PGN Feb. 17-23, 2011 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Style-shifter Aiden James releases a new CD

Family Portrait: Hector Cruz

PAGE 21

Weigh It Forward participants weigh in at one month

PAGE 23

PAGE 5

Feb. 17-23, 2012

��

Vol. 36 No. 7

NJ Senate approves marriage bill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

MAKING HIS CASE: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal hero Patrick Murphy (left) went toe-to-toe with fellow Democratic Attorney General candidate Kathleen Kane in a debate Friday night at Arch Street United Methodist Church. Moderated by Keystone Progress executive director Michael Morrill, the event kicked off the third annual Pennsylvania Progressive Summit, held for the first time in Philadelphia. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Corbett budget maintains AIDS funding, big cuts elsewhere By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A $27.1-billion budget proposal released last week by Gov. Tom Corbett included mostly level funding for HIV/AIDS programs in the state, although education and mental-health funding saw deep cuts. State funding Corbett recommended maintaining fund-

ing for AIDS programs under the state Health Department at $7.1 million. This category, which two years ago saw a 25-percent cut, supports a statewide comprehensive HIV-prevention program that includes community planning, testing and referral services, health education and riskreduction efforts, among other activities. Contractors include the state’s 10 municipal health departments, seven regional PAGE 17 Ryan White Care con-

More mayors back marriage equality By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The movement to unite city leaders behind marriage equality saw an influx in support from Pennsylvania elected officials this month. The original Mayors for the Freedom to Marry coalition included three Pennsylvania mayors, and an additional six mayors from the Keystone State have signed on in the past few weeks.

The local support reflects a growing national trend, as the coalition has swelled from 80 to nearly 145 members in its first three weeks in operation. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and the mayors of Erie and Bethlehem were among the original supporters and are now joined by Lansdowne’s Jayne Young, Doylestown’s Libby White, Newtown’s Dennis O’Brien, Macungie’s Rick Hoffman, Easton’s Salvatore Panto and Reading’s Vaughn Spencer. PAGE 18

In a first for the Garden State, the New Jersey Senate approved a bill Monday to legalize same-sex marriage. The successful Senate vote began what will be a momentous week for marriage equality in New Jersey, with the Assembly scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday. The 24-16 Senate vote included support from two Republicans, Sens. Diane Allen and Jennifer Beck, while two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Van Drew and Ronald Rice, were opposed. This is the first time either chamber of the New Jersey legislature approved a marriage-equality measure. In 2009, the Senate rejected such a bill in a 20-14 vote. Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal, which, along with Garden State Equality, sued the state last year for the right to marry for same-sex couples, said the Senate vote was a “huge hurdle.” “It is a powerful message when those who once opposed marriage equality for same-sex couples have changed their mind — and that is what we saw in the New Jersey Senate,” Cathcart said. Although the Assembly is expected to also approve the measure this week, Gov. Chris Christie has pledged to veto it, which would send the bill back to lawmakers to muster enough votes — 27 in the Senate and 54 in the Assembly — for an override. The current legislative session doesn’t wrap up until January 2014, so legislators could have nearly two years to round up enough support for another vote.

The Senate vote is the latest in a series of wins for marriage equality — such as last week’s court ruling in California that affirmed the unconstitutionality of Proposition 8 and this week’s adoption of a marriage-equality bill in Washington. “As we have seen all across the country, history is on our side,” Cathcart said. “It is critical that we continue to tell our stories in our neighborhoods, in legislatures and in court to help change hearts and minds and move history forward.” In announcing his intent to veto the bill, Christie also recommended that the issue be put to New Jersey residents in a voter referendum, a directive that Republican Sen. Christopher Bateman followed last week with his bill to put marriage equality to a vote. However, the Democratic leadership in both chambers has soundly denied that such a bill would ever see fruition. A report released earlier this month by LGBT thinktank the Williams Institute found that legalizing same-sex marriage in New Jersey would bring the state $48-$119 million in its first three years. New Jersey has offered same-sex couples civil unions since 2006, but marriage-equality proponents say the current law creates a second-class status. Elena Quinones, one of the plaintiffs in the current suit against New Jersey, said she and her partner have seen that confusion firsthand. “I’ve been with my spouse for nine years but when I say I have a civil union, no one knows what that means,” she said. “We need marriage equality because no family should have to walk around with a binder full of papers justifying themselves to everyone the way that we do.” ■

Philly couple’s immigration case, one year later By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com L a s t Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y, A n t o n Tanumihardja was given an 11th-hour reprieve from deportation and, one year later, he and his now-husband are continuing to fight through new avenues to keep him in the United States.

Tanumihardja and partner Brian Andersen met with officials from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in Philadelphia Feb. 13 to discuss their green-card application. The couple requested that, instead of an outright denial based on the Defense of Marriage Act PAGE 16

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Court ruling denies access to D.A.’s Morris 911 recordings By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

“I lingered in the shadows of my mind to hide from forces I believed would conjure greater torrents of pathos in my life, as if my fate was to live in perpetual sorrow, and barebacking indiscriminately would keep fate at bay.”

Millennial Poz Aaron Stella

After 30 years of HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is impacting the next generation: the Millennials. Written by Aaron Stella, Millennial Poz gives a new voice to people with HIV/AIDS. Online and in print every second Friday.

Only in

A judge last month denied PGN’s request for access to all 911 recordings pertaining to the death of Nizah Morris that may be in the possession of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. In a 10-page ruling, Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox said the recordings are exempt from disclosure under the state Criminal History Records Information Act and the state Right-to-Know Law because they pertain to an open homicide investigation. “The tapes, having been gathered and retained pursuant to a criminal investigation, are surely investigative material of the sort contemplated by [the RTKL],” the Jan. 30 ruling states. “Presumably, being part of the materials collected by the [DA’s] Office in the course of its investigation of Nizah Morris’s death, the dispatch tapes would also reveal the progress of that investigation.” Morris was a transgender woman found with a fatal head wound in 2002, shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. She died two days later, on Dec. 24, 2002. The homicide remains unsolved. Last week, PGN filed a motion asking for a new hearing, due to an email sent by Todd M. Mosser, chief of the D.A.’s civil-litigation unit, to the Police Advisory Commission, which is investigating the Morris incident. The Jan. 23 email confirms that the D.A. has no Morris 911 tapes in its possession, but it does have two Morris 911 transcripts — both supplied by PGN during the course of the pending litigation. The transcripts are kept in a civil-litigation file, separate from the D.A.’s Morris investigative file, according to the email. At their Jan. 23 public meeting, PAC members agreed unanimously to request the transcripts from Mosser. In October 2009, PGN gave the D.A.’s office one Morris transcript, divided into two parts: recordings made before her injury and recordings made after her injury. This reporter made the transcript from a cassette tape leaked by a former police official in 2004. PGN’s motion seeks the 911 material Mosser’s email references — to verify it’s the same as supplied by PGN — and a statement from the D.A.’s office that it has no other Morris 911 recordings, if that’s the case. According to court records, the police department has no 911 tape or transcript in its Morris homicide file — official or otherwise. At press time, the D.A.’s office hadn’t replied to the paper’s motion. Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, was disappointed with the court ruling. “Considering the high profile of the

Morris case and the important public interest at stake, it was disappointing to learn that the court did not find the 911 recordings and transcripts public under the RTKL,” Melewsky said. “Shining a light on the actions of police can help the public understand police actions and gauge their appropriateness. Likewise, access can operate to exonerate public officials facing scrutiny over their actions. But because access is limited, no one benefits from accountability.” Anne Todd, mother of a gay son who befriended Morris, also called for the release of all Morris 911 recordings. “Too many questions regarding the death of Nizah Morris remain unanswered,” Todd said. “It’s been nine years and her death is considered to be under investigation. What happened in the short time between the courtesy ride and her being found lying at 16th and Walnut? Why was she not given emergency treatment when found there? Are the police covering up their officers’ misconduct?” Officers Elizabeth Skala, Kenneth Novak and Thomas Berry responded to Morris at various times in the early hours of Dec. 22. Skala was the first to respond to Morris at Key West Bar, where a 911 call was placed on her behalf because she was staggering out front, severely intoxicated. Skala transported Morris to 15th and Walnut, where she thought Morris lived, according to homicide records. All three officers referred to Morris as a hospital case in their patrol logs — including log entries covering the time period when Morris was a ride recipient. Advocates for Morris have expressed concern that the officers deliberately concealed the ride’s existence, for whatever reason. Police sources have refuted that, saying the officers didn’t think Morris was the target of the 911 call at Key West, thus there was no need to document the ride. However, 911 transmissions at Key West verify that Morris was the 911 target — including a call from Skala to a dispatcher. “She’s just a DK [drunk person],” Skala told the dispatcher. “I’m gonna drop her off over at 15th and Walnut.” A few minutes later, Berry responded to Morris at 16th and Walnut, where she was lying in the street, bleeding from the head. On the tape, Berry tells the dispatcher that a “witness” told him Morris was an intoxicated “hospital case,” not a crime victim. The witness to whom Berry referred on the tape has never been identified. If Morris had been considered a crime victim, the officers would have been required to document the ride as part of the initial criminal investigation, police sources said. The PAC’s next meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in South Philadelphia. PAC members are expected to give an update on the Morris case at the meeting. ■

PGN

SAFETY FIRST �� > Ultra-rigid body structure > Dynamic Stability Control standard > Seven airbags standard

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PGN

��

�� By John Logan Directed by Anders Cato

Starring: Bob Ari from Broadway’s Frost/Nixon, as Mark Rothko and Randy Harrison from Showtime’s Queer as Folk, as his assistant Ken.

Now Thru February 26, 2012 POST SHOW PRIDE PARTY FRI., FEB. 24. visit GSPonline.org for pride party and show details.

Box office: 732-246-7717 • Online: www.GSPonline.org Only at GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE 9 Livingston Avenue , New Brunswick, NJ 08901 David Saint, Artistic Director • Norma Kaplan, Managing Director

WARRIORS FOR WOMEN: V-Day Philadelphia kicked off its 2012 campaign with Red and Pink Warriors Feb. 9 at Tavern on Camac, raising funds for beneficiaries Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative and Women Against Abuse. Among the approximately 30 supporters at the party were Desire Delaltoz (from left), Jana Nogowski, Ruchama Bilenky, Jerilyn Wissa and Will DeTurck. The organization will host a number of other events in the coming weeks, including performances of “The Vagina Monologues” March 16 and 17 at Voyeur, with the final proceeds going to GALAEI and WAA, as well as 10 percent to V-Day International’s Spotlight on Haiti effort. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Crime Watch Local Gettin’ On

20 2 17

Contents

This Program is made possible in par t by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Ar ts/Depar tment of State, A Par tner Agency of the National Endowment for the Ar ts.

Bob Ari and Randy Harrison in Red, photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Broad & Arch Front & Girard Germantown & Girard 13th & Arch 13th & Ellsworth 18th & Spring Garden 20th & Fitzwater 27th & Poplar 28th & Girard 29th & Girard

10 10 11 11 11

What do you do for Valentine’s Day? Poll results from our online survey as of Feb. 15:

PGN recently replaced many of its older honor boxes along Market, Chestnut and Walnut streets with brand-new ones and added boxes at the locations below. If you see a PGN box that might need some sprucing up or to be replaced, or if you have a suggestion for a new location, contact Don at don@epgn.com or call 215-625-8501 ext. 200

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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

33% 14% 14% 11% 28%

Dinner out A card and ﬂowers or candy Look for a date for the night Protest it None of the above

Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

How do you rank the Academy Awards compared to other awards shows?

505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

For advertising inquiries: advertising@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 218.

Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Advertising Director Dan Calhoun (ext. 218) dan@epgn.com

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Editor

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

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Amy Mather amy@epgn.com Brooke Lutz brooke@epgn.com Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2012 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

Weigh It Forward Spotlight on Dan Calhoun and Jared Carter Participant: Dan Calhoun, marketing and advertising director, PGN Age: 32 Starting weight: 268 Height: 6 feet Weight lost in Month 1: 13 pounds Trainer: Jared Carter, Move Forward Fitness PGN: Why did you agree to participate in Weigh It Forward? DC: It was a great cause and I thought that doing this so publicly would force me to stick with the program.

LOCAL PGN

DC: The hardest part would still be finding time to go to the gym. It’s rough when it’s Friday night and I’m sitting in traffic and I want to go home and relax and start the weekend, and I still have to go to the gym. And passing by 5 Guys Burger and Fries. Can I take that back? It’s the squats. Do you know how many different ways there are to do squats? And the pass along ... [an exercise where you lay on your back with an exercise ball between your feet, then pass the ball to your hands, bringing it above your head, then return it].

PGN: The easiest? DC: There’s never anything easy about this. But the workouts aren’t as scary as I thought they would be. When I’ve had trainers before, when I would leave the workouts, I would be so sore for days, I DAN CALHOUN wouldn’t go back. With this workout, there Photos: Scott A. Drake are even days when I can get in and out of the gym in half an hour — and I’m still getting a great workout. Something else PGN: What are you hoping to achieve? DC: I’m hoping to lose weight and get into that has helped me is having the support of the other participants. Watching them better shape. I’d really like to be in much is really inspiring to me. Seeing Franny better shape for the softball season. And so motivated by this really helps keep me have the opportunity to donate money for going. Debbie and Micah as well — they charity. help keep me going. When we are talking about how much weight everyone has lost PGN: What’s been your greatest struggle so far, I was bummed out because I haven’t with your weight? lost as many pounds, and they were there DC: I love food. And I love all food that’s to keep encouraging me. bad for me — bacon, chocolate, you name it. I love to bake. Unfortunately, the best PGN: What do you like best about the dishes that are out there are not healthy at program? all. So, food would be my biggest answer. DC: I like the one-on-one attention I get. The other would be timing and motivation. It seems there is always an excuse not [Carter] seems to genuinely care that I’m reaching my goals — that really helps me. to go to the gym or work out. I get really I don’t feel like the 2 p.m. appointment: I motivated in the beginning and then I just feel like he’s there especially for me. fall off. I lost about 64 pounds a few years ago on Weight Watchers, but it wasn’t susPGN: Has anything surprised you? tainable. There was no exercise. I was in DC: How quickly my clothes started fitting my early 20s, so the weight just flew off. better. For me to already go down several Now that I’m in my 30s, it doesn’t come waist sizes this quickly is really cool. off that quickly. And the eating wasn’t practical. Although it was good for what it PGN: Tell me about your workout plan. was, it wasn’t something that I could stick DC: I’m using Jared’s “3 Weeks to a New to on a regular basis. You,” and then a long-term program. The PGN: What’s been the hardest thing so far? workouts change every week. I do the

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

same exercises Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then different ones on Tuesday and Thursday. The workouts last between 30 minutes and an hour.

type of exercise — functional, so using your own body weight, and built around shorter workouts, 12-45 minutes, which includes both lifting and cardio.

PGN: And the food? DC: It’s really simple. No white or processed flour and no to low sugar. Eat every three hours; every meal must consist of a lean protein, good carbohydrates and a vegetable. There are some days where I’m not supposed to have any carbs at all and increase the protein. And no red meat. Fruit juice is also a big no-no because it causes spikes in your blood sugar. And I can do protein shakes as a meal replacement if I’m on the go.

PGN: Tell me more about the exercise. JC: He’s doing six days a week, and doing resistance every day. One day is more intense. He’ll have a higher day, then a moderate day and incorporate lifting and cardio on each day. Workouts in the first week are 12-20 minutes; most are 35-45 now. For resistance, he’s doing a mix of lower, upper and core. We meet two times per week; the rest of the time he’s on his own, four times per week.

PGN: Do you think this is something you can sustain after the weigh-in at Pride? DC: The nature of the challenge, I’ll stay with it through the duration. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to continue it forward. Don’t get me wrong, after weigh-in on that day, I’m going to run for a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup ... PGN: What do you think will be the hardest part to sustain afterward? DC: Not having a specific date to look forward to: It’s an infinite timeline. Hopefully, I’ll be in such a habit, in such a routine, that I will be able to keep it going. Jared Carter, owner, Move Forward Fitness, 1616 Walnut St., Suite 702 Moveforwardfitness. com Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

JARED CARTER

PGN: What has your plan for Dan been? JC: I have a 13-week training for clients looking to lose weight and body fat. Since this is 16-17 weeks, we spent the first one to two weeks getting ready to move, then I have a three-week protocol — “3 Weeks to a New You.” He’s about to start the normal 13-week protocol. This uses a different

PGN: Tell me about his food plan. JC: He’s been doing really great. He eats a small meal every three hours with lean protein, good carbs and vegetables, with one cheat day a week. There is no calorie goal. If we are just trying to cut calories, you are going to lose muscle mass. And when it comes to calculating calories, 99 percent of people are going to be way off. So, when it comes to figuring out how much to eat, if it’s a flat food, like a chicken breast, it should be the size of the palm of your hand. If it’s not flat, like a potato, make a fist and try to match that. There are three things for clients looking to lose body fat: eliminate white flour and reduce sugar and alcohol. PGN: What results are you looking for short-term? JC: I want to see him lose a significant amount of body fat. At the rate he’s going, he should be able to continue to lose a lot more. I expect to see significant body-fat reduction and a very big visual change. PGN: And long-term? JC: This is not a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle. I want him — like all of my clients — to continue working out, learning how food works in the body, why it is important to incorporate resistance training and continue eating well. I don’t give people diets — it’s better to teach them how to eat and prepare them to not need me. ■

Debbie Spadefora 18 lbs., $32.10/lb. Micah Mahjoubian 16 lbs., $98/lb. 17lbs.

Franny Price 22 lbs., $28/lb.

and greet from 7-9 p.m. March 21 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., where you can meet the participants and representatives from the gyms/studios who are working with them: Fusion Cross Training, Move Forward Fitness, Optimal Sport Clubs and 12th Street Gym. To pledge support for a participant, visit www. epgn.com and click on “Weigh It Forward” to download a pledge form, or visit Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. Graphic: Sean Dorn and Scott A. Drake

Start: Jan. 10

Weigh-in 1: Feb. 10

Weigh-in 2: March 10

Weigh-in 3: April 10

Weigh-in 4: May 10

IGH IT

FOR

Dan Calhoun 13 lbs., $15/lb.

On Jan. 10, Dan Calhoun, Debbie Spadefora, Franny Price and Micah Mahjoubian agreed to lose weight and raise money for three nonprofit organizations. They are collecting pledges for every pound lost by June 10, Pride Day. The funds raised will be split evenly among the William Way LGBT Community Center, The Attic Youth Center and Philly Pride Presents. After one month, the four weighed in again on Feb. 10. Here’s their progress to date. Weigh It Forward participants will host a meet

Weigh It Forward WA D R

Track their progress as they weigh in every month. Community members will pledge money for every pound lost. The fundraiser beneﬁts Philadelphia Pride Presents, The Attic Youth Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center. If you’d like to pledge your support, visit www.epgn.com for a pledge form.

Finish line: Pride, June 10

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Equality PA launches young professionals program By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Even though Valentine’s Day has passed, Woody’s will be decked out in red next week — ushering in the creation of a new community-building and fundraising program for the statewide LGBT-rights organization. Equality Pennsylvania is launching Rising Equality Donors with a kickoff party 8-11 p.m. Feb. 25 at the venue, 202 S. 13th St. RED is designed as a socialnetworking outlet for young LGBT and ally professionals that is also meant to generate funds for Equality PA’s 501 (c)(4) political arm, which supports LGBT and supportive candidates. Equality PA board member Rick Naughton, who is spearheading

the program, said the agency was eager to energize a new generation of supporters with RED. “Last summer we were going through the planning process for what we have coming up, and it was apparent to me that there were very few young professionals involved on a giving level with Equality Pennsylvania, so we wanted to create a program that would reach out to this population,” he said. The program is modeled after Trevor Project’s Next Generation, which has chapters in New York City and Los Angeles that stage social activities to bring together young LGBTs around the mission of ending teen suicide. RED functions can take a number of forms, Naughton said — parties, happy hours with elected

officials or other politically themed outings — and organizers will depend on the suggestions of supporters for what the program will look like in the future. “We want to be organized in a very grassroots way,” he said. “We’re not taking a top-down approach with this. If people know that there’s going to be an elected official or a leader in town and want to get together to have a RED

LGBTs, allies open up through photo series By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Local LGBTs and their supporters are wearing their hearts on their sleeves for a photography project that seeks to illustrate the faces and stories of the LGBT community. In the past year, out photographer Tara Robertson has photographed 70 LGBTs and allies for “Our Alphabet” — a series that captures subjects in a plain white T-shirt emblazoned with a simple, yet personal and often powerful, message relating to their identities. Robertson will be shooting each Saturday through the end of March at the University of the Arts and is aiming for at least 200 people to participate in the project. The West Chester native began the series last year as her senior thesis for UArts but said it quickly became more than classwork. “I started it because I felt like there were so many stories of people in the gay community that just weren’t being told,” she said. “And once I started, it just began building on itself and took on a life of its own.” Local filmmaker Noah Stoner, who participated as a subject, began filming at last weekend’s shoot for a documentary he plans to make on the effort, Robertson said. Robertson, 24, said word-of-mouth has been the biggest aid in locating interested subjects, who have trended on the younger side, although people of all ages, races, orientations and identities are welcome to participate. Participants are asked to create a brief

one-sentence statement, and they can either create the shirts themselves in advance or at the studio the day of the shoot. “I tell people to really dig deep into their story and create a message that is really personal,” Robertson said. “People have written messages directly to their parents or in response to the general hatred they’ve seen in society.” The messages range from thoughtful to hopeful to humorous to moving — such as one woman’s design that reads, “Mom, I’m not trying to punish you,” and a man’s statement to his father that says, “You couldn’t beat the gay out of me.” Although LGBTs of all walks of life have posed for the project, straight allies have also turned out in force, Robertson said, such as an older man whose shirt reads, “Dad loves his lesbian.” While Robertson hopes for the finished project to be shown in galleries, she said the impact of the photos can be felt no matter where they’re shown. “I want this to be a part of the LGBTrights movement as an outlet,” she said. “People need to have their voices heard and that’s what I want this to be, wherever it ends up going. This started out with me trying to help people to tell their stories and it’s just taken this turn where people are so thankful for having the chance to do that, which is motivating me to keep making this bigger.” To learn more about the project and find out how to participate in upcoming shoots, which will be held from noon-3 p.m. Saturdays at UArts, visit http://ouralphabet. tumblr.com/. ■

happy hour or a meeting, then they can help get it together.” Naughton said RED Philadelphia events will ideally be held every six weeks, and that RED functions in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton are in the works. Equality PA suggests that RED supporters make a commitment to donating at least $10 a month to the agency, an effort that Naughton said will be especially important in the coming months. “We need to be working to elect pro-LGBT politicians in Pennsylvania. This is an election year so this is critical. The presidential election is coming up, but we also have U.S. Congressional elections, so Bob Casey will be up for re-election and there are many local elections that we can impact. We need Equality PA creating

brochures and pamphlets for candidates and working to get people elected who have a real shot at winning and who will support the LGBT community when elected.” As a social program, RED will help grow and unite the community of young progressives. “There are very few outlets for young professional LGBTs and allies who can come together to meet and share ideas,” Naughton said. “We want to create a space like that, where people can network and get to know each other around their shared passion for equality.” The $10 cover charge for the RED party at Woody’s, which includes dance-floor admission, goes directly to Equality PA. For more information, visit www.equalitypa.org/red. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Opera Company of Philadelphia A new production of the comic hit

MOZARTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Corrado Rovaris, Conductor Robert B. Driver, Director

Abduction THE

FROM THE

Elizabeth Zharoff

Antonio Lozano

Per Bach Nissen

Elizabeth Reiter

Seraglio

February 17, 19m, 22, 24 & 26m, 2012 at the

Academy of Music

Sung in German with English translations

Tickets: 215-893-1018 or operaphila.org

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Gay couples named SEPTA sweethearts

�� Thomas E. Hora Attorney-at-Law ��

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

SWEETHEARTS EVA BAKER (LEFT) AND GRETCHEN DYKSTRA Photo: Courtesy of SEPTA

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The Market-Frankford El was swimming in hearts and flowers last weekend as the winning couples in the SEPTA Love Stories contest set off on a romantic Valentine’s train ride. The contest, in which the public voted for the best tales of romance that bloomed among SEPTA trains, trolleys and buses, for the first time this year included submissions from a number of same-sex couples. Among the 14 winning pairs were two same-sex couples, including Gretchen Dykstra and Eva Baker, whose 20-year relationship was sparked aboard the R5. The pair was part of a group of commuters who sat together on their daily ride to their suburban jobs each day, with Baker headed to Ft. Washington and Dykstra to Ambler. While they rode the train together for more than a year, they had little interaction until one day in 1992, when Baker spotted Dykstra waiting alone for the 53 bus back to Germantown after they disembarked from the train. “We were at the Wayne Junction stop and she got off and was waiting for the bus under this overpass,” Baker said. “It was a really dangerous place so I walked up to her and told her she shouldn’t be waiting by herself and offered to walk her to the corner.” After that encounter, their daily commute was often spent getting to know one another better. “Whenever I’d see her waiting to get on the train I’d get excited,” Dykstra said. “She would always wear sunglasses on the train, which I thought was funny, and we would just get to talking every day.” While discussing music, Baker told Dykstra about the 90-minute mixtape she made that consisted entirely of U2’s “Lemon” on a loop, a funny anecdote that Dykstra said embodies the humor that the pair has shared over the past two decades. “She has the best sense of humor of anyone I’ve ever met and just this infectious laugh,” Dykstra,

41, said. “Even if I have a crappy day and come home totally stressed out, she can say something goofy to make me smile. We’re very different people but we really complement each other well. I can’t imagine, and I really just don’t remember, her not being a part of my life.” Baker, 43, shared similar sentiments. “I can’t imagine not being with her,” she said. “I love her, and I respect her.” The couple, who now lives in Olney, was prompted by friends — with whom their SEPTA beginnings is common knowledge — to enter the contest. Dykstra said it didn’t occur to her until after she submitted their entry to question whether the contest was open to same-sex couples. But she said SEPTA treated their story just as it did the heterosexual contestants. The couple encouraged Facebook friends to vote for their submission and ultimately got 416 “hearts,” placing them among the top vote getters, along with a male same-sex couple. Fifty-five couples entered the contest, and thousands of supporters cast votes. The winning couples were invited aboard the “Love Train” Feb. 12, a specially designated El that headed from 13th to 69th streets to tour the Mural Arts Program’s Love Letters display, followed by a champagne reception at SEPTA headquarters. “It was so much fun,” Dykstra said. “It was really low-key, and the SEPTA folks were very welcoming and treated us just like everyone else. We felt very welcomed and really part of the group.” Although the trip came as an early Valentine’s Day excursion, Baker said she and Dykstra try to embrace the meaning of the holiday throughout the year. “We don’t usually do much for Valentine’s Day because we keep it real every day,” she said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate her and that I don’t say, ‘I love you,’ and she says, ‘I love you, too.’ It’s an everyday thing. Valentine’s Day isn’t just another day, but it’s just one day that’s part of the whole fun of being together every day.” ■

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

215-735-1006

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Mitt Romney

Editorial

Marriage progress This week, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed her state’s same-sex marriage law, making it the seventh in the nation with marriage equality. And in New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie renewed his pledge to veto a marriage bill: The state Senate approved the measure earlier this week and the Assembly was set to vote Thursday. Commenting on the Senate vote Tuesday, Christie called it “good ... theater.” Democrats, who control both houses in New Jersey, are several seats shy of the two-thirds majority they need to overturn a veto. “They won’t get enough votes to override it, they know that and I know that, and yesterday was a good bunch of theater, but that was all it was,” Christie said. “They know it’s not going to happen.” In Maryland, two House committees jointly passed a marriage-equality bill Tuesday, which advocates expect to narrowly pass. Last session, a similar bill cleared the Senate in a close vote. Christie’s characterization of the votes on marriage equality as “theater” diminishes the lives and relationships of the state’s LGBT citizens. Sure, civil unions are better than nothing. But they aren’t marriage. Not in name, not in intent and not in perception. When the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the state had to provide equitable rights, it did not qualify its ruling to say, “ ... in most cases.” Clearly, Christie isn’t worried about offending anyone with his bombastic, combative personality and dismissive, uninformed comments. (See his recent comment that African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement would have preferred a referendum on their rights, when talking about putting marriage equality up for referendum.) Gregoire, for her part, has acknowledged she had a change of heart about samesex marriage, going so far as to write a letter in January to fellow Catholic Christie on how she came to back it. Gay-marriage opponents in Washington have pledged to get the issue on the November ballot as a referendum. It’s interesting to note that every state that has marriage equality has had openly gay state representatives. (This might explain why Pennsylvania lags behind other states in LGBT equality issues.) In a side note, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum was in Washington on Monday, presumably not for the marriage-equality bill signing. Santorum met with state lawmakers and religious leaders after the bill was signed, urging marriage opponents to “continue the fight,” then held a campaign event in the traditionally Democratic state. ■

It makes me sad that there are LGBT people in America who will vote for Mitt Romney should he get the wet bar of soap that is the Republican nomination. I mean, I understand it. There are some folks who feel like Romney meets their needs. These people are mostly rich. Or dumb. Or both. Mind you, President Obama hasn’t exactly been perfect on LGBT issues. I don’t blame anyone for feeling disappointed. Especially about his weak stance on marriage equality. But that doesn’t mean voting Republican is the answer. Especially since Romney’s stance on marriage equality is not weak. In that he is very vocal about his opposition. Because you may remember that Romney was the governor of Massachusetts when it became the first state in the country to let gays and lesbians get legally married. And man, does Romney want to get that rainbow stain off his shirt. Which is why he went out of his way to make clear that he has no love for gaymarrying homos or the people who support them when addressing the fervently antigay crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 10. “[D]uring my term in office our conservative values also came under attack. Less than a year after I took office, the state’s Supreme Court inexplicably found a right to same-sex marriage in the constitution written by John Adams,” he said, pausing for comedic effect. “I presumed he’d be surprised.” The crowd laughs heartily at Romney’s stand-up routine. He’s killing! (Although, to be clear, CPAC attendees prefer their killing done not with laughter but with guns because of the Second Amendment and Obama’s desire to steal all of their firearms so that they may be powerless to fight against his plans to turn America into a socialist nightmare where all kids get insurance and rich people pay taxes.) On a roll, Romney continued: “I fought to have a stay on that decision, then pushed for a marriage amendment to our constitution. We lost by only one vote in

the legislature.” One vote! My goodness. I am not a politician or a campaign manager or a CPACer, but I wonder if it’s a good idea for Romney to be emphasizing the fact that this antigay amendment that he pushed for was foiled by so slim a margin. I mean, doesn’t that make him seem, well, ineffective, to say the least? But Romney also reminds folks that he managed to use a rare 1913 anti-interracial marriage law to keep homos from flocking to, and further sullying, Massachusetts. “And I successfully prohibited out-of-state couples from coming to our state to get married and then going home. On my watch, we fought hard and prevented Massachusetts from becoming the Las Vegas of gay marriage.” This receives a lot of applause from the CPAC crowd. Though I have to point out what a disappointment it was to all of the drivethrough Elvis-themed wedding chapels that began to spring up everywhere to cash in on all of those Boston marriages becoming official. So much wasted capital. And to think Romney says he supports business. “When I am president, I will defend the Defense of Marriage Act,” he continued while the crowd cheered, “and I will fight for an amendment to our Constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.” Mind you, Romney is promising to do on a national level what he failed to do on a state level. But this makes perfect sense. I mean, if you can’t walk a block, then it’s probably time to run a marathon. Anything to increase the distance between himself and the queers. Homophobes (Internal and External) for Romney 2012. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

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.

OP-ED PGN

What are you doing to elect LGBTfriendly candidates this primary? Human Rights Campaign, Equality in the progressive wing of the Democratic Pennsylvania and Liberty City LGBT Party. And going to one of their meetings Democratic Club want you to remember is seeing democracy in action: They really a date: April 14. It’s only eight weeks debate the issues and candidates. away. It’s an important day for one simLet’s get back to that date again. April ple reason: It’s Pennsylvania’s Primary 14 is less than eight weeks from now. There is one candidate we Day. Yes, you get to put your know all three organizations stamp of approval or disapproval on your state and fedwill support in some way: eral elected officials. At least former U.S. Rep. Pat Murphy some of them. And this priis running for Pennsylvania mary has one of our national Attorney General. He has an opponent who it is said can heroes running in it, and it’s up to our community to heed that finance her own campaign. call to action and help get him Murphy, the Congressman who elected. But first, let’s look at spearheaded the legislation that how those organizations at the killed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” top contribute to our goal of needs your help. So when HRC equality. asks you to come to a dinner or Let’s start at the top with the buy a ticket, when Equality Pa. national role — Human Rights asks you to come to a cocktail Campaign. HRC is by far the party to meet Pat or another largest LGBT equality organiMark Segal candidate, when Liberty City zation in the nation with more starts its march toward Primary members, chapters and funds. Its primary Day and invites you to meetings — go. goal is to work on legislation and lobby With all of these organizations, there are the administration for change. If you like two other things you can do. First, contribute funds if you are able and, second, all the changes in LGBT rights coming volunteer your time. out of the Obama administration over Working with these organizations and the last three years, and I admit that I do, then thank HRC. others who work the political system is Equality Pennsylvania has done somewhat brings change. You might not agree thing activists have been trying to do with all their issues, tactics process or since the 1970s: unite the LGBT commu- leaders, but they work and have success. nity across the state to deliver one clear Rather than sit on the sidelines and complain, join the battle on whatever level message to the Legislature and administration. They work with numerous orgayou feel comfortable. It not only helps nizations around the state and together your community, it’s fun. And at the end have jump-started nondiscrimination of the day, you’ll feel you’ve added just a and civil-union legislation in counties little something to the world you live in. ■ throughout the commonwealth. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the Then there’s Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club. They are the grassroots nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at Democrats of the Philly LGBT community. They are what many would consider mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Street Talk Is same-sex marriage analogous to miscegenation? “Yes. Either way, you’re born into something that you didn’t really choose. It’s still difficult for interracial couples to Michael Bellizzi be accepted student in society Washington Square — just as it’s West difficult for same-sex couples. The fight that interracial couples fought in the '50s is very similar to the legal battle for same-sex marriage today.”

“Yes, it’s comparable, because there are prejudices with respect to both types of marriage. As far as I’m Ryan Berardi concerned, student people should Washington Square have access West to marriage regardless of race or gender. Marriage is a natural right for anyone to have the ability to obtain.”

“Yes and no. Obviously there’s a difference between gender and race. But I don’t think either quality should be a Inger Cooper factor when student it comes to Washington Square West marriage. So to that extent, they’re analogous.”

“No. Skin color and gender are different human characteristics that belong in different Trey Dunlap categories. student They’re more South Philadelphia different than they’re the same. And same-gender marriage is a lot more stigmatized. But one similarity is that they’re both scrutinized.”

Letters and Feedback

Calling Israel to task The LGBT community in the Greater Philadelphia area has been informed of the plans for this year’s Equality Forum events, scheduled to take place during the first week of May. As has become customary, this year, too, the organizers have chosen a featured nation on which to focus in this year’s festivities. The country they chose for 2012 is Israel. At the onset of my comments, I would like to disclose that I am a native of Israel, and that Israel is the only country of which I have ever been a citizen. Yet, I find it abhorrent that an event that celebrates equality could ignore the abundance of evidence in the media and in the findings of human-rights organizations,

which indicate that Israel is far from the exemplar of a progressive democracy that offers equality to all its inhabitants, as it so frequently tries to convince the West that it is. I have no doubt that among the diverse readership of this publication are people who will vehemently reject my arguments, but I, as a responsible queer Israeli citizen, currently residing in Philadelphia, feel the urge to make them nonetheless. Equality does not end with the LGBTIQ community. And while it is true that Israel is more progressive than its neighbors, and indeed than some of the 50 United States when it comes to its treatment of its queer population, it cannot take the same

pride in equal treatment of ethnic minorities, both within the borders of Israel proper and in the territories that it occupied in 1967. As my space is no doubt limited, I will focus on one persistent example that has received quite a lot of international media attention: the plight of the Bedouins in the Negev desert. This nomadic Arab population has been largely denied access not only to water, electricity and education, but also to their own lands, ownership of which predates the founding of the state of Israel. Even attempts to “equalize” their rights by serving in the Israeli army, unlike most other Arab citizens of Israel, do not change the blatantly racist policies

and attitudes of both the Israeli government and a great deal of the Israeli populace. These are not pleasant words for me to write, and probably for anyone to read, but the facts are well documented, and I urge you to research them further. It is not too late for the organizers of Equality Forum to admit that they have erred. There are a few (sadly, only a few) other countries out there that really do exhibit equality. It is with great shame and sorrow that I confess to you that the country in which I was born and raised is not one of those. ■ — Uri Horesh Philadelphia

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PGN

The

one

for me

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size.

INDICATION COMPLERA® (emtricitabine 200 mg/rilpivirine 25 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) is a prescription HIV medicine that contains 3 medicines, EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), EDURANT™ (rilpivirine), and VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) combined in one pill. COMPLERA is used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults (age 18 and older) who have never taken HIV medicines before. COMPLERA does not cure HIV and has not been shown to prevent passing HIV to others. It is important to always practice safer sex, use latex or polyurethane condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body ﬂuids, and to never re-use or share needles. Do not stop taking COMPLERA unless directed by your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Contact your healthcare provider right away if you get the following side effects or conditions while taking COMPLERA: ��Nausea, vomiting, unusual muscle pain, and/or weakness. These may be signs of a buildup of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical condition ��Light-colored stools, dark-colored urine, and/or if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow. These may be signs of serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), and fat in the liver (steatosis) ��If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), your liver disease may suddenly get worse if you stop taking COMPLERA. Do not stop taking COMPLERA without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects.

Do not take COMPLERA if you are taking the following medicines: ��other HIV medicines (COMPLERA provides a complete treatment for HIV infection.) ��the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®, Epitol®), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®) ��the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®, Rifadin®) and rifapentine (Priftin®) ��a proton pump inhibitor medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems, including esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®) ��more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate ��St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) ��other medicines that contain tenofovir (VIREAD®, TRUVADA®, ATRIPLA®) ��other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (EMTRIVA®, Combivir®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Trizivir®) ��rilpivirine (Edurant™) ��adefovir (HEPSERA®) In addition, also tell your healthcare provider if you take: ��an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA ��a histamine-2 blocker medicine, including famotidine (Pepcid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), nizatidine (Axid®), or ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac®). Take these medicines at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA ��the antibiotic medicines clarithromycin (Biaxin®), erythromycin (E-Mycin®, Eryc®, Ery-Tab®, PCE®, Pediazole®, Ilosone®), and troleandomycin (TAO®) ��an antifungal medicine by mouth, including fluconazole (Diflucan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), posaconazole (Noxafil®), voriconazole (Vfend®) ��methadone (Dolophine®) This list of medicines is not complete. Discuss with your healthcare provider all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take.

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

COMPLERA is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. COMPLERA does not cure HIV or AIDS or help prevent passing HIV to others.

New COMPLERA A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day. Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: ��have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection ��have kidney problems ��have ever had a mental health problem ��have bone problems ��are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child ��are breastfeeding; women with HIV should not breast-feed because they can pass HIV through their milk to the baby Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following serious or common side effects: Serious side effects associated with COMPLERA: ��New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA ��Depression or mood changes can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or restless, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself ��Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones ��Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effect of these conditions are not known ��Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine

Common side effects associated with COMPLERA: ��trouble sleeping (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea,

nausea, rash, tiredness, and depression Other side effects associated with COMPLERA: ��vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles),

and pain Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it ��Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to

help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal ��Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA and see your healthcare provider regularly

Please see Patient Information for COMPLERA on the following pages.

Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PGN

FDA-Approved Patient Labeling Patient Information COMPLERA® (kom-PLEH-rah) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets

COMPLERA may help: � Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood. This is called your “viral load”. � Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells that help ﬁght off other infections.

Important: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with COMPLERA. For more information, see the section “What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?”

Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4+ (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).

Read this Patient Information before you start taking COMPLERA and each time you get a reﬁll. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?

COMPLERA does not cure HIV infections or AIDS. � Always practice safer sex. � Use latex or polyurethane condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body ﬂuids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. � Never re-use or share needles.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in HIV to other people. some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic Who should not take COMPLERA? acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. � Do not take COMPLERA if your HIV infection has been previously treated with Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like HIV medicines. symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you � Do not take COMPLERA if you are taking certain other medicines. For more get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: information about medicines that must not be taken with COMPLERA, see “What � feeling very weak or tired should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?” � have unusual (not normal) muscle pain � have trouble breathing What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? � have stomach pain with Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: - nausea (feel sick to your stomach) � have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection - vomiting � have kidney problems � feel cold, especially in your arms and legs � have ever had a mental health problem � feel dizzy or lightheaded � have bone problems � have a fast or irregular heartbeat � are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. Its purpose is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms � are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. The Centers for Disease Control and of liver problems: Prevention recommends that mothers with HIV not breastfeed because they can pass � your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). the HIV through their milk to the baby. It is not known if COMPLERA can pass through � dark “tea-colored” urine your breast milk and harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best � light-colored bowel movements (stools) way to feed your baby. � loss of appetite for several days or longer Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription � nausea and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. � stomach pain 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take COMPLERA or similar medicines. In some cases these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis) when you take COMPLERA.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA or a similar affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your body may be too low and medicine containing nucleoside analogs for a long time. it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it. and you stop taking COMPLERA, your HBV infection may become worse (flare-up). A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV � COMPLERA provides a complete treatment for HIV infection. Do not take other HIV medicines with COMPLERA. therapy with your healthcare provider. � the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, � Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare TEGRETOL-XR®, TERIL®, EPITOL®), oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®), phenobarbital provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. (LUMINAL®), phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN-125®, PHENYTEK®) � Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider. ® ® � If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health � the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN ), rifampin (RIFATER , ® ® ® ® , RIMACTANE , RIFADIN ) and rifapentine (PRIFTIN ) RIFAMATE often and do regular blood tests to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking � a proton pump inhibitor medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems, including esomeprazole (NEXIUM®, VIMOVO®), lansoprazole (PREVACID®), omeprazole COMPLERA. (PRILOSEC®), pantoprazole sodium (PROTONIX®), rabeprazole (ACIPHEX®) � more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium What is COMPLERA? COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicine that: phosphate � is used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. HIV is the � St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If you are taking COMPLERA, you should not take: � contains 3 medicines, (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) � other medicines that contain tenofovir (VIREAD®, TRUVADA®, ATRIPLA®) combined in one tablet. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency � other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (EMTRIVA®, COMBIVIR®, virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and EDURANT is an EPIVIR® or EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®) HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). � rilpivirine (EDURANT™) It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. � adefovir (HEPSERA®)

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Also tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: � an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium � trouble sleeping (insomnia) carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take � abnormal dreams COMPLERA. � headache � a histamine-2 blocker medicine, including famotidine (PEPCID®), cimetidine � dizziness (TAGAMET®), nizatidine (AXID®), or ranitidine hydrochloride (ZANTAC®). Take these � diarrhea medicines at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. � nausea � the antibiotic medicines clarithromycin (BIAXIN®), erythromycin (E-MYCIN®, ERYC®, � rash ERY-TAB®, PCE®, PEDIAZOLE®, ILOSONE®), and troleandomycin (TAO®) � tiredness ® � an antifungal medicine by mouth, including fluconazole (DIFLUCAN ), itraconazole ® ® ® (SPORANOX ), ketoconazole (NIZORAL ), posaconazole (NOXAFIL ), voriconazole � depression (VFEND®) Additional common side effects include: � methadone (DOLOPHINE®) � vomiting Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is � stomach pain or discomfort � skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your � pain healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Your healthcare provider and your pharmacist can tell you if you can take these medicines with COMPLERA. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that can interact with COMPLERA. How should I take COMPLERA? � Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA. � Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. � Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal. � Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking COMPLERA. � If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, take your dose of COMPLERA with a meal as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. � Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. � When your COMPLERA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. It is very important not to run out of COMPLERA. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. � If you take too much COMPLERA, contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? COMPLERA may cause the following serious side effects, including: � See “What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?” � New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. � Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: - feeling sad or hopeless - feeling anxious or restless - have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself � Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. � Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known. � Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). How do I store COMPLERA? � Store COMPLERA at room temperature 77 °F (25 °C). � Keep COMPLERA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. � Do not use COMPLERA if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep COMPLERA and all other medicines out of reach of children. General information about COMPLERA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use COMPLERA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give COMPLERA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call (1-800-445-3235) or go to www.COMPLERA.com. What are the ingredients of COMPLERA? Active ingredients: emtricitabine, rilpivirine hydrochloride, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive ingredients: pregelatinized starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, polysorbate 20. The tablet film coating contains polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, triacetin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow #6 aluminum lake. This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufactured and distributed by: Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City, CA 94404 Issued: August 2011 COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, TRUVADA, VIREAD, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. 202123-GS-000 02AUG2011 CON11823 1/12

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

LOCAL PGN

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News Briefing Call for LGBT history ideas

Youth group looking for Philly leader

The Pop-Up Museum of Queer History, a traveling exhibit that provides a retrospective look back at the roots of different LGBT communities, will make its debut in Philadelphia this spring. Organizers are looking for display submissions — which could come from artists, academics, historians or everyday LGBTs — that shed light on Philadelphia’s LGBT past. Proposals should be emailed to submissions@queermuseum.com by Feb. 17. Emails should include two paragraphs that detail the theme and design of the work and an explanation of how historical information will be relayed to the audiences. Images and video can be included in the email, and proposals should also detail any specific technology needs the display would require. Preference will be given to exhibits that are interactive, educational and entertaining. The exhibit will be open from April 21-May 19 at William Way LGBT Community Center. For more information, email info@queermuseum.com.

Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition, a statewide LGBT youth advocacy organization, is looking for a volunteer to fill its Philadelphia Regional Coordinator position. The coordinator is responsible for recruiting members from throughout the region, organizing events with youth advocates and community organizations and assisting in fundraising efforts. Applicants should be residents of the five-county Philadelphia region and should be knowledgable about LGBT and youth issues. Community-organizing and publicspeaking experience is preferred. The position will require 12-15 hours of work per week, and the coordinator will be based out of the William Way LGBT Community Center. Current students, trans youth and youth of color are encouraged to apply. Applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to info@pennsec. org by Feb. 20. For more information, email jgoodman@pennsec. org. ■ — Jen Colletta

COUPLE from page 1

the argument for deferring any action on the existing deportation order because he is the beneficiary of a pending immediate-relative petition filed by his spouse.” Soloway said the past year — in which the Obama administration announced it was dropping its legal support for DOMA — has changed the legal landscape for many binational couples such as Andersen and Tanumihardja. Change has abounded in their relationship too: Since last Valentine’s Day, when Tanumihardja’s deportation was halted hours before his plane to Indonesia departed, the couple has moved in together and married in June in Washington, D.C. “All of the challenges and hardships we’ve faced has caused us to be a lot closer,” Andersen said. “We’re standing together and saying that this is what we believe in and this is what we’re going to fight for.” ■

— which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage — officials instead hold the petition in abeyance, as the constitutionality of DOMA is determined in court. USCIS will notify the couple via mail of its decision. Andersen and Tanumihardja brought extensive documentation of their relationship, and the representative said he believed their marriage to be bona fide. “He said he was prevented from approving it because of DOMA,” Andersen said. “I guess it’s a good sign, but it’s still disappointing.” Tanumihardja, a native of Indonesia, was denied asylum numerous times and has a standing final removal order, although he also has a pending petition to reopen his asylum case. The couple’s attorney, Lavi Soloway, said the green-card application “further strengthens

PGN

Your papers, please Gettin’ On

Rhonda Goldfein and Ed Bomba

No matter your age or “marital” status, certain documents are necessary to protect your rights, interests and intentions. Time after time we have seen instances where a person’s wishes — which may have been clearly stated but were not put into writing — were not followed. Friends and loved ones have been denied access to hospital rooms or visitation rights. A longdivorced spouse sues a deceased man’s surviving same-sex partner for inheritance or life insurance benefits. Estranged members of a patient’s biological family suddenly appear in a health crisis and sue for guardianship of a child, sibling or former spouse. A same-sex couple was on vacation in Florida with their children when one of the women became ill and died. Her partner sued the hospital because the hospital did not permit her to make healthcare decisions on behalf of her partner or allow her to visit her dying partner. Just last December, a woman was not allowed to visit her partner in a hospital in Tennessee without her partner’s mother accompanying her. In another case, a financial services company awarded a deceased man’s retirement benefits to his ex-wife, rather than his longtime, same-sex partner who was named as his beneficiary. After two years of litigation, the deceased’s partner — and not his ex-wife — was ruled to be the lawful beneficiary. These cases demonstrate the importance of documentation to spell out our wishes. In Pennsylvania, we recommend executing the following documents, no matter your age, health, income or partnership status. These documents are particularly important for LGBT people who may not have the protection of legal marriage. Most states have similar laws; check your state’s rules for additional information. — Will: A legal document that allows you to designate who inherits your money, property and personal belongings. — Health-care Power of Attorney (POA): Allows you to designate someone to serve as your health-care agent, who can access your medical records and make health-care decisions. A POA should allow your designate access to your records, but you

may want to include the name of a trusted person whenever you are asked to authorize the release of protected health information. A health-care POA is critical if you become unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself. — Living Will: A written statement of your wishes regarding lifesustaining treatment and other care if you have an end-stage medical condition and are unable to communicate those wishes. A living will can spell out your desire for resuscitation efforts, surgery, pain medication, etc. — Financial Power of Attorney (POA): Allows you to name someone to serve as your agent to make all financial decisions. While this documentation is prepared now, you can determine when the designate will manage your finances for you, e.g. when you are hospitalized, mentally unable to make decisions for yourself, etc. — Standby Guardianship: Allows terminally ill parents to plan for their children’s futures. It may be hard for you to think about these things, although many people find that making these decisions not only helps their family and friends know what to do, but they also feel relieved by knowing that their wishes will be followed. You should write down your desires now. This is the best way of ensuring that your wishes will be understood and respected when the time comes. Finally, consider an estate plan. This plan includes the documents outlined above, but also can include trusts, beneficiary designations, gifts, planning for estate taxes and much more. For partnered LGBT people, an estate plan is very important, no matter your income level. In Pennsylvania, an inheritance tax of 15 percent is imposed on the value of the assets you leave to your surviving partner. Married couples pay no inheritance tax. The only way for unmarried couples in Pennsylvania to assure that their partners are provided for is to enact an estate plan that guards your assets to the greatest possible extent. ■ Ronda B. Goldfein, Esq., is executive director of AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. Ed Bomba is communications chair for the LGBT Elder Initiative. If you have questions or comments, visit www.LGBTEI.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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The coalition is a joint partnership of the Conference of U.S. Mayors, of which Nutter is vice president, and Freedom to Marry to further awareness and acceptance of marriage equality across the nation. Adrian Shanker, president of Equality Pennsylvania, welcomed the local support for the effort. “This is more proof for anyone who still needs it that our basic rights are really not that controversial,” he said. “With Pennsylvania mayors jumping on the marriage-equality train, coupled with polling demonstrating majority support for marriage equality, it is only a matter of time before our legislature will have to catch up with the rest of Pennsylvania and provide equal rights for us all.” A number of the municipalities have made recent strides for LGBT equality: Newtown last year adopted an LGBT nondiscrimination bill, similar to a measure that Doylestown approved in 2010 and Reading in 2009. Lansdowne and Easton approved LGBT nondiscrimination measures in 2006, and Panto signed Easton’s domestic-partner bill into law last year. Although Macungie does not have an LGBT-specific ordinance, Hoffman said his support for the initiative was an easy decision. “My feeling is that we live in America and two consenting adults should be able to do what they want as long as they’re not harming anyone else,” he said. “Gays getting married wouldn’t harm anyone else.” Hoffman said he hasn’t seen any reaction, positive or negative, from residents of Macungie — a suburb of Allentown that is home to just about 3,000 people — to his joining the coalition. He said the initiative can be a useful tool in combating homophobia by encouraging open dialogue on the issues same-sex couples face. “I hope people begin to rethink things,” he said. “Some of these ideas are ingrained in people and it’s going to be a hard thing to fight. But it’s something we need to fight because it isn’t right.” New Jersey now also has nine members of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. In addition to the mayors of Newark and Princeton, who were original members, New Jersey mayors from Cherry Hill, Maplewood, Collingswood, Voorhees, Haledon, South Orange and Hoboken have joined. ■

PGN REGIONAL BUDGET from page 1

sortia and community-based agencies that are conducting targeted HIV testing. Health Department director of communications Christine Cronkright said the funding will be distributed in accordance with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and CDC guidance that places emphasis on highimpact interventions. State funding for STD screening and treatment is proposed to take a 5-percent cut, from $1.82 million to $1.73 million. Federal funding Federal funding funneled through the state to the Health Department was also proposed to remain relatively steady, with increases in many areas. In total, federal HIV funding is slated to amount to about $30.3 million, compared with $26.9 million currently. In the AIDS Health Education category, funding was suggested to jump from $1.48 million to $1.68 million, and administrative and operational funding for this program — which supports HIV-prevention programs at health departments throughout the state — is proposed to jump from $4.39 million to $7.13 million. Funding for the HIV Care program is slated to decrease from $12 million to about $11.5 million, while administrative and operational support for this initiative is projected to increase from $4.64 million to $5.58 million. HIV Care money is distributed to local-level health departments that then disperse the money to communitybased agencies. Funding for HIV/AIDS Surveillance stayed level at $1.38 million, while support for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS decreased from $2.29 million to $2.26 million. Ryan White support remained level at $753,000. State budget impact Jane Shull, executive director of Philadelphia FIGHT, said the state budget proposal is welcome news after several years of deep decreases in HIV/AIDS funding. “We are grateful that after previous cuts, our funding in this area was not cut this year,” she said. Cronkright said the allocations are an

effective means to confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state. “We are confident that the proposed state budget, which maintains funding from last year, will not lead to any reduction in services provided through our HIV/AIDS programs,” she said. “We will continue to align our services to make the most impact with available resources by working with county/ municipal health departments to maximize federal and state investments and find effective ways to reach targeted populations.” Despite the seemingly good news for HIV/AIDS funding, Corbett’s budget includes tough recommendations in the education realm. Funding to state universities would be cut 20-30 percent, on top of drastic cuts the schools saw in the previous budget. Kevin Burns, executive director of Action AIDS, said he fears that, as legislators work to restore some education funding, HIV/ AIDS numbers could take a hit. “Even though the HIV/AIDS line items were level funded, my concern is that education was so devastated that they’re going to look at pulling money from health to offset those cuts as we go through the negotiation process,” he said. “It sets up this scenario where you have all of these systems in the state that are starved for money and, while they should all be fully funded, all of these worthwhile programs end up fighting over a small piece of the pie.” The budget also could spell trouble for public-welfare programs, in particular mental-health services: General fund dollars for mental-health programs are slated to drop from $765 million to $166 million. Some of that funding will be shifted into a new human-services development block grant — which will include mental health, homeless assistance and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, among other areas — that will put the pool of funding into each county’s hands for it to appropriate locally. The proposal also calls for the elimination of the General Assistance program, which provides cash aid to victims of domestic violence, disabled and sick adults with no children, those caring for a sick or disabled person, minors living with an unrelated adult and those in drug or alcohol treatment. Approximately 68,000 Pennsylvanians receive assistance from the program annually. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Jan. 30-Feb. 5. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — At 9 p.m. Jan. 28 (reported Jan. 30), complainant last remembered being inside Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St, very intoxicated, then woke up inside the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital emergency room with head injuries and his wallet missing. Complainant does not remember anything that occurred. — Between 12:45-8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 (reported Jan. 31), a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 11th and Walnut streets. — At 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30, complainant had her handbag snatched while walking in the 1200 block of Waverly Street by a black female, 20 years old, 180 pounds with a dark complexion and wearing a black coat, and a black male, 20 years old, 5-foot-8 with a thin build and wearing a black puffy coat. — At 12:55 a.m. Jan. 30, a man was walking in the 1200 block of Chestnut Street when someone approached from behind, armed with a handgun, took his cell phone and fled north on 12th Street. The suspect was described as a black male, 18-25 years old, 6-foot with a thin build and wearing a black puffy jacket with a hood. — At 1 a.m. Jan. 30, complainant was held up at gunpoint at 10th and Spruce streets by three black males. One was described as 25 years old, 5-foot-10 with a thin build and wearing a tan cap; the second suspect was 25 years old with a stocky build and wearing a black coat. No further information was available on the third. Taken were a wallet and keys; the suspects were last seen fleeing east on Spruce Street. — Between 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 3 a.m. Jan. 31, someone smashed the window of a 2008 Mercedes parked in the 1200 block of Spruce Street and stole a GPS. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched. — Between 7-8 p.m. Jan. 31, a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 1300 Walnut St. — At 8:50 p.m. Jan. 31, the caretaker of St. George Church, 256 S. Eighth St., observed two males on the first floor who had gained entry by breaking a side window. The males fled and nothing was taken. The suspects were described as Hispanic males; one was 40-45 years old, 5-foot-7 with a light complexion and shoulderlength salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a gray jacket; the other was 5-foot5 to 5-foot-7 with a dark complexion and a beard, and wearing a dark hoodie and a button-down shirt. Central Detectives responded and processed the

location for evidence. — Between 8 p.m. Jan. 31 and 11 a.m. Feb. 1, an Xbox was stolen from complainant’s unlocked Art Institute dormitory room at 1346 Chestnut St. — Between 5:15 p.m. Feb. 2 and 7:55 a.m. Feb. 3, someone entered a medical office in the 800 block of Pine Street via a broken window and stole a laptop. Central Detectives responded and processed the scene for evidence. — Between 10-10:45 a.m. Feb. 3, someone stole assorted tools from the bed of a 2007 Chevy pickup parked in the 1000 block of Locust Street. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched. — Between midnight-6:45 a.m. Feb. 4, someone stole assorted sporting gear from the bed of a 2011 Toyota pick-up parked in the 1100 block of Spruce Street. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched. — At 11:15 p.m. Feb. 4, a man snatched someone’s handbag at Camac and Walnut streets and fled. The suspect was described as a white male in his mid-20s, 5-foot-9 with short hair and wearing a black hoodie and jeans. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:35 a.m. Jan. 31, 6th District Officers Duncan and Burrell arrested a male outside 1322 Walnut St. wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court. The 36-year-old suspect with an East Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — At 3:20 p.m. Feb. 3, an employee of the Rainbow Store, 1208 Chestnut St., was bitten on the shoulder by a female stopped for retail theft. The female was held for police and all items were recovered. The 50-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with robbery and related offenses. — At 9:05 p.m. Feb. 3, a male approached another male in the 1200 block Chestnut Street and asked for $1. As the passerby complied, the man pushed the complainant, grabbed his cash and fled. Sixth District Officers Grant and DeCrosta responded to the 911 call and apprehended the male, who was positively identified, at 12th and Chestnut streets. The 35-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with robbery and related offenses. SUMMARY OFFENSE ARRESTS — At 12:45 a.m. Feb. 2, 6th District Bike Patrol Officers Stone and Erwin arrested a male for allegedly breaking the front window of the Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. The 42-year-old suspect with a local address was charged with criminal mischief. — On Feb. 2, police issued citations for summary offenses at 3:40 a.m. outside 261 S. 13th and at 9:30 p.m. outside 1314 Walnut St. — At 7:20 p.m. Feb. 5, police issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1018 Market St. ■

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PGN FEATURE

AC ul t ure rts

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PAGE 27

Barcrawlr Bulletin Board Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

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Aiden makes trouble

Out singer-songwriter explores new sound on latest album By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

REVIEW Aiden James Trouble With This Songster Sounds Fans of the folk singer-songwriter sound Aiden James established on his last two albums might find his latest album a shock to the system — but it’s only a mild shock and, listening to the results, they’d get over it fast enough. James’ acoustic guitars coexist with synths and electronic beats on the majority of the songs, but they are always bubbling underneath the glittery surface, driving the tunes. As a result, James’ brand of heartfelt songs crafts a glossy sheen and new-age atmospherics. The best songs on the album are those in which James exercises the most restraint with the electronic wizardry. When the acoustic guitars and pianos are in the front seat of the mix, it gets no better than songs like “Lullaby,” “Snapshot” and “Gonna Hurt More.” James gets furthest from his traditional sound when he lets programmed beats drive the songs, giving a poppy bounce to tracks like “Best Shot” and “Let’s Go.” At times, it feels like James crashed a recording session meant for Gwen Stefani (it’s that happy and bubbly). It’s a pleasant-enough detour, and we’d love to see if James is willing to take his flirtations with technology further down the rabbit hole on future albums. That said, James is smart enough to know that people love their singer-songwriters deep, introspective and soulful, if not sometimes dark and brooding. Thankfully, that characterizes most of the songs on “Trouble,” a solid album that should please James’ fans while exposing him to a wider audience. ■ — Larry Nichols

Out Philly-based singersongwriter Aiden James kicked off 2012 in spectacular fashion, with the release of his latest independent album, “Trouble With This,” in January and plans to celebrate with a special performance Feb. 25. “Trouble,” which is James’ third independently released album, finds him incorporating synthesizer and electronics into the folk-and-rock-inspired songwriting he established on his previous two albums. “I like music with movement and I started to experiment,” James said. “I produced and engineered my own record and I started experimenting with new sounds. I had a specific sonic idea of what I wanted these songs to sound like, and these synths and electronic elements really just made the songs soar and made them bigger and closer to what I hear in my mind when I’m performing. I hear all the lush accompaniments — it brings out what I had in my mind that would take these songs to the next level.” James added he doesn’t think the new sounds are going to be much of a turn-off to fans who are accustomed to his more organic-sounding albums. “I’ve gotten a huge response from it,” he said. “Everybody has really liked it and is superexcited. I feel like they have been waiting for something like this from me for a while. “The goal is always to say something in a way that things haven’t been said before. The song ‘It’s Gonna Hurt More’

— I was always surprised that people really responded to that track. It’s very cutting. It’s probably one of the meanest, sweetest songs that I have ever written. So I feel I have definitely grown as a songwriter and it shows on this record.” James, like many singersongwriters, tours the country and the world performing in venues with just a guitar and no band to back him up. But that constraint doesn’t worry him when it comes to taking the more-complex songs from the

new album on the road. “Primarily, the songs will stand on their own,” he said. “I’ve toured with me and my guitar. Being an independent artist, that is the easiest way for me to get to as many places as I can. As far as having a band, that stuff can get super-expensive. So for big shows like the Philly album release, I will have a band and a string section with me. I also have some cooleffects pedals and processors so, when I do tour and I might not have a band, there will be

some cool sounds coming out of my vocals and my guitar.” James added he plans to embark on an international tour to promote his new album. “I have tours booked all the way to California and back and I’m trying to work with another songwriter for some European dates,” he said. “I really want to go back to Germany and the Mediterranean. German is my second language, so I want to go over there and practice. Maybe play a little ‘99 Luftballoons’ because they love that.”

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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James’ success as a performer is a considerable feat considering he’s an independent artist. While he doesn’t rule out ever signing to a major label, he does recognize the pros and cons of doing so — as well as the ups and downs of remaining an independent artist. “With record labels, there’s still a lot of red tape with all these legacies in the industry,” he said. “But they are sort of breaking down because of things like Twitter and YouTube and Facebook. I use all of those to reach out to my fans. That’s how I told them a b o u t h ow I’m making a new record and how they helped with donations. The biggest thing that’s stopping me is not having a magnifying glass over what I’m doing. I have this really great record and spend a lot of time online searching for press to reach out to, emails for booking agents at clubs I want to get into and magazine editors. It’s more the access to the industry and all that information that is getting in my way as far as getting my music out to another level of

New Year’s resolution ... vacation ...

exposure. That’s the biggest thing holding me back right now — not having an agent or somebody to take a big magnifying glass and put it over my records so people can hear it and see it. I would entertain the option of being on a major label. What I’ve done now is established a brand and I’ve been touring for a while. I would be into a major label to magnify what I’ve done, but I’ve heard a lot of bad stories from my friends who have been signed to major labels where things end up not working out. I’ve heard that a lot of times, so I would go in skeptically. But if the deal is right and I had some good people from my team to call some of the shots, I think it would be ideal with a record label.” ■ Aiden James performs an album-release show for “Trouble With This” 9:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-9256455, or visit www.aidenjamesmusic.com or www.milkboyphilly.com.

Work It Out

swimsuit season ... wedding There’s always a reason to be in shape

Read Work It Out every fourth week of the month. Also check out our digital “ﬂipbook” of the full print edition at issuu.com/philagaynews with issuu’s Android app.

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PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Suzi Nash

Hector Cruz: Chinese daggers, chess and ‘Dr. Who’ His accent is the male version of “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara’s, rolling Rs and all. He has an infectious laugh that often turns into a bubbling giggle and, at 5-foot3 and 125 pounds, you might not think of Hector Cruz as a force to be reckoned with. But looks can be deceiving. The diminutive Cruz is the newly crowned National Blackbelt League World Champion in the Soft Creative Division and this year’s runner up on the Traditional Chinese and Open Chinese weapons division. The only openly gay competitor, Cruz hopes to inspire more LGBT people to enter the field of martial arts. PGN: Where are you from? HC: I was born in Puerto Rico. PGN: What was it like growing up there? HC: It was great: We were near but not in the city. So I grew up near the ocean. I miss that most of all. I was very much into sports — swimming, playing tennis and basketball, riding my bike, that sort of thing. I’m the oldest of three and I also have five stepbrothers and sisters. [Laughs.] Actually, I’m the oldest of all eight! I came to the U.S. in ’95 to go to Temple. It’s changed a bit now, but the culture was very homophobic at the time. PGN: What was a favorite thing to do with your siblings? HC: Board games. We loved dominos, bingo, checkers, chess, you name it. One year we got one of those, how do you say, soccer tables? With the little men? PGN: Foosball? HC: Yes! We played the heck out of that. We also loved going bowling. I still do. Since my sister was the only girl, she had to be a tomboy to play with us. PGN: Favorite class in high school? HC: Spanish! I loved reading. Always. We had a real mean teacher but you came out of his class knowing perfect grammar. PGN: So for you Spanish was not like we take Spanish, but like we take English to study literature and grammar. HC: Yes, though I hated the grammar part. The reading I loved, that and math. It was great to read and interpret books. It’s funny in Puerto Rico: There’s a big difference between public and private schools. Both are good, but you come out of private school speaking much better English. PGN: Which did you go to? HC: Public! [Laughs.] Can’t you tell? We weren’t poor, but we weren’t rich either. PGN: What did your parents do? HC: My mother was a homemaker while we were growing up. She waited until we

were all grown to work. After my grandpa Paco passed away, she took a bartending course and later she started working as a cook in a vegetarian restaurant. And none of us are vegetarians! It’s crazy! My real dad did all sorts of blue-collar jobs: He was a mechanic and a bus driver, construction, you name it. My stepdad, who raised me, was a bartender all his life. He used to dress in a tuxedo every night, always, always, whether he was working in a bar, a bowling alley or a sweet 16 party. PGN: What was your first job? HC: When I was about 17, there was a party and my dad was bartending and I got a job as a server. I put food in front of people. Then when I came to the States, I got a job at the Korean deli at 12th and Walnut, I worked there for seven years on the night shift. That was interesting. PGN: What was your major at Temple? And what do you do now? HC: I got my graduate degree in anthropology from Temple and now I work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a social worker. I got the job at a job fair here in town. PGN: How did you get started in martial arts? HC: My generation grew up watching Bruce Lee and Shaw Brothers kung fu movies. So ever since I was little I wanted to do martial arts but my parents couldn’t afford it. [Pauses.] The sad truth is that there was a domestic-violence incident when I was about 22. I met someone who turned out not to be the prince charming I thought he was. After that I vowed never to let myself be a victim again. It was a while before I started doing martial arts. My current partner Jerry helped me and it’s been great. Not only is it important from the physical side, it’s also very therapeutic. PGN: How did Jerry help you? HC: [Laughs.] He was the voice of reason! I was looking at a popular school that was run by this really big tough guy. Jerry said, “What is he going to teach you? He’s 6-foot-4 and muscular. You’re short and skinny! You need someone like you who’s going to teach you how to fight like a little guy. I know a master at a kung fu school who is small and scrawny like you and he’s dangerous. That’s where you want to go.” He was right! It’s been seven years and counting and I’m now the newly crowned NBL World Champion in the Soft Creative Division. PGN: I was looking up the sport and thought the titles were very interesting. In addition to having a Chinese division and a Japanese division and a Korean division, there were also categories for Hard

Creative Forms and Hard Choreographed Musical Forms division, Choreographed Fight division and Hard Open Musical Forms division. I watched one of your competitions on YouTube: If I didn’t know what it was about, I would have looked at you funny if you’d asked me to watch your soft form video! HC: [Laughs.] That’s funny! Yes, we have many forms; there’s also point sparring and point fighting and so much more. PGN: Well, congratulations on your Soft Creative championship. HC: Thank you, but I still want to win the traditional and the weapons. Hopefully this will be the year. I have to keep training and competing because I really want to win the traditional championship. My teacher won it for three years. He was happy for me for my title but scolded me, “We’re a traditional school! Where’s that title?” [Laughs.] I told him, “What can I say, I have the gay genes. We do better in the creative!”

coordination, no stamina — it was terrible. [Laughs.] I kept saying to myself, “I’m gay! Why am I volunteering to get beat up?” It was hard — definitely not for everybody — but I’m so glad I stuck with it. When I was down on myself because I seemed so far behind everyone else, my friend Frank gave me the best advice I’ve received. He said, “Don’t ever compare yourself to others. Everyone learns differently.” I realized that some people may have been faster at learning than me, but I learned more thoroughly. PGN: What’s the worst accident you’ve had? HC: Oh boy, there are so many. I’ve hit myself with the staff and cut myself with the sword. One time I was fighting my friend A.J. and I got beat up so bad I could hardly walk the next day. And one time I accidentally punched this guy in the mouth and his teeth came loose. It was so embarrassing! It’s all part of the game but I felt so bad. And my boyfriend goes crazy. He’s like, “Oh my God, you’re so bruised, people are going to think I’m beating you up!” PGN: When I first heard you did martial arts, I thought of Ultimate Fighting, the mixed martial arts bouts in a big cage. But what I saw in your video was more like ballet and very elegant. Do you think the Ultimate Fighting craze gives martial arts a bad rap? HC: No, because I consider that martial sports, whereas we are martial arts. And when you think about it, they’re in a ring with referees and equipment and it’s very regulated. On the street, you’re not wearing a cup. So if someone kicks you down there, it’s gonna hurt and there’s no tapping out!

PGN: Have you had to use your skills? HC: Thank God, no. And I Photo: Suzi Nash don’t want to ever have to. PGN: What weapons do you work with? I’m prepared, but the whole HC: I do the twin double swords, the staff idea is not to have to use it. and the miao dao, which is a sword that’s almost as big as me, Chinese daggers PGN: But it must feel good to know you and I’m just learning the pu dao, which can defend yourself. HC: Oh yes, it does change you that way. is known as the horse chopper. It’s a long It gives you more confidence. I really wish staff with a blade at the end. more LGBT people would participate. PGN: Ouch! Was it hard learning all that? HC: When I first started doing it, ooh, PGN: You mentioned that it was a domestic-violence incident I wanted to quit. I had no balance, no PAGE 26

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

NIGHTLIFE PGN

Never Can Say Goodbye How often these days do you hear Everyone will be there: Goddess about a bartender working at the same Isis, Navaya Shay, Omyra Lynn, Mrs. bar for 29 years? You don’t. Stuff like Pinklewinkle, Porcelain, Brittany Lynn, that just doesn’t happen anymore. Diana Dharling, Stella D’oro, Anita So when it does happen, you know it’s Manhattan, Crystal Tee Electra, Cherry something special. Well, an era is comPop, Misty Maven, Satine Harlow and more. ing to an end this weekend, my friends, because Terry Versailles is retiring from Ladies 2000 Presidents’ Day Bash The Bike Stop. Celebrate Presidents’ Day weekend Terry started at The Bike Stop a few from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 19 at Top Dog, 2310 months after Ron Lord opened it in 1982. But on Feb. 18, just shy of his 30th Marlton Pike (Route 70) in Cherry Hill. Don’t miss the $1 power hour from 3anniversary at the bar, Terry is retiring 4 p.m., the free hot dinner buffet or DJ and moving to Washington, D.C., with his handsome husband, Rich. Steve Singer. If you’ve ever been to The For more information, see Bike Stop, chances are Terry www.ladies2000.com. served you, either in the main bar or down in The Pit. Or The RED Party maybe he made you laugh Looking for something as the emcee of a leather new? Then put on something contest alongside Stella, the red and check out the RED “Maneater from Manyunk.” party from 8-10 p.m. Feb. 25 With his signature black at Woody’s Bar, 202 S. 13th moustache and white wifeSt. beater, Terry is a Gayborhood Your $10 cover gets you on the dance floor all night long institution. Don’t miss your chance to come out Saturday and raises money for RED — night and wish him well as he Jim Kiley- Rising Equality Donors — a group of young professionals embarks on the next adventure Zufelt working to achieve equality on the long and winding road of his life. by raising money for Equality So long, Terry! You are truly one of a PA and help elect pro-LGBT candidates kind. The Bike Stop and Philly will miss in Pennsylvania. you terribly. For more information, check out www. equalitypa.org. February Stimulus February Stimulus will be held 10 Aiden James album release party p.m.-2 a.m. on Feb. 17, in its biggest Don’t miss your chance to see local venue ever, Shampoo Nightclub at 417 bear cub heartthrob James, 8:30 p.m.N. Eighth St. 12:30 a.m. Feb. 25 at Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut St. It’s also going to be a “Red and Pink He’ll celebrate the official release of Affair,” so make sure you get dolled up his new album, “Trouble With This,” in your best red and pink attire so you with a special concert and after-party can impress everyone during Stimulus featuring DJ Carl Michaels. Space is limSpeed Dating. Seats in speed dating ited so grab all your friends and get your are limited, so don’t forget to RSVP at stimulusparty@gmail.com. tickets early. For more information, check out www. For tickets and more information, visit stimulusphilly.com. www.milkboyphilly.com.

Barcrawlr

BootLust 4.0 The Keystone boys of Leather are back with BootLust 4.0, their annual signature event celebrating boot worship, boot blacking, beer, boys and more. The fun kicks off at 10 p.m. on Feb. 18 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. For more information, check out www.kbol. org. Brandon’s Drag Superstar Birthday Bash Brandon will celebrate his birthday in drag-tacular style from 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 19 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Cover charge is $5 and includes a free drink.

The last-ever Philly Scene Party The party’s over, kids. The last Philly Scene party ever (that’s right, ever) will be held 10 p.m. Feb. 25 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. To paraphrase Donna Summer, it’s your last chance to flirt with the sexy shot girls, your last chance to groove to hot music by DJ Kash and, yes, it might even be your last chance for love. So get out there and dance your ass off one last time with the Scene and help them go out in style! ■ Questions, comments or requests? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Q Puzzle Hairy Potter Across

1. Ingrid’s “Casablanca” role 5. Eva Gabor’s “Green ___ “ 10. Balls 14. What an adjective modifies 15. Lorna of literature 16. From the top 17. Actor interviewed in “Heat” about “manscaping” 20. Hairy member of the Addams family 21. The guy you’re seeing? 22. The Crimson Tide’s st. 23. Soft leather 25. Author whose

poems inspired “Cats” 27. “God loves everybody,” to Jane Spahr 28. Puts stitches in 29. Straight, in a bar 32. ‘N Sync member Lance 34. Glide on snow 36. Cutting light 38. It kept 65Across from shooting off missiles 41. Long of “If These Walls Could Talk 2” 42. Emcee’s opening 43 McKellen of “The Da Vince Code” 44. Beat poet 47. One under Sgt. Matlovich 48. Far out, when cruising

49. “Ben Hur” novelist Wallace 51. To date, but not to go out with 53. Eligible for Soc. Sec. 54. River of Gay Paree 56. Restaurateur Toots 57. Stuff in a closet 59. Cold shoulder 60. Track tipper 61. Actress MacDowell 62. “The African Queen” author 63. French I verb 64. Kind of question 65. Cold War rival of the USA Down 1. Bring to trial 2. Cannot bear 3. South Beach souvenir

4. Darth, as a boy 5. Ike’s opponent 6. Woes of toes 7. Yellow-brick way 8. Come as far as 9. Groups that make a sound like lovemaking? 10. Queer in Quebec 11. Disgruntled fan’s cry 12. Kitchen coating 13. Enjoys a good hard workout 18. Be a ham in “Hamlet”? 19. Yorkshire city 24. Domestic 26. Bitch role of ‘50s television 30. Garment with a flared bottom 31. Reddish-orange fruit 32. Composer Leonard

33. Hit the decks 34. Album item 35. With 37-Down, movie in which 17Across plays 43Across 37. Fellows may receive them 39. See 35-Down 40. Wide-eyed ones 45. D.C. summer hrs. 46. U. degrees 47. “Oh! Calcutta!” group of actors? 50. Painter Max 52. Collectible illustrator 55. Hairy twin 57. One-nightstand partner, crudely 58. Keanu in “The Matrix” PAGE 31

Look for our restaurant review next week of Gayborhood newcomer Fish that got you into the art — were you picked on as a kid? HC: No, never. I was actually very popular. I never had a problem that way as a kid.

oldest, they had certain expectations for me. I came out in college and I was lucky that they had a support group there: It really helped me a lot.

PGN: Favorite Bruce Lee movie? HC: “Enter the Dragon” of course!

PGN: How did you tell your mom? HC: You know, she brought it up. She noticed something and asked me if I needed to talk. She said, “You can tell me anything, mothers always understand ... ” [Laughs.] Which of course was a big lie! She didn’t understand at all, not at all!

PGN: I read that you’re a member of the chess club at William Way. HC: Yes! And we need more members! We used to have one woman and one transperson and they had to stop coming so we need more people. We’re open to everyone and we do more than just stare at the board. We laugh and have fun and sometimes go out for drinks or coffee. PGN: Do you find similarities between chess and martial arts? HC: Both require discipline and focus and, in the point-sparring matches like chess, you have to think two moves ahead. PGN: Tell me about coming out. HC: It was hard. My dad wasn’t so bad. Partly because since he and my mom divorced he’s lived near New York and maybe that helped him be a little more open-minded. Or maybe because he wasn’t there, he felt he had no say or was even responsible for me being gay. But with my mom and stepdad it was harder. Being the

PGN: How long have you and Jerry been together? HC: On and off for about 14 years. We break up, we get back together, we break up ... I was just telling him the other day, “Hey, it feels kind of weird, we haven’t broken up for a while! We’re overdue. We need to have an argument where I won’t speak to you for two weeks!” [Laughs.] PGN: Now for some random questions. Who should play you in an action flick? HC: It would have to be somebody short, skinny and good-looking! I’d say Jerry Rivera. He’s a salsa singer. PGN: If you could help one person change their life, who would it be? HC: I don’t know about one person, but it’s always been my dream to have a mar-

tial arts school that was open to everyone but especially catered to the LGBT community. I’ve been very lucky to have a gayfriendly teacher — he’s a good-enough friend that when he’s not calling me Kung Fu Chihuahua he just calls me the gay boy — but I would like to see us have a place of our own. Maybe because of the bullying, maybe because I know what it can do for your confidence, but that’s my dream. I’m the only gay guy in my school. It’s nice to have someone say, “Listen, he’s gay and he’s the world champion, I want to be a world champion too!” Hopefully, I can inspire people. PGN: If you were to be reincarnated as an animal, what would you be and why? HC: A raccoon! [Said with a long rolling “R.”] I love them. I think they’re adorable! PGN: What time period would you go back to? HC: The second half of the 19th century. That was such a time of change, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and the time when Western philosophy shifted from a time of doubt to a time of optimism and hope. It felt like it was such a time of discovery, science could do no wrong, anything was possible. It was also the start of a lot of science fiction and I’m a big science-fiction geek.

PGN: “Dr. Who”? HC: I love “Dr. Who.” I watched it when I was little and still watch it now. I used to read all sorts of Jules Verne books. PGN: Do you collect anything? HC: I collect bookmarks and magnets. Oh, and snow globes! PGN: Favorite Valentine memory? HC: A few years ago, Jerry said he wasn’t going to get me anything for Valentine’s Day. We’d had an argument and he’d said, “I’m never going to buy you flowers again!” But then he surprised me with a card, a big stuffed animal, chocolates and I even got flowers, too! I was so excited because I thought I wasn’t going to get anything! PGN: Something you’d like to learn how to do? HC: Drive! When I was a teenager I was always scared to drive and I never got a license. PGN: So you mostly do Chinese martial arts — know any good curses in Chinese? HC: No, but after working in a Korean deli for seven years, I know plenty in Korean! ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

Worth Watching

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

THE STARTING LINE: Emmy Award-winning reality series “The Amazing Race” is back with a new global adventure for its 20th season, in which 11 teams compete to win $1 million, 8 p.m. Feb. 19 on CBS. Hopefully, as with many previous seasons, there will be a gay team. Photo:

D’OH YEAH!: “The Simpsons” reaches a milestone when its 500th episode finds the family banished from Springfield (again?), 8 p.m. Feb. 19 on Fox. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange guest-stars as himself and musician Alison Krauss will provide a special theme song for the landmark episode.

CBS/Robert Voets

SECRETS UNCOVERED: Barney (out actor Neil Patrick Harris) finds something private of Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily’s (Alyson Hannigan), on a new episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” 8 p.m. Feb. 20 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Monty Brinton

GEORGE OF THE URBAN JUNGLE: Donald Trump returns with an all-new lineup of celebrity candidates, including openly gay contestants actor George Takei (pictured) and singer Clay Aiken, in the fifth installment of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” in which 18 business-savvy celebrities will compete to raise money and awareness for their charity of choice, 9 p.m. Feb. 19 on NBC.

TRAVEL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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

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Outward Bound

Jeff Guaracino

Three trip ideas to take you around the world Not sure where in the world to go this year? Here are three trip ideas that could have you traveling on one, two or three continents. Better keep your passport handy. Mexico Could the world end when the Mayan calendar ends this year? (Better cash in your miles now!) In reality, Dec. 21, 2012, is a mysterious date that concludes a significant cycle within the Mayan calendar — the ending of the 13th b’ak’tun, a measurement of time in the Mayan calendar comprised of a period of 400 years. Mexican tourism officials and historians claim that it is not the end of the world. Instead, for this highly advanced and enlightened ancient civilization, the end of this Mayan calendar would be a cause for a celebration. I can’t think of a better party destination in Mexico than Cancun. Cancun draws an international crowd. Fabulous hotels, including the luxurious Westin Resort and Spa Cancun (www.starwoodhotels.com), are lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches. LGBT sunbathers can be found most afternoons at the public beach, Playa Delfines, located at the southern end of the hotel zone not far from the Westin. There is an amazing and growing gay and lesbian nightlife. When it comes to nightlife, the gay scene is concentrated around Avenida Tulum in downtown, which is about 15 minutes from the hotel zone. Check out clubs 11:11 and Karamba. It’s easy to visit Mexico. Multiple airlines offer nonstop service. You just need a valid U.S. passport. English is widely spoken. To customize your own tour, check out Gay Tours Mexico (www.gaytoursmexico.com). For general visitor information, go to www.visitmexico.com. Transatlantic cruise Looking for travel that’s both elegant and modern? Why not travel between two continents on one fabulous ship? Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the world’s last cruise ship to make a regularly scheduled transatlantic crossing between New York City and Southhampton, England. Voyages, as they are called, promise ultimate luxury. The QM2 claims to have both the largest orchestra and the only planetarium at sea. It takes seven nights to make the journey between the continents. This being a British ship, there are traditional afternoon teas and the spa is by Canyon Ranch. You will need your tuxedo and finest cocktail attire for the evening royal balls. There are seven cruises that feature artists from New York’s famed Julliard School. Cost depends on your stateroom accommodations, ranging from Britannia to Princess

CUNARD QM2 STAIRCASE

Grill staterooms and Queen’s Grill apartments. For more information and to watch a series of fabulous videos that will indulge your inner princess, visit www.cunard. com. Brazil This April marks an official coming-out for the oceanic island Florianopolis as one of the best gay and lesbian destinations in South America. Florianopolis will host the 2012 IGLTA Global Annual Convention to send out a welcome message to LGBT travelers worldwide. Floripa, as the locals call it, has a history that resembles San Francisco, even having its own “golden gate.” This resort destination is known for gorgeous beaches, quaint fishing villages, excellent surfing and locally made crafts. Now with nonstop airline service on TAM Airlines from New York City, it is easier than ever to make a visit to any city or beach destination in Brazil. You must plan your visit well in advance. You will need a U.S. passport and a visa to enter the country. Visas & Passports 2 Go (www. vp2go.com), based in Washington, D.C., can expedite your application. A 10-year Brazilian visa costs $160. Additional fees apply. Visit www.Braziltour.com for tourism information about Brazil. For visitor information about Florianopolis, visit www.SantaCatarina.travel. ■ Jeff Guaracino is a vice president for Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing” and vice chair for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. He has learned how to find the best deals and travel resources for the LGBT community. When traveling locally, check out visitphilly.com/gay and friend visitgayphilly.com/facebook.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Food & Drink

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 02/17 Less Than Jake The punk band celebrates its 20th anniversary 7 p.m. at The Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Aaron Lewis The rock singer performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. MST3K: Time Chasers The cynical robot cinephiles are at it again, 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. February Stimulus: The Red and Pink Affair The LGBTQ dance party is back 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Shampoo, 417 N. Eighth St.; 215-922-7500.

Sat. 02/18 Symposium on The Contemporary Performance of Sex, Gender and Embodiment Fort Blossom (2000), choreographed and designed by Jasperse, is a 40minute work that examines contemporary notions of how we experience the body as both owners and spectators, 1 p.m. at Hepburn Teaching Theater, Goodhart Hall, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-5265210. The Secret of Moonacre The children’s film based on the book “The Little White Horse” by Elizabeth Goudge is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Eddie Money The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at

House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Funk Fresh Flashback, Vol. 3 Ed Lover, of “Yo! MTV Raps,” hosts a DJ battle featuring performances by Brand Nubian, Kwame, Nice n Smooth and Poor Righteous Teachers, 8 p.m. at The Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic The funk group performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650. Jim Brickman: An Evening of Romance The pianist performs 8 p.m. at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Aaron Lewis The rock singer performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Steve Aoki The DJ artist performs 10 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Sun. 02/19 Auntie Mame The Oscar-nominated 1958 drama is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Tabloid The documentary is screened 4:30 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Portlandia: The Tour Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”) and Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney), the co-creators, writers and stars of IFC’s “Portlandia,” perform live music and present sneakpeek clips from the show’s second season, 8 and 10:30 p.m. at The Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

SILENT BUT DEADLY: See what all the Oscar buzz is about and why all the other ﬁlm nominees are shaking in their boots. “The Artist” is screened through Feb. 23 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. For more information, call 610-917-0223.

Brandon’s Drag Superstar Birthday Bash The drag show commences 10 p.m. at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675.

Mon. 02/20 Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Casablanca The classic film is screened 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Team America: World Police The action-spoof film performed by marionettes is screened 8 p.m. at The Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Tue. 02/21 Unlabeled: The Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up and Comers Sign up and play, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Jamal Joseph The author of “Panther Baby: A

Life of Rebellion and Reinvention” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Mardi Gras with Wild Bohemians: 28th Annual Mardi Gras Show The party gets started 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. TuesGAY Nights Lyrics Lounge and DJ June Rodrigues hosts a weekly night of music and performers for the LGBT community, 8 p.m., 6527 Roosevelt Blvd.; 215-533-5888.

Thu. 02/23

Fri. 02/24

Edmund White The gay literary icon hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.

1964: The Tribute The Beatles tribute band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215572-7650.

Big Sam’s Funky Nation The funk group performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

New York Philharmonic The orchestra performs 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Guns N’ Roses The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000.

Wed. 02/22 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Saul Williams The musician, author and poet performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Church of The Poisoned Mind The Dumpsta Players perform 10 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

YOU SPIN ME ROUND (LIKE A RECORD, BABY): Out DJ, performer and occasional arm-candy for a certain legally challenged starlet, Samantha Ronson will have everyone on the dance ﬂoor shaking their collective booty bits when she performs 10 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Borgata’s Mixx Club, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, visit www.theborgata.com, www. samantharonson.com or call 609317-1000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Ax and Frühbeck: Mozart and Brahms The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Feb. 23-25 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Motherhood: The Musical Society Hill Playhouse presents the musical comedy from the creators of “Menopause: The Musical,” through Feb. 29, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-9230211.

Ethel! Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of blues and jazz vocalist Ethel Waters, Feb. 21-March 11 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

The Mousetrap Walnut Street Theatre presents the Agatha Christie murder mystery about a group of people trapped in a mansion during a snowstorm only to find out that one of them is a murderer, through March 4, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Penn Glee Club 150th Anniversary Performance The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents a joint undergraduate-alumni performance, Feb. 17-18 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900

Time, Light, Chance The James Oliver Gallery presents Ron Johnson’s exhibition of oil paintings, through March 2, 723 Chestnut St., fourth floor; www.jamesolivergallery. com.

AOKI IN WONDERLAND: Electro musician, remix artist and producer Steve Aoki, also known as Kid Millionaire, will have the house shaking when he holds court 10 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Continuing The Abduction from the Seraglio The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs through Feb. 26 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and Japanese design, through fall 2012, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Doing Time | Depth of Surface Philagrafika hosts an exhibition exploring the architecture and stories of Philadelphia’s historic Holmesburg Prison, through March 17 at The Galleries at Moore, 20th and the Parkway; 215-9654027, thegalleriesatmoore.org.

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.

Van Gogh Up Close Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by Vincent van Gogh, through May 6, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

acclaimed out photographer’s work and the first critical assessment of her 10-year project to exhibit her photographs annually beneath a section of Interstate-95 in South Philadelphia, through April 22, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Closing The Artist The Oscar-nominated silent film is screened through Feb. 23 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. Rachmaninoff Second Concerto The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Feb. 18 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. The Scottsboro Boys The Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical from the legendary songwriting team of Kander and Ebb exploring the infamous 1930s Scottsboro Case, in which a group of African-American teens are falsely accused of a terrible crime, through Feb. 19 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. ■

ATOMIC GOD OF FUNK: The godfather of funk parks the mothership in town when George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic tear the roof off 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. For more information or tickets, call 215-5727650.

"BOLD, FRESH AND TRANSCENDENT. " - THE NEW YORKER

Zaha Hadid: Form in Motion Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of product designs by architect Hadid, who in 2004 became the first female recipient of the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize, through March 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Zoe Strauss: Ten Years Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a mid-career retrospective of the

�� kimmelcenter.org/broadway A CO-PRESENTATION OF THE

Kimmel Center for the performing arts

215.731.3333 sponsored by:

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

12-step programs and support groups

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 1800-662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 12-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 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 and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; 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)

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday except for 12-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Meets daily 8:30-9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m-

midnight and 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center. ■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St; 215-985-9206. ■ Ties That Bind Us, a 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community, meets 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call 800-581-7883.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.

■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental health

available by appointment at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-5869077.

Professional groups

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org.

Emotional Support

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

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St..; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000

Al-Anon

■

and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-5452242; phillysos.tripod.com.

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215- 769-3561. bebashi.org ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIVpositive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 x 235. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at

YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215851-1898. Wednesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215-848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com. Saturdays: n AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 1-800-810-6776 for meeting location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m., and

7 p.m. Friday, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; call Troy for ﬂoor/ room number, 215-514-3065; www.oa.org. ■ Meets at 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center.

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints

Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance

abuse problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing with Spanish/English counselors 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www. fight.org.

REALPGN ESTATE

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

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ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________36-10 Owner has 1 BR avail. furn. $600 + 1/3 utils. 19th ﬂ Independence Pl. 267-519-0091. _______________________________36-14

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Home of the Week

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

Featured property:

Brigantine, NJ - $439,900 Stunning Cathedral Kitchen & Family Room ceilings, w/ Remote skylights & shades.... built around a center ﬁreplace with three Casablanca Remote Controlled Fans & Lights. Recessed Lighting, Pendent Quartz over Island and Kitchen Peninsula. Oak Hardwood ﬂoors in Master Bedroom & Family Rooms. Beautiful Tile Design in Kitchen, Jacuzzi in Master Bath. Two Ext. Porches, One Enclosed, Huge private patio.

Seller: James Moffa

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Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2009 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs

Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012

Open House Sunday Feb. 19, 2012 Noon-2:30pm 705 Carpenter Ln 19119 4BR/1.5BA house - $349,900 4BR/1.5BA Beautiful stone house in W. Mt. Airy Perennial garden, open front porch, stone ﬁreplace, chef’s kitchen, HW ﬂoors.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

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George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden private entrance.. Low fees & Tax e 1 bd. in area ........................��. ��

ew open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo o fees. Great small pet friendly building. ..................................��

wedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Garage, roof deck and hardwood ﬂoors. Queen Village ....................��

ING. Large update 4 bd. 2 ba. with rfully roof deck with city skyline views. ..........................................��

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PGN

REAL ESTATE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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Open House - Saturday February 25th, 12:00-5:00 Perfect location in the heart of Collingswood! Just one block from restaurants and shops of charming Haddon Ave. This bright and beautiful townhome has it all. A newly renovated enclosed porch greets you. Step into a cozy living and dining room with RESTORED ORIGINAL HARDWOOD ﬂoors and crown molding. Both kitchen and bath have been updated. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, GLASS MOSIAC BACKSPLASH, customized SOLID OAK cabinets and more. CUSTOM CERAMIC TILE throughout bath room plus NEW ﬁxtures. There are 3 bright and spacious bedrooms with newer carpets. CENTRAL AIR, thermopane windows throughout, CUSTOM WOOD BLINDS and so much more. Just 10 minutes from Center City and close to all major highways. Close to parks and patco speedline too! Koi pond in backyard. Bring ALL reasonable offers...Come see what this beautiful townhome has to offer! Owner is a licensed NJ real estate associate. Price: $177,900

730 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ Davd G. Donch 856-858-2200 Cell: (856) 220-6773 www.MainStRealty.com E-mail: daviddonch@yahoo.com REAL ESTATE

RENT

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________36-10 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215) 735-8050. _______________________________36-17 SOUTH PHILA, PENNSPORT 3 story , 2 BR, 2 full BA, MBR ste w/vaulted ceiling & deck. H/W ﬂrs thruout, ceiling fans, C/A, W/D, granite countertops, 1st. ﬂ patio. CC, ref req. $1750/mo. 1st & last, one mo. sec. req. 215-514-8129, suze331@comcast.net _______________________________36-09

AUTOS SELL YOUR CAR, TRUCK or SUV TODAY! All 50 states, fast pick-up and payment. Any condition, make or model. Call now 1-877-8188848 www.MyCarforCash.net _______________________________36-07

FOR SALE SAWMILLS From only $3997-MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N. _______________________________36-07

PGN

SERVICES EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________36-07 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715. _______________________________36-07

HELP WANTED

VACANCY Teacher of Biology (9-12) - Prince Edward Schools, Farmville, VA - (434)315-2100. www.pecps.k12.va.us Closing Date: Until filled. EOE. _______________________________36-07 CDL-A. DRIVE WITH PRIDE Up to $3,000 Sign-On Bonus for Qualified Drivers! CDL & 6mo. OTR exp. REQ’D. USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www.usatruck.jobs _______________________________36-07 HIRING EXPERIENCED/INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Great Benefits and Pay! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req. - Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www. OakleyTransport.com _______________________________36-07 Owner/Operator’s $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Relocate for tons of warm South TX runs! Frac Sand Hauling. Must have tractor, pneumatic trailers, blower. 1-800-397-2672. _______________________________36-07

Driver - Up to $.42/mile plus $.02/mile safety bonus. Daily Pay. Weekly Hometime. Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com _______________________________36-07 $0 TUITION CDL (A) Training @ a JOB! Top Industry Pay, Quality Training, Stability & Miles! *Short employment commitment required. 800-326-2778 www. JoinCRST.com _______________________________36-07 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com _______________________________36-07 Drivers- Pyle Transport Needs Owner Operators & Company Drivers. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Miles. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Charity: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com _______________________________36-07

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED

PGN currently has an advertising sales position available for an energetic, self-motivated individual with outstanding communication skills. Our ideal candidate must have polished sales skills with experience in lead generation and cold calling, combined with a track record of closing the sale. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of successful sales experience, preferably in print and/or online sales • Strong verbal and writing skills • Excellent at relationship building • Ability to work independently and part of a team • Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus • Computer literacy a must Salary/Benefits: Salary plus commission. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation and a casual work environment. Qualified individuals interested in applying are encouraged to send their resume to dan@epgn.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Feb. 17-23, 2012

PGN

H APPY A NNIVERSAR Y TO U S

1976-2012

PGN

WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR READERS ,

LGBT COMMUNITY FOR 36 YEARS !

OUR ADVER TISERS AND THE FOR SUPPOR TING US

HERE’S

TO THE NEXT

YEARS !