PGN Feb. 10-16, 2017 by The Philadelphia Gay News

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

Vol. 41 No. 6

• Craigslist case brings jail time • Antibias complaint settled PAGE 2

Feb. 10-16, 2017

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

PGN Love & Lust: • Marry Me Philadelphia couples • ‘Skate Pride Love’

• IBA, Borgata Valentine’s contest • Arts for Valentine’s Day • Andrew Christian: sex, power, freedom

PAGES 14-15

Hate-crimes bill to be reintro’d in PA House By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com

TARGET ON TOOMEY: Several-hundred people assembled outside of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s Center City office during Tuesday’s lunch hour for the now-weekly “Tuesdays with Toomey” demonstrations. The protests have been gaining steam and numbers in recent weeks as more residents turned out to voice opposition to President Trump’s cabinet picks and other issues. As protesters assembled, Toomey was in Washington, D.C., voting to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, despite a sharp outcry from constituents who flooded Toomey’s office with phone calls, emails and faxes. “Tuesdays with Toomey” will next be held at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at 1600 JFK Blvd. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A state representative this week will reintroduce an LGBT-inclusive bill protecting Pennsylvanians from hate crimes. State Rep. Kevin Boyle said he will submit the bill to the House of Representatives, which will be referred to the Judiciary Committee. This bill will amend the state’s existing hate-crime law to extend protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As of presstime, the bill has 37 cosponsors. State law currently defines a hate crime as one motivated by a victim’s race, color, religion or national origin; Boyle’s bill would also expand protections to include ancestry and disabilities, in addition to LGBT protections. Boyle referred to a New York Times report that found the disproportionate effect of hate crimes on LGBT people. “If we’re going to have a hate-crimes statute on the books, I certainly believe

the group that is most susceptible to be targeted because of their identity should be protected under the law,” Boyle told PGN. The Pennsylvania legislature added sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s hate-crimes law in 2002, but that measure was later overturned by the judiciary on a procedural technicality. Boyle’s brother, former state Rep. Brendan Boyle, who now serves in the U.S. Congress, moved his version of the bill forward through a successful committee vote in 2014 but it stalled before being brought to the floor. Boyle reintroduced it in 2015 but it died in committee. To move forward with this latest incarnation of the bill, Boyle encouraged supporters to put pressure on Rep. Mike Turzai, speaker for Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives. Boyle said Turzai has been hesitant to bring the legislation forward because of the speaker’s conservative followers within the Tea Party. “It’s really a matter of constituents — and not just in my district but PAGE 16

Organizers considering rescheduling Philly Pride

Reports: Nellie Fitzpatrick to depart post After two years at the helm of the city’s Office of LGBT Affairs, Nellie Fitzpatrick may be stepping down. Fitzpatrick did not respond to repeated requests for comment, nor did a spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney, but a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to PGN the identities of several individuals who had interviewed with the mayor for the position. Interviews started in early January, according to the source. It is unclear what prompted Fitzpatrick’s potential departure. She had been the target of criticism from some members of the LGBT community in recent months, particularly the Black & Brown Workers Collective, which contended her response to allegations of racism in the community was ineffective. The group had been calling for her resignation

since the fall, a demand that was met by several statements of support for Fitzpatrick from Kenney. Also in the fall, Kenney’s office announced the formation of the Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs. The selected members were expected to be chosen by the end of 2016, but the final panel has yet to be publicly announced. Previous administrations have utilized LGBT-advisory bodies, but this new commission will be the first established after the Office of LGBT Affairs became a permanent part of government; city voters approved that move in a ballot initiative in the fall of 2015. Fitzpatrick was appointed to the position by outgoing Mayor Michael Nutter after the death of inaugural director Gloria Casarez in October 2014. n — Jen Colletta

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com

TAKING ACTION: Members of The Attic Youth Center marked National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Tuesday with an LGBTQ Youth Town Hall Meeting. The youth-led event was organized by the center’s MPowerment internship program and let local teens and young adults explore the issues impacting black and brown LGBT youth. Conversations centered on such topics as the fight against HIV, shade culture, mental health and peer mentoring, among others. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philly Pride Presents is looking into changing the date for its upcoming Pride Parade and Festival. This potential change comes as the result of the National Pride March being held the same weekend in Washington, D.C. The National Pride March began as an event on Facebook and grew to have more than 30,000 confirmed guests and more than 107,000 designated as “interested.” However, a number of Pride organizations have expressed concerns regarding the march being held June 11, the PAGE 16 same date as

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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Musician sentenced to jail time in Craiglist sting LGBT antibias complaint settled By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Charles L. Cohen, a prominent Center City musician who attempted to have oral sex with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old on Craiglist, has been sentenced to six-23 months in county jail. During a Feb. 3 hearing, Cohen requested probation rather than jail time. He said his conduct was an “aberration” that won’t happen again. But Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Gail A. Weilheimer said jail time is necessary — not because Cohen wanted to engage in gay sex, but because he wanted to engage in sex with a minor. Weilheimer said she has an openly gay staffer and she’s sensitive to the plight of the LGBT community. But she said she draws the line at sexual contact with minors. Weilheimer said Cohen, 71, must report to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Eagleville by 6 p.m. March 3 to begin serving his sentence. At the time of the incident,

Cohen was on a medication known as Mirapex to treat his Parkinson’s disease, which he said contributes to sexual compulsivity. “It was an aberration, a complete aberration,” Cohen told the judge. “I’ve never had any interest in children.” Cohen said he no longer takes Mirapex. “I know nothing like this will happen again,” Cohen added. Tyler Weaver, a close friend of Cohen, told the judge that Cohen isn’t a threat to society. “I have only positive things to say about him,” said Weaver, 34. “He’s the most non-threatening person I’ve met in my entire life. That’s why I gravitated to him.” Weaver said many people in the music world were “shocked” when they heard about Cohen’s arrest, because the nature of the crime was so contrary to Cohen’s nature. “Everyone I know was shocked and had a hard time believing it,” Weaver noted. In September 2015, Cohen was nabbed by police at an Upper Providence shopping center, where they said he sought to

meet a boy and have oral sex. Last summer, Cohen pleaded no contest to multiple sex crimes and faced up to 43 years in state prison. At the Feb. 3 hearing, prosecutor Sophia G. Polites asked that Cohen serve between fourfive years in state prison. She said Cohen sent detailed, sexually explicit emails to an undercover officer, demonstrating that he intended to engage in sex with a minor. “We’re not disputing Mr. Cohen’s accomplishments [as a musician],” Polites told Weilheimer. “But what he did was wrong. He believed he was going to engage in sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy.” Polites also said Cohen shouldn’t avoid incarceration due to his Parkinson’s disease. She said a court filing indicates that Cohen hopes to participate in future concert tours throughout the world. “If he’s healthy enough to do that, I believe it would be appropriate for him to be incarcerated as well,” Polites added. Scott A. Harper, an attorney PAGE 14 for Cohen,

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Chloe M. Harris, a South Philadelphia trans woman, has reached a settlement in her antibias complaint against Summit Children’s Program. In August, Harris filed an antibias complaint against Summit with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. But last month, Harris withdrew her PCHR complaint due to the settlement. Harris’ complaint alleged harassment and anti-LGBT bias at Summit, which offers preschool and childcare services to children in Mt. Airy. Harris, 40, said she removed her child from Summit in September, alleging multiple anti-LGBT incidents at the program. According to Harris’ complaint, during a June 2016 Summit meeting, a Summit official said, “Homosexuality is a sin,” and the official’s husband also allegedly harassed Harris. Another Summit official allegedly chastised Harris on Facebook, and stated that Harris no longer was welcome at Summit — apparently due to Harris’ LGBT status. After the June 2016 meeting,

numerous Summit board members, staffers and parents ostracized Harris, according to her complaint. None of the people who allegedly harassed and/or ostracized Harris currently hold leadership positions at Summit, Harris said this week. According to the settlement, which was finalized last month, Summit acknowledges no wrongdoing in the matter. But Harris received a two-page apology letter from Summit’s board president, Ian Hegarty. Hegarty couldn’t be reached for comment. Harris said Hegarty wasn’t involved in any of the discrimination, harassment and/or ostracism she experienced at Summit. Hegarty’s letter states, in part: “We regret that these terrible incidents occurred and that it prompted you to feel compelled to withdraw your child from the school.” Hegarty’s letter goes on to note that Summit has several new board members who are sensitive to the LGBT community. “We sincerely wish that we had acted sooner or provided you with more support during that trying time,” the letter states. PAGE 14 Additionally,

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

News & Opinion

10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Positively Aware Street Talk 17 — Crime Watch News Briefing

Columns

8 — Thinking Queerly: Staying sane in insane times 9 — Out Money: Charitable gifting

Arts & Culture 21 25 23 26 28 30

HIGH-FLYING FALCONS: Crossley Ann (left) and Yunio Martinez accepted the Most Valuable Falcon awards at the LGBT-friendly soccer club’s Annual Banquet. Held Jan. 28 at William Way LGBT Community Center, the event featured dinner, dancing and music, as well as a silent auction and raffles to support the organization. The Falcons started their Winter League Feb. 6, with play through March 27; visit falcons-soccer.org/soccer/winter-league/. Photo: Juan Franco

6-7

Protesters react to discrimination acts and rumors fly regarding one of the protest organizers.

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— Feature: The grand Dame of funny: Edna — Scene in Philly — Family Portrait — Out & About — Q Puzzle — Comics

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~ State Rep. Brian Sims on character attacks on social media, page 7

Creep of the Week: Donald Trump is already the frontrunner for Creep of the Year.

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com

“I think the best response to someone trying to create this animosity is more collaboration. Let’s get together formally and show some people what we can do together.”

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

Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Dame Edna returns to tickle the funny bone of all her darling kittens.

Art Director/ Photographer

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

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Extra-spicy pork soup dumplings are stars at Dim Sum House in University City.

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Attorney for accused killer of trans woman convicted of felonies By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com J. Michael Farrell, who provided legal assistance to the accused killer of trans woman Diamond Williams, was convicted last week of multiple felonies in an unrelated case. On Feb. 2, a federal jury in Maryland declared Farrell guilty of 10 felonies involving conspiracy, money laundering, tampering with a witness and tampering with an official proceeding. Jurors acquitted Farrell of two felony charges. Prosecutors say Farrell crossed the line between representing defendants in a drug ring and participating in the defendants’ unlawful activities. Farrell, 64, faces up to 200 years in federal prison when sentenced May 5. At presstime, it was unclear whether Farrell would continue to provide legal assistance to Charles N. Sargent, who allegedly murdered Williams about four years ago. The state’s Disciplinary Board,

which reviews the law licenses of Pennsylvania attorneys, is aware of Farrell’s recent felony convictions. Ultimately, the state Supreme Court must decide whether to suspend or revoke Farrell’s law license. Farrell also is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, South Carolina, the District of Columbia and multiple federal-court jurisdictions. Sargent allegedly stabbed Williams to death with a screwdriver and dismembered her corpse with an ax. Then, Sargent allegedly deposited her body parts at a vacant lot in the Strawberry Mansion section. Sargent claims he acted in self-defense, after Williams became violent during a sexual encounter. However, advocates for Williams dispute that claim. Sargent intends to serve as his own attorney during his upcoming murder trial, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 27. Farrell began serving as Sargent’s court-appointed attorney shortly after Sargent was arrested in July 2013.

In December 2015, Common Pleas Judge Lillian H. Ransom gave Sargent permission to act as his own attorney during his murder trial. But Ransom said Farrell would attend the trial as Sargent’s “standby” attorney. Farrell remains free pending sentencing, but he’s in poor health due to a heart attack he suffered last year. He’s on multiple medications to treat “severe heart issues” and bipolar disorder, according to court records. Farrell couldn’t be reached for comment for this story. His attorney, Barry Coburn, issued this statement: “While we are very disappointed about the [Feb. 2] verdict, we look forward to the next steps in the legal process.” According to court records, between 2009-13, Farrell became involved in a Baltimore drug-trafficking ring known as the “Nicka Organization.” Farrell’s participation came to light after a 2009 raid of a Baltimore home, in which investigators found evidence of about PAGE 17 $14 million in

CHANGING CHURCH: The Rev. Jeffrey Jordan (from left), the Rev. Jeffrey Haskins and Bishop Joshua D. Wilsher led a “Sexuality & The Church” discussion Feb. 4 at Old Pine Community Center, hosted by Pastor Clarence Hayes, Jr. The event sought to explore how faith communities approach the topic of sexuality and empower LGBTs and allies, particularly people of color, to take an active role in promoting LGBT inclusion in their respective faith circles. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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LGBTs, allies march against discrimination

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HUNDREDS MARCHED UP MARKET STREET PAST INDEPENDENCE HALL ON THEIR WAY TO CITY HALL DURING THE FEB. 2 PROTEST MARCH AGAINST THE POTENTIAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM EXECUTIVE ORDER. Photo: Scott A. Drake

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com After hearing about President Donald Trump’s potential executive order regarding religious freedom, the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club decided to fight back. “We said, ‘We need to be out here and we need to say something about this and we need to do this in a real intersectional way,’” said Liberty City Co-Chair Malcolm Kenyatta. “I’m a black, gay, Christian guy from North Philly and I come to every table with all of that. I don’t just bring certain parts. It was really important to us that we build a really strong intersectional group of organizations to support us.” Liberty City’s March Against Discrimination had more than 500 attendees last Thursday evening. The event featured sponsorship from 17 other organizations representing various causes, including education, racial justice and transgender rights. After participants marched from Fox 29 at Fourth and Market streets to City Hall, Kenyatta introduced himself to the crowd, saying, “Trump thinks that our differences make us weak.” Kenyatta addressed those he doesn’t believe matter to Trump, referring to black, trans and LGBT lives. “We’re here today to tell Donald Trump that his view of America — his discriminatory view of America — is not the view of America that we have and it’s not the view of America that we’re going to be OK with.” Several speakers participated in the demonstration, including Ernest Owens, vice president of Equality Pennsylvania. “It’s time for us to understand that if we are going to take a stand, we all got to work

on our issues in our yards and outside our yards and all around,” Owens said. Aamina Morrison, a representative of GALAEI’s Transhealth Information Project (TIP) and a transgender woman, spoke about the controversy regarding access to bathrooms for transgender individuals. “We’re in a really weird time in our lives and in American history when people sit down around a roundtable to figure out what laws are appropriate so that people can use a bathroom,” Morrison said. “There are families who can’t see their young right now because they are prohibited from coming into this country and you’re trying to tell me that people can’t use a bathroom right now.” Christian Lovehall, another representative from GALAEI and a transgender man, urged marchers not to be “selective protesters.” “When we march against discrimination, we are marching against all discrimination,” Lovehall said. Mike Hisey, 54, was among the protesters at the event. Hisey has received attention on social media for attending several protests and demonstrations in drag as “Alt-Fact Kelly,” in which he donned an outfit similar to the one Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s adviser, wore to the presidential inauguration. Hisey made the outfit himself, and carried a sign saying “LGBTQ+ not included” to mirror how batteries are not included with a toy doll. Hisey, who is HIV-positive, said he was protesting because he did not want the Affordable Care Act to be repealed. “I have a problem with that and I’m going to speak out,” Hisey said. “This is my voice. I’m an artist. I’m a gay artist. And I’m HIV-positive.” PAGE 7

PGN LOCAL

Rumors swirl after anti-Trump march By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com After a local LGBT organization’s antiTrump protest march last week, rumors swirled around several figures involved. In a Facebook status following the Feb. 2 event, Ernest Owens, vice president of Equality Pennsylvania and editor of G Philly, accused Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of march organizer Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club, of “start[ing] rumors” that “the Black & Brown Workers Collective was going to protest” state Rep. Brian Sims at the event. Owens alleged that Sims received several phone calls from people stating the social-justice group intended to target what they saw as unresponsiveness to Gayborhood racism. Owens wrote that Sims declined to speak “because he didn’t want to draw controversy to the event and disrupt a peaceful assembly.” Sims did not respond to requests for comment from PGN. BBWC cofounders Shani Akilah and Abdul-Aliy Muhammad also did not respond to requests for comment. “People thought I was going to use my [G Philly piece, “The Gayborhood’s TrumpTriggered Activism Is Hypocritical”] as fuel for my speech and in doing so, that was going to create an opportunity for the Black & Brown Workers Collective and other people to criticize,” Owens told PGN. Sharron Cooks, a community activist, told PGN she was in communication with Sims prior to the march. She said she requested Sims speak about Gayborhood racism. He agreed to do so before hearing about potential protests. Cooks had another conversation with him after she says he declined to speak. “Through our conversation, there was one recurring theme and Malcolm Kenyatta was the person that was the common thread in all of the phone calls that state Rep. Sims got regarding being protested by the Black & Brown Workers Collective,” Cooks said. Asa Khalif, head of the Pennsylvania chapter of Black Lives Matter, said he heard rumors about a protest regardMARCH from page 6

Andrew Mahan, 33, attended wearing a Donald Trump mask he referred to as “the best $20 I’ve ever spent on Amazon.” He wore the mask during the Democratic National Convention and Trump’s inauguration. Mahan is straight and cisgender but he has a gay brother, and his girlfriend’s brother is transgender. “Even without that personal connection, I still feel that people are free to do as they want and it’s really not the government’s standpoint to say what you can and can’t

ing Sims’s appearance from an undisclosed source. Khalif said he reported it to Kenyatta as a warning and noted that “BBWC was never mentioned” in these rumors. “It panned out that it was just that — a rumor,” Khalif said. Kenyatta told PGN he told Sims about what “could happen” and said he did not mention the names of Owens, Akilah or Muhammad. Additionally, he said he asked Sims to continue with his speech despite the alleged rumors. “I invited BBWC to be a part of the march from the beginning because I wanted them to be a part of it,” Kenyatta said. Kenyatta said he is willing to speak about the situation with the individuals involved, instead of “this conversation being played out on Facebook.” “I will speak to Shani, I will speak to Abdul and I will speak to Brian and if the four of us have to sit down and talk, I welcome that opportunity for us to do that,” Kenyatta said. “Hopefully we do.” While several commenters called for Kenyatta’s resignation, the Liberty City co-chair said he would not step down. “What I’m going to continue to do is what I’m doing, and that is bring people together,” Kenyatta said. “Liberty City has been super-engaged in public policy. This is one of our first forays into direct political advocacy with this march and I’m proud of what we did in doing that.” In response to the rumors, the BBWC posted an update on Facebook stating, “It’s interesting that Brian Sims who is a member of the LGBTQ [c]ommunity with political power and white privilege would rather buy-in [sic] to lies about our collective instead of trying to work to do what’s needed to disrupt white supremacy. [By the way] we aren’t thinking about you at all.” Sims, who was tagged in the post, commented: “Any power I have is yours too and I won’t let anyone try to game me, or you, to change that. I think the best response to someone trying to create this animosity is more collaboration. Let’s get together formally and show some people what we can do together.” n be,” Mahan said. Kenyatta plans to keep the resistance going. “We’re going to make it clear to Donald Trump that we are going to fight back every single day,” he said. Other speakers included Councilman Derek Green, Linda Holltzman from Jewish Voice for Peace, Asa Khalif from the Pennsylvania chapter of Black Lives Matter, the Rev. Jeffrey Jordan, Sen. Daylin Leach and Hillary Linardopoulos from the Philadelphia Federation for Teachers. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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AN EVENING WITH

JENNIFER FINNEY BOYLAN GLAAD Board of Directors co-chair Jennifer Finney Boylan, a graduate of The Haverford School’s Class of 1976, has authored 15 books and is the Anna Quindlen Writer in Residence at Barnard College of Columbia University. This literary lecture is free and open to the public.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY BUSINESSES WEST OF BROAD

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drucker & Scaccetti, 1600 Market St., Suite 3300 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • PA Law Project, 2122 Chestnut St., Suite 1600 • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • SOSNA offices, 19th & Christian sts. • Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Westminster Arch Apts., Vine St., 3rd floor •

WEST PHILLY Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Redcaps Corner, 4812 Baltimore Ave. • Saturn Club, 3430 Sansom St. • Saxby’s Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

NORTH PHILLY

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Barnes & Noble, 1700 N. Broad St. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Front Street Cafe, 1253 N. Front St. • GALAEI, 149 Susquehanna Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st floor • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

SOUTH PHILLY

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Tiffin Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Awbry Aboretum, 1 Awbry Rd. • Caribbean Pharmacy, 3825 N. 5th St. •Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infinity Jewelers, 3528 Cottman+ Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Philly Pharmacy, 9475 Roosevelt Blvd. • Riverhouse Condo, 3600 Conshohocken Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

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How to stay engaged (and enraged) and protect your mental health We are seeing a level of activism, rangand emotions related to our current politing from protests to financial donations, ical climate. While Facebook and other that people under a certain age have social-media sites have historically been never before experienced. It’s scary and a pleasant one- or two-minute distracit’s exciting and it is also hard emotional tion from our own lives — full of photos work. of people’s vacations, pets and other fun We are only three weeks into Donald moments — it is now another forum for Trump’s presidency, which means that us to experience stress. The greatest issue we’ve got three years, 11 months and one with social media, as opposed to visiting week left. What were you doing three a news-based website, is that we have years, 11 months and one week ago? How no way of knowing what we’re going to different did your life look then? A lot can get until we get it. When we visit CNN and does happen in four years or New York Times’ sites, we under typical circumstances. know we can expect articles Under these circumstances, four related to Trump and whatever years can and will feel like an horrendous policy he’s just eternity and it is crucial that we come out with. When we visit take certain measures to prea social-media site, we could serve our mental health (withpotentially be pummeled by a out losing steam) as Trump whole slew of outrage, rants, and his administration continue sadness and other expressions to take actions that go against of emotion that activate a level everything we believe in. of emotion within us. As such, The first thing we must do my specific recommendation is is fight every urge to adjust or that you decide on a few times adapt to Trump as president of during the day that you deem the United States. Due to the to be ideal for social media and psychological concept known purposely choose to check it Kristina Furia only during those times. as cognitive dissonance, which Lastly, self-care, selfis defined as discomfort caused care, self-care. There has never been by having two contradictory ideas, values or beliefs that then prompt us to find a res- a more ideal time to start engaging in healthy habits that have long been on your olution to the internal conflict, it may be to-do list but have yet to be successfully harder than we think to resist acceptance. incorporated into your daily life. If you’re For anyone who is accustomed to having at least nominal amounts of respect for our someone who has never been able to get president, there may be an unconscious to bed early enough to get a full seven or pull to find a level of respect for Trump in eight hours of sleep per night, try it now. an effort to resolve the uncomfortable feel- If you’ve been meaning to get into therapy ing of believing our current president to be but keep putting it off, start researching therapists and make a couple of phone a racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, deeply calls. Some other self-care-related routines underqualified manipulator. If you notice yourself thinking or saying anything along include regular exercise (exercise posithe lines of “Maybe he isn’t that bad,” you tively influences neurotransmitters in the brain), a healthy diet, spending time alone are likely falling prey to cognitive dissoand spending time with loved ones in a nance. If this happens: Resist. Remind yourself of all the horrendous decisions he purposeful way (the effect is somewhat different when we do things with intenand his administration have made and will tion). continue to make and keep resisting. Next, I’m going to recommend to you For all of you newly inspired activists: what I have recommended to all my cliThank you for being outraged and loud ents (most of my sessions these days conabout it. Don’t stop any of it — just don’t sist of political talk in part): You need to also forget to take care of yourself. n strongly consider limiting how much time Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist committed to you spend each day on social media. If working with LGBT individuals and couples and your Facebook newsfeed looks anything owner of Emerge Wellness, an LGBT health and welllike mine, it is regularly almost entirely ness center in Center City (www.emergewellnessphilly. full of articles, conversations, opinions com).

Thinking Queerly

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.

FINANCES LOCAL PGN

Enhancing charitable gifts with life insurance Q: My partner and I are considering leaving money to some local LGBT charities by naming them as beneficiaries on our life insurance, since we don’t really need the insurance coverage anymore. Is this a good strategy? A: I commend you for looking to support our local LGBT organizations! Assuming you don’t need to coverage for yourself, directing life-insurance benefits to a charity may be a good solution. Here are a few thoughts to consider. If you are a regular donor to charity, life insurance could help you to make a much larger gift to your cause of choice.1 Instead of making periodic cash contributions to a charity, you could use the same amount to pay the premium on a life-insurance policy to benefit the charity. Upon your death, the charity would receive the full face value of your policy — which would likely amount to considerably more than you could afford to donate during your lifetime.

are generally more attractive for charitable-giving purposes because they typically have level premiums for the life of the contract and generally do not expire if you’ve made all of your premium obligations. In addition, a permanent policy has a cash-value component, which can increase the range of gifting strategies. Structuring life-insurance gifts There are two basic ways of using life insurance to make charitable gifts. One is to donate an existing life-insurance policy. To do so, you must transfer ownership of the policy to the charity, giving up all control of the policy. Because the transfer is irrevocable, you obtain the full tax advantages Jeremy of charitable giving. Gussick You may be able to take an incometax deduction equal to your basis or the policy’s fair-market value, as well as a charitable deduction for the premiums you pay. The policy will not be included in your gross estate unless you die within three years of the transfer (in which case, your estate would receive an offsetting charitable deduction). The other way to use life insurance for charitable giving is to donate a new policy. With this strategy, you purchase a policy and pay the premiums but immediately assign ownership of the policy to the charity. In this case, you would be entitled to take a charitable deduction for the premiums. Alternatively, you may want to consider naming a charity as beneficiary of your policy. While this approach is simple and would still give you access to any cash value of the policy during your lifetime, its tax advantages are limited because you retain control over the policy until you die. Upon your death, the proceeds would be included in your gross estate, although the full amount of the proceeds payable to the charity would be deducted from your estate. Another easy-to-execute approach is to gift a policy’s

Out Money

Donors benefit, too In addition to enhancing charitable gifts, life insurance offers potential income, estate and gift-tax benefits to donors as well. The actual benefits you realize would depend on the type of life insurance used and how the donation is structured. Term life-insurance policies are the least expensive to purchase but involve risks that may jeopardize achieving your charitable-giving goal. For instance, if the policy were to expire before your death, the charity wouldn’t receive any proceeds. Similarly, because term-insurance premiums can rise dramatically over time, premiums can eventually become prohibitively expensive. Further, if you were to become uninsurable or no longer able to afford the monthly premiums, your charity could end up with nothing. For this reason, so-called permanent policies, such as whole life,

dividends to a charity. This method may be appealing if your goal is to pass the policy’s death benefit onto your heirs. You can designate a charity to receive any of a permanent policy’s dividends when you apply for a policy or at any time while you own it. While you retain control over the policy and its cash value, you also receive an income-tax deduction for dividends paid to the charity. However, death-benefit proceeds are included in your gross estate. Finally, if complexity is not a concern and you are planning a substantial gift, you may want to consider using life insurance to fund a charitable remainder trust. To do this, you would want to work with an attorney to create a charitable remainder trust and then purchase life insurance to fund the trust. During your lifetime, the trust would provide you with a specified amount of income. Upon your death, the principal of the trust would pass to the designated charity. In conjunction with the charitable remainder trust, you could also purchase another life-insurance policy to benefit non-charitable beneficiaries, such as your spouse and children. Communicating the benefits As good as your intentions may be, don’t be surprised if your charity is not enthusiastic about receiving a gift of life insurance. It may prefer to receive a cash donation, which it can put to use right away. Indeed, if your recipient is a large charity with an investment-management arm, it may decide to cash in your policy donation and invest the proceeds on the assumption that it could earn a higher rate of return than by waiting to collect the death benefit. On the other hand, if you are donating to a smaller charity, you could point out that a life-insurance gift can be preferable to alternatives, such as donating stock.2 Unlike stocks, whose value is subject to market changes, the amount the charity will eventually receive from life insurance is guaranteed as long as you continue paying the premiums. Because state and federal tax laws are complex, it is best to discuss your PAGE 16

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LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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EDITORIAL PGN EDITORIAL

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Donald Trump

Editorial

Don’t let Toomey slide The U.S. Senate this week confirmed Betsy DeVos as our next Secretary of Education. DeVos has been arguably the cabinet pick who faced the most opposition, both from lawmakers and the public, and rightfully so. The billionaire admittedly never attended, nor had children attend, public schools; seems to lack a basic understanding of education concepts; supports voucher programs; has supported antigay causes; and comes from a wealthy family with questionable connections, among many other criticisms. (Not to mention, she gained infamy for her assertion that guns may be needed in schools to protect from grizzly bears … ) Those and other concerns drove an unprecedented level of constituent feedback to senators tasked with having the final say in DeVos’ appointment. One estimate had more than 1.5-million calls regarding cabinet picks, the majority of which were about DeVos, being logged in senators’ offices per day in the last week. Some constituents unable to get through sent emails, started Twitter campaigns and one woman even ordered a pizza to her senator, with a note attached urging a “no” vote on DeVos. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania was a particular target after two Republican senators announced they would oppose DeVos. Activists ramped up the pressure at their weekly “Tuesdays with Toomey” protests, his phones literally rang off the hook to the point where constituents took to faxing the senator; he received more than 8,000 faxes in just one day last week. One local woman even raised more than $60,000 — the amount Toomey’s campaign received from DeVos’ family, who contributed millions to more than 20 other Republican senators — to “buy” his vote. Despite the seemingly unprecedented opposition to DeVos, Toomey this week joined the majority of his Republican colleagues and supported the candidate deemed by so many as woefully inadequate. Toomey is a public servant. He doesn’t report to President Donald Trump or to his donors, he reports to us — his constituents. He had an opportunity this week to listen to us, to act in a non-partisan way and to oppose someone whose inexperience will be damaging to his constituents. He squandered that chance. But we have a chance to ensure that this term is Toomey’s last. He won’t be up for re-election again until 2022, but that’s plenty of time to organize, fundraise for and rally a candidate to unseat him. And to remind Toomey as often as possible that history will judge him — as will voters. n

Great news, everybody! Donald Trump is not planning to rescind President Obama’s 2014 executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT people. I repeat, he has said he is not yanking those protections away. So let’s all celebrate Trump, American LGBT Savior. Let us grovel at his feet and kiss his rings for sparing us from his mighty wrath. Because he definitely expects praise and thanks for this brave and noble act of not doing something that he could do because he’s the president, God help us all. In a statement from the White House regarding Trump’s decision to not take away rights from LGBT workers, he makes it clear that he totally could if he wanted to, but won’t because of how good he is at presidenting. In other words, the statement was all about him. “President Donald J. Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community,” the statement began, underlining Trump’s total lack of self-awareness or understanding of irony. But hey, maybe he’s being sincere and he actually will go to the mat for the LGBT community. Just not the Muslim ones. Or the brown ones. Or the black ones. Or the Jewish ones. Or the immigrant ones. But you know, other than that, ALL Americans. “President Trump continues to be respectful and be supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election,” the statement continues. This is some revisionist history here. You may recall that Trump said he thought the marriage-equality decision should be overturned. That’s not exactly supportive or respectful. “The president is proud to have been the first ever GOP nominee to mention the LGBTQ community in his nomination acceptance speech,” reads the statement, “pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression.” Oh, we KNOW he is proud of saying the letters “LGBTQ” during his acceptance speech. Somehow he thinks that

saying five letters out loud is the same thing as supporting the actual people those letters stand for. And hey, given the Republican track record on LGBT issues, maybe that counts in GOP circles. But I’m pretty tired of Trump acting like he’s the grand marshal in a very sad Pride parade. And let’s be clear that he did not pledge to “protect the community from violence and oppression.” He made very clear that this protection was only against “a hateful foreign ideology,” which was really just a backhanded attempt to gin up support for his Muslim ban. So, no. I am not impressed and I will not thank Trump for sparing some LGBT workers their rights. Because this is but a drop in the very antiLGBT ocean that is his entire administration. I mean, look at his cabinet picks: Jeff Sessions, Betsy DeVos, Mike Pompeo, Tom Price, Mike Flynn, Nikki Haley. None of these people supports LGBT people and their families. In fact, all of them are opposed to LGBT families. Trump’s Supreme Court pick, Neil Gorsuch, is also antiLGBT. In fact, it looks like being antiLGBT was a prerequisite for getting on the Supreme Court short list in the first place. Getting an anti-LGBT bigot on the top bench will have long-lasting repercussions for LGBT Americans. So spare me the image of Trump wrapped in the rainbow flag. Don’t let this one piece of positive news blind you to the threat Trump poses to you and your family. Keep marching. Keep protesting. Keep resisting. n

Oh, we KNOW he is proud of saying the letters “LGBTQ” during his acceptance speech. Somehow he thinks that saying five letters out loud is the same thing as supporting the actual people those letters stand for.

D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

OP-ED PGN

A shout out to heterosexuals The last few weeks here at PGN have Greg is moving on (we’ll send him off with been somewhat bittersweet. a staff party!). Two weeks ago found many of our staff While we’re sad to lose Greg, we’re on stage during the last plenary session of also upbeat by the change it brings, which the National Gay and Lesbian tells another story of PGN — Task Force’s “Creating Change” inclusion, which is especially conference, as we received relevant considering what’s the prestigious and inauguhappening in Trump’s America. ral LGBTQ Media Award for Taking on the responsibilities Elevating Voices of LGBTQ of advertising manager is Prab People. Sandhu. Prab is an out member One of those staffers up on of the LGBT community and stage as part of our family was came to PGN seven years ago Greg Dennis, our advertising as a documented immigrant. manager. Greg has been with During his time at PGN, he has PGN for more than nine years. studied and is now a U.S. citiAside from his usual duties, zen (a development we also celhe often helps out at Pride and ebrated with a staff party!). It seems that in all our other events; that might be lives, the issues of immigrashocking since Greg is one of Mark Segal tion, inclusion and diversity are those strange creatures they call playing out on a daily basis, or heterosexual. Yes, heterosexuals can work side by side with the LGBT com- in real time. Rather than fight that reality, munity — and even in a leadership capacwhich creates hate, embrace it to create a ity. more sustainable and healthier way of life Back to Creating Change and that stage. for all of us. n Greg was as proud as any of us when we Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning comwon that award, but it would be the last mentator in LGBT media. His recently published memtime he’d be out at an event with us as a oir, “And Then I Danced,” is available on Amazon. member of the PGN staff: After nine years, com, Barnes & Noble or at your favorite bookseller.

Mark My Words

Positively Aware

Tyler Curry

I’m HIV-positive and still not into you As someone who is out about being HIV-positive, I often get the privilege of hearing from other newly diagnosed gay men from across the country. As anyone can imagine, learning you are positive can feel like taking a cannonball to the chest. So, sometimes you need to talk to a stranger before you can catch your breath and find the words for your family and friends. Although I’m no psychotherapist, I can relate and speak to the myriad of fears that flood your headspace while sitting in the clinic and receiving the news. In almost every instance, the most pressing concern in the emails, texts and phone calls I receive is about how HIV will affect a person’s dating life. I remember it all too well. When I first found out about my status, all of my romantic dreams instantly felt like dead ones. Who would love me now? Can I ever enjoy sex again? Will I ever get married? And I went wah, wah, wah into my wine glass all through the night. The truth is, once I picked myself out of the puddle of tears, I was relatively unaltered. Besides a recurring doctor’s appointment every four months and a new pill to add to my pill box, my worth on the dating market remained the same. Of course, the first couple months were pretty shaky. Learning how to disclose your status isn’t something most gay men discuss over

cocktails on a Saturday night — although it should be. When is the right time to disclose? I’ve had to answer that question over and over again. Many of my friends think you should let the person get to know you first before launching into your medical history. After all, you don’t disclose all of the dirty details of your life on a first date, so what makes your status any different? Right? Wrong. Being HIV-positive isn’t the same as having a beast of a mother or being a Log Cabin Republican. Those dirty details are the layers of who you are as a person, and they’re revealed as a relationship develops. Your status isn’t a part of your character; it’s a matter of logistics. Either your Friday-night date is someone who understands the logistics of dating someone positive, or he doesn’t. If a potential match is afraid of dating someone who is positive, your personality and charm will not remedy his fear. Your status isn’t a deep, dark secret or something to hide. But acting as if it is will most assuredly scare away anyone who is unsure about dating you. Just as in any dating environment, confidence goes further than any amount of money, expensive suit or HIV-negative status. If you treat your status as some cloaked secret that you’re asking him to overlook because everything else is great, PAGE 17 he’ll respond accord-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Street Talk What's your reaction to the Boy Scouts accepting trans boys? “I think it’s wonderful. If acceptance can start at such a young age, Debbie Drubin pet sitter all the better. The Queen Village kids will all be in uniforms. What difference does it make what’s under their uniforms? I look forward to the day when someone’s gender and gender identity are irrelevant.”

“It’s great that they’ll let trans boys in the group. But what about gay Tyanne McClaine and trans dog walker Society Hill adults? They should be accepted as well. They can make sure the trans boys are safe and comfortable.” [Ed note: The Scouts currently accept gay adult leaders; its policy on trans leaders is unclear.]

“All people of all types should be welcome. I know that hasn’t always Larry Monroe Jr. musician been North Philadelphia the case with the Boy Scouts. But it’s a step in the right direction, I believe. It’s a step toward people just becoming more open-minded. The [Scouts] should have done this years ago.”

“It’s good news because you’re empowering children. If a trans boy April Walden wants to veterinary technician Olney join the Scouts, more power to him! I just hope the Scouts will implement safeguards to prevent any bullying or other violence against the trans boys.”

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.

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LOVEPGN & LUST

Marry Me Philadelphia celebrates love on V-Day, year-round By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Apart from the hefty price tag, weddings often bring a lot of family, friends and fanfare. Marry Me Philadelphia was founded on the principle that weddings don’t have to be over the top to be meaningful. “You don’t have to spend $50,000 to get married,” said founder and owner the Rev. Colleen McDermott. McDermott was ordained several years ago and initially thought officiating weddings would be a side job. “I thought it would be something I did on the weekends at first, but eventually I was able to quit my 9-5 job and work on this full-time,” said McDermott, who launched MMP in 2012. The business serves as a “one-stop shop” for couples looking for low-key weddings. McDermott and the Rev. Barry McAfee serve as officiants; together, they’ve performed more than 1,000 weddings since the company’s founding. Andy Albaladejo is lead photographer, and MMP also works with a nearby florist and other wedding-service businesses. Three years after it opened,

religion but aren’t practicing and don’t want to go through the church,” McDermott said. “We do a lot of interfaith marriages. You name it, we’ve done it. Our ceremonies, unless the couple wants something specific, focus on love, not on religion.” MMP has been officiating same-sex ceremonies since its inception, before marMcDermott moved the company out of her home and into its own storefront, 8111 Oxford Ave. in Northeast Philadelphia. The move was a boon for business, and for McDermott. “I had been performing weddings in my living room for people who didn’t have a place to get married,” she laughed. Couples can wed off-site or right at MMP, in a fully decorated venue that seats up to 10 guests. McDermott said that many leave the building after the ceremony to honking horns and well wishes by passersby on the bustling Oxford Avenue. MMP officiants are nondenominational, and couples can choose from a number of different packages, which include varying scripts, readings and rituals. “Many people nowadays may have been raised in a certain

erosexual couple, it was, ‘Yeah, we’re getting married,’ but for a same-sex couple it was extra special because they finally had that legal recognition by the state.” For same- and opposite-sex couples looking to celebrate their love on Valentine’s Day, MMP is offering an “elopement” package for just $100. The package includes the officiant, a traditional ceremony, music, use of the venue for 30 minutes and the validation and filing of the marriage license. Photography can be added for $60. Up to two witnesses are welcome. Couples interested must apply for their Pennsylvania marriage license no later than Feb. 10. For more information, visit www.marrymephiladelphia. com. n

riage equality became legal in Pennsylvania. Prior to 2014, the company provided a keepsake certificate in lieu of the legal license. “I’ve gotten calls from samesex couples who were turned away by other companies, which is ridiculous,” McDermott said. “After it became legal, I think it was that much more special for same-sex couples. With a het-

DVLF and PGN collaborate for ‘Skate Pride Love’ By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com The day before Valentine’s Day, members of the community can ice skate and enjoy drink specials and other specially priced menu items at “Skate Pride Love.” DVLF, an LGBT grantmaking organization, and Philadelphia Gay News will sponsor the inaugural event, in partnership with the Center City District. DJ Carl Michaels will spin tunes at the Feb. 13 event, while Philadelphia drag performer Brittany Lynn and the Philly Drag Mafia will provide live entertainment at Dilworth Park. DVLF Executive Director Samantha Giusti said PGN approached DVLF to coordinate OurNightOut, DVLF’s monthly LGBT networking event, with “Skate Pride Love.” She said ice skating is different from usual OurNightOut events and noted

attendees will find something to enjoy even if they’re not skaters. “Folks who want an active activity, this is a great way to come out and do it with fellow community members and for folks who like our normal model of conversation and cocktails, they can still get that,” Giusti said. Giusti said OurNightOut provides the opportunity to network with members of the LGBT community outside of typical settings. “We all know and love the Gayborhood joints but it is also nice to meet outside of the Gayborhood,” Giusti said. “It is a nice opportunity to build a community.” Additionally, she urged thosee who attended past OurNightOut events to see “the regular OurNightOut experience re-tooled a little bit.” Giusti referenced President Donald Trump’s administration and how the polit-

ical discourse impacts the LGBT community. “In the beginning of this new administration — as we see some of the things that are rolling out that might be a struggle to folks in our community — the idea to come together, to be proud, to promote love, are all good things,” Giusti said. “We are so happy to be putting this event together.” With the event occurring the day before Valentine’s Day, Giusti added, “it is nice to come together as a community and to spend time together.” “You never know when Cupid’s arrow might strike,” she added. “Skate Pride Love” will take place 6-10 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Rothman Ice Rink and Cabin at Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street. A $20 ticket includes skate rentals and admission while a $10 ticket provides general admission. Portions of the proceeds will go toward DVLF. n

SENTENCE from page 2

said Cohen would limit his future concerts to the Philadelphia region if he’s healthy enough to perform. “The music that he can provide makes people happy,” Harper told the judge. “He’s not a criminal deviant. He’s not going to get into trouble again.” Weilheimer said she recognized that Cohen is an accomplished musician, and that he has no prior offenses. But she reiterated that sexual contact with a minor can’t be countenanced. Even if Mirapex contributes to sexual compulsivity, there’s no evidence that it causes someone to be interested in sex with a minor, Weilheimer added. Outside the courtroom, Polites had no criticism of Weilheimer’s sentence. “We respect the court’s decision,” she said. Though Cohen wasn’t sentenced to a state-prison term, he’ll still be under court-ordered supervision for about four years, Polites noted. And as a convicted sex offender, Cohen must register with the Pennsylvania State Police every three months for the rest of his life, Polites added. Harper, the attorney for Cohen, issued this statement: “Mr. Cohen accepts today’s sentence as an adequate punishment and payment to the debt he owes society. He appreciates all of his friends and associates that have stood by him through this ordeal.” n COMPLAINT from page 2

Hegarty’s letter states that Summit recently instituted new policies to “insure the fair and equal treatment of students and parents without regard to sexual preference, orientation or any other basis protected by the law.” Hegarty’s letter concludes: “While we understand that nothing can change these past events, we do hope that you will accept our sincerest apologies.” Harris said she was satisfied with the settlement. “It’s extremely important to me that this series of incidents was given visibility and not pushed under the rug,” Harris said in an email. “I’m very thankful for the support and assistance the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations gave me. My sole objective in making the complaint was to ensure this type of discrimination never again happens at Summit. It’s essential to stand up for our children. But I also believe we need to stand up for ourselves in front of our children.” Lauren Stutzbach told PGN that she also removed her child from Summit. “I pulled my child from Summit Children’s Program as a direct result of the discriminatory actions/statements of the then-board and some of their family members at the June meeting,” Stutzbach said in an email. “If the board’s stance at the time had been apologetic rather than defensive, we might not have left.” An attorney for Summit couldn’t be reached for comment. n

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LGBT group focuses on the arts for Valentine’s Day By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County is showing area LGBT artists some love. “For the Love of Art” is a special Valentine’s Day-themed event and fundraiser featuring local LGBT artists, musicians and authors Feb. 12. Rachel Stevenson, president and founder of the LGBT Equality Alliance, said she was pleased with the number and quality of artists and performers who offered up their talents for the event. “Our whole focus is really to amplify the voices of the LGBT community in the suburbs, and this is an opportunity for us to

do so for artists,” she said. “We have had some amazing works submitted this year. There really wasn’t an artist that submitted things that we didn’t want to have featured in some capacity. The goal of our organization is to create supportive and safe environments for our community members. So this is one way to do it.” Stevenson added that “For the Love of Art” will generate support for the organization’s programming and future events, as well as other local LGBT causes. “The funds help us to promote our programs and services throughout the year,”

she said. “Some of the money goes to support GSA clubs in the local suburban areas. We’ll be rolling out a scholarship fund this year for LGBTQA students.” n The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester Country presents “For the Love of Art” 3-6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs. For more information or tickets, visit www.lgbteachesco. org or https://events.r20.constantcontact. com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edlipsul99260d88&oseq=&c=&ch=.

On Being Well

Are you taking care

Andrew Christian celebrates sex, power and freedom in Philadelphia of yourself? be stuff that people might not the book includes subtle polit- with the current administration By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com

Los Angeles-based fashion designer Andrew Christian had one goal in mind when he came up with the idea for his coffee table book, “SEX = POWER = FREEDOM.” “If you’re free to have sex with who you want, when you want, you’re politically free,” Christian said. Christian will celebrate his book tour in Philadelphia with a signing at ICandy’s annual Stoplight Party Feb. 11. “SEX = POWER = FREEDOM” includes 200 glossy pages of black-and-white photos featuring Andrew Christian male models in various forms of undress engaging in homoerotic poses. “There’s quite a bit of imagery that revolves around S&M and puppy play and stuff like that,” Christian said. “It might

be comfortable with or may not have ever been exposed to.” Christian received funding for the book through fundrais-

ing-website Indiegogo. The campaign raised more than $100,000 from more than 900 backers. Each backer’s name will be written at the end of the book. Additionally, Christian said

ical messages. Brief text passages state messages such as, “Love is the only way to invoke positive change,” and, “Dogmatic, xenophobic, racist, sexist and homophobic views will not silence us.” “I hope it’ll inspire people to stand up for their rights and give people hope that there is a way out,” Christian said of the current political climate. “There will be better days for us.” Philadelphia will be the second of 27 cities Christian plans to attend as part of his book tour. He said he wanted to include the city because of its history. “The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were all signed in Philadelphia,” Christian said. “It was kind of the trigger point of a U.S. revolution and I feel like right now we’re going to go through our own gay revolution

that’s in office.” At the event, Christian will also raffle off 12 copies of the “SEX = POWER = FREEDOM” Gold Edition. Christian only supplied this version, which features a gold cover, to the Indiegogo backers and it will only be available to the public at Christian’s signings. Additionally, attendees can see a fashion show and participate in giveaways. Andrew Christian models Austin Waite and Cory Zwierzynski will also be in attendance. Overall, Christian said all LGBT readers will get something out of “SEX = POWER = FREEDOM.” “It’s super-sexy and it’s going to make them think a little bit,” Christian said. n

How’s your health and well-being?

Christian’s event will be held 10 p.m. Feb. 11 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. “SEX = POWER = FREEDOM” can be purchased at www.AndrewChristian.com.

IBA, Borgata team up for Valentine’s contest By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Independence Business Alliance and Borgata are spreading the love this Valentine’s Day. The IBA promotes Philadelphia’s LGBT businesses in an effort to foster diversity, financial opportunities and advocate for change. IBA members who know of a friend or colleague that could benefit from the IBA’s network of businesses and programming can refer and connect them to the IBA to be entered in a raffle. One lucky entrant will win a twonight stay at Borgata, tickets to see Kathy Griffin Feb. 17, dinner for two at Bobby Flay Steak and VIP entry to Premier

Nightclub. Zach Wilcha, IBA executive director, said Borgata has been very supportive of the LGBT chamber of commerce’s efforts to promote and encourage LGBT businesses. “We have a very good relationship with the Borgata as one of our corporate partners,” he said. “They’ve always been very generous in offering us tickets to some of the events they have for us to use in creative ways. Since we have been trying to ramp up membership here, we wanted to combine the two and see if we could incentivize our current members to bring in new members to the organization.” Wilcha added that now that the Trump administration could sanction discrimi-

nation against the LGBT community, the work of the IBA is even more needed. “With the shifting political landscape, we want to provide a safe space for people to be able to succeed in business. We’ve already had an uptick in membership since the election and we expect that it will continue,” Wilcha said. “We’ve heard not only from our LGBT businesses but also from ally businesses asking how they can help the LGBT business community. I think that we are capable of connecting people with the right resources that they need, and we plan to continue to do that.” n For more information on the Referral Raffle, visit www.thinkiba.com or http:// ow.ly/ReWO308MpgK.

Only in Online and in print every fourth Friday.

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PRIDE from page 1

their respective Pride events. Philadelphia’s organization is one of the concerned groups. Pride organizations from around the country participated in conference calls to discuss concerns with their events. According to meeting minutes from a Jan. 31 conference call, “Sponsors, vendors, volunteers and honored guests have begun cancelling their agreements and declining invitations to local Pride events to participate instead in [the] National March.” Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, said that so far only one food vendor backed out of participating due to expecting a lack of attendance. Meanwhile, a float company the organization worked with in the past has expressed concerns regarding transportation if the Pride date changes. “We work with a lot of different vendors that day that help make Pride happen,” Price said. “We’re working with them to see if

they can still do what they do for us on a different day.” According to conference-call minutes, Pride leaders suggested the organizers for the National March should change the date. Some participants in the call contended that no significant planning has happened for the march other than the creation of a Facebook event, which suggests no costs have been incurred. Chuck Volz, senior advisor to Philly Pride Presents, said the organizers of the march could have worked with other Pride organizers to coordinate solidarity events coinciding with the march. However, Volz still anticipates issues with Philadelphia being in close proximity to Washington, D.C. “That works for Alabama and that works for Los Angeles. It doesn’t work in Philadelphia when you can go to the National March two hours away,” Volz said. Volz also noted how Philly Pride’s original June 11 date did not interfere with other

events in Philadelphia or with other Pride organizations. “Once we move, it would set an avalanche of everybody having to reschedule,” Volz said. “That’s part of the problem.” David Kilmnick from Long Island Pride, who spearheaded the conference calls, expressed concern that the march could take people away from their local communities. He said, “Change needs to happen at the local level, particularly in these times. “When you take people away from their local community, [it affects] that young kid who’s still not out of the closet, who needs to see people marching in their own hometowns for a sense of empowerment and pride,” Kilmnick said. Philly Pride Presents is still weighing the potential date change. As of presstime, the Pride Parade and Festival is still scheduled for June 11 at Penn’s Landing. Organizers for the National Pride March declined to comment for this story. n

BILL from page 1

throughout Pennsylvania — reaching out to their state representatives and their state senators asking them to do all they can to get a vote on this,” Boyle said. “I think the area that would make the most difference would be the Philadelphia suburbs, specifically areas that are represented by Republican lawmakers.” Overall, Boyle is optimistic about the bill’s future. “There is opposition to this bill from the Tea Party and the hardcore social conservatives in the Republican caucus but I strongly believe that if this were to get an up or down vote on the House floor, it would definitely pass,” Boyle said. Sen. Larry Farnese will reintroduce the bill to the Senate, though his office did not have a timeframe as of presstime. “We have reserved Senate Bill 96 for that but it has not been introduced yet,” said Sally Keaveney, a spokesperson for Farnese. “We are just letting it accumulate some more cosponsors before we send it out.” n

OUT MONEY from page 9

Wedding Services Directory

situation with qualified tax and insurance professionals before deciding on the structure of a life-insurance-based giving plan. n Jeremy R. Gussick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. 1Life-insurance policies are subject to substantial fees and charges. Death-benefit guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing life-insurance company. Loans will reduce the policy’s death benefit and cash-surrender value, and have tax consequences if the policy lapses. 2Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal. This communication is not intended to be tax or legal advice and should not be treated as such. Each individual’s situation is different. You should contact your tax and/or legal professional to discuss your personal situation.

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This article was prepared with the assistance of Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc., or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc., nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Wealth Management Systems, Inc. and LPL Financial are not affiliated entities. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2014, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of year 2012 and 2013 Five Star Wealth Managers.

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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Jan. 23-29. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Crime Analyst Officer Robert Savino. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 12:30 a.m. Jan. 23, a man walked into the Vintage Wine Bar at 129 S. 13th St. and pointed a black semi-automatic firearm at the bartender. The suspect handed a small bag over to the bartender and demanded he fill it with money. The employee complied, and the suspect fled in an unknown direction. He was described as black, between 25-35, 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-4, with a large build and a medium complexion, wearing dark pants, a red hooded sweatshirt with white writing across the chest and dark gloves. — At 1:21 a.m. Jan. 23, someone gained entry to Opa, 1311 Sansom St., through an unlocked window, broke open a cash register and stole money. — Between 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25 and 11 a.m. Jan. 26, someone gained access through unlocked windows to vacant apartments in the 400 block of South Ninth Street and stole all of the appliances. — At 4:52 p.m. Jan. 29, a man walked into Velvet Lily, 1204 Chestnut St., and told the clerk he was shopping for a gift. While the employee was showing him around the store, the suspect reached down and pulled her legs out from underneath her, causing her to fall to the floor. The suspect POSITIVELY from page 11

ingly. But if you tell him before the first drink is served and approach it as if it’s something you need to clear up for the benefit of both of you, your honesty will be appreciated and will most likely be a turn-on. You know what confidence is? It’s knowing that the goods you’re selling are worth their sticker price, and you don’t need to discount them for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re positive, negative, too short, too tall, balding or bushybrowed, you should be worried about who is right for you and forget about trying to be the right person for anyone else. It may never move past the first date regardless of your status, so don’t act like you’re desperate for your potential match to love you until you know you love him back. Unfortunately, some people would like to see you stay in a state of despair rather than have you realize you’re the same good catch you’ve always been. It’s human nature to want to feel superior, and people will use any excuse to justify their feelings. You may even have men lash out at you for not being a sad sap and giving them the attention they think they deserve. It’s as if, because you are now positive, you should be grateful for their interest.

then demanded money from the clerk who, despite being punched by the suspect, was able to fight him off and chase him from the store. He was described as black, in his 40s, 5-foot-9, bald, with a thin build and a scruffy face, wearing light-blue jeans, a brown puffy coat and black sneakers or boots. — At 8:10 p.m. Jan. 29, an attendant at ANB Parking Lot, 1314 Spruce St., reported he was assaulted by a customer over a parking fee. The employee said the suspect also vandalized the parking booth and forced the attendant to return his car keys before fleeing without paying the lot fee. He was described as white, in his 30s, 6-feet tall, with a stocky build and wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. He was driving a white SUV. — There were five thefts from parked vehicles reported Jan. 23-29: outside 908 Cypress St., 254 S. 12th St. and 200 S. 12th St., and two outside 237 S. Broad St. — There was one theft of an automobile reported Jan. 23-29: outside 320 S. 12th St. ARRESTS — At 5 p.m. Jan. 24, police arrested a 56-year-old man for a probation violation in the 1100 block of Market Street. — At 3 a.m. Jan. 25, police arrested a 28-year-old man for disorderly conduct in the 1300 block of Latimer Street. — At 10 p.m. Jan. 29, police issued a summary citation to a 28-year-old man for defiant trespass inside Macy’s, 1300 Market St., after finding him inside a stairway in the store after it closed. n Conversely, your disinterest in them is a disruption of the natural hierarchy. To these types of men, just smile more, because there’s nothing more gratifying than getting under the skin of a person who wants to feel better than you but can’t. Yes, people will try to put you down. A lot of people love a sob story, and a lot of people love to hate a story of success. But, regardless of your status, you’ll always deal with people who want to see you struggle. People like their boxes. If you’re positive, many will want you to stay in yours. I’ve been told that I have no idea what I am talking about, and I’m not realistic about how hard living with HIV really is. True, living with HIV can be difficult, but only if you listen to other people’s opinions and beliefs of what it’s supposed to be like. If you don’t, you’re free to define how your life is viewed for yourself. It’s your choice to live your life as a tragedy, a drama or a romantic comedy. Just remember, you’re in charge of casting your leading man. If he isn’t smart enough to understand your script, then he doesn’t get the part. n Tyler Curry is the editor-at-large and former managing editor at Plus magazine and HIVPlusMag.com.

News Briefing Police oversight board’s director resigns Kelvyn Anderson has resigned as executive director of the city’s Police Advisory Commission, effective Feb. 3. Anderson served as executive director of the agency since 2013. Anderson resigned to pursue other “business opportunities,” according to a spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney. Anderson issued this statement: “I’d simply say thanks to everyone in the LGBTQ community who have consistently pressed for full accountability and openness in police-community relations.” As of press time, an interim director of the PAC hadn’t been named. The PAC investigates citizen complaints of police misconduct and recommends policy changes when appropriate. Between 200313, the PAC investigated the case of Nizah Morris, a trans woman found with a fatal head wound, shortly after a “courtesy ride” from Philadelphia police. In 2013, the PAC recommended state and federal probes of Morris’ unsolved homicide. The PAC currently has three investigators, a public-relations specialist and a secretary. Its annual budget is about $200,000. Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney, issued this statement: “I can confirm that Kelvyn Anderson has stepped down from the PAC to pursue other business opportunities. We will likely name an interim director as we search for a permanent [director]. We have not yet chosen the interim [director]. We would hope to name a permanent director by the summer.”

Settlement conference slated in AIDS case A settlement conference was scheduled for this week in a federal antibias suit filed by Dr. Emmanuella Cherisme against AIDS Care Group. FARRELL from page 5

marijuana sales, much of it stored in rented warehouses. Farrell conducted fraudulent transactions and advised witnesses not to fully cooperate with authorities investigating the drug ring. Additionally, Farrell caused four affidavits containing forgeries to be filed with authorities. Farrell didn’t testify during his 14-day trial, but tape recordings were played to jurors that incriminated him. Last month, U.S. District Judge Gregory M. Sleet of Delaware sent a letter to a Maryland judge on behalf of Farrell. Sleet said he’s

Cherisme, a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, worked at AIDS Care Group in 2013. However, Cherisme left her job after allegedly experiencing sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of her race, gender and national origin. Cherisme filed suit against AIDS Care Group in 2015. She’s seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages, along with the payment of her legal fees and costs. A jury trial has been requested. A settlement conference was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 10 in Courtroom 3E of the U.S. Court House, 601 Market St., with U.S. Magistrate Judge Lynne A. Sitarski presiding. AIDS Care Group, based in Delaware County, was formed in 1998 and serves as a comprehensive health-services agency for people with HIV/AIDS. It also receives federal HIV/AIDS-prevention funds. — Timothy Cwiek

Comcast teams up with GLAAD More than 100 LGBT-focused titles are now available on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand. The effort was made possible through a partnership between Philadelphia-based Comcast and GLAAD, a national LGBT media-advocacy organization. The program opened Jan. 31, launched in conjunction with the unveiling of the nominees for the annual GLAAD Media Awards. This year’s nominees, as well as previous awardees, will now be featured on the Xfinity LGBTQ Film & TV Collection. The collection is accessible on TV, web and mobile devices. Customers with an X1 voice remote can say “LGBTQ” or “Pride” to bring up the collection, or “GLAAD Media Awards” for the new GLAAD additions. “Through this partnership, we’re giving these LGBTQ storytellers access to a platform that has the potential to reach tens of millions of viewers,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “We applaud Comcast for creating an experience that puts a spotlight on LGBTQ content and we’re proud to add our GLAAD Media Awardsrelated titles to their growing library of shows and movies.” n — Jen Colletta known Farrell since 1980, and shared a law practice with him. “As a public defender, Mr. Farrell was full of energy, enormously inquisitive and curious about and dedicated to the criminal-justice process,” Sleet wrote. “I know how he interacts with clients and advocates for them in court. He is a person of consummate decency.” Sleet said he was intervening as a personal friend, not in his official capacity as a federal judge. Sargent, 47, remains incarcerated at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia. n

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Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

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31 23 26 28 25

PAGE 26

It’s How You Play

the

Dame Iconic character to perform in Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Cloak & Daggers, a local LGBT-owned and -operated fundraising theater company, is bringing award-winning impersonator Scott Mason to Philly to step into the shoes, wig and dazzling glasses and dresses of Dame Edna. “Nothing Like a Dame ... Edna: A Night of Comedy with Dame Edna’s Honorary Understudy Scott Mason” runs for a limited engagement of shows Feb. 10-19. The iconic character was created and performed for decades by Australian comedian Barry Humphries; she became known far and wide for her purple hair, bejeweled

cat-eye glasses and biting wit. Mason said he started impersonating Dame Edna more than a decade ago as a one-time gig to fit in with a party theme. “I started out in 2003 and it was a growing thing,” he said. “It was a whim. I went to a Halloween party that a friend of mine in community theater had and the theme was ‘Go as your favorite TV personality but opposite gender.’ I had watched Dame Edna as a college student when I was watching ‘Benny Hill’; she came on afterwards. I was like, ‘This will be easy’: Just spray-paint a wig pink and find some glitzy glasses and away I went. I never thought I would be doing this. I’ve written and done plays but I’d never done stand-up comedy

or been a Dame Edna impersonator. I went to my first impersonator convention in 2008 and said, ‘Holy crap, there’s an industry around this.’” He found out just how much of an industry there was when he was singled out by Humphries as worthy of taking on the mantle of Dame Edna. In 2010, the producers of “All About Me,” a Broadway show featuring the real Dame and Michael Feinstein, had a publicity stunt where they advertised open auditions in Playbill for Dame Edna’s honorary understudy. “I applied and got in,” Mason said, “and there was about a dozen of us who auditioned for Michael Musto and a couple of

other people. Basically, I won that contest. The show itself kept getting rewritten and closed in two weeks.” Dame Edna has been a fixture on film, television, print and stages since before many of us were born, yet her character has always stayed hip and somewhat edgy despite the changes in culture and fashion. Mason said the Dame’s charm and satirical outlook on life never really go out of style. “The whole idea is she gets away with murder in terms of the wit and criticism she brings to America,” he said. “For whatever reason, the purple hair or the spectacle of the character, people can laugh along with it while laughPAGE 22

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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DAME from page 21

ing at themselves. She’s really brutal with American political correctness, which she calls the New American Puritanism. It’s just amazing what I can get away with in that character. It’s like listening to your grandmother. Even if she’s a racist bitch, it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s an old lady so it’s OK.’” Something tells us that American political correctness and the New American Puritanism are going to go through some drastic changes very quickly. Mason knows the American comedy landscape of 2017 isn’t the same as it was a few short months ago and admitted he still hasn’t fully figured out how Dame Edna is going to navigate this evolving America. “That’s a tricky question,” he said when asked how our new presidential administration could change Edna’s act. “One could get shot or arrested answering that question in America. To tell you the truth, it’s tricky ground. I’ve been thinking about it. Preelection, it was easy to joke about it. I’m an equal-opportunity offender. I can joke about Trump and I joked about Hillary. Now there’s no Hillary, it’s just the president of the United States, not that they can’t be a target. But even in comedy, it’s a real mixed bag of thoughts and sentiments. It’s pretty scary actually. I may avoid it, to be totally honest with you, because my thing is, I want the show to be fun. The Dame has a lot of fans in the LGBT community and the NPR community and it’s dangerous to assume that everyone in the audience is liberal and Democratic. They tend to be but not everyone is going to be. So I don’t know what I’m going to say about it.” We also asked Mason if people perceive Dame Edna as a drag act or a theatrical creation. He went with the latter. “Neither Barry Humphries nor myself label [Dame Edna] as a drag queen,” he said. “There are drag shows where men are dressed amazingly and look like women. I look at this like Milton Berle or Benny Hill or Flip Wilson. I believe it’s a character but I think because Dame Edna has

always been an ally, even before it was trendy. Though she doesn’t recognize it, she talks about her son Kenny being a fashion designer and a window dresser and he lives with this guy and they’re really great roommates but he’s looking for the right woman. It’s a very funny bit and I think that that character has always resonated with the LGBT community — perhaps because it’s a man pretending to be a woman, and convincingly so, not mockingly. To me, that is a huge commitment. It’s like playing King Lear, like playing any other character: You have to make it real. Sometimes friends will give me jewelry or dresses for the Dame, and I’ve said, ‘No, no, no. The Dame would never wear that.’ She’s real. She’s a character and she has to be honored as such.” n Cloak & Daggers Theatre presents “Nothing Like a Dame ... Edna: A Night of Comedy with Dame Edna’s Honorary Understudy Scott Mason” Feb. 10-19 at Penn’s Landing Playhouse, 211 S. Columbus Blvd. Proceeds from the performances benefit the Philadelphia Dance Foundation and other children’s charities. For more information, visit www.cloakanddaggers.org.

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PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Suzi Nash

Chanel Chéri: Designing, building her own dreams “I see architecture not as Gropius did — as a moral venture, as truth — but as invention, in the same way that poetry or music or painting is invention. As an architect, I invent spaces that are made to be widely experienced. They become masterpieces that reflect my creativity, passion and experimental nature. But along with invention comes responsibility, because really, what is a great invention without reason? This is where my avant-garde evolves; I always keep in mind that architecture designs the world, and through design, architecture changes the world, giving me the responsibility to continually evolve the world. It is this progression of thinking that I want to bring to architecture, with designs that are truly capable of creating innovative and phenomenal inventions, altering the world one design at a time.” These were the words of this week’s profile, Chanel Chéri, when she was a budding student going after her dream. Since then, she’s had the chance to create some of those lasting designs and also has found time to pursue an entirely new career. PGN: Let’s start with a little background. Where are you from? CC: All over Philly. Me and my mom bounced around a lot when I was little. Our first stable home was in Frankford and our last stable home — stable for sure this time — was in Mt. Airy.

be trying to create a sustained life, and wanted something different. And I realized that if I just worked to sustain, I wouldn’t be able to help her when I got older the way I wanted to. Back then, a lot of people didn’t finish school and it was hard for them to get into viable careers. And now I’m able to sustain myself and help my mother, which was always very important to me. PGN: How did you get into architecture? Were you the kid always playing with building blocks? CC: What happened was that I was a little frazzled at one point from the constant not knowing where I belonged, and kids are horrible when you’re most vulnerable, so I became a bit of a hermit. My mother was an artist and did a lot of fashion drawings. It’s funny, the first time she noticed that I had artistic abilities, I’d traced a picture of Winnie the Pooh. She saw me tracing it and when I finished it and tried to show her what I’d drawn, she tore it up and I was like, “Oh my God! What are you doing?” but she said, “No, that wasn’t drawing, go back and do it freehand, not traced,” and that’s how I started drawing, which eventually somehow led to an interest in interior design.

PGN: Why all the bouncing around? CC: She was a single mother and had to work a lot. A lot of times I took care of myself or lived with different people. At one time, she was working so many jobs and I didn’t see her for a while. I actually didn’t see her consistently until I was about 11, so we moved around while she worked to save money and build credit to buy our own home. She did eventually and we were able to get our first home. I don’t think we ever dealt with the fact that I didn’t ever see her much because even when she finally did get us a house, she was still gone trying to make money for the mortgage, so I only saw her on the occasional weekends. My father wasn’t really in the picture either, so I pretty much grew up on my own. I will say that my mother always called and checked in to see how I was, so we had a good relationship and it was never something that I was angry about.

PGN: That’s a jump, from Winnie the Pooh to interior design! CC: [Laughs] I know! There was some show I used to watch, it was before HGTV, but one of those types of shows that got me hooked. I’d ask my mom if I could repaint the walls and stuff like that. I’d fix holes in the drywall and when I was around 12 I put down a wood floor. I started doing sketches of ideas and would say to her, “Look, we can do this or this!” and she’d let me go for it. When I was doing all that, I didn’t know that architecture was a thing, but I somehow landed in the Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD) and realized, Oh, this is what I’m doing. And there’s a name for it! And a title! And you can get a job doing this? I didn’t know anything about the professional world because there weren’t any professionals in my family. But one of my teachers, Mr. Reigngold, realized that I had a knack for it. Then I got an internship and then I got work in California and kept going and going in the field. Sorry, that was a long story!

PGN: Do you think you got your work ethic from her? CC: [Laughs] No. What I think I got from her or what I learned from that experience was that I wanted to pursue a career so that I wouldn’t have the same struggles that she did. Not because there was anything wrong with what she did, but I saw how hard it was for her, how difficult things could

PGN: And what is it that you do now? CC: Well, I was giving a speech at my old high school and the vice president of Liberty Property Trust was there and pulled me aside after my speech and asked if I had any interest in real estate. I said, “Sure, why not?” And he told me he was going to see if they had anything open for me. Next thing I knew, I was going for an

interview and had a new job. So I got my real-estate license and have been there ever since. PGN: Tell me about some of the nonprofit work you’ve done. What was Architecture for Humanities? CC: It was part of an internship I did during my last year of school when I got my bachelor’s degree in architecture at the California College of the Arts. It was pretty cool; we designed a soccer field in Haiti. I did most of the graphic stuff and the 3-D models for the donors. I love building models. PGN: You must have steady hands. Are you really good at that carnival game where you have to slide a ring over a wire without touching it? CC: Yes! I remember in high school the first time we were assigned to use X-ACTO knives, everybody sliced themselves! We had a new teacher who just handed them out without much instruction.

architecturally based art installations for groups like Design Philly. The latest installation was for Art in the Open and I’m currently working with the artist Je, who’s doing an installation for the Pew Center of the Arts. It’s pretty cool. It will involve film being projected onto buildings and a lot of technical things we’ll have to consider. It’ll be fun to stretch my abilities. PGN: Why do you love what you do? CC: It’s a feeling of accomplishment that’s tangible. I like sitting in a restaurant like at Chops and looking around and saying, “Oh yeah. I was responsible for helping build this.” PGN: Must be impressive on a date! CC: Definitely! When I was in school I took a girl to Rittenhouse Park because one of the projects I worked on at the KlingStubbins architecture firm was to design the plans for the new security kiosk in the park. [Laughs] So I was like, “Ah yes, that was me … ” It was silly, but the idea that if I have kids someday or whatever, being able to walk through the city and say, “I was part of this,” is pretty cool. Especially the Navy Yard, which is like another city within the city, and I was there from the beginning when there was nothing there. PGN: And your art? CC: That started as a coping mechanism as a kid and it acted as a way for my mother and I to connect. I didn’t even know she was an artist until the whole Winnie the Pooh incident. It also allowed me to make our house a home wherever we were.

PGN: Any hobbies? CC: I like to make mead, honey wine. I enjoy the fermenting process and all that goes into it. Now I go to wine tastings and mead tastings, which I didn’t Photo: Suzi Nash even know existed. I even went to a beer tasting and The nurse’s office was full and the nurse I hate beer! It’s interesting to learn about was like, “What is happening?” The school the different subtle notes and the different was only in its third year so we were all hops and things. In theory, beer is good, I test dummies! just don’t like the taste! PGN: And what do you do outside your professional job? CC: I run my own studio for my artwork. I do graphic design and I’ve done some commissioned art pieces, as well as a few

PGN: Tell me about coming out. CC: I come out a lot. I think because I’m feminine-presenting, people assume I’m straight. So at work it’s usually the Christmas party when PAGE 28

PGN

Guide to the Gayborhood

The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at 12th and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. Boxers

1330 Walnut St. facebook.com/ boxersphl Sports bar with multiple plasma tvs, pool table, brick oven, more!

Tabu

Woody’s

200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar / drag shows and bar food

202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com Includes Walnut Street clubs Rosewood and Glo-Bar

1322 Walnut St. 215.336.1335 rosewood-bar.com Ladies bar, welcoming to all, bar with high-end cocktails

❍

Four-level leather bar; basement enforces a dress code; pool tables pn two floors and big-screen sports action

Walnut St.

❍

The Bike Stop

Chancellor St.

❍

St. James St.

❍ Locust St.

❍

<—

Latimer St.

❍ Manning St.

❍

11th St.

❍

<—

Toasted Walnut

Quince St.

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

The

12th St.

C ul t ure

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News

Camac St.

rts

13th St.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Juniper St.

❒ ❒ Spruce St.

William Way LGBT Community Center

1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org

A resource for all things LGBT

Voyeur

1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required

U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660

Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching

Tavern on Camac West of Broad Street Stir Lounge

1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials

255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.

Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine-dining restaurant and bar, outdoor seating (weather permitting), piano in back room

ICandy

254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.

The Attic Youth Center

255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings

Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Stephanie Blythe wears the pants in ‘Tancredi’ By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor After finishing the last vestiges of costume fitting, Stephanie Blythe — one of the opera world’s finest singers and recitalists, to say nothing of her reach into contemporary popera — is ready to discuss putting on the pants of Tancredi. The title character of Rossini’s work is a lovestruck young solider exiled from his troops during World War I, and in love with a woman sentenced to die for a crime she did not commit. To take on the role, the mezzo-soprano examines the lower ranges of her immense voice, something she rarely has the opportunity to do. Blythe has also successfully portrayed LGBT icon Gertrude Stein in last year’s “27,” and has spent the last several years touring behind her Kate Smith tribute with pianist Clark Terry. Luckily, Blythe will stay boyish and remain in Philly beyond the Feb. 10-18 run of “Tancredi” at the Academy of Music, staged through Opera Philadelphia, when she joins local drag doyenne Martha Graham Cracker and Bearded Ladies’ John Jarboe for the Feb. 24 “Dito & Aeneas: Two Queens, One Night” at Theatre of Living Arts for an immersive, one-night-only drag-cabaret rock-and-opera mash-up. PGN: You started off wanting to be a musical-theater singer? SB: I wanted to be a Broadway baby like Ethel Merman. I had a big voice so that seemed attainable. PGN: Why the switch to opera? SB: I have a similar background as my dad, who was a retired jazz musician. Mostly, I just had a varied musical-listening background and a very fine music department at the school I went to in Monticello, N.Y. We did plays, and I was in band and chorus. But it was my vocal training that pushed me toward opera. It seemed to suit me, and I enjoyed it. Then again, I enjoy everything that I do. Opera spoke to me in a very profound way, so full and so round. I loved the drama of it.

PGN: So, a quick crossover question: You’ve been doing Kate Smith songs in a piece you have written dedicated to her with genius pianist Craig Terry titled “We’ll Meet Again,” with an album to boot, “As Long as There is Song.” What drew you to her? SB: I am a big fan of singers of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, especially those not normally part of the dialogue. She had one of the most natural techniques — an easy, natural performer — and also she’s a big woman. I was turned on by her persona,

and she was so representative of our culture and our country for so long. She is so connected with one thing, “God Bless America,” but did so much more — like recorded 2,200 songs, hosted programs on early television and was a queen of radio. PGN: You played Gertrude Stein last year in “27,” one of the LGBT community’s true icons. Was there a different sort of responsibility in playing her? SB: She was special. She was born in Pittsburgh but was the carrier of our culture abroad, as well as for her life. She was the catalyst for some of the world’s greatest artists and greatest artworks. She loved life and living free. She was a collector of souls. And she did all of this while surviving two world wars and living and loving as an out woman. She and Alice B. Toklas never hid their sexuality, and for that they were very much a hallmark of French society at a time when artists and social cultivators were out and about too. She was a Jew and a lesbian living a lap of luxury cultivating great art works. I mean, c’mon … such a wonderful role to explore. PGN: You started your career singing Rossini. How has that composer’s work grown for you? SB: It feels wonderful, like coming home. I always love doing

PAGE 27

Romeo & Juliet Media Theatre presents the classic Shakespeare tragedy through Feb. 19, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Theater & Arts Balé Folclórico da Bahía The troupe of dancers, musicians and singers performs a repertory based on Bahian folkloric dances of African origin 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Brahms Symphony No. 3 The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Feb. 17-19 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Color Me Bearded The Bearded Ladies turn the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a queer playground in honor of Barbra Streisand and the 50th anniversary of her landmark television special “Color Me Barbra” through Feb. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Constellations The Wilma Theatre turns the boymeets-girl story on its head, as playwright Nick Payne launches it into the quantum multiverse through Feb. 5, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-5467824. Crashing Comedy Tour Pete Holmes, Judd Apatow and Artie Lange perform 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Dominique The comedian and actor seen on “Last Comic Standing” performs through

SHE’LL TAKE YOU THERE: Comedian, actor, author and all-around trash talker Kathy Griffin comes to the area to dish on all the behind-the-scenes celebrity dirt she’s experienced in recent months 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Feb. 17-19 at The Punchline Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215606-6555. Having Our Say Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the story of 103-year-old Sadie Delany and 101-year-old Bessie Delany, who personally welcome us into their home to share an endearing, true story, through Feb. 19 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. Hidden History Exposed Photography enthusiasts Tracy Buchholz and Jason Giordano present an exhibit highlighting friendship, photography and one very cold winter through Feb. 24 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Jitish Kallat: Covering Letter Philadelphia Museum of

Art presents an immersive installation and video projection by Mumbai-based artist Kallat of a historical letter by Mahatma Gandhi to Adolf Hitler written just weeks before the start of World War II through March 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Korea Now: Contemporary Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of contemporary Korean art across all media through Feb. 23, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Laughter On The 23rd Floor Walnut Street Theatre presents the Neil Simon play that gives the audience a peek into the writer’s room of a hit 1950s television show through March 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Ryan Raftery is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion: The Anna Wintour Musical Comedian Ryan Raftery’s one-man musical shows a more human side of the icy editor and fashion mogul through Feb. 11 at the Kimmel Center’s SEI Innovation Studio, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man The romantic comedy takes the audience on a ride where no topic is taboo and the insider “tips” come straight from the source: a gay man, through Feb. 11 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Music Valentine’s Day Concert The Philadelphia Orchestra performs a concert honoring Cupid and St. Valentine 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847. John Oates The singer and half of the hit duo Hall & Oates performs 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

BLYTHE from page 26

bel canto and early music. And I always wanted to play Tancredi; it was on my bucket list. When I was doing Handel with the Philadelphia Orchestra two years ago, David Devan asked me what I wanted to do next. I told him “Tancredi” and he made that happen. I had never sung serious Rossini operas in the past, only the comic ones. And with this role, I can stretch out the bottom edges of my voice with this sort of role. Not a lot of parts allow me to do that. Plus, it is a wonderful drama. PGN: Are you cool with this being a trouser role? SB: Oh, yes. I enjoy playing men. It is a shame that male opera singers don’t have the same opportunity to explore characters on the female side. When they do — play a woman — it is comic. When women play men, it is cool.

PHILLY GETS RICKROLLED: Rick Astley isn’t giving up. The British dance/ pop singer performs in Philly 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St. For more information or tickets, call 800-745-3000.

Rick Astley The pop/dance/ R&B singer performs 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000. O-Town The boy band performs 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-6253681. Red Hot Chili Peppers The alt-rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543. Chely Wright The out country singer performs 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808.

Race Season 7” alum Mrs. Kasha Davis and her pal Aggy Dune bring their dead-on impressions 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656. BITE SkyDance Philly presents an evening of burlesque and aerial seduction 8-10 p.m. at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735. The Shady Bunch: Aloe’s Girls vs. Turnpyke’s Boys Onyx Ondix, LaTonga Manchez, Otis Pena and Jesha perform 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 16 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Nightlife

Outta Town

The Big Wigs starring Mrs. Kasha Davis and Aggy Dune “RuPaul’s Drag

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Caesar’s, 2100

Paciﬁc Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-2535. The Black Jacket Symphony presents Dark Side of the Moon The classic Pink Floyd album is performed 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at World Cafe Live, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Big The comedy starring Tom Hanks is screened 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Rick Springﬁeld The pop/rock

singer/guitarist performs 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, N.J.; 856-2706656. Kathy Grifﬁn The comedian performs 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

PGN: So how do you know Dito van Reigersberg, the man behind the woman that is Martha Graham Cracker? SB: Guess what? I only met him for the first time recently. My relationship starts with his family — his parents — who were my host family when I was at Wolf Trap back in 1995. I have been close with them ever since, but I only knew about Dito. They are a second family to me and they are immensely proud of his work. As for meeting Martha, I was blown away by

that persona and that voice by seeing it on YouTube. PGN: How did this dueling drag show between you come about? SB: Last spring when I was here with the Philly Orchestra, I went to see a Martha show and he also came to see me, with John Jarboe. We started a conversation and I told David Devan, the head of Opera Philadelphia, my dream: a show with Martha and me to benefit Opera Philadelphia. I asked Devan if he could make it happen and he did. PGN: So what are we going to see? I can only imagine with those two. SB: Jarboe is writing and directing and he is a genius. Such brains and heart; he really led us through this experiment, this mash-up of opera and rock n’ roll. It is a beautiful love affair between the two forms, a totally immersive show, a full-contact musical-experimental extravaganza, full of joy, love, laughter and many costume changes. Everything is improvised so far too. Think a really good 1970s variety show, only in drag. If you have seen that YouTube video of Kate Smith and Tina Turner on the Cher show, that’s what we’re going for. n “Tancredi” runs Feb. 10-18 at Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.operaphila. org/whats-on/on-stage-2016-2017/tancredi/.

Recently engaged or married?

PGN wants to hear from you!

Wendy Williams The TV personality hosts a live show 9 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. n

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

With marriage equality still the law of the land our March 10 Wedding Issue will celebrate local couples who have, or are planning to, put a ring on it. Email editor@epgn.com by March 3 to have your announcement included.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

PORTRAIT from page 23

someone says, “Bring your husband or boyfriend” and I tell them, “I don’t have one,” and then they joke, “Ha. Then just bring your girlfriend!” and I respond, “I would but she’s away right now.” In my family, it was pretty casual. I’d been hanging out with this one woman quite a lot and bringing her home and my mother started noticing something was up. One time we were in the kitchen cooking and she said, “So you never bring any guys around, what’s up with that? Are you gay or something?” I responded, “Yup,” and she was like, “Come on, stop kidding.” And I was just like, “OK, you know I’m not kidding. It’s time.” She was OK, but I think she thought and sometimes still thinks it’s just a phase. Every once in a while, she’d try to hook me up. She’d invite a coworker over for dinner and they’d just happen to bring their eligible sons with them. I had to put a stop to that. It’s funny, she’ll do things like that and then turn around and send me posts about things in the news: “Did you see they’re trying to stop gay marriages? That’s just not right!” So she has her moments. My dad’s side is cool. They’re all my Facebook friends, so I didn’t have to tell them; it was pretty evident. A lot of it has just been organic. PGN: OK, random questions: If you had to gain 10 pounds, what would you eat? CC: Tacos. PGN: What did you get into the most trouble for when you were young? CC: Sarcasm. I always got, “What did you just say?” or “Stay out of grown folks’ business” and I’d retort, “I’m a person too, you know!” PGN: A tradition from a religion you admire? CC: Buddhism and Muslim a while back, but now I’m more into the Yoruba religion and what I admire is their connection with the natural world and the ancestors. You make an altar and are asked to research your family history. I learned a lot from talking to family elders, including the fact that I had a gay great-great Uncle Alfred who was in the military and was outed within the family. So he moved to Italy and lived a fabulous life. He was in some Italian movies and I found some wonderful pictures of him. I even found out that he left my mom some money, which we were able to recover, which was pretty cool. You’re also encouraged to talk to your ancestors so when I was going through some relationship troubles I started talking to him, I won’t lie. He never talked back, but there was something therapeutic about it. PGN: What would you say to a young black woman you were mentoring in the field?

PROFILE PGN

CC: I’d say that architecture is a very romanticized field. It’s known to be hard but it’s also considered very artsy and kind of bohemian. But what they don’t talk about is all the doubt that comes with it. I constantly have people asking, “How did you get here? Why are you here?” and I’m like, “The same way you got here. Or maybe not, I don’t know, maybe someone helped you. I’m pretty sure your father was friends with the guy who got you the job here.” I remember when I got promoted, I was feeling great and walking down the hall when one guy in the company said, “I heard you got the job. I guess they have to have at least one black person on the team.” I was like, Wow, really? The weird thing was that it was a white gay male. And I just thought, With all of the discrimination that the gay community already gets, you’re going to discriminate a bit more? It’s such a shame, there are a lot of gay white male architects and I don’t know why, but more often than not, I find them to be the most discriminating of all. When you’re in meetings, your ideas are shot down and I found myself going over people’s heads when I was like, Gee, we should be pulling together, not tearing each other apart. It’s often not a good idea unless it comes from one of them. The first time I encountered that was when we were working on a project and I said something very technical about lining up joists and the guy shut me down. Then 20 minutes later, he reworded it and presented my idea to the group and I had to stop the meeting and say, “No, this is not what we’re doing today. I just said that, it was my idea and you’re not stealing it.” The other thing that happens is that you have to constantly reintroduce yourself. People always assume I’m someone’s assistant, or should be serving them, and I’m like, “No, I’m your peer,” or even, “No, I’m your advisor on this project.” I used to get stressed or angry over it, always having to convince people that I was educated in this field and that I belonged where I was, but I learned to let it go. So my advice is that when you look like me and you’re young, you have to fight for yourself and continuously have to reintroduce yourself. But at the end of the day, you know who you are and what you’re worth. Don’t back down when others try to define you or make you feel like less. At the end of the day, brush it off and move on. Don’t let it get you down or take it home. Keep moving forward and never give them a reason to doubt you. n For more information about Chanel Chéri, visit www.chanelcheri.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

PGN

Q Puzzle Loathing the Clothing Across

1. Caribbean pirate portrayer Johnny 5. Refuse in a foundry 9. Forgo swallowing 13. Earthy color 14. AZT dose 15. Bone in a limp wrist 16. “The Lion King” shouts at Scar 17. Meat that goes in your boxers 18. Take the edge off 19. Start of a playful dig about Kellyanne Conway’s inauguration outfit 22. Like Edna Turnblad 24. Bodies of soldiers 27. More of the dig 32. Wing for Julia Morgan 33. “What Will Mary Say” singer Johnny 34. Moist ending 35. Apple of a sort 37. More of the dig 38. Fruity drinks 39. Like a rain forest 40. Part of GPS (abbr.) 41. Straight, in a bar 42. Word on a

Broadway ticket 44. Can’t help but 45. Spring month for Debussy 47. Tin Man’s request 48. More of the dig 54. Chalky white 55. Soft rock 56. Billy of “Cleopatra” (1999) 58. Rubber-stamp 59. Opera queen’s fave, perhaps 60. Suffix with leather 61. Tools for Whitman and Byron 62. Low, for one 63. Where a cobbler puts the tongue

Down

1. Young lady coming out 2. Prefix for system 3. Sticky stuff in Kate McKinnon’s “Ghostbusters” 4. Type of bra 5. Where women might sweat together 6. Composer Boulanger 7. Mounts, to Maria von Trapp 8. Look tickled pink 9. “Valley of the Dolls” author 10. “To thine own self be true” and such

11. Roadside stop 12. Abe Lincoln’s boy 20. Bit from Michael Musto 21. Pink and more 22. Zelda Gilroy portrayer James 23. Law at Beit Simchat Torah 25. Bully’s warning 26. Looks after 28. Worn-out stallions 29. Choose not to come 30. Partners of wherefores 31. Addington Symonds field (abbr.) 36. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” stacks 38. Does Frasier Crane’s job

43. Skin decoration 44. “___ Girl Friday” (Cary Grant movie) 46. It dangles on a private 47. Angelina Jolie’s _Changeling_ award 48. Bubbles behind the boat 49. Wife of Buck’s Wang 50. One way to have one’s meat 51. _East of Eden_ director Kazan 52. Scout’s recitation 53. “Render therefore ___ Caesar ...” 54. Old man 57. Wide size

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

“One cannot think well,

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if one has not dined well.” -Virginia Woolf

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Everybody wants ‘Sum’ in University City By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you might want to consider the sharable nature of dim sum for your romantic night out. Philly restaurateur and chef Jane Guo has expanded upon her influence with the recently opened Dim Sum House by Jane G, 3939 Chestnut St. The venue offers a robust menu of dim sum and other familiar and traditional Asian dishes. The second-floor space overlooking Chestnut Street is spacious and modern while still maintaining a traditional vibe to set the mood. You’re definitely going to want to bring some friends along so you can order a bunch of different dim sum to share. Dim Sum House’s dumpling game is strong and diverse. The crab and pork soup dumplings ($8) are plump and almost bursting with

hot and flavorful broth. The brightly colored spicy shrimp dumplings ($6) are equally robust but inside the heat starts off subtle and then blooms into a substantial kick, which lingers pleasantly on the back of your palate. For something slightly different, check out the curry chicken dumplings ($7), which eschew the more traditional Asian flavors and textures for something that leans Indian. If dumplings aren’t your thing (weirdo!), there are plenty of other tasty dishes in which you can immerse yourself. The beefstuffed scallion pancakes ($5.50) were crisp and hearty. There’s also a full menu of noodle dishes to sate your appetite, which range from fried rice ($9.50) to pad Thai ($9.50). We were enticed by the spicy allure of the dan dan noodles ($8) — thick and hearty with peanut and ground pork that Dim Sum House can customize to whatever level of spice you can tolerate. The dish was ele-

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

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

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Philly is known as a sports city, and that’s no different for the LGBT community. Scott A. Drake keeps readers up to date on the LGBT sports news they need to know — from game highlights to team registration deadlines to social outings. City of Philadelphia Public Hearing Notice The Committee on Law and Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items:

Only in Online and in print every first Friday.

160095

An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Commission on Youth Gun Violence; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

160895

An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

160104

Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Commission on Youth Gun Violence; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

160902

Resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Law and Government, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items. Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael Decker Chief Clerk

Real Estate Sale VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________41-10 RENOVATED SOUTH PHILLY TOWNHOUSES FSBO 2 on Durfor St. off 3rd St., 1 at 4th and Wolf. $199,900 each. Plus Twin off Lancaster Ave in Haverford PA, $379.9K & $399.9K respectively, Call 215-849-4049. _____________________________________________41-07

Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, December Term, 2016, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 19, 2016, the petition of Scott Patrick Giblin was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Misty Skeezix Pollen. The Court has fixed February 24, 2017 at 11:30 a.m., in Courtroom No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall as the time and place for the hearing of said Petition, when and where all persons interested may appear and show cause, if they have any, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-06 Notice is hereby given that on February 1, 2017, the petition of Magen Michelle Geiger was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Myles Magen Geiger. The Court has fixed courtdate, February 16, 2017, at 11:00am in Room 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show case if any they have why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-06 Notice is hereby given that on February 1, 2017, the petition of Krystyn Marie Belc was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Krys Malcolm Belc. The Court has fixed courtdate, February 16, 2017, at 11:00am in Room 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show case if any they have why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-06 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, January Term, 2017, No. 1405. Notice is hereby given that on Jan. 11, 2017, the petition of Virginia Vazquez was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Maria Virginia Mora Bonilla. The Court has fixed March 24, 2017 at 11am, in Room No. 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if any they have, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-06 CCP for the County of Philadelphia, January Term, 2017, No. 2905. . Notice is hereby given that on January 23, 2017 the petition of Diane Marie Johnson was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Deej McCoy Johnson. The Court has fixed February 24 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 691 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-06

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-7241702. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-5462093, dignityphila@aol.com. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly. org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215-438-3077, www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www. lc-hc.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267388-6081, www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364, www.kol-tzedek. org. Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia

Services 11 a.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-2942020, www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church

Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234, www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at William Way. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000, cpmm@afsc.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-9255968; www.stpetersphila.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited. org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www. usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration. us. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215-387-2885, www.uniphila. org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088

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

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

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

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

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

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

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

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

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-

108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 10-16, 2017

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