year, and the audience loved it,” Savage said.

Fast-forward 10 years and the 2015 “HUMP!” festival continues to amass viewers. Savage has made a few changes to the submission guidelines over the past decade to ensure the most impressive lineup.

“Originally, the films were 12 minutes long,” Savage said. “But we found that to be kind of tedious, so we shortened them to five minutes. We also keep an eye towards diversity and delight when we select the films; the festival is for everyone, not just gay or straight people.”

Yet as much as Savage curates “HUMP!” to be inclusive, both in terms of the film selection and the audience it draws, he said it normally draws a mostly straight crowd.

But ironically, the overwhelming favorites

each year are typically hardcore gay films with humorous twists.

“There seems to be a gravitational pull towards films that make them laugh,” he said.

Savage also observed that the audience’s reaction changes as the festival progresses.

“People are initially thrown back because they see something and think, I would never watch that or do that, but about halfway through the festival everyone begins to tap into the commonalities — pleasure, joy and humor — of the films, despite their differences in taste or preference.”

Savage curates “HUMP!” and writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex-advice column “Savage Love” and the podcast “Savage Lovecast.” He is also the creator of the “It Gets Better” project, an international antibullying campaign for students.

For more information or to purchase “HUMP!” tour tickets, visit humptour. strangertickets.com. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

Private shoot for or with your better half for V-Day?

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The LGBT Jewish Initiative of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia invites you to join us for

An Evening with Seth Rudetsky: Deconstructing Broadway on Broad Street Seth has worked as the music director for some of Broadway’s biggest stars. He has also spent years as a pianist on Broadway playing such shows as Les Miz, The Producers and Ragtime. Seth currently divides his time between being the afternoon deejay on the SiriusXM Broadway channel as host of “Seth Speaks,” as well as touring North America performing his show Deconstructing Broadway.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

19

Winning a trip down the ‘Love Train’ aisle

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Neal Santos and Andrew Olson are in love with Philadelphia almost as much as they are in love with each other — and it was their compelling love story for one another and the City of Brotherly Love that won them a wedding aboard the “Love Train.”

Each year near Valentine’s Day, the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program organizes the wedding of one couple on a privately chartered train tour of its “Love Letter” mural project. On Feb. 8, the event, now it its fifth — and potentially final — year, will for the first time feature the wedding of a same-sex couple.

Santos and Olson, two longtime Philly residents, operate an urban farm together next to their West Philly home, in addition to maintaining individual careers.

Together since 2009, the couple decided to tie the knot about two years ago. But the self-described workaholics kept putting the wedding off, preoccupied largely by the time and energy required to maintain Farm 51, their Kingsessing-area urban farm and market passion project.

The Love Train contest seemed to be just their style, said Santos, 28.

“The murals along the El are such an ode to Philly, where we fell in love,” he said. “It just fits our personalities: kind of a celebration of Philly, of our love for Philly and for each other.”

“I have always loved the murals,” added Olson, 35. “We often take out-of-town visitors to look at them. They’re a sweet pickme-up every time I see them.”

Santos said he has also covered the murals in his work as a photographer.

“I love how the murals take something that is everyday, like a black wall, and turn it into something beautiful. It is a lot like what we did with the farm: turning a vacant lot into something people can appreciate.”

The couple said Philadelphia’s blue-collar roots and vibrant communities are a good fit for them.

“Its people are a little more honest, authentic, compared to other places I have been,” said Santos. “The community really responds to people who work hard. There is a slice of life here that is attainable for those who want to work for it. Your creativity is the only thing that limits you here.”

“It feels like the ‘real’ world here,” Olson added. “There’s diversity. It’s very approachable to me. At least in our little bubble in Southwest Philly, we have really found a community that has embraced us, even though they may not know what to make of us.”

Santos, a Jersey City native, and Olson, from Hockessin, Del., met through the online dating site OkCupid. Despite that

they rated only a 50-percent match, they decided to meet for dinner and drinks at St. Stephen’s Green in Fairmount.

“Despite the low match, I think we had a mutual understanding that there was a connection, that there was still chemistry to be explored,” said Santos.

“Maybe we weren’t the best-matched in the beginning according to the website,” Olson said. “But as time went on, I think our compatibility became more apparent.”

The two dated for about a year, living separately. Olson had an apartment in a house right next to what is now Farm 51 and owned an organic urban flower farm in Mantua called Chicory Florals — which he still owns today — while Santos was working as a freelance food photographer for City Paper, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine and Philadelphia Daily News.

With help from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s City Harvest program, Olson and Santos began clearing the lot next to Olson’s house and planting vegetables, herbs and flowers, which they now sell at their weekly farmstand.

“We started the farm together, and our relationship escalated from there,” said Santos. “As we grew this organic farm and were constantly around each other and working together, we really got to know one another.”

“Sometimes the only way he would pay attention to me is if I was covered in dirt,” Santos joked.

“We’re both hard-working to a fault,” Olson said. “That makes us understand each other in a lot of ways. Plus, he lets me bring home stray pit bulls and keep plants in the bathtub.”

Working on the farm also helped Santos as a food photographer.

“I got to learn about how to grow all this stuff, what kind of aspects go into food production, that I never really thought of as a food photographer before.”

In 2012, the couple bought and renovated the house adjacent to the farm. They are proud dads to four dogs, three cats, some chickens and two turtles.

Santos and Olson admire each other’s work ethic and their respective passions: photography and horticulture.

“I am really drawn to the fact that he is capable with his hands,” Santos said, “and anything he puts his mind to. He’s not bad-looking either.”

“I tend to be the more introverted one,” Olson said. “But Neal’s way with people has really impressed me. He’s also extremely hard-working.”

The decision to get married stemmed from a mutual understanding, instead of a traditional on-one-knee proposal.

“The proposal just happened naturally,” Santos said. “I think we both knew after a

certain point of dating each other that it was going to happen.”

But the issue of who actually “proposed” to the other is still a point of humorous contention between the couple.

“I’m not sure who sent the text,” Santos said. “I think it was me, but Andrew will say it was him.”

“I sent him a text, half-joking, half-serious,” Olson said. “Maybe his actual response to it is the more important part.”

The Love Letter tour is a privately chartered, slow-speed, guided ride amid the 50 “Love Letter” rooftop murals along

ANDREW OLSON (LEFT) AND NEAL SANTOS

the Market-Frankford SEPTA line in West Philadelphia, painted by world-renowned street artist Stephen “ESPO” Powers.

The Love Letter tour is available year round — mostly on weekends — but the special Love Train event is only from noon-3 p.m. Feb. 8.

This year’s event is in collaboration with PGN, Wired 96.5 FM, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Cakes by Maryellen, Yards Brewing Company, William Way LGBT Community Center and SEPTA. The wedding will be performed by the Hon. Daniel J. Anders, Philadelphia’s first openly gay male judge, and will be followed by a reception at the Loews.

To purchase tickets, visit http://muralarts. org/interact/blog/love-train-find-lovesepta. To learn about Farm 51, visit www. farm51.wordpress.com. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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City Food Tours ups V-Day ante with Gayborhood dinner

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com “Basically, we tell people if you can’t get laid after this dinner, you are totally hopeless.”

Robert Weinberg, co-owner of City Food Tours, really knows how to throw the gauntlet down for Valentine’s Day. Weinberg, along with City Food Tours co-owner and life partner Eric Matzke, are shifting from their usual food excursions in the city to gear up for their annual Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Dinner. The entertaining two-hour event offers a three-course meal punctuated by torrid tales and the sexy science behind aphrodisiacs, as well as cooking demonstrations filled with handy tips to heat things up in participants’ own kitchens.

The couple’s goal is to put everybody else’s candlelit dinner offerings to shame.

“My husband Eric and I have been together 17 years in April and our worst nightmare is to have to spend three hours, just the two of us at a table, talking about nothing but work and cats,” Weinberg said, noting that their dinner deviates far off that course.

“The biggest part of what we do is entertainment. So the entire evening we are entertaining the guests. Of course we leave time for them to socialize amongst each other; the tables seat between six and eight people so it’s a very social event. This is not your typical dinner for two.

This is the opposite. We play interactive games. We give out risqué prizes. It’s on the PG-13 side, maybe tickling rated R. We’re tour guides for a living so we are constantly teaching, entertaining and taking care of people; basically we’re professional geishas. It’s like dinner theater but it’s not really theater, it’s more like dinner comedy.

It’s special to us, and one of our longest-running holiday events.”

This year’s Aphrodisiac Dinner is being held at Green Eggs Café and is expected to be a hit with couples of all

identities.

“Eric and I, being openly gay, we keep it friendly for everyone,” Weinberg said.

“We usually have a fair number of gay and lesbian couples. And that is very comforting to see. This is the very first time we’re bringing it to the Gayborhood. We’ve been in Northern Liberties, Old City and Rittenhouse. The restaurant changes every few years to keep it fresh.”

The couples also run the gamut in terms of length of time together.

“It’s perfect not only for people who are just starting to date but also people who have been together for a long time who would love a distraction and love something fun to

of couples out for romantic Valentine’s Day dinners.

“The restaurant staff is taking care of the guests, but also we bring four extra staff,” Weinberg said. “In all other restaurants, other than during Restaurant Week, you are guaranteed the worst service of your life on Valentine’s Day because it is the busiest night in the restaurant business. But we double the staff that is normally there and we bend over backwards taking care of everybody. I’m the one fawning and pandering and taking care of everyone and Eric is the one who is going through history and the fun facts and the games.”

When asked if it’s hard for the two of them to give up their own Valentine’s Day for the cause, the couple said they’d rather be doing this than anything else.

“We do work together and own the company together,” Weinberg said. “We spent about 23-and-a-half hours of every day, seven days a week, together. So we don’t have any personal or professional boundaries.”

“It’s really nice to see people and the way they interact with each other at the dinner,” Matzke added. “That’s what does it for me.

They are happy to be together but they are CITY FOOD TOURS OWNERS also meeting new peoERIC MATZKE (LEFT) AND ple. They’re a lot hapROBERT WEINBERG pier that way.

“It’s the best job in do,” Weinberg said. the world to get if you can When it comes to the menu, get it,” Weinberg added about Weinberg said classic aphro- their business. “All we do is disiacs never go out of style. make people happy. This is “A lot of these foods have just an extension of that. So been aphrodisiacs since we are happy to give up our the times of the Greek and night together to share it with Romans,” he said. “A lot of everybody else.” them have a very, very long The eighth annual history. The preparation may Valentine’s Aphrodisiac change but it’s not like you’re Dinner Event will be held discovering an aphrodisiac.” at 5 and 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Besides the entertainment Green Eggs Café, 212 S. 13th aspects of the meal, Weinberg St. This event sells out every and Matzke are out to wow year and seating is limited. diners with exceptional ser- Advance tickets are required vice, which they say is hard and can be purchased at www. to come by in the crunch cityfoodtours.com. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Love & Lust Around Town Guerilla Queer Bar 9 p.m. Feb. 6 The LGBT takeover party will this month donate all proceeds to Philly AIDS Thrift, which supports local HIV/AIDS causes. Join thewelcomingcommittee.com/philly to find out the secret location.

PASSIONAL 19th anniversary Feb. 6 PASSIONAL Boutique will mark its 19th year in business with discount shopping starting at noon, including 19-percent off one item for customers who bring a birthday or anniversary card. Starting at 7 p.m., the shop will serve refreshments and feature classes, activities and live performances; https://passionalboutique.wordpress.com/.

World Marriage Day 7 p.m. Feb. 8 The Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. Dignity Philadelphia will honor the Catholic commemoration of World Marriage Day with a tribute to all same-sex and ally couples at its weekly liturgy.

Love Letters from the Bellevue Through Feb. 9, couples are invited to submit their Philadelphia love story for the chance to win a number of prizes from The Bellevue Philadelphia, including a stay The Hyatt at the Bellevue, gift packages and more. Submissions are limited to one page and must include how the couple met and how long they have been together, what role Philadelphia played in their love story and a photo. Send submissions to mkd@mkdandassociates.com.

The Skivvies Tinder Lounge 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 Kimmel Center’s SEI Innovation Studio, Broad and Spruce streets Before The Skivvies — a comedy-pop duo that literally strips to their skivvies to perform — take the stage at 8 p.m., local singles are invited to mix and mingle (in their undies, if they so choose). Garces Events bar will offer drink specials, and guests can buy discounted tickets to The Skivvies show with promo code TINDER at 215-893-1999 or kimmelcenter.org.

Broadway stars Adam Kantor, Leslie McDonel and Jenny Lee Stern will also join the show.

Out at the Opera 7 p.m. Feb. 13 Academy of Music, 1420 Locust St. The LGBT and ally community is invited to celebrate the life and work of Oscar Wilde before Opera Philadelphia’s performance of “Oscar.”

The event features a pre-show talk by ACLU of PA executive director Reggie Shuford.

Discount tickets can be purchased at operaphila. org.

Darryl and Timaree Fun Hour 10:30 p.m. Feb. 13 Philly Improve Theater, 2030 Sansom St. The sex educator and comedian return with their monthly show that fuses education and entertainment; https:// phillyimprovtheater. ticketleap.com/.

Cupid’s Undie Run Noon-4 p.m. Feb. 14 XFINITY Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in your skivvies.

The 1.5-mile undie run raises funds for The Children’s Tumor Foundation. Register at http://bit.ly/CURevent.

Poe Bistro Lounge Valentine’s Day Dinner 6-10 p.m. Feb. 14 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope Poe Bistro Lounge at The Raven will host a special four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. The prix-fixe menu is $79 per person and includes selections of an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée — including duck and filet — and a dessert. Call 215-8622081 for reservations.

Love is in the Air 7 p.m. Feb. 14 Vista at Top of the Tower, 1717 Arch St., 50th floor Amid a backdrop of breathtaking views of the city, Vista will offer a four-course, prix-fixe dinner, with music by Eddie Bruce and The Eddie Bruce Orchestra.

The $99-per-person cost includes soup or salad, an entrée, dessert station and a bottle of wine.

Reservations start at 7 p.m.; 215-557-7887 or www.vistaphiladelphia. com/loveisintheair/.

ICandy 4th Stoplight Party 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 14 ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Wear your heart on your sleeve at ICandy’s annual Stoplight Party.

Dress in red if you’re taken, green if you’re single or yellow if you’re open to mingling. Those in colors will receive reduced admission, and there will be drink specials from 9-11 p.m.; clubicandy.com.

BuffBoyzz 7 p.m. Feb. 15 1925 Lounge, 111 S. 17th St. The New York Citybased all-male revue (for males) kicks off its new monthly engagement in Philly; buffboyzz.com. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

International Gay-kiss artwork covered up by school A mural in a school hallway depicting a same-sex kiss was covered up after students complained about it.

The mural was approved in advance by the principal of Onoway High School in Edmonton, Canada, as well as the school’s art teacher.

After it was covered up by a bulletin board, as the school received complaints, principal James Trodden expressed concern that he should not have approved it.

He said: “At the time, we should have put more thought into the bigger picture. There are a bunch of issues … What is appropriate? Should it be in a school, should you allow kissing? Should you allow same-sex couples to have a picture of kissing?”

On Jan. 29, students ripped down the noticeboard to reveal the artwork.

The artist behind the mural, Kaela Wilton, said she wanted to show support for LGBT people, especially those scared of persecution if they come out.

Media Trail Okla. legislator withdraws antigay measure According to the Claremore Daily Progress, an Oklahoma legislator who has introduced several antigay bills for the upcoming session is withdrawing one measure because she says it didn’t accomplish what she intended.

State Rep. Sally Kern said Jan. 29 she has decided to withdraw her bill that would have allowed Oklahoma businesses to refuse service to any LGBT person or group. Kern says her intention was to provide immunity from civil liability to business owners who refuse to provide a product or service to a gay person, like a baker who refuses to make a cake for a gay wedding.

Several similar measures have been introduced by other Republican legis-

pGN

“Parents kiss and people on the street [kiss]. It’s just natural,” she said. “I think it’s because they are two guys that it’s such an impact. We’re not used to seeing people of the same sex kissing.”

Brazilian city to pay trans youth to finish school Brazil’s largest city hopes to encourage transgender youth to return to school and finish their education by offering them monthly payments.

The program being offered by Sao Paulo’s Municipal Human Rights and Citizenship Secretariat is intended to target at-risk youth.

One-hundred students will receive 840 reals ($325) a month if they attend 30 hours a week of middle- and high-school classes.

Secretariat spokesman Luciano Velleda said the program will give trans youth “the chance to improve their lives and leave their current situation of economic and social vulnerability.”

There was no immediate comment from the Brazilian Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transsexual Association.

Philippines rejects Marine’s appeal to drop murder case The Philippines has rejected an appeal by a U.S. Marine that it drop a murder case

lators. Kern still is sponsoring bills to authorize so-called “conversion therapy” for gay children and punish state workers for issuing same-sex marriage licenses.

Montana lawmakers consider lifting marriage ban The Great Falls Tribune reports lawmakers are weighing whether to strike a voter-enacted ban on same-sex marriage from the Montana Constitution.

State Rep. Bryce Bennett of Missoula introduced House Bill 282 in the House Judiciary Committee Jan. 30. The Democrat’s bill would remove same-sex couples from a list of prohibited marriages.

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris struck down Montana’s ban on same-sex marriage in November. Montana joined 32 other states at the time that allow or have seen rulings allowing same-sex marriage.

Currently, 36 states have rulings allowing same-sex marriage.

The U.S. Supreme Court announced earlier this month it will take up the issue of same-sex marriage. Members of the Montana House Judiciary Committee questioned removing the state’s restric-

against him in the death of a transgender Filipino woman last year.

A Department of Justice review panel said Jan. 27 that evidence from prosecutors against Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton showed that he killed Jennifer Laude after picking her up in a bar in Olongapo City in October.

Police say Laude was found dead with her head inside a toilet bowl in a hotel minutes after Pemberton left the room.

The case has refueled opposition to a military agreement between Manila and Washington that allows U.S. custody over American servicemembers accused of crimes in the Philippines.

Pemberton took part in combat exercises involving thousands of American and Filipino troops.

Priest outed as former gayporn star A priest in Puerto Rico is refusing to resign after he was exposed as a former gay-porn star.

San Juan Pastor Jose Santiago faced an outcry after explicit videos spread online of him engaging in sex with another man.

The preacher has defended himself from calls to resign, saying he is no longer gay, and is married to a woman.

He said: “In those days, I was gay and participated in homosexual activities, but God touched me, God transformed me,

God gave me a woman who loves me and she loves my past. I haven’t seen any of these films in years. I don’t receive any money for them and it’s part of a life that is over. We have all done things we regret.

That part of my life was before I knew God.”

Man stoned in Syria for alleged homosexuality Militant terrorist group ISIS allegedly threw a man they labeled as gay from a seven-story building and, when he survived, the villagers in the Syrian town stoned the man to death.

Photos recently emerged of a man, blindfolded on a chair, being thrown from the top of a building. Another series of photos shows villagers on the ground checking the man’s body for life and then proceeding to stone him.

The man has been labeled by ISIS as homosexual, although this is a charge frequently leveled at dissidents.

Following similar killings in Iraq, the International Gay and Lesbian human Rights Commission cautioned the public “in the strongest possible terms” against assuming the victims were gay — to not obfuscate the terrorists’ intentions if they were not, or to not expose their family to honor killings if they were. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

Gay-marriage supporters to hold free weddings in Va. to pay $520K to lawyers Alabama in same-sex marriage case Al.com reports supporters of same-sex

tion before the high court makes its decision.

The Roanoke Times reports Virginia will pay $520,000 to the lawyers for two same-sex couples who successfully challenged the state’s gay-marriage ban.

The settlement agreement was filed Jan. 29 in U.S. District Court in Norfolk. The attorneys had sought more than $1.7 million.

The law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher will receive $459,000. Shuttleworth, Ruloff, Swain, Haddad & Morecock will receive $61,000.

Court papers show that attorneys logged 2,372 hours on the case. Their fees will be paid by the state Department of Treasury’s Division of Risk Management.

U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen declared Virginia’s samesex marriage ban unconstitutional last February. A federal appeals court upheld the decision, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the case.

marriage are organizing free weddings in Huntsville, Ala., once a judge’s ruling legalizing same-sex unions takes effect.

The “Wedding Week’’ starts Feb. 9 at the Madison County Courthouse Square.

Couples will be able to get married for free.

Organizers said they planned the event after local judges announced they would issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but the judges could not perform office weddings because of their workload and limited staffing.

One of the organizers, Amanda Conger, said volunteers will perform ceremonies, sign marriage licenses, take photos, serve cupcakes and play music. The hosts say the ceremonies are not limited to same-sex couples.

Alabama officials have asked an appeals court in Atlanta to stay the ruling that would allow same-sex marriages to begin Feb. 9. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

PGN MORRIS from page 5

counted for, in a homicide implicating police.

Their concerns contributed to the PAC’s decision in 2013 to recommend state and federal probes of the Morris case.

Last week’s disclosure renews questions as to the extent of Morris-related documentation being withheld by the D.A.’s Office.

In 2012, the D.A.’s Office repeatedly assured the PAC that all of its Morrisrelated documentation was provided, aside from internal staff memos.

But Morris advocates say the agency may have withheld key 911 transmissions recorded during the time period when Morris was killed.

The 2003 list also itemizes a letter written by the D.A.’s Office pertaining to a vehicle stop by two officers, shortly after their involvement in the Morris “courtesy ride.”

The driver of the vehicle wasn’t a suspect in Morris’ homicide. Yet both officers remained on the vehicle stop, rather than assisting Morris at 16th and Walnut streets, where she was rapidly approaching brain-death.

The D.A.’s Office also failed to provide a copy of its vehicle-stop letter to the PAC. PGN is currently seeking from the D.A.’s Office complete dispatch records pertaining to the vehicle stop. The paper’s open-records request is pending in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

In 2009, PGN gave the D.A.’s Office an incomplete dispatch record for the vehicle stop. The D.A.’s Office also failed to provide a copy of that record to the PAC. The D.A.’s Office also failed to promptly provide the PAC with a copy of partial 911 transcripts in its possession pertaining to the Morris incident.

Those transcripts were given to the D.A.’s Office by PGN. But they’re missing key transmissions during the time period when Morris was killed.

In 2012, PAC members asked the D.A.’s Office why it didn’t provide the PGN transcripts. The agency replied that it assumed the PAC already had them. But PAC members said that wasn’t a sufficient reason, and reiterated their request for the document.

Babette Josephs, a member of the Justice for Nizah committee, questioned whether the D.A.’s Office cooperated with the PAC in good faith.

She said any missing or withheld Morris evidence increases concern of an official cover-up.

Josephs reiterated the need for an independent probe by state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane.

“The D.A.’s Office has forfeited its right to be entrusted with the Nizah Morris case,” Josephs told PGN. “PAC members made a wise decision to recommend state and federal probes. Far from working with the community to help solve this crime, the D.A.’s Office has been withholding or losing evidence. Is it any wonder that so many people suspect a cover-up?” n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

PGN

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FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

Comics Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

Page Page Page Page Page

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PAGE 31

Terrence McNally on bringing ‘Mothers and Sons’ to Philly

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Terrence McNally’s “Mothers and Sons” is coming to Suzanne Roberts Theatre through March 8, and the out playwright chatted with PGN about his expectations for the Tony Award-nominated play.

McNally has a lengthy list of accolades, including four Tony Awards for writing classic plays like “Love! Valour!

Compassion!” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” His latest, “Mothers and Sons,” is the story of a woman, Katharine, who pays an unexpected visit to the apartment of her late son’s partner, Cal, who is now married to another man and has a young son.

The reunion triggers issues of loss, anger and the truths of their shared past as they explore issues of family and forgiveness in a changing society.

Many critics have hailed “Mothers and Sons” as one of McNally’s best, but he said he doesn’t dwell much on those kinds of salutes.

“I never worry if a play of mine is one of the best or not,” McNally said. “Instead, I work as hard as I can on them, round up the best cast and director and stand at the back of the theater and hope I haven’t bored anyone to death. I have never gotten tired of watching ‘Mothers and Sons.’”

Wendy Goldberg, who is directing the production for the Philadelphia Theatre

Company, said the play appealed to her because it shows how far society and the LGBT community have evolved in such a short period.

“The play looks at the revolutionary changes that have taken place in gay history through the lens of a family, and different generations,” Goldberg said. “I think the play is an important one as so much change has happened in even just the last five years in the gay community, after decades of inequality. I was excited to tackle the issues but, more importantly, was attracted to the emotional resonance the play has. My partner and I have a son and we too have to always protect our rights to be a family; the play is a reminder of what it means to be a

family and how we have to love and accept people as they are.”

Added McNally: “I believe the play reflects the enormous changes in the gay and lesbian community — all for the better, I’m happy to say — since the disaster of AIDS and the subsequent emergence of a community of powerful, loving and progressive gay men and women. We have a place at the table we did not have before.”

McNally said that, despite the progress society has made, HIV/AIDS still affects younger generations as much as it did older generations.

“AIDS affected every single American, whether they can admit that or not,” he said. “That is why the play reso- PAGE 28

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FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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PLAYWRIGHT TERRENCE MCNALLY MOTHERS from page 27

nates. AIDS is still very much with us. Not just as a virus but as a moral thermometer of where we are as a society.”

The heart of the conflict between Cal and Katharine in the play centers on the fact that Cal has a new partner while Katherine is still grieving the loss of her son, Andre.

“Cal has moved on,” McNally said. “He has fallen in love. They have gotten married. They have a son. Katharine is stuck in her grief and anger. Katharine is so alone in the world. When Cal goes, she will have no one. Since she will no doubt pre-decease him, she had better reach out to this last living link with Andre. When she is gone, she is gone forever. She is gone for good.

That is a terrible realization. Gay men and women make their own families. People like Katharine have no family at all.”

“I think losing a child is something as a parent you can never recover from,” Goldberg added. “This is the space she is operating from; she is a woman in great pain and has had profound disappointment and loss in her life. As we strive as LGBT people to help the world understand our values and our perspective, we cannot forget, nor should we dismiss, others that don’t as easily understand our perspective.

I do think she begins to move toward an understanding and that is what we want, I think, as a culture: to help others understand and have empathy and compassion for one another. As we see in the play, and as we see in life, it isn’t an easy journey. My hope in this production is to help audiences understand where Katharine is coming from — not to say that they will necessarily gravitate toward her or Cal — but I am always seeking for us to have some empathy for characters on stage, and I am working on that in this production. My hope is that the audience will have empathy for both characters; the theater helps to teach empathy I think.”

McNally said the characters in “Mothers and Sons” represent a pastiche of people he’s known who have had similar experi-

ences, as well as wholly original characters.

“As in most of my plays, the events and characters in ‘Mothers and Sons’ are an amalgam of people I have known, people I have observed second-hand and people I have imagined,” he said. “Most of my plays are emotionally autobiographical, while very, very few incidents or characters are from my ‘real’ life. Writing is first and foremost an act of the imagination. Just to put down on paper what ‘really happened’ does not usually make good literature. A writer has to be of the world 100-percent, participating in its day-to-day events, and then go to a quiet place to think about what he has seen and learned and what his thoughts and emotions about them are. How I felt when I lost a partner to AIDS is, of course, part of the fabric of the play. How could it not be?

But that partner was nothing like Andre.”

McNally said Cal having a family of his own when Katharine comes back into his life bears some weight on how he interacts with her.

“Cal being a father has made him realize how important it is that parents support and protect their children. The responsibility of parenthood is enormous. [Cal’s son] Bud is not a narcissistic reflection of who Cal wants him to be. [Cal’s husband] Will gets that completely; Cal is going to have to work on it a bit. Katharine never got that part of being a parent. She thought it was all about her,” McNally said. “This is not to demonize her. She is not a bad person.

She is wrong. She is on the wrong side of history, like millions and millions of others.

I think Katharine is a tragic figure. I am moved by her inability to save herself. I can identify with her on some very deep levels.

She does reach out at the end to Cal. There is still a place of all-encompassing humanity in her.” n Philadelphia Theatre Company presents “Mothers and Sons” Feb. 6-March 18 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215985-0420.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

31

‘Whale’ dives deep to find hope in isolation and despair

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Theatre Exile is venturing into some dark subject matter with the Philadelphia premiere of “The Whale,” through March 1 at Studio X. Written by American playwright Samuel D. Hunter, “The Whale” is the story of Charlie, who lives on the outskirts of Mormon country and is consumed by despair after losing his partner. His grief has led him into a downward spiral of isolation and inactivity that has caused him to become couch-ridden and his weight to swell up to 600 pounds. He spends his days in his tiny apartment tutoring students online, watching gay porn and eating himself to death.

Scott Greer, who plays Charlie, performs in a custom-made fat suit for the role.

He said performing under such circumstances takes a considerable amount of practice.

“I’m still getting used to it,” he said.

“The production team was great. They had the major part of the suit done before rehearsal so I was able to start working in it right away. It’s a big adjustment. It’s like working a puppet from the inside out. So much of it isn’t you. It’s very heavy so, for working in it for a couple of hours, you start to feel it. His health is very bad and it’s

very much a part of the play. He has trouble breathing and that has been a challenge as well, to replicate that and to be sick all the time on stage.”

Greer said that while Charlie’s story has some darkly comic moments, the production is not playing his predicament for cheap laughs.

“It is, structurally speaking, a tragedy,” the actor said. “It’s about the demise of the protagonist. It is told with humor and it isn’t full-on terror. So I guess drama is the best way to describe it. I feel like the characters are all so well-drawn and vivid.

I don’t know anyone who weighs 600 pounds but it’s not an episode of ‘My 600Pound Life.’ It’s full of full-frontal humanity. I don’t think there is much of a line to walk. The extremity of these characters drew me to the play. It’s such a well-drawn character and such a complete world that it is not exploitative at all.”

The few people in Charlie’s life include Liz, his best friend, and his estranged daughter and ex-wife, whom he unexpectedly tries to reconnect with, despite the obstacles in his life.

“I think he is in this situation because of the loss of his partner,” Greer said. “He was always big and it got out of control.

After his partner died, he let go of what little restraint he had left in him. His only friend and enabler is Liz, who is the sister

rts

SCOTT GREER AS CHARLIE IN “THE WHALE” of his deceased partner. Charlie is the only friend she has so she checks on him every day and brings him food. They obviously

AC ul t ure

have a fraught relationship. They need each other very badly. This person they both loved is now gone and that is a bond that they share that they would have with no one else. There’s a lot of symbiosis there. Other people come into his life by accident. He reaches out to his daughter and his ex-wife but most of his life is spent online teaching classes.”

Despite the emotionally dark territory of the play, Greer said there are positive messages.

“It’s definitely about outliers and outcasts in a community,” he said. “I think Charlie’s isolation is emotional and I can’t help but think if he wasn’t in small-town Idaho, his life might have been different. If he had left his wife and child and moved to a big city where there were a lot more gay people and a lot fewer religious conservatives, he might have found a community beyond his dead partner’s sister. The show is ultimately about compassion. Charlie is a very sweet, positive guy. He sort of refuses to be mean to anyone and in the end it’s uplifting in a way. It is not without sadness but it’s a very ‘hope for humanity’ type of play.” n Theatre Exile presents “The Whale” through March 1 at Studio X, 1340 S. 13th St. For more information or tickets, call 215218-4022 or visit www.theatreexile.org.

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News

Nightlife, Concerts, Art Exhibits, Readings, Cabaret, Film Reviews, Theater Reviews, Food Reviews, Book Reviews, Music Reviews, Sports and Travel

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NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 4PM Girard College Chapel Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia Alan Harler, conductor Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Eric Owens, bass, Susanna Phillips, soprano Major support provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage

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Family Portrait

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33

Suzi Nash

Phantazia Washington: Writing on the (bathroom) walls February 9 will mark the 10-year anniversary of this column. It’s been a decade of fabulous people and interesting conversations, but more reflection about that next week. I decided to wrap up the first 10 years with a young advocate who gives us hope for the future of the LGBTQAIP … community.

Phantazia Washington is a genial, thoughtful, soft-spoken young woman — but don’t let that fool you. She’s been a warrior for LGBTQ youth since she was 15 and was named youth grand marshal of the Pride parade in 2012. Not bad for someone who just celebrated her 23rd birthday.

PGN: I understand a bathroom wall started your life as an activist?

PW: Yes, absolutely. In 2006, when I came out as a lesbian during my freshman year of high school, I realized that my school climate was not a supportive one.

The staff and administration were rather homophobic: They would give students in-house suspensions for anything from actual, to perceived, lesbian activities. A simple hug between two girls could warrant a full-day suspension. When I noticed this happening, I joined the school’s GSA [Gay-Straight Alliance], only to find that it was very limited. The administration did a lot to block them and I felt powerless. While the staff was not supportive of LGBTQ individuals, most of the students in my school were, so I decided to write a message on the back of the bathroom stalls, where I figured everyone would see them. I basically declared that there were more of us students than there were staff members and, as such, we held the power to make changes that would affect and control the way we were being treated. It was a school of 2,000, but the vice principal came to me and said, “We know it was you.” Luckily for me, she did try to do her best to counteract the homophobia coming from other school officials and staff and essentially let me go. There were repercussions later but, in that moment, I was thankful.

PGN: How long was your manifesto and did you handwrite it in each stall?

PW: It was a nice little paragraph. And yes, I hand-copied it in just about every single stall. I guess it wasn’t that hard to figure out that it was me; I did have a bit of a reputation for being a radical and an activist.

PGN: Where did you get your activism?

PW: I’ve just always been loud about the things I felt were wrong. I’d get myself purposefully suspended just to point out how ridiculous things were.

PGN: How did that go over with the folks?

PW: Well, for a while I was able to hide

it, but when my mother found out, as you might expect, she was incredibly upset.

I also wasn’t out to my mother in high school, which was why I wasn’t very vocal about what I was doing or why I was doing it. In retrospect, after coming out to her and her being amazingly accepting, I realize she probably would have had my back.

PGN: Where and how did you grow up?

PW: West Philadelphia. I have a half-sister, Jada, who’s 4. She was born when I was 18 so I was basically raised as an only child. I’m mixed: My dad is white and I’ve never known him. My mother is AfricanAmerican and she raised me. We have a very small, close-knit group. Even my extended family only has about 20 people.

I was always very fearful about coming out to them, only to find that they were some of the most accepting folks imaginable.

I don’t even think my Nana knows what transgender means, but she knows to use male pronouns with my partner.

PGN: What’s an earliest memory?

PW: Probably my first kiss. It was behind a bush with a little boy in my class. It was in pre-school and I remember thinking I was being very secretive but everyone knew about it before it was time to go inside.

PGN: What were some of your favorite things to do as a kid?

PW: I was always very femme, for lack of a better word, so I’d dress very dramatically, but I was also very rough. So I’d wear my large, poufy Christmas dress to a friend’s house and climb trees.

PGN: In high school?

PW: I was very involved in stage crew and, of course, the GSA, and I was involved with the school’s anime club.

A friend of my mom’s used to watch “Dragon Ball Z” when I was a kid and it got me into it. The animation is so beautiful and the stories so unique.

PGN: Higher learning?

PW: No, I was always a good student when I went to class but I was a little rebel with a cause. I ended up dropping out at 15 and started working at a thrift store.

PGN: So you dropped out of school, which must have thrilled your mother; how did you get to where you are now?

PW: When I was in the GSA in high school, I learned about The Attic and started going there when I was 15. I went there steadily for several years and then tapered off a bit. I started coming back when I heard about an opportunity for young people who had experience with homelessness, housing insecurity or had entered the juvenile-justice system to be

involved in a youth-run training team teaching the Transitions framework. That’s a program that looks at the various changes that LGBT youth encounter when they are placed. I applied for the position and trained for four months learning the framework and facilitation skills and then went into the field, training child-welfare professionals.

PGN: What is your job now?

PW: I am the Bryson Institute trainer and my primary function is going out and doing trainings, as well as all the other things necessary for the trainings, such as creating the presentations and eval crunching, and research is a huge part of it.

PGN: What did The Attic mean to you when you first got there?

PW: I think, like most of the kids who go to The Attic, it was the first time in my life that I’d been in a space that was totally accepting. It was the first time I’d ever encountered LGBTQ adults …

PGN: What are some of the challenges specifically faced by LGBTQ foster kids?

PW: Non-LGBTQ youth enter the system for a variety of reasons, but a majority of LGBTQ youth are in the system because of family rejection. There’s a slew of concurrent changes when a child is placed; oftentimes they need to move to a new neighborhood or school so there’s a loss of friends, a loss of their support system, separation from siblings, etc. And so what looks like a single event — being kicked out of the home — often results in immense changes.

PGN: What was a statistic that surprised you?

PW: LGBTQ youth are only 4-10 percent of the population, but about 40 percent of the national homeless youth are LGBTQ. Most people say, “OK, that’s nationally, that’s not here in Philadelphia,” but it’s 36 percent in Philadelphia, which is striking.

PGN: Where do these kids go?

PW: That’s the other thing, out of the national budget for homelessness, only about 1 percent is dedicated to youth and zero percent is specifically dedicated to LGBTQ youth. Some of them enter shelters, but that’s not always safe.

Often they couch surf and many are just out on the street. Young people in particular are very savvy and they know the conditions in the child-welfare system are not always safe, and they do what they need to do to stay away. Just turn on the TV and you’ll see terrible stories of what can happen to kids placed in the system and it’s even worse for LGBTQ kids. So they find ways to stay off the radar. But then we think that, because we don’t see them, they don’t exist.

PGN: So if someone is 15 and found by the state, they’re going to place them Photo: Suzi Nash in a center or foster home PGN: [Interrupts] Wow, I never even not knowing if it’s safe thought of that aspect of the center! for an LGBTQ child or not. Sheesh, and PW: Yeah, I’d never met an LGBTQ adult. it seems that a lot of people who do this I didn’t even know they existed as a child. work come from faith-based backgrounds Coming from my high school, I was surthat aren’t always the most open-minded. rounded by homophobic adults from 9 a.m. PW: Yes, and sexual identity or gender to 3 p.m. and then got to go to The Attic expression is not one of the questions and interact with grownups, straight and asked when making placements. There’s gay, who accepted and embraced you and nothing in place to keep them from being told you that you were OK. It was pretty put in the care of a homophobe. amazing.

PAGE 38

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Y-M-C-AC: Disco icons The Village People can’t stop the music when they perform an evening of their hits 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City. For more information or tickets, call 609-441-5501.

Theater & Arts Allora & Calzadilla: Intervals Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of new and recent projects by Puerto Rico-based artists Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla through April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

And the Word Is …

The Gershman Y hosts an exhibition exploring religious text in contemporary art, through May 14, 401 S. Broad St.; 215-5454400.

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Classic Soul The Philly POPS perform timeless hits Feb. 6-8 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Chris Tucker The comedian performs 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610352-2887.

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Feb. 7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

The Dangerous House of Pretty Mbane InterAct Theatre Company presents the story of a young South African soccer phenom who flees to England to escape persecution through Feb. 8 at the Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215567-2848.

Black Grace Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center for the

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a Bronx Catholic School through Feb. 15 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; www. lanterntheatre.org.

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Hooloon Art Gallery presents an exhibition of duplicates of artwork created and inspired by the act of community balloon releases Feb. 7-March 15, 53 N. Second St.; 215560-8167.

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Mothers and Sons Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-nominated play by Terrence McNally about a woman who pays an unexpected visit to the apartment of Cal, her late son’s partner who is now married to another man and has a young son, Feb. 6-March 18 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-9850420.

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African American Art through April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Russian Masterworks The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Feb. 12-13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

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Music 50 Cent The rapper performs 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

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Represent: 200 Years of AfricanAmerican Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting its collection of

Play Reading Dan Bove hosts a reading of his latest play 6-10 p.m. Feb. 9 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675.

Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret The cabaret gets things rolling 8 p.m.

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Captains Courageous The classic adventure film is screened 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Karen Mason The actor and singer performs 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Who’s Bad The Michael Jackson tribute band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

The Village People The disco icons perform 8 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City; 609441-5501.

ABBA the Concert The ABBA tribute band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

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

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Q Puzzle You can see right through her Across

1. Bunch of stallions 5. People in flaming pants?

10. Seeks answers 14. Lube ingredient 15. Ganges country 16. Like a virgin 17. Character of 27-Across 20. U.K. member 21.

Prominent cock 22. Slinger’s

weapon 23. “Gross Anatomy” actress Christine 25. Acts as an usher 27. Gender identity comedy 33. Meaty sandwich, maybe 35. “Thereby hangs ___” 36. Cut calories 39. Star quality 40. Gulf war ally 41. In need of BenGay 42. Unburden 43. “Me and My Shadows” subject Judy 45. Long in the field of acting

46. Bannon’s Brinker 48. Brian of figure skating 50. Ivy League team 53. “Beat it!”

55. Actor who plays 17-Across 60. Burning software 61. Kline of “De-Lovely” 62. Forbidden fruit site 64. CK One emanation 65. Make changes to 66. Sally who rode into space 67. Like three men that visited Mary 68. Office furniture 69. HIV exam, e.g.

PORTRAIT from page 33

PGN: You’ve done work with the police.

What were some of the issues brought up? Right now the police are not in the best public favor.

PW: It’s interesting, doing these presentations you have to be very diplomatic.

But all of the things we touch on are from actual youth’s experience. So we touch on things like incorrigibility. All a parent has to say is, “This child is not following my house rules so they can no longer live here!” But those rules may be, “I’ve asked them not to dress a certain way,” or “I’ve told them they can’t be LGBTQ living under my roof, but they insist on being it.” So if the parent thinks you’re disobeying them, just being LGBTQ can be enough to land you in the juvenile-justice system. We also look at things like condom laws and profiling around prostitution. In Philadelphia, if you have a certain number of condoms, it can be used as evidence that you were soliciting. If you’re in certain neighborhoods that have a history of sex work and you have more than three condoms, it can be a reason to take you into custody. Even for folks doing outreach, passing out condoms, they often call the districts ahead so that police don’t think that they’re engaging in prostitution.

PGN: Yikes, I have some condoms that someone gave me at a Pride event. I was going to give them out but perhaps I’ll rethink that. I’m learning so much from you! Let’s learn more about you. How did you meet your partner?

PW: [Laughs] OK, his name is Lique and we met at The Attic at the annual Halloween party. I was dressed as a cat and he was way too cool for costumes — in his opinion. We actually recently calculated and figured out that we met Oct. 22, 2006, and started dating about four years ago. We just moved in together last July.

Down

1. “Hill Street Blues” regular Veronica 2. Writer Dykewomon 3. Dangerous cruising 4. Augsburg article 5. Suction head 6. The 411 7. Fruity drinks 8. Diplomacy breakdown 9. Like sex with protection 10. Busy mo. for the IRS 11. Closing remarks of Evan Wolfson 12. Put it on top of your hot dog 13. Tickles pink 18. Opera queen’s

delight 19. Highland dialect 24. Disney techno flick 26. “All’s Well That ___ Well” 28. Org. that has never been to Uranus 29. Have top billing 30. Lynde of “Bewitched” 31. Alan of “The Aviator” 32. Strap on a stallion 33. Alpert of “Mame” fame 34. Peace Nobelist Wiesel 37. Buffalo’s lake 38. Dotted-line command 43. Sheehan’s sport

44. Dire destiny 47. Peter Allen’s “Once ___ I Go” 49. Photog Mapplethorpe 51. Hot under the collar 52. Part of a “Tommy” lyric 53. Are lousy 54. Dealer’s offerings 55. Knight job for Alec Guinness 56. Love of Lesbos 57. Part of YSL 58. Garfield’s sidekick 59. Beatty flick 60. “This instant!”

63. King’s court divider

PGN: Is there a story behind your name?

PW: My mother is a huge fan of “The NeverEnding Story” and the land that they live in was called Fantasia. My mother was an English major so she enjoys playing with language and decided to name me Fantasia with a “Ph” and a “z.”

my great-great-grandmother in my life. We all lived together until I was 11. We had to get creative with the names so I called my grandmother Nana and my great-grandmother was Grandma and my great-greatgrandmother was Sweetie Pie. A very matriarchal household.

PGN: What was the best thing about being grand marshal of the Pride parade?

PW: All of the people I was able to meet as a result, including the mayor and Rep. Brian Sims.

PGN: And what about Sweetie Pie? PW: Oh, my Sweetie Pie. She had that name for a reason. She was the sweetest woman in the world. She was the one always trying to feed you. She loved the movies “Dirty Dancing” and “E.T.” She’d eat peanut brittle even when it made her teeth fall out and she was incredibly driven.

She didn’t care what anyone thought as long as her loved ones were happy.

PGN: I know you like accessories; did you get a big sash?

PW: No, but I got the rainbow medal and the Liberty Bell medal.

PGN: Any pets and, if so, what questions would you ask them?

PW: I have a pit-bull terrier named Brindle at my mother’s house. I’d ask him if he was happy. Dogs’ expressions are always written on their faces but are they truly reflective of how he feels? I’m very maternal with him so I’d want to know what he needs, what dog food he likes best, if he likes his name, etc.

PGN: What do you miss most about summer?

PW: I absolutely miss summer clothing. I miss my short-shorts so much. They’re just wonderful. I miss not needing six or seven layers, and I miss my flip-flops.

PGN: Our family claim to fame is …

PW: My nana’s macaroni and cheese.

PGN: Tell me more about her.

PW: She’s the most supportive person ever.

When I was going through some problems at home as a teen, she let me stay with her. I was super-lucky growing up in that I had my mother and her mother (my grandmother), my great-grandmother and

PGN: Pen or pencil?

PW: Oh my gosh, there is just something about a sharp pencil that … it’s just the king of writing utensils.

PGN: If you had to describe yourself as a traffic sign, what would it be?

PW: I’d probably be a yield sign. I like the authority that rings from a yield sign.

PGN: Scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

PW: That tree-climbing adventurous child is still inside of me. I live near Cobbs Creek and I love walking in the woods.

Last Thanksgiving we went for a walk and it was a really weird day; first we got chased by a pit bull that came out of nowhere in the middle of the woods and then we came across a huge buck with giant antlers. It was only about 10 feet away from us and it was terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

PGN: What Olympic sport would you want to compete in?

PW: I never really got into sports, though I played a little soccer as a kid. Something that defies gravity, maybe gymnastics.

PGN: What one rule did you always disagree with growing up?

PW: I didn’t like curfew, it was not my thing. And my mother was pretty lenient, but I still pushed it.

PGN: What else should I know about you?

PW: Well, in the area where I used to live, not so much where I live now, there seemed to be a lot of stray animals and a lot of dead animals. I’d call the city to have them removed but it would take forever and there were a lot of kids on my block.

That’s not OK, so I took to cleaning up the dead animals myself and burying them. I then later began digging them up and making jewelry out of the bones. And that’s my hobby!

PGN: [Laughs] Sorry I asked! So when they arrest you for carrying condoms and dead animal bones, I’ll make sure they read this column to explain it.

PW: Ha! I’d appreciate that. n For more information on The Attic Youth Center, visit atticyouthcenter.org.

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

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

41

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________39-10 GAYFTLAUDERDALEREALESTATE.COM MARK EAGLE 954-203-2345 ________________________________________39-08 UPSTATE NEW YORK LAND BARGAINS Acreage, ponds and streams 42 acres w/pond, borders stateland- $59,995. 86 acres w/road and utilities, pond, borders stateland- $89,995. 6 acres w/deer river, borders stateland- $19,995. 138 acres w/small lake- $89,900. Financing available. Call now. 800-229-7843 OR visit www.

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Real Estate Rent SPRING GARDEN AT 11TH ON BRANDYWINE 3 or 4 BR, 1 large 2 sink bath. Architectural redesign of 1840’s townhouse. Gourmet kitchen, W/D, G/D, A/C, newly painted, floors refinished. All amenities. Short walk to Reading Terminal/Chinatown. $1761/mo. Ongoing improvements if agreeable. Must see! Call 215-849-4049. _____________________________________________39-06 Condo-1BR, new kitchen, balcony, pkg, 2 pools, tennis ct. 20 minutes south of Center City on I95 in Glenolden DelCo. At Train St. $1,100.00/mo. James 215-783-2832. ________________________________________39-06

Wanted to Buy TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos.

1-800-401-0440. ________________________________________39-06

PGN

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Gay is our middle name.

All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

Follow us @phillygaynews.

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

42

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

ADONIS CINEMA

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(closed an hour for cleaning)

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ADMISSION:

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

If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________39-10 Philly boy looking for mail correspondence with guys in Philly while I finish my incarceration. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes.

Lots to discuss. Will reply to every letter. Give this a try, I guarantee you’ll have fun. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, Englewood FCE, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________39-10 BM with big tool wans to nail a bottom to the floor. BM has equipment to make a bottom wish he wants more.

I’m 6 ft and 198 lbs. and have 8.5 inches and 1.25 girth and know how to use it. Call anytime 215-763-3391. All replies answered. ________________________________________39-10 BM just 70 with lots of toys for New Year, so on your tummy and be my playmate. 609-332-5808 text or phone. ________________________________________39-06 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________39-06 Nice white guy seeks well hung dude, gay or bi for possible fun relationship. 267-393-3655. ________________________________________39-07 A-B-C’s: would like to meet men from Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, and the Caribbean: Anguilla, Barbados and Costa Rica, also Puerto Rico and Mexico for friendship and more. 856-547-4163. ________________________________________39-13

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SUNDAY RELIEF

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

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

TUESDAYS

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

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

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

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

PGN

Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco.dudes@ uucdc.org.

Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www. gammaphilly.com.

Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org.

Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com.

Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976.

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

PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com.

PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021.

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

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

PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995.

Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658.

T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com.

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-8511822.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207.

Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/howlofpa/.

Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/.

Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899.

Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/.

Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/.

Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m.

Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www. pridecenter.org.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m.

Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975.

GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058.

HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 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 LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331; atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

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

Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext.

221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org.

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513

Project Keeping it Safe LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856963-2432, camden-ahec.org/.

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

PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948.

Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext.

9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975.

Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648.

Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org.

You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776.

Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

43

■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080

n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

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

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

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

Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m.

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

Key numbers ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Nellie Fitzpatrick, 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

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

■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m.

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870.

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

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 S. Broad St.; 215-629-2300; www.asiac.org.

Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appoint-

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

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a website where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and

ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org.

Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658.

Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups events; www.gppn.org; 215-9223377.

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

■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www. philadelphiagaytourism.com; 215-840-2039.

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 6-12, 2015

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