PGN March 6-12. 2015 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Rising to the occasion

Spring Wedding Issue

Family Portrait: Lifting the curtain on Danny de Vil

PAGE 39

PAGE 41

PAGES 13-33

DST begins 2 a.m. Sunday Mar. 6-12, 2015

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 39 No. 10

Two found guilty of 2013 Gayborhood attack By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A judge last week found two men guilty of a 2013 attack in the Gayborhood. On Feb. 27, Common Pleas Judge Giovanni Campbell found Miguel Maldonado and Matthew Morris guilty of aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the Nov. 10, 2013, attack on Nick Forte. The two men were found not guilty of c o n s p i r a c y. MORRIS Robbery, theft (TOP) AND a n d r e l a t e d MALDONADO

charges were previously dropped. They will be sentenced at 9 a.m. May 1 in Room 904 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. Both men are free on bail, and the judge last week denied the prosecution’s request to revoke bail. The sentencing was deferred for a presentence investigation to determine any factors in either man’s history that should be taken into consideration before a sentence is handed down. Both will also undergo a mental-health evaluation. Maldonado was working as a bouncer at Voyeur the night of the incident; he has since been terminated. Surveillance video captured Maldonado striking Forte, a former PGN employee, with a flashlight, and Morris then pummeling him while he was unconscious on the ground. Forte did not respond to a request for comment by presstime.

Wolf urges LGBT protections in budget address By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com On Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf gave a much-anticipated budget address aimed at eliminating the state’s $2.3-billion deficit. Notable in his first formal speech on the matter was his recognition of the correlation between workplace protection for LGBTs and a thriving economy. “The companies and countries that are thriving in today’s global economy are those that are committed to diversity, inclusion and fairness,” Wolf said. “All Pennsylvania families deserve those same opportunities, no matter their race, sexual orientation, where they started life or who they are.” Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin praised the move.

“The governor was wise to recognize the fact that being fair and treating people equally is a powerful economic tool,” Martin told PGN. “I think his remarks make that clear.” “If people feel safe and secure and respected in the workplace, they tend to work harder, stay at the company longer and make for a better workforce in general,” he added. The $33.8-billion spending plan includes tax increases of about 16 percent and restores cuts to education funding put in place by former Gov. Tom Corbett. Line items relevant to the HIV/ AIDS and LGBT communities largely remained the same as last year. In the Health category, funds for STD screening and testing, AIDS programs and special pharmaceutical services

and local health departments all remain the same as last year. The budget proposed that those programs receive $1.73 million, $17.4 million and $25.4 million, respectively. Total spending on health-related services will increase by 2.1 percent, for a total of $204.2 million. The Human Relations Commission, which falls under the Executive Offices category, will receive a 3.6-percent increase in the 2015-16 budget, compared to last year, for a total of $9.59 million. T h e p r o p o s e d bu d g e t i s not final. Much horse-trading between Wolf and the Republican-controlled legislature is expected to take place over the next couple months as they work to finalize the document. n

Trial to resume after Black Madam falls ill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The trial for the transgender hip-hop artist who calls herself Black Madam came to a halt this week when the defendant fell ill, after taking the stand in her own defense. Padge Victoria Windslowe, 43, faces third-degree murder and related charges in connection with the 2011 death of Claudia Aderotimi, a British exotic dancer. Prosecutors say Windslowe injected lowgrade silicone into Aderotimi’s buttocks, which killed the woman. She also faces aggravated-assault charges in connection with another injection that prosecutors

say landed a woman in the hospital. Windslowe took the stand late last week but on Monday complained of chest pains and was admitted to a local hospital. The trial was delayed until Thursday morning, when Windslowe was schedule to resume the stand for cross-examination. Windslowe testified that she was known as the “Michelangelo of buttocks injections” and performed thousands of procedures. A number of women whom Windslowe injected testified earlier last week. When Windslowe was on the stand, she cited Philadelphia native and model Amber Rose as one of her former clients. Prosecutors contend Windslowe attempted to pass herself off as a licensed medical professional, despite having no training and using non-regulated products. The defense has sought to demonstrate that clients came to Windslowe, as opposed to surgeons, because of her reputation. n

RuNWAY ROYALTY: About 50 youth attended a mini-ball sponsored by The Colours Organization Feb. 27 at William Way LGBT Community Center. To get a ticket to the “I Know My Status Ball, guests were required to take an HIV test, and testing and resources were available on site. Youth competed in several categories, with prizes for the winners. Photo: Scott A. Drake

PGN LOCAL

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

National Women and Girls with HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day is observed every year on March 10. According to the CDC, women make up 20 percent of the new HIV infections in the United States, with 80 percent of the new infections among AfricanAmericans and Hispanics. For more information, visit www.fight. org.

News Briefing Local agencies host women’s health event Three community organizations are coming together to raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Philadelphia FIGHT, Caring People Alliance and the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia will mark National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with a community health fair 1-3 p.m. March 7 at the R.W. Brown Community Center, 1707 N. Eighth St. A variety of health and community-based organizations will provide women, girls and families with resources to help prevent the spread of HIV. Health professionals will be available to give free and confidential HIV tests. The event will also feature music, food and other activities.

— Ryan Kasley

Deadline issued for appeal in rape case Jeffrey J. Marsalis, who sexually assaulted two women in Philadelphia before raping a lesbian in Idaho, has been given until March 17 to file an appellant’s brief. Marsalis seeks a new trial, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel during his 2007 Philadelphia trial. He also seeks the removal of the District Attorney’s Office from the case, because one of his accusers allegedly worked at the D.A.’s Office at the time of his 2007 trial. Marsalis requested multiple deadline extensions to file his brief, citing insuffi-

cient documents from Philadelphia court officials to compose it. But last month, the state Superior Court said Marsalis now has sufficient documents to compose his brief, and he won’t be granted additional deadline extensions. Marsalis, 41, remains incarcerated at a state prison in Marienville. His scheduled release date is Jan. 17, 2017. Then, he must begin serving a 14-year prison sentence in Idaho for raping a lesbian in that state, according to court records.

Pauper status approved in Shephard case The pauper status of William F. Smithson, who’s convicted of murdering Jason Shephard in 2006, was recently approved in state Supreme Court. The approval allows Smithson to waive an $85.50 filing fee and move forward with his request that the state Supreme Court consider his case. Smithson wants the court to consider granting him a new trial for Shephard’s murder. But the five judges on the court haven’t

yet announced whether they’ll consider Smithson’s request. In 2008, Smithson was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the strangulation death of Shephard. The two men worked at Daktronics, an electronic-billboard manufacturer. In 2006, Smithson invited Shephard to his Delaware County home. There, Smithson strangled Shephard in the course of trying to rape him, according to prosecutors. Smithson denies the allegations. He maintains that F. Bruce Covington, who was also inside Smithson’s home when Shephard died, wasn’t properly investigated. Covington was convicted of drug-related offenses relating to the incident, but prosecutors say he didn’t kill Shephard. In December, the state Superior Court denied Smithson’s request for a new trial, stating that Covington was adequately investigated. Advocates for Smithson — who is openly gay — say there’s no direct evidence linking Smithson to Shephard’s strangulation. They also say homophobia played a significant role in Smithson’s prosecution. Smithson, 50, remains incarcerated at a state prison in Huntingdon. n — Timothy Cwiek

Locations in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Freddie’s Bar, Pond St. • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Darkanyu, 504 Eagle Lane • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • Lafayette College, 101 Hogg Hall • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Hanover Township • Venture Lounge, 1266 San Souci Parkway • Harrisburg • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Hulmeville • Hulmeville Inn, Trenton and Hulmeville Road. • Huntington • Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Rd. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Diamond Check Cashing, 5 Points• Hurricane Jack’s, 7759 New Falls Rd. • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Levittown Gas, Green Lane and Mill Creek Road • Mailbox Unlimited, 922 S. Woodbourne Rd. • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Moosic • 12 Penny Saloon, 3501 Birney Ave. • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Rd. • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St.• The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wishing Well Giuest House, 114 Old York Rd. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newportville • Road House Inn, 220 New Falls Rd. • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • Norristown • Beagle Tavern, 1003 E. Main St. • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Penndel • Selecto Food Market, Route 413 • Penns Park • United Methodist Church, 2394 Second St. Pike • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berks Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Darkanyu, Bux Mont Unitarian Church, Street Road at Rt. 611 • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads •

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

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

PGN

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

PGN

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

Weekly features

This week in PGN

News&Opinion 2 — News Briefing 8 — Crime Watch 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Street Talk Transmissions 24 — Engagements 27 — Weddings 33 — Media Trail 36 — International

AC &

41 43 46 47 50

C o l u m n s

— — — — —

Family Portrait Scene in Philly Out & About Comic Q Puzzle

15 — Before the Bells: Heading towards the finish line 16 — Out Law: The next LGBT legal challenges

Classifieds 51 — Real Estate 54 — Personals 55 — Bulletin Board

The landscape for same-sex marriage has changed dramatically over the past 24 months.

18 LOVE IN BLOOM: Our semi-annual Wedding Issue includes stories on how to make your wedding more environmentally friendly, the details in the final weeks before your wedding, planning ideas and five pages of wedding and engagement announcements. We also have a special Key West honeymoon travel story and some legal issues since marriage equality has been approved. The special section begins on page 13 with a look at the shift in states where same-sex marriage is now legal. Photo: Scott A. Drake

15 16 17 18 21 24 26 27 33

— — — — — — — — —

You could have a wedding on the beach in Key West. Why not consider having it there on Little White House lawn instead?

March 2013

The final weeks before the wedding The new legal hurdles for marriage equality Finding the perfect “green” caterer Key West for the wedding or the honeymoon The economics of getting gay-married Engagements Free wedding expo returns for same-sex couples Wedding announcements Handling a health challenge

“He’s the kind of person who makes me want to be deserving of him.” ~ Jim Sherrat, about his new husband Brent Reinhard, wedding announcements, page 27

Next week Out Money Thinking Queerly

Two weeks Gettin’ On Outward Bound Paw Prints

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

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

Editor

Advertising Manager

Staff Writers Ryan Kasley (ext. 215) ryan@epgn.com

Advertising Sales Representative Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com

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

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

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

Jen Johnson (ext. 219) jenj@epgn.com Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Rosalind W. Sutch writes about the economic impacts of same-sex marriages and LGBTQ families.

Art Director/ Photographer

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

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

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

LOCAL PGN

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

Gay attorney alleges workplace bias special tHanks to our Friends at tHe pHiladelpHia Gay news differential, he was told by the [Anapol] By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

Jeffrey S. Downs, a gay attorney, says antigay workplace bias and retaliation cost him a lucrative job offer, and he’s suing in state and federal courts. Between 2008-12, Downs worked at the Center City law firm Anapol Schwartz. In 2012, he was offered a new, higher-paying job at the Center City law firm Raynes McCarty. However, the job offer was withdrawn after Anapol officials allegedly conveyed to Raynes officials that Downs was planning to sue Anapol for discrimination. Downs denies planning to sue Anapol. He alleges the false information caused Raynes to withdraw its job offer, resulting in significant financial losses for him. Downs acknowledges filing an internal antibias complaint at Anapol, citing antiLGBT bias and harassment at the firm. Officials acted illegally when retaliating against him for filing the complaint, Downs alleges. “From the date of his hire, Downs was subject to ongoing abusive comments from multiple shareholders of [Anapol] regarding homosexuals and their alleged behavior,” Downs’ lawsuit states. “Specifically, there were ongoing comments made regarding ‘fags’ and ‘gays having nothing else to do other than giving each other blowjobs’ and statements that Downs should not be worried about his pay and payment of expenses since ‘he did not have a family’ — a direct comment that gay men do not have a family. Further, jokes were made about ‘gay bar hopping’ as examples of the types of things not to post on an [Anapol] Facebook page, ‘especially if you are a teacher,’ inferring that all gays are perverts.” Downs also claims his salary wasn’t commensurate with that of similarly situated coworkers. “When Downs complained about the pay

administration that ‘you are the wrong type of person, and in this case it would not help even if you were wearing a dress,’” the lawsuit states. Downs says his efforts to establish antibias policies, a mentoring program and an LGBT affinity group at Anapol were rebuffed. Downs also contends that Anapol and Raynes officials defamed him by making false and malicious comments, including that he tried to “shake down” Anapol. Downs currently works at a law firm in Delaware County, where he earns substantially less money, according to court papers. In a statement to PGN, Downs said he looks forward to being vindicated. “I’d also like to fight the battle to end discrimination and retaliation based on protected activity across the country, and assist getting the federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act passed, so that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers are protected,” he added. Downs’ case in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court remains pending before Judge Kenneth J. Powell Jr. A date for jury selection hasn’t been set. Downs’ case in federal court remains pending before U.S. District Judge Luis F. Restrepo. Jury selection is set for Aug. 10. Gaeton J. Alfano, a defense counsel for Anapol, denied Downs’ allegations. “Anapol Schwartz values inclusiveness and diversity,” Alfano told PGN. “The firm has not discriminated against anyone.” Howard M. Klein, defense counsel for Raynes, also denied Downs’ allegations. “This matter remains in suit and we will not comment on the litigation,” Klein told PGN. “However, Raynes McCarty did not and would never discriminate against anyone on the basis of sexual orientation or for any reason. Raynes McCarty embraces diversity and supports LGBT rights and equality.” n

AC names LGBT tourism figure Atlantic City is welcoming a new partner in its LGBT tourism efforts: Miss Richfield 1981. The drag queen, portrayed by Russ King, will serve as the city’s “ambassador” to the LGBT community. “As Atlantic City continues to diversify its appeal with non-gaming attractions and new events that draw new visitors here, we look for personalities who can help spark potential visitors’ interest in coming,” said Atlantic City Alliance executive director Jeff Guaracino. “Miss Richfield has an active database of travelers, a strong

social-media presence and performs in front of LGBT and straight travelers all year, especially in our key markets. This is part of a strategy to enhance the image of the destination, to reclaim our position as a top LGBT-friendly destination and to diversify our visitor base.” Richfield is expected to tout the LGBT attractions in Atlantic City through marketing tie-ins, product placement, giveaways and other initiatives. Last year, Atlantic City undertook a number of LGBT-tourism efforts, with the opening of an LGBT beach, the inauguration of the city’s first openly LGBT mayor and the move of LGBT party Sandblast from Asbury Park to the city. Sandblast returns July 17-20. FIBO, a longtime staple at Fire Island, will also move to Atlantic City, and will be held Aug. 7-9. n — Jen Colletta

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LOCAL PGN

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

Brief filed in Morris open-records case IBA marks Women’s By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com PGN filed a legal brief in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court this week, seeking complete dispatch records from the District Attorney’s Office pertaining to the Nizah Morris incident. Morris was a transgender woman found with a fractured skull shortly after a “courtesy ride” from Philadelphia police in 2002. Her homicide remains unsolved. In June, PGN requested complete dispatch records for a vehicle stop initiated by Officer Elizabeth Skala, who participated in the Morris ride. Skala was still assigned to handle Morris — who was very intoxicated — when she initiated the unrelated vehicle stop. The resulting confusion contributed to the lack of a prompt criminal investigation of Morris’ head wound. In August, the D.A.’s Office provided an attestation under penalty of perjury, indicating it doesn’t have complete dispatch records for Skala’s vehicle stop, other than a document it received from

PGN in 2013. But that document doesn’t cover a 16-minute interval of 911 entries for the vehicle stop. Additionally, its 3:46 a.m. 911 entry is partially obscured. The state Office of Open Records ordered the D.A.’s Office to provide the document to PGN. The OOR also determined that the D.A.’s Office met its burden of proving it doesn’t have additional responsive records. In October, the paper appealed, on the basis that the record provided by the D.A.’s Office is incomplete, and the attestation ambiguous. “With its ambiguous denial, the D.A.’s Office has failed to carry its burden of demonstrating it has no complete CAD record for the vehicle stop,” the brief states. “The OOR erred because it mistakenly determined the D.A.’s Office located a responsive record, and that the D.A.’s Office properly demonstrated that it does not have other records that are responsive.” The brief also notes that the D.A.’s Office didn’t convey to the OOR the incomplete nature of the dispatch record

supplied by PGN. “Neither the DA’s Office’s attestation — nor its communications directly to the OOR — reference the incomplete nature of the CAD record for the [vehicle stop]. The OOR’s final determination was made without this information. The OOR thus ordered the release of a non-responsive record.” The brief asks the court to reverse the OOR’s ruling and order the D.A.’s Office to release all complete dispatch records for the vehicle stop. If the office doesn’t have complete records for the vehicle stop, PGN requests verification under penalty of perjury. The brief was filed by Charles P. Goodwin, an attorney for the paper. “Filing this brief is another step in bringing transparency to Nizah Morris’ murder and ensuring that she has received the same justice as everyone else,” Goodwin said. The deadline for the D.A.’s Office to reply is April 6. Oral arguments are scheduled for after May 4 before Common Pleas Judge Alice B. Dubow. n

History Month

The Independence Business Alliance, the region’s LGBT chamber of commerce, will bring together five local women next week to talk about how they overcame challenges to secure success. The IBA’s Women in Business program will stage “A Unique Conversation with Women Leaders of Philadelphia” 5-8 p.m. March 10 at the Skyline Room at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St. The event is free and open to the public; registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome. Panelists will include the city’s director of LGBT affairs, Nellie Fitzpatrick; Betty Long of Guardian Nurses; J’nelle Clements of AstraZeneca; and Laura Sicola of Vocal Impact Productions. The discussion will be moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott. The women will discuss the “building blocks of fortitude” — confidence, tenacity, bravery and resolve — sharing their personal stories of how they utilized these traits to become leaders. The event will include appetizers and an open bar. To register, visit thinkiba.com. n — Jen Colletta

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Gloria Casarez to be honored by PCHR By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Gloria Casarez, the late director of LGBT affairs for the city of Philadelphia, will posthumously be honored by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. The agency announced Monday the recipients of its 2015 PCHR Awards. Casarez, who died in October, will receive the Sadie T.M. Alexander Leadership Award. In the announcement, PCHR said Casarez’s two decades of civil-rights work, including “advocating for fair and equal treatment in housing, access and employment for people of color, the impoverished and LGBT residents in Philadelphia, particularly transgender people of color” made her a natural fit for the honor. The Clarence Farmer Sr. Service Award will be presented to People Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild, a multi-racial, interfaith coalition, along with its leader, Bishop Dwayne Royster. PCHR Chariman’s Awards will go to

Adrienne Simpson and the late Lt. Joyce Craig. Simpson challenged a Philadelphia Magazine article last year that was largely deemed racist, and Craig is the first female firefighter killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia. Ellen Somekawa will be presented the Executive Director’s Award for her work as the director of FACTS Charter School and former leadership at Asian Americans United. “Our commission is thrilled by the strong character and the diversity of our award recipients and the positive impact they had had on our great city,” said PCHR chair Thomas H. Earle. “We may be giving them an award, but it’s truly an honor to know that people of this caliber choose to give of themselves in this way in such deep ways to our community.” Five awards will also be presented to individuals selected by a public-nomination process. Nominations are being accepted through March 6. For more information, visit phila.gov/humanrelations/awards or call 215-6864670. The awards will be presented April 28 at the Arts Ballroom. n

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

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

PGN LOCAL

William Way to host older-adult job fair By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Nearly two-dozen companies from throughout the region will converge at William Way LGBT Community Center next week to connect with LGBT and ally older adults seeking employment. The SAGEWorks Career Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. The free event, first held last year, is geared toward LGBT and allies over 40. “There is a lot of age discrimination in employment, so we wanted to create a place where people can come where they know we understand the clear need for this focus,” said Ed Miller, senior programs coordinator at the center. “We brought together employers, letting them know that this is a concern nationally and, locally, they’re coming here with an understanding of the issue.” Miller said the list of participating companies has increased since last year’s inaugural fair. “We tried to provide a nice range. We have hospitals, accounting firms, retailers, three of the major banks in Philadelphia, the Marriott, Comcast, Blue Cross,” he said. “Some job fairs might have just one focus on a certain type of employment, but we really tried to make this across the board, for people looking for something from entry-level to middle management.” The fair, Miller said, will be more interactive than most. “It’s going to be a comfortable job fair,

with a relaxed environment where people can be themselves. Employers are encouraged to spend time with people, standing up and talking one on one, rather than just sitting there handing out pens. It’s a large community effort, with everyone working together for the same goals.” In the same vein, guests can also take part in workshops. At 12:30 p.m., Bob Pileggi of Thomas Jefferson University will lead a workplace stress-reduction discussion, with tips on mindful communication for interviews and coworker interactions. At 1 p.m., regional economist Kara Markley will overview statistics about the local labor market, with advice on the most up-and-coming industries. And at 2 p.m. Ryan Paczkowski of Wells Fargo will lead a workshop on creating or sharpening a LinkedIn account. “We wanted to make it a robust day and give people some tools they can walk away with,” Miller said. While the career fair is a one-day event, Miller said community members and organizations are welcomed to lend their skills to future SAGEWorks programming, the center’s free employment-assistance programs for LGBT workers 40 and over. “We’d love for community partners to come in and help us with the program: giving time if you’re an expert in résumé-building, helping present a program or volunteer to help with a mock interview,” he said. “We’re always looking for community partners.” For more information, call 215-7322220. n

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Feb. 16-22. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 7 p.m. Feb. 17, a patron had a coat stolen from the back of a chair inside ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. The suspect was described as a black female in her early 40s, 5-foot-8 with a heavy build and short dreadlocks and wearing a white jacket. — At 11:30 p.m. Feb. 20, a maintenance worker inside Hollywood Spa, 202 S. Quince St., was struck on the head with a metal bar after he intervened during an announced robbery. Nothing was stolen. The suspects were described as black males between 27-29 years. The first was 5-foot-5, 160 pounds, with a thin mustache, wearing a multicolored shirt. The second was 5-foot8, 165 pounds, wearing a brown shirt.

There were two thefts from parked vehicles reported Feb. 16-22: outside 1200 Chancellor St. and 800 Chestnut St. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 12:10 p.m. Feb. 16, Center City District officers were alerted by Convention Center security that a male was trespassing inside the building, 1111 Market St. Officers stopped the male for investigation, at which time he bit an officer on the hand. After a struggle, a 25-year-old suspect with an Olney address was arrested and charged with trespassing, assault and resisting arrest. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 2:40 p.m. Feb. 18, Center City District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1001 Market St. — On Feb. 20, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 4:35 p.m. outside 201 S. Broad St. and 8:35 p.m. inside 900 Walnut St. — On Feb. 21, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense at 2:15 a.m. outside 209 S. 13th St. and 9:45 p.m. outside 1306 Walnut St. n

New map tracks HIV in Philadelphia

By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com The first organization to map the HIV care continuum, from infection to suppression, has recently released data for several major U.S. cities including Philadelphia. HIVContinuum.com is a first-of-its-kind website to map HIV-care outcomes across multiple cities and to visually track the number of individuals engaged at each stage of care. Further, it is able to sort data according to age, ethnicity and ZIP code. According to the map, the ZIP code that includes the Gayborhood was one of several areas of Philadelphia that had the highest number of new HIV infections. And it was only moderately engaged in or linked to HIV care. “Around 60 percent or two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses in Philadelphia are from gay, bisexual or other men-who-have-sex-with-men situations,” said Dr. Travis Sanchez, a researcher on the study. “This statistic is also reflected in the national data as well, it is not just specific to Philadelphia.” While the study was able to classify data according to sexual orientation, Sanchez said it is not presented on the maps yet, but that future iterations of the project could potentially include it. For more information, visit www.hivcontinuum.org. n

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088; www.actionaids.org. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 S. Broad St.; 215-629-2300; www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appoint-

ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and 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-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

PGN

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

March ushers in month of bi health awareness By Ray Simon PGN Contributor Bisexual Health Awareness Month (BHAM) got off to a lively start March 2. The month-long social-media campaign is organized by the Bisexual Resource Center (BRC), a Boston-based nonprofit that has been advocating on behalf of bisexuals since 1985. Mental health is the theme of BHAM, now in its second year. Throughout March, the BRC will post regular updates on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter. All of the information can be accessed via a central website: www.bihealthmonth.wordpress. com. Julia Canfield, president of the BRC, described the goals of BHAM as twofold. On the one hand, the campaign is designed to disseminate to the public the latest research findings regarding mental-health issues confronting bisexuals. And, on the other, it is meant to spur organizations and individuals working with bisexuals to action, whether they are employers, government officials or health-care professionals. “It would be really just terrific if these organizations, these individuals, no matter where they are, really just look at what they’re doing and see how they can

improve it, to then in turn really serve their bi clients or bi community members even better,” Canfield said. Each week in March, BHAM will highlight a particular aspect of mental-health issues related to bisexuals: statistics, intersectionality, resources and action. The organizers hope that people will take this information and “Like” it, repost it, Tweet it and otherwise help to spread the word. BHAM was initiated in March 2014. The first year’s theme was “Bi the Way, Our Health Matters Too!” The inaugural campaign covered a variety of topics, including safer sex and sexual violence. It also drew heavily on recent health-related research findings specific to bisexuals. “Over the past few years, there’s been much more of a research trend of studying bisexual individuals on their own in terms of health disparities or breaking down the ‘LGBT’ into these groups,” Canfield said. “And what we’ve been seeing is that, when that actually happens, bisexual people are shown to have much higher disparities compared to gays, lesbians and heterosexual people.” These disparities can be alarming. In 2013, for example, the Centers for Disease Control noted that “nearly half of female bisexual victims (48.2 percent) and more

than one-quarter of female heterosexual victims (28.3 percent) experienced their first rape between the ages of 11 and 17 years.” Canfield, who works in public health, was familiar with these findings, but said that, to many, the news was unexpected. “People were very surprised to hear that these disparities existed,” Canfield said. “A lot of them said they didn’t realize that bisexual individuals have such higher rates of health disparities across the board.” Response to the first BHAM was overwhelmingly positive. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD helped to publicize the campaign, and thoughtful articles on BHAM appeared everywhere from the online lesbian arts and culture magazine Autostraddle to the mainstream media outlet Huffington Post. Although BRC members were prepared to meet with some mild pushback in the form of biphobia or bi erasure, Canfield believes that the preponderance of evidence prevented that. “One of the things that really kept a lot of that away was simply just the data that we have,” Canfield said. “And I think for a lot of people, it’s really hard to argue with the statistics and data that are becoming a lot more prevalent and overwhelming.”

The mental-health component of the first BHAM generated considerable interest. A variety of studies reported that bisexuals experience higher rates of, for example, anxiety and depression when compared to both heterosexuals and gays and lesbians. Canfield and her colleagues at the BRC already had plenty of anecdotal information confirming that. “In our work in the community as an organization, mental health is just something that is, unfortunately, a very much shared experience with bi individuals. We hear it all the time,” she said. If BHAM can raise awareness of the mental-health disparities facing bisexuals, it will have done a good job. But the campaign won’t truly be a success until the data it provides results in programs and resources that improve life for bisexuals. Currently, Canfield said, bisexuals “aren’t getting the resources and the programs that they need.” “We’ve been saying it for years,” she continued. “We’re starting to finally get this data, and yet it’s not translating to the programming and the resources and funding that we need.” With a gentle nudge from initiatives like BHAM, the well-being of bisexuals may just yet become a year-round concern. n

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

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Dr. Vesna Roi

Editorial

Love lessons PGN put out the call last month for same-sex couples who are recently engaged or married — and we were (pleasantly) surprised by the number of announcements we received. This is our second Wedding Issue since Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage last spring but by far the most announcements we’ve ever carried. While interviewing each couple, writing their stories and laying out the mammoth issue was taxing on our staff, the stories we got to learn, and the lessons we collectively took from them all, were heartening. The enthusiasm exuded by the couples themselves was infectious — and crossed all boundaries. The couples we spoke with represented all walks of life: Some have been together for decades, others just months. Some are approaching their later years, others right out of college. Some have established, successful careers and others are just entering the workforce. But regardless of their differences, all of the couples were eager to effuse about their engagements, weddings and love for their partners. They all too shared an appreciation for the emotional impact of marriage, particularly what it means for same-sex couples. While some couples we featured can remember Stonewall and others just came out in the last few years, they all seemed to be affected by the affirmation of the legality of their marriages. The word “legitimate” abounded in many of our interviews; no matter how long these couples had identified as LGBT, they all in some way were affected by the “othering” caused by laws enshrined in institutionalized homophobia. And, like any newly engaged or married couple, they all were brimming with memories they’ve shared, goals for the future and lessons they’ve learned. Chief among the latter was communication; nearly all of the couples we spoke with said that talking openly and honestly was key to the success of their relationship. And, they said, being willing to step outside oneself and explore obstacles, large or small, from the perspective of another, fueled that open communication. While this was a busy week at PGN as we put out our largest-yet Wedding Issue, it was also a time when we able to appreciate the real-life impact that the marriage-equality movement is having. As the couples described, marriage is not easy — they all shared challenges, obstacles and ups and downs — but its impact is undeniably far-reaching, both practically and emotionally. We thank them all for sharing their stories and look forward to continuing to celebrate with our community across the nation as the marriage-equality movement enters its next phase. n

Having a child is one of the most stressthat Roi genuinely ful things you can do. Yeah, it can be one feels bad. However, of the most amazing parts of your life, but it’s possible to be it also opens your eyes to a whole world sincerely wrong. of horrors you’ve never even contemplated She also writes, before. Sudden infant death syndrome apparently without (SIDS)? Check. Spina bifida? Check. Tayirony, “Please know Sachs? Check. If you spend enough time that I believe that on Wed M.D., you can easily convince God gives us free yourself that your baby doesn’t have a choice and I would chance at survival. never judge anyone Which is why, of course, you should talk based on what they to a real doctor instead of scrolling through do with that free choice.” nightmare-inducing photos of rare birth In other words, I would never judge you defects in your free time. A good pediafor choosing to be lesbians. Except for how trician is essential for both your baby’s I’m totally judging you right now. health and your sanity. And so many par Roi’s online ratings have taken a hit ents begin the process of researching and with plenty of pissed-off reviews lamchoosing a pediatrician before their babies basting her prejudice. And some of them are even born. are pretty nasty. But Which is what Krista Imagine their surprise she also has plenty of and Jami Contreras did defenders. Patients when they show up when they chose Dr. who claim she’s being Vesna Roi. They met for their appointment unfairly maligned and with her before the birth sing her praises. And only to find a differand everything seemed to those patients I say: great. So they scheduled ent doctor greet them lucky you. Both for not an appointment for after gay and for havand inform them that being their baby was born. ing a good relationship Imagine their surRoi “prayed on it” and with your doctor. But if prise when they show Roi’s actions don’t give up for their appointment decided she couldn’t you pause, that says a only to have a differbe their family’s doc- lot about you too. ent doctor greet them Some have applauded tor because their baby Roi’s honesty, pointing and inform them that Roi “prayed on it” and out that the Contreras had two mommies. decided she couldn’t family wouldn’t want a be their family’s doctor doctor who didn’t want because their baby had two mommies. to work with them; this defense is similar “I was completely dumbfounded,” Krista to that used for wedding vendors who have told the Detroit Free Press. refused service to LGBT couples. As if the “It was embarrassing. It was humiliatburden is on the couple to keep hunting for ing,” Jami added. “It’s just wrong.” someone who doesn’t hate them to bake Wrong, yes. Illegal? No. Michigan, like them a cake rather than on the baker for many other states, has no law protecting being a bigot. Roi is a bigot. Thankfully, this is not LGBT people from discrimination. So Roi was completely within her rights to pass a terminal condition. Roi should do the the couple on to another doctor simply important and necessary work of being because they’re lesbians. an adult and confronting her biases and Roi eventually sent the couple a handchallenging them instead of offering up written apology letter. “prayer” as if it’s a cloak of immunity for “I am writing this letter of apology as I discrimination. n feel that it is important and necessary,” she D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since writes. “After much prayer following your 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe prenatal [visit], I felt that I would not be it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of able to develop the personal patient doctor the world, she reviews rock and roll shows in relationship that I normally do with my Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing patients.” at the University of Michigan. The letter sounds very sincere. I believe

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

Op-Ed PGN

LGBT history at its best Next week a press conference will be tor of William Way and a longtime LGBT held. It’s not unusual to have a press conactivist, and archivist Bob Skiba, this ference to announce almost any new proexhibit has been a labor of love. But it also gram, but this one represents something speaks to the issue of understanding how that the world, and our community, is just we as a community have fought the war beginning to recognize: the history of the for equality. While much of it was waged struggle for LGBT equality. in the streets, board rooms, gov The stage for this news conernment offices or ballot boxes, ference will be the prestigious a lot has had to be sealed by a National Constitution Center. court order. Next week, William Way This exhibit opens at a time LGBT Community Center will when we will celebrate the 50th unveil a new exhibit that will be anniversary of those first public on display this summer at the demonstrations for “Equality National Constitution Center for Homosexuals” that took titled, “Speaking OUT For place every July 4 in front Equality: The Constitution, Gay of Independence Hall, from Rights & The Supreme Court.” 1965-69. Bartlett has asked the The exhibit will showcommunity to participate in case many of the laws that the celebration, and many have the LGBT community had to joined the effort, fostering a endure and shatter in order to sense of unity. Other organizaachieve the limited rights we Mark Segal tions and museums will be holdhave today. Note those last few ing their own exhibits, concerts words: “the limited rights we have today.” and reenactments. This is a time to recall I write that since many LGBT people still our history and how we got here. Bartlett deserves a debt of gratitude have no protections from discrimination and, in more than a dozen states, they have for keeping everyone on a united path. In doing so, this occasion will be a citywide no right to marriage equality. And in the celebration of civil rights for the LGBT case of the trans community, we are just community and the history of that battle. n beginning to appreciate their needs. And this exhibit comes at a pivotal time in our community and the nation’s since Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the SCOTUS is already receiving briefs on nation’s most-award-winning commenmarriage equality and will rule in some tator in LGBT media. You can follow form on the constitutionality of bans on him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ same-sex marriage this June. MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twit For Chris Bartlett, the executive directer.com/PhilaGayNews.

Mark My Words

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.

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Gwendolyn Ann Smith

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

Street Talk Should a pediatrician be required to provide health care for a same-sex couple's child, despite religious objections? "If it were my child, I'd just move on. I wouldn't be comfortable having a pediatrician care for my child under those circum- Netta Kies artist stances. South Philadelphia I'd want someone who actively cares about my baby's health. But I really don't know if the government should require a doctor to care for a child. That's a complicated issue."

"Yes. The government should definitely intervene if the pediatrician refuses to cooperate. Marie Diehl Doctors store manager shouldn't be Mayfair able to pick and choose their patients. There should be clear laws against discrimination. The government should also monitor the situation to make sure the child receives quality care."

"Doctors should provide care for everyone. But the government shouldn't force them [to do so]. Instead, just Mackenzie Gifford give them a store clerk fine and a South Philadelphia reprimand. If you force a doctor to care for a child, the child may receive inferior health care. That would be wrong."

"Yes. Doctors shouldn't be able to turn away a patient like that. But I would try to ensure the doctor receives Rachelle Andrews some type of student sensitivity Queen Village training. You can require a doctor to care for a child of a same-sex couple but you should also make sure the care is given in an appropriate manner."

Restroom realities Being transgender means having to hurdle over challenges that few others face, all for the sake of being one’s true self. Perhaps the obvious one is having to negotiate and get medical care to transition, including needing a therapist to declare you sane enough to be diagnosed with a gender-identity disorder to seek surgical intervention. Then again, the fact that your entire identity is reduced to medical choices by the non-transgender should be just as obvious. While all disenfranchised groups face name-calling, harassment and systemic discrimination, both overt and otherwise, there are elements unique to being transgender. We face similar forms of misogyny and sexual harassment, with the added assumption that our bodies

are somehow questioned and mocked by anyone who views us as less-than-perfect examples of our assumed genders. Oh, and yes, all trans people may face misogyny, whether is it male-to-females facing “traditional” assaults upon their gender identity, female-to-males being assaulted for not being “feminine,” or any number of other examples of anti-woman sentiment. Ours is a culture that often subjugates women as soon as our first breath. Yet some of our biggest hurdles are those of our own legitimacy. When we come out as transgender, we have to fight to have our very identities accepted as “truth.” All around us people become judge and jury over the realities of our lives, determining for themselves if the actuality of our existence is one they can

choose to bear or not. As transgender people have gained a voice in public discourse, and as we have seen rights involving gender identity and expression included more and more in public life, another angle on this has emerged. Not only is our existence brought into question, but also the assumption that “allowing” us to be treated fairly could lead to greater risk of harm to non-transgender people. In short, the argument is that “giving into our delusion” would lead to harmless innocents being victimized. I speak of the mythological sexual predator who will claim to be transgender in order to gain unlawful access to people in restrooms and other public accommodations.

The assumption seems to be that sexual predators will be able to get away with their crimes by simply calling themselves transgender, as if law enforcement would be unable to apprehend a rapist simply because they purchased a dime-store frock. Yet the “bathroom meme” remains a strong hobgoblin in many non-transgender minds. Even though there is no basis to believe that molesters will be flocking to women’s rooms, the notion is put forth again and again as a reason to halt the equal rights of transgender people. The Kentucky Senate recently approved a bill that will require transgender students to use bathrooms that match their biological sex versus their gender orientation. The bill would PAGE 38

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

PGN

Wedding PGN issue

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

Marriage on the move By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

This time one year ago, same-sex couples could marry in 16 states and Washington, D.C. That number has now grown to 37 states and the nation’s capital. More than 70 percent of Americans now live in a jurisdiction that sanctions same-sex marriage. Twenty-one states opened their doors to same-sex marriage in one year and, with a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected this summer, the marriage-equality map will likely undergo some more major revisions this year. Path to progress

2013

The pace of the marriage-equality movement in 2014 picked up May 19 when a federal judge in Oregon overturned the state’s marriage ban. The next day, Pennsylvania followed suit. A law that allowed same-sex marriage in Illinois went into effect June 1. By the end of the summer, federal or state court decisions were handed down in six more states, all of which went into effect in October, shortly after SCOTUS declined to hear appeals from a number of states. That decision prompted another wave of progress, with seven more states legalizing same-sex marriage within two weeks of the top court’s Oct. 6 decision. In the last few months, several more have joined the ranks,

the most recent being Nebraska; unless the decision is stayed, marriages are set to begin March 9. But, the Alabama Supreme Court turned black the clock on equality by halting marriages in that state. Where to now? While the Supreme Court declined to take up cases from the Fourth, Seventh and 10th Circuits, it did take four cases out of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court will finally address the penultimate question of whether same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marriage under the U.S. Constitution. The justices will also consider whether states have to recognize legal out-of-state marriages. The four cases, consolidated under DeBoer v. Snyder, come from Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. While there had been widespread agreement among both federal and state courts in recent years over the unconstitutionality of state bans on same-sex marriage, the Sixth Circuit found such bans to be constitutional, seemingly prompting the top court’s willingness to review. Oral arguments will take place this spring, and the justices will issue their ruling before the end of June. If the court decides that the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause guarantees a right to marriage for all, the door to same-sex marriage will be opened across the country. n

Same-sex marriage legal

March 2013

2014

Same-sex marriage bans overturned but stayed pending appeal Civil unions only

March 2014 2015

Before the Bells — page 15 Out Law — page 16 Planning a green wedding — page 17 Honeymooning in Key West — pages 18-19 Marriage-equality economics — page 21 Engagements —pages 24-26 Bucks County wedding expo — page 26 Weddings — pages 27, 32 Married couple faces diagnosis together — page 33

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

WEDDING PGN ISSuE

Congratulations

Wedding PGN issue

Before the Bells

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

Jen Colletta

The final countdown When I first got engaged, someone told me and my fiancée that the most hectic part of this process was the month or two after the engagement, and the month or two before the wedding — advice we’re finding is certainly coming true. The weeks and days before your wedding will no doubt be stressful, but here are some ideas we came up with to help your wedding countdown be a joyful, not dreaded, one. Tying up loose ends My fiancée proposed in April 2013, and we immediately set to work finding vendors — a venue, photographer, florist, DJ, hotel, transportation, etc. — a process that required a wealth of patience and organizational skills. Once we made our picks, we put down deposits and then largely bid adieu to the process for a while. In the intervening months, we picked bridal-party attire, shopped for our dresses, made centerpieces and obsessed needlessly over details, a habit we’re trying to break! After taking a planning break for the holidays, we revisited most of our vendor contracts and saw that many of our balances were coming due around the same time, about two months before the wedding. So — to stave off a slew of phone calls and emails at once and lighten the sudden load on our bank account — we tried to be proactive and send in payments early when we could. In addition to paying balances, we had to start scheduling follow-up vendor meetings, which we sought to stagger throughout the final few months. We had to meet with the venue to do a final rundown of the food and linen selections, with the photographer and videographer to walk through the venue, with the DJ to select songs and with the florist to plan arrangements. Getting our thoughts together before each meeting helped; researching songs we liked, flowers we took to and making a list of photos we know we’d need to capture kept the meetings shorter, and helped us to be more prepared for the barrage of paperwork each vendor presented. Guest list We’re right now in the midst of RSVP collection. We’re both the type to try to get tasks done as soon as they present themselves, but we’ve had to curb that habit when it comes to the guest list. While we’re eager to start filling out our seating-assignment chart from our venue — a veritable map with enough symbols to confuse any cartographer

— we have to cool our jets until all of our RSVPs come in, and they’ve been trickling in just a few per day. We’ve had a few people we were surprised are coming, and a few no’s that we’ve also been surprised by, so getting ahead of ourselves with the table assignments could just create more headaches down the line. Most venues don’t require the final headcount until the week of the wedding, so don’t get working on tables too early. Make sure you give your guests a cutoff deadline for RSVPing (usually about three weeks before the wedding) and, from what we’ve heard, some follow-up phone calls are usually in order for the non-responders (our stalking commences at 12:01 a.m. March 19). ‘Me’ time If you’re having a larger wedding, the months and especially weeks leading up to the event will likely be consumed by wedding details. There may be a wedding shower, final fittings, walkthroughs, rehearsals — it may seem like every moment of your life is devoted to the wedding. But, balance could be key in helping keep perspective, and your cool. Take time for yourself, separate from the wedding. Make sure to do things you enjoy, especially activities you’ve found to relieve stress: Exercise, cook, read, volunteer, see a movie with your fiancée (or by yourself!). Self-care is paramount; having two brides or two grooms who are overstressed and overworked will not make for a very joyous or productive planning process. And from what we’ve been told, no amount of pre-wedding stress and worry will make the day perfect; there will surely be things that go wrong. But the details will likely be the furthest things from everyone’s minds as the vows are said and sealed with a kiss. n

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

Wedding PGN issue

The next front in the war against marriage equality And the marriage movement continues! civil servants who issue licenses battling Just this week, a federal court judge the citizens in their states who want and ordered Nebraska to lift its ban on sameare entitled to them under the law. Coming sex marriage, calling it “unabashedly to the rescue of the foot soldiers battling gender-specific infringement of the equal marriage equality are their politicians. rights of its citizens.” Nebraska state offiRepublican state legislators in Oklahoma, cials immediately appealed the ruling to South Carolina, Utah, North Carolina and the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Texas (and several more states shortly) Unless the court issues a stay, have introduced bills that beginning March 9, Nebraska would actually prohibit state or must “treat same-sex coulocal government employees ples the same as different-sex from issuing marriage licenses couples” when it comes to to gay couples. The bills would marriage rights! As the domialso go so far as to strip the noes fall in favor of same-sex salaries of employees who marriage, the question now follow the law and their oath seems to be, How will those as civil servants and issue the who oppose LGBT equality licenses. A second set of bills respond? (in case the first doesn’t pass) From the looks of it over the would give some government last month, they are respondemployees the ability to opt out ing like frustrated 5-year-olds. of issuing marriage licenses Angela to same-sex couples if they As more states are overturning marriage bans, we are seeing Giampolo objected on the basis of a “sinseveral different and unique cerely held religious belief.” That’s right, we live in a fronts in the wedding war. The first new front on the war against country where politicians are proposing marriage equality is at the ground level — bills stating that you could lose your job

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or go unpaid if you follow the law! With that said, even in conservative-dominated statehouses, the chances of the bills actually passing are slight, given disagreements within the Republican Party on whether they should keep same-sex marriage as a priority issue. Plus, legal scholars contend that most, but potentially not all, of the state bills are unconstitutional. With that said, in my opinion, it’s a tragic foreshadowing of the kinds of fights that may continue even after (or if) the United States Supreme Court rules that bans against same-sex marriages are unconstitutional in all 50 states. The second new front on the war against marriage equality is quite drastic: Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma are proposing bills to make marriage illegal in the state for everyone. That’s right — if they can’t win by banning same-sex marriages, they’ll ban all marriages! Pursuant to the legislation, religious officials would sign a couple’s marriage certificate, which would then be filed with the state clerk. If a couple did not have a religious ceremony, they could file an affi-

davit of common-law marriage and, ultimately, the need for marriage licenses at all would become a thing of the past. The idea was copied from a Utah county official after a federal judge invalidated that state’s same-sex marriage law. But more scarily, it mirrors tactics used in the Jim Crow South to resist desegregation in schools after Brown v. Board of Education. As part of a “massive-resistance” campaign, the Virginia legislature ordered the closure of schools subject to a desegregation order. When that tactic was invalidated by courts, one county just shut down its public-school system entirely from 1959-64. And similarly, after a federal judge invalidated Utah’s same-sex marriage ban, one county in Utah closed its clerk’s office, meaning no one could obtain a marriage license. Lastly, and probably my favorite tactic employed thus far, is an Idaho county’s attempt to be declared a Christian state. Members of a county Republican Party are voting on a measure that would declare Idaho a Christian state and, further, the “Judeo-Christian bedrock of the founding of the United States.” The resolution to

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be voted on by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee is non-binding, meaning it would not have the effect of law but, if approved, it would be submitted to the state Republican Party for a vote by its members, which if approved, would be binding. Bjorn Handeen, a committee member who opposes the measure and describes himself as a Republican with libertarian leanings, said he is opposed to any document that puts the government in charge of defining Christianity. Shocking! It sounds like Handeen is in favor of the separation of church and state! And so, the war wages on. There are about a dozen states left to conquer before we have full marriage equality in the United States and, regardless of how it comes about, trust that it will happen. With that said, the day we win marriage equality is the day the war will take on a new form. Roe v. Wade did not end the fight against a woman’s right to choose and the Civil Rights Act did not end racism. I always caution my clients, full equality does not equal full acceptance. While the legal wars are important, the real war that needs to be won is overcoming homophobia at its roots, addressing the fears people have that lead to the hatred that fuels the behavior we’re witnessing across the United States. In that same vein, I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes from “Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue, Vol. 1,” by Neale Donald Walsch; “[A]ll human actions are motivated at their deepest level by two emotions — fear or love. Fear wraps our bodies in clothing, love allows us to stand naked. Fear clings to and clutches all that we have, love gives all that we have away. Fear holds close, love holds dear. Fear grasps, love lets go. Fear rankles, love soothes. Fear attacks, love amends.” n Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www.giampololaw.com and she maintains two blogs, www. phillygaylawyer.com and www. lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal questions at angela@giampololaw.com.

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

How to find the perfect ‘green’ caterer for your rainbow wedding By Maryann Helferty PGN Contributor Are you one of the growing number of couples who want a wedding celebration to reflect your personal values and healthy lifestyle? Then you’re on trend in 2015! More people from the LGBT community are choosing to highlight their ecologically conscious values on their special day. But when it comes to catering, what does that mean? How do you weed out the green-worthy from the green-washed? It can be tricky, as there can be so much, or so little, beneath the surface of a catering business to support green claims. But relax — this handy guide of questions for your short list of caterers will niftily narrow down your list. The decision on the perfect fit for your value system, tastes and preferences will then be obvious. So let’s get started! Are all your ingredients organic? Of course, it’s first about the food and flavor for catering! Anyone who has been eating organically on a regular basis can tell you that, all else being equal, it usually tastes better than conventionally raised produce — not to mention, better nutritional properties drawn from better soil. Do you really want those herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and GMOs on your plate anyway? They contaminate our soil and water. And the use of petroleum-based fertilizers in conventional monoculture depletes the soil of future generations. What it boils down to: Naturally raised produce makes for good quality ingredients, which makes for good tasting food. Period. Are your ingredients seasonal? Fruits and vegetables are at their peak in flavor and nutritional value during their time of natural ripeness. And eating seasonally connects us to nature’s cycles. Fun fact: Being in sync with the rhythms of nature helps our health in subtle but important ways. Doesn’t sweet butternut squash

just feel more comforting and nourishing in the winter than butter lettuce, which is so delicately lovely in the summer? Are your ingredients local? Sure, in the winter you can get blueberries from Peru or tomatoes from California. But being local automatically means seasonal (hothouses withstanding). Non-local crops are often less tasty, having been picked before ripeness (to weather the journey). And additional chemicals are then often used to help slow the ripening process. Fruits and vegetables originally from your area, that haven’t had to be engineered for looks and transportation stress, are most often the tastiest. So, if you are conscientious about your sustainable “footprint,” “local” means less transportation, less carbon emissions, less climate change, less pollution and greatly reduced use of nonrenewable resources. Tip: One indicator of a caterer using local ingredients is established relationships with local farmers. Do you use Fair Trade products? Of course, you will probably have coffee or tea on your menu — the perfect complement to wedding cake! Fair Trade goods celebrate the world you dream of with fair wages, healthy communities and good working conditions for those who grow or make them. Another way to let your values shine! Do you use only meats and poultry from humanely raised animals? Another values-based question. If you believe that animals have rights to a life of fresh air and humane handling before they sacrifice it for you, this is important. It is also important if you believe that, as energetic beings, we ingest the energy of the experiences (good or bad) of those we eat, as well as their physical energy. That was d-e-e-p. Next. Tell me about your staff! Surely, if you believe in

humanely raised animals, you believe in acting humanely to humans? Then, does your prospective caterer pay their staff living wages? Do they offer health insurance? Do they treat them with respect? Sad truth: The answer to this last question is usually discovered after the fact, unless you have an “in” with someone working at the business. Hopefully, you like what you see!

Getting married?

How do you give back to the community? Is the caterer in question connected, in meaningful ways, to charitable causes, or do they contribute meaningfully to those in need? What other green or sustainable practices do you regularly maintain? Let them answer this one without prompting. If they don’t know what you mean, they probably don’t use green practices in the “back of the house.” Answers that demonstrate environmental consciousness not seen upfront: recycling, composting food waste, using biodegradable/recyclable/compostable serving ware in less formal parts of their business and awards that acknowledge their sustainability in action. The heart of the matter Your special day is also an opportunity to honor the values for which you both stand — a way to anchor your beginnings in your united beliefs is to feel good about what you are serving your guests. You created change with the fight for marriage equality. So can you help support the good, green economy by serving delicious fare from caterers that reflect your social and environmental consciousness. n Maryann Helferty helps small businesses that are based on sustainable practices increase their market share among environmentally conscious audiences. Learn more about how to tell your sustainability story effectively, to create eco-conscious brand evangelists for your business, at maryann@greenskillscommunications.com.

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

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Taking the plunge in Key West By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com Marriage equality in Florida could mean a big boost to the state’s economy. Many Southern states that have fought against equality will be losing potential grooms and brides to the Sunshine State. Considering the remoteness of Key West, it may or may not be your best choice for a wedding. So let’s explore the more likely option of Key West first — as a honeymoon destination. There’s no doubt that if you’re considering a honeymoon in Key West, you’ve either: a. been there; b. haven’t been but always wanted to; and/or c. already researched all of the gay websites associated with Key West. But a honeymoon shouldn’t necessarily be the same as a vacation. Here are some gay and not-sogay things to consider. Once in a lifetime

is where I hear you’ll want to stop in for a fantastic happy hour. In either case, the food is exceptional and the atmosphere divine. If you’re in a steak mood, this is the place, and if you’re out for seafood, this is the place also! If you haven’t been before, this is the trip to try conch fritters and conch chowder, among other specialty dishes. And then of course there’s the Key lime pie, which is excellent just about everywhere. Off the beaten street the physician who set John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg. There’s a walkway around the exterior wall, around the moat, along with other spaces to explore outside the walls. Snorkeling is also perfect in the crystal-clear water, and the abundant variety

Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson (www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm) is the most remote member of the National Parks System — more than 70 miles off the coast. Whether you charter the more expensive, shorter journey by plane or take the leisurely, longer and cheaper ferry, voyaging off the coast of the already-remote Keys is a thrill. Tortuga means island, by the way (and tortoise), and the “dry” descriptor refers to the lack of fresh water. Fort Jefferson THE LANDING SITE AT DRY TORTUGAS. IF IT LOOKS is an unbelievably FAMILIAR, VISITITHICA.COM RECENTLY TOLD TOURISTS TO large fort and forVISIT KEY WEST AND USED A PHOTO OF FORT JEFFERSON. mer prison. It’s even more amazing conof marine life makes it simple and simply sidering the construction materials were fun. It’s a must-visit for this special occaall shipped in. It takes time to walk the sion. grounds, enjoy all of the views and soak Even if you’ve been to Key West before, up the serenity. Historical note: Dr. Mudd there are other things to do that you (of the “his name is mud” colloquialism) was imprisoned here briefly for his role as never got around to. This is that chance to do them. Take advantage of the pristine waters around the Keys; you’re on an island for god’s sake! Lazy Dog (lazydog. com) has kayak rentals and tours, paddle boats, paddle yoga and guided eco tours. They hold classes for the uninitiated, so dive right in. If you want to see under you as you kayak, hit up Clearly Unique Charters (clearlyuniquecharters.com/). Key West is synonymous with sunsets. Most people visiting Key West go to Sunset Pier or Mallory Square. Fine and MUDD plaque at fort jefferson dandy, they’re nice places. But for your

Chances are, if you’ve gone to Key special trip, you really want to go on the West, it was for the glorious weather, Wind and Wine Sunset Sail chartered Fantasy Fest or maybe a few other reaby Danger Charters (dangercharters. com). Sample a variety of wines (or beers) sons. That’s fine. That’s part of why we go, yes. But there are a number of places with cheeses, meats and hors d’oeuvres as you’ve probably heard about here that you you tack out from the harbor. Leisurely, just never got around to visiting. (Maybe intimate and romantic, enjoy the breeze, because you slept past their closing spray and companionship as the sun melts times?) into the water. Quite honestly one of the Probably the most well-known yet best times I’ve ever had. unvisited place is the Ernest Hemingway Speaking of sunsets, you’ll want to House (hemingwayhome.com), mostly have dinner on Sunset Key, just a short because everyone just heads to Sloppy boat ride from Key West, at one the top Joe’s (or one of its reincarnations). Easy dinner spots around: Latitudes Key to find, one block off Duval across from West (westinsunsetkeycottages.com/latitudes-key-west). Reservations are required the Key West Lighthouse, this magnificent Southern home is a museum packed with due to popularity, so you’ll want to plan this before arrival. No beach clothes; it’s a memorabilia, photographs and furniture that belonged to the old man by the sea. collared-shirt-required dining experience. They offer interesting and entertaining Menu items change by the seasons and tours every 20 minutes that include more availability and prices reflect that, so be than just Hemingway facts. (Feel free to forearmed with that information. Five-star ask the names of the more-than 40 cats food, an elegant setting, fine wines and that live there, all direct descendants of spirits and patio seating for some of the most spectacular sunsets in the hemisphere cats Hemingway owned.) make this an absolute destination-must, so The outdoor space is beautiful and inspirational, allowing for a tree-canopied plan accordingly. wedding on one side and open yard on the Another proper-attire, fine-dining establishment is really a pair: The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant and The Boathouse (commodorekeywest.com). The Commodore is the original seafood and steak house and the Boathouse is the newly added smaller cousin beneath it. The former is on a very large, open second floor with terrific views of the harbor, and the latter HEMINGWAY’S WORK ROOM WITH ORIGINAL TYPEWRITER

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tions. Open 365 can even have the reception on the beach. days of the year, The resort is part of Waldorf-Astoria, as is it is not only the adjoining Reach Resort (reachresort. a fascinating com/). The original buildings, conceived museum with by local Henry Flagler, opened New Year’s Truman memoEve 1920. Book your event well ahead of rabilia and of the time, as they tend to fill up every weekera, it was also end. Southernmost on the Beach Hotel a significant site (southernmostresorts.com) is another used during the Cold War. option for vows in the sand. Located on The sprawlthe south side of the island, one of its claims to fame is that it is located at the ing lawn with southernmost point of the United States, a smattering of which makes your day just that much shade trees is another charming more unique. Amenities besides the sand and water include some of the most specplace for wedtacular views from recently renovated dings and recepTHE KEY WEST BUTTERFLY AND NATURE CONSERVATORY suites. tions. Rental other for a reception, with two charming is not inexpenwalkways connecting them around the But wait, there’s more! sive, as it is a privately funded site now house. Accommodations are all over the belonging to the state of Florida, but it place in Key West, but the bridal party does include use of the living room, dining Of course the options for museums, dinshould consider staying across the street at room, a suite, porches and house tours for ing, sightseeing, drinking and exploring the Lighthouse Court, 902 Whitehead St. your guests. By the way, did you know the are near-endless, but I would be remiss if I The B&B is a convenient location and the “S” in Truman’s name doesn’t stand for did not point out a few places I was introbreakfast, pool and mojito bar are valuable anything? duced to last trip. There are a lot of funky assets. You can also climb to the top of the On a side note, during a visit to Key art, architecture and characters on this Key West Lighthouse next door for a fanisland. Take a little time to stroll, rather West during Bill Clinton’s presidency, tastic view or some wedding photos! than scooter around because then you can Hillary Clinton said she would love this Just a few blocks down Whitehead site as a Southern White House given pay attention to your surroundings and Street and over to Duval is a somewhat the chance, so locals are excited thinking soak it all in. well-kept secret, the Key West Butterfly about Clinton 45 and some face time. Need a gourmet chocolate fix? Try and Nature Conservatory Lush (lushkw.com). Organic (keywestbutterfly.com). An chocolates from around the intimate venue with 50-60 speworld can be found here, cies of butterflies and over a and they are dynamite. A dozen exotic birds, this beaufine selection of teas, wines tiful and spiritual space that and beers are also available, can be a stunning wedding site and wine-tasting and chocofor a small party or a glorious late-pairing is a nice way to get-away destination one afterspend an hour. Reservations noon. Consider a visit here on are highly recommended for a rainy day, which is not that those. uncommon. Take the time to Just a block away from check out the “nursery,” where the Key West Butterfly you may see a butterfly emerge and Nature Conservatory from its cocoon. and the Southernmost Harry S. Truman — atomic Point is Banana Café bombs, United Nations, New (bananacafekw.com). This Deal civil rights, NATO, the is a delightful locals-place Korean War; he was president that serves all three meals as the Soviet Union went on and has a great selection the offensive — had a lot on THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE LAWN of crepes for breakfast and his desk. It was first thought lunch. Happy hour also gets that he came to Key West to A wedding on the beach is not original, a crowd on the second-floor outdoor deck. unwind, but after researchers dug into true, but in Key West it’s a lot more than Key West Museum of Art and History travel logs, it became clear that he worked just standing in the surf off the board(kwahs.org) on Mallory Square is part of as hard there as in Washington, D.C. walk. Bump it up a notch with one of the Key West Art and Historical Society’s The country was being led from the these unique locations. The Casa Marina purview, as are the Key West Lighthouse Little White House (trumanlittlewhiteResort (casamarinaresort.com) has enough and Fort East Martello. The museum is house.com/) during the 11 trips Truman beach, recreation and ballroom space to in the restored Customs House and isn’t and staff made over the years, and it’s still host two weddings simultaneously, so any large, but it does have some fascinating occasionally used for government funcgathering here wouldn’t be a problem. You images, artifacts and stories of the USS

HUEVOS RANCHEROS AT AMIGOS (TOP) WITH A VIEW OF CAPT. TONY’S

Maine, the connecting of the island to the mainland, construction and restoration of the Customs House and the building (and rebuilding) of Key West itself. Mallory Square is touristy but, from the museum, wander up Greene Street and you’ll find Amigos Tortilla Bar (amigoskeywest.com), where there’s some yummy authentic Mexican fare for every time of day. The huevos rancheros is especially good, as in “especially” when accompanied by a bloody mary or mimosa. And across the street from Amigos is Capt. Tony’s Saloon (capttonyssaloon.com/), site of the “first and original Sloppy Joe’s Bar 1933-1937,” according to its signage. Go in, ask for the special shot of the day, toast Ernest Hemingway, sign a dollar bill and staple it to a wall, beam or the ceiling. (It’s what you do.) Finally, wander into the LGBT Key West Business Guild (gaykeywestfla.com/) and check out the Tennessee Williams exhibit. Yeah, there’s more fame than just Hemingway and Truman on this island. Plus, you can get the scoop on what’s LGBT-special during your stay. Honeymoon in Key West? Don’t mind if I do. But I’ll have to wait until there’s a proposal before I start planning that trip. n

ONE OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLAR BILLS AND BUSINESS CARDS IN CAPT. TONY’S (FROM LEFT), TENNESSEE WILLIAMS EXHIBIT, ART ALONG DUVAL STREET, DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN NEWSPAPER AT LITTLE WHITE HOUSE AND A BEACH AT CASA MARINA RESORT Photos: Scott A. Drake

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Economic impact of same-sex marriage on LGBTQ families By Rosalind W. Sutch, CPA, MT PGN Contributor On May 20, Pennsylvania became the 19th state to allow same-sex marriage. In the nine months that followed, 18 more states have followed suit. Now, with only 13 non-marriage equality states remaining and the Supreme Court poised to rule on marriage equality this summer, it seems imminent that we will have national marriage equality in 2015. Because of these changes, many LGBTQ committed couples are facing the decision of whether to wed. Love and commitment are probably the most important things to consider when contemplating nuptials. However, practical issues, which are not nearly as fun to discuss, should be considered. Marriage can have a significant economic impact on LGBTQ families, especially for more financially mature couples. Failing to address or quantify the effects can cause serious unwelcomed financial surprise, even worse than your wedding caterer coming in over budget. This article covers common tax and financial-planning issues LGBTQ couples should consider before tying the knot; however, it is not all-inclusive and should not be used to replace professional advice. The decision to marry can affect your family in many quantifiable ways, which should be discussed with your tax, financial and legal advisor before you walk down the aisle. Income-based benefit programs Several benefit programs are administered by federal and state governments that have income-based eligibility standards. These standards are often different for single versus married individuals. Many couples will find it difficult to qualify for Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid if they are married and living together. If you, your partner or your children are planning on pursuing higher education, need-based education assistance is based on the economic resources of both spouses. Marriage may not be ideal for

couples where one spouse or one spouse’s children are eligible for income-based benefit programs or education assistance, since meeting eligibility standards may be more difficult. Employer benefits For an unmarried couple, the estimated value of an employer’s financial contribution towards health-insurance coverage for an employee’s non-dependent partner must be reported as taxable wages earned. This is often referred to as “imputed income.” However, for married couples, a non-employee spouse’s health-insurance coverage is tax-free. Thus, couples should alert employers of their marriage immediately to ensure proper treatment. Effective March 27, 2015, the Department of Labor will broaden its definition of spouse to recognize same-sex marriage for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Private employers with 50 or more employees must comply with FMLA laws. Prior to the effective date, this important job-protection benefit was not available to same-sex married couples who lived in non-marriage-equality states. Titling of assets Married couples should consider how their assets are titled, even if those assets were owned jointly prior to marriage. This decision can have a significant effect on a creditor’s ability to reach certain assets. Both real and personal property held by married couples as “tenants by the entireties” in Pennsylvania are generally exempt from creditor claims of only one spouse. This protection is lost if the spouses divorce or the debtor spouse survives the other and becomes the sole owner of the property. Additionally, tenancy by the entireties protection does not apply where both spouses are jointly indebted to the creditor. Retirement benefits Many Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit plans are tied to marital status. In June, the SSA published new instructions allowing the agency to process more claims for same-sex couples, including those claims related to non-mar-

ital legal relationships (such as domestic partnerships or civil unions), if recognized by the state in which the applicant is domiciled, because SSA recognizes marriages and non-marital legal relationships based on the place of domicile. If you are married, live in a non-marriage-equality state and believe you qualify for spousal benefits, you should apply for benefits. If your claim is denied, and national marriage equality occurs, your benefits may be retroactive to your original application date. Qualified retirement-plan rules generally require that a surviving spouse be entitled to the benefits under the plan unless they consented to a different designation during the plan participant’s lifetime. Absent such consent, the surviving spouse will be entitled to either a pre-retirement survivor annuity or joint and survivor annuity benefit. Updating your beneficiary designations after marriage is important if you desire to leave qualified retirement-plan assets to anyone other than your spouse. Income taxes The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stated in an August 2013 Revenue Ruling they would adopt the state-of-celebration rule, recognizing same-sex marriages validly entered into in a state whose laws authorize same-sex marriage, no matter where that couple is domiciled. They further stated that registered domestic partnerships, civil unions or other similar formal relationships “not denominated as a marriage” under state law would not qualify a couple as married for federal tax purposes. The Congressional Budget Office reported same-sex marriage tax filings would likely be revenue-neutral, suggesting an even split of revenue generated from couples facing the “marriage penalty” versus those benefiting from a “marriage bonus” — the former being when a couple pays more income tax as a married couple than they would have as two single individuals; the latter, when they would pay less. There are many income-tax limitations, thresholds and maximum deductibility limits that change when individuals marry. Preparing a tax projection to evaluate the tax impact of nuptials will quantify the impact of

marriage on your taxes. If you were married prior to 2013, you may be due a tax refund for 2012 or 2011. Check with your tax advisor to see if you might benefit from filing amended returns. A 2011 amended return may need to be filed by April 15, 2015, so time is of the essence. There are two scenarios in which finalizing an adoption during the calendar year before marriage could cause the adoption tax credit to yield potentially significant tax savings. Couples considering second-parent adoption need to be aware that the adoption credit is not available for the adoption of a spouse’s child. Higher-earning couples, or couples with disparate income, may allow for more flexibility if they remain unmarried due to income limitations for couples with combined income over $195,000. By finalizing an adoption in the calendar year before getting married, a couple has the potential to save enough tax dollars to finance a honeymoon and a babysitter!

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Estate, inheritance and realty-transfer tax Generally, there is an overwhelming estate, inheritance and realty-transfer tax benefit for partners who marry. If you live in Pennsylvania, you will see a decrease of 15 percent in your state-inheritance tax rate upon marriage, no matter the size of your estate. This is especially impactful on the testamentary transfer of personal residence ownership. Newlyweds should be quick to contact their CPA or estate-planning attorney to review their estate plan, especially since prior documents were most likely drafted to work around the inability to wed. Getting sound tax, financial and legal advice to think through the economic impact of marriage is essential. However, it has been said, that love endures through every circumstance, and I think that even includes higher tax bills. n Rosalind W. Sutch, CPA, MT, is a shareholder at Drucker & Scaccetti (D&S), a Philadelphiabased tax advisory firm. Roz leads D&S’s LGBT Tax Consulting & Financial Planning Practice Group and can be reached at rsutch@taxwarriors.com.

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

Engagements Patrick Porter and Thomas Zerone

Patrick Porter and Thomas Zerone are both thankful for their decision to go to U Bar one Friday night in 2013. “I looked across the bar and saw him, and there was just some kind of spark there,” Zerone said. “That’s where it all started.” “Luckily for me, he came over started talking to me,” Porter said. “And now we’re getting married in three months!” The couple is getting married in June at Physick House. They got engaged while on vacation in St. Bart’s last summer. “We were beginning the process of moving in together and I said to myself, If he’s moving in, I must love him enough to want to spend the rest of my life with him. I came to that conclusion about three days before we were leaving for vacation, so I went out and got a ring,” Porter said. He said he was nervous the entire week, until finally pushing himself to propose on the beach. Zerone joked they began planning as soon as they got back. “He said, ‘I know we haven’t been together all that long, but you’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, so you decide when you’re ready to get married.’ And two days, we’re getting calls back from wedding venues he had called,” he laughed. “I said, ‘Uh huh, giving me time?’” But Zerone said he didn’t need any more time to decide. “We haven’t been together as long as some other couples, but you know when it’s a fit. There’s a foundation of respect that’s vitally, vitally important. A lot of young couples don’t get that,” he said. “We’re very different but we’re both always willing to come back to the table and figure

out a middle ground.” The South Jersey natives now live in Center City. Zerone works in administration at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Porter is an interior designer. “He has a sense of detail like no other person I’ve ever met. I sometimes feel like a straight man next to him,” laughed Zerone. “But he’s one of the most kindhearted people I’ve ever met; he has an innate generosity and desire to help people. And a very quick sense of humor.” Porter said the authenticity he most admires about Zerone shone through the first night they met. “I realized quickly what an incredibly special person he is,” Porter said. “There are not a lot of people out there who are as sincere and kind as he is.” Communication, Porter added, has been key in their success. “That’s the most important thing: good, honest communication,” he said. “It’s definitely not always easy, but if it’s worth it, you have to put in the effort.” Zerone, a cabaret singer, often sings about love and relationships. He used to tell audiences, “when I find my one true love, I’ll be singing this song to him.” “I’m so happy to finally have that special person who is there to receive the emotions expressed through my singing.” n — Jen Colletta

Giannis Sporidis and Paul Foster

Paul Foster and Giannis Sporidis already have their Halloween plans set. The couple will tie the knot Oct. 31, in a masquerade-themed wedding at Sheraton Bucks County. The pair met online and had their first date Jan. 11, 2013. “I kind of knew right away that he was the one,” Foster, 27, said.

“You can definitely say it was love at first sight,” added Sporidis, 34. “It was one of those dates you just don’t want to end.” Foster, a community-health educator and program director at Drexel Medicine, and Sporidis, a kindergarten teacher, moved in together about six months later. Sporidis is a native of Greece, and Foster noted his sense of humor transcends both cultures. “It’s a real skill to understand humor and sarcasm from another language than the one you were born into, but he gets American humor so well,” Foster said. “He always has a way to make me laugh.” Sporidis said he was taken by Foster’s maturity and their shared values, such as being family-oriented. Foster added that the couple has learned how to successfully navigate differences. “We really work through any issues together so well,” Foster said. “Even if we have an argument, it’s always respectful and we work through it; we don’t walk away.” The couple bought a house last year in South Philadelphia and Foster used the occasion to suggest a celebratory dinner — to cover up his plan to propose. But the Sept. 19 proposal didn’t go quite as planned. “We went to dinner and he had Chinese food that was extremely spicy so he was guzzling water and sweating and choking. It wasn’t cute at all,” Foster laughed. “So I was going to wait and take him to Spruce Street Harbor Park after, and I thought it would be super romantic to propose in one of the hammocks there. But he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to go home. So I actually just waited until we got home — and then he dropped the ring into the carpet! I was crawling around looking for it, so it ended up that I was on one knee anyway when I found the ring, which was cute.” “I was surprised, but very pleasantly surprised,” Sporidis said. Sporidis has guests coming in from Greece for the wedding, and said they’re both looking forward to celebrating with their family and friends. “We both love Halloween, so it’ll be like a big Halloween party,” he said. “It’s just going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait; I just love him very much.” n — J.C.

Bill Fennelly and Jason Rosencranz

On Feb. 16, Bill Fennelly and Jason Rosencranz sat down at a table in their favorite Fairmount neighborhood restaurant, Hickory Lane. The table was set with two red roses. A smiling waiter brought them martinis without being asked. Fennelly then presented Rosencranz with two gifts. The first, a mutually admired coffee-table book called “First Comes Love,” which features portraits of LGBTs in long-term relationships. The second, a custom photo book with pictures of the couple and of all their adventures over the past eight years. Then Fennelly took Rosencranz’s hand, and asked his partner if he would marry him. Rosencranz replied, “Yes.” It was an easy decision for the couple that describes themselves as absolute best friends and having fallen in love at first sight. They met online in Novemeber 2006. Both were living in New York City at the time. Fennelly, a theater director for Broadway shows such as “The Lion King,” was preparing to move to Atlanta. Rosencranz, who works in client management for American Express, knew he could not let Fennelly go. So they maintained a long-distance relationship for about a year. Then Fennelly moved back to New York and into Rosencranz’s 300-square-foot apartment, putting their relationship to the test. “I told him if it works, it works; if not, you can kick me out,” said Fennelly. “You have to really like each other to be living in a space that small,” he added. “But it also forces you to really get to know the person,” said Rosencranz. The cohabitation test was a suc-

cess. After five years, the couple decided to leave the shoebox apartment behind and move in August 2011 to Philadelphia, where they have lived since. The couple loves to travel. They have visited Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia, South Africa and the Middle East, among other locales. “Travel has always been a part of our lives,” said Fennelly. “We are always looking for the next adventure.” They had discussed marriage in the past as that next great adventure, but coincidentally had never lived in a state where it was actually legal, until recently. “First and foremost we wanted it to be legal,” said Rosencranz. “Jason used to tease me that he would only live in a state where it was not legal,” said Fennelly. “But we are meant to be together. He is stuck with me. And I am gloriously stuck with him.” Fennelly contends that Rosencranz dropped a major hint that he wanted to tie the knot soon — when Rosencrantz left a copy of PGN open to the page calling for wedding announcements for this issue. Rozencranz swears the not-so-inconspicuous hint was unintentional. Regardless, their love for each other is effusive. Even during our phone interview, their affection for one another was palpable. “From the moment I saw him, I knew. It was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen,” said Fennelly. “He is so kind and so optimistic and loving. He is also really funny, which is very important to me. We make each other laugh. Every day is a great adventure with him. Every couple deals with individual or collective challenges, but it’s good to know you have your best friend in the room with you.” “Bill is the sweetest, kindest person I know,” said Rosencranz. “Not just to me but to everyone. It’s funny seeing how many people love him and knowing that I was the lucky one. He is incredibly warm, generous and supportive. “He’s also very easy on the eyes,” he laughed. “His spirit is just as beautiful as his looks too.” Fennelly, originally from Wethersfield, Conn., now teaches in the theater program at Drexel University in addition to still directing plays. Rosencranz, from Milton, Mass., still works for American Express.

Wedding issue PGN

After waiting eight years to get engaged, the couple says they are in no rush to get married, though they have narrowed down the date to summer 2016. “It makes total sense for us to take our time,” said Fennelly. “Our friends and family are super excited for us. They can’t wait. Neither can we.” n — Ryan Kasley

Lindey Campagne and Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith hails from Ohio. Linda Campagne comes from Georgia. They met in North Carolina. And they got engaged in Philadelphia. The couple’s multi-state romance began when they met as juniors at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. They became a couple a little over a year ago. After graduation, Smith, 23, and Campagne, 22, packed up and moved up north. Campagne is taking post-doc classes at Temple and is heading to optometry school in the fall, while Smith is applying for physician-assistant programs. Both work as medical scribes in Aria’s emergency room and live in Northeast Philadelphia. “We both made a commitment to each other,” Campagne said. “We decided to leave behind everything we had in North Carolina, leave our families where they are and just start a new life here with each other in Philadelphia.” “We’ve made friends and built community through our work, but it’s really just the two of us,” Smith said. The two of them, plus their dogs — a 1-and-a-half-year-old Siberian husky, Luna, who came with them from North Carolina, and a 6-month-old border collie, Elsie, whom they got this past fall as company for their first dog. The couple said much of their time is spent working but they try to explore their new city when

they can. Around Christmas, they were eager to take in the city’s holiday offerings and got tickets to the Philly POPS! holiday show on Dec. 17. Campagne made Smith one of her favorite meals before they left and then presented her with an early Christmas gift. “She’s an artist and was making me a painting for Christmas and she said, ‘Before we go, I finished your painting; do you want to see it?’” Smith said. “So I said yes and on the painting it said, ‘Will you marry me?’ I said yes of course.” The proposal wasn’t a complete surprise, as they had talked about an engagement before and both wanted to wear engagement rings. “I knew it was coming and had gotten her a ring just to be ready,” Smith laughed. “After she asked me, I said, ‘Oh, here’s your ring!’” The couple is in the early stages of wedding planning. Smith has family in Ohio, while Campagne’s family is largely in New Jersey and Georgia. They decided to have the wedding in the state in which they met, North Carolina, which legalized same-sex marriage late last year. They’re visiting in May to look at potential venues, and are planning for a June 2016 wedding. n — J.C.

Dora Ficher and Heidi Schifferli

Among the unique elements at Heidi Schifferli and Dora Ficher’s wedding this spring will be what they’ve termed the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Huppah” — a handmade, tie-dyed huppah made by a friend that has been passed among their lesbian friends who have married in the past few months. “I can’t remember who came up with the phrase,” laughed Schifferli. “But it’s going to be

perfect for our fun, funky wedding.” The four posts of the huppah will be held by Schifferli’s daughter and her husband and Ficher’s son and his wife. Their 19-monthold grandson will serve as ringbearer for the April 26 ceremony at Material Culture in East Falls. The Center City couple has been together 23 years. They met when Schifferli was teaching at Plymouth Meeting Friends School and Ficher’s son was assigned to her class. “We became friends when my son was in her class, and we began doing things together and with other teachers, going to the shore on the weekends and going on trips,” Ficher said. “We just became very good friends and it turned into more than friendship. We were both married to men before, and I always told my son, ‘You don’t fall in love with a man or woman, you fall in love with the person.’ And we fell in love.’” Schifferli, 67, hails from Buffalo, N.Y., and moved to the area in the early 1980s. Ficher, 63, is originally from Argentina and moved to Philadelphia with her family in the 1960s before leaving for St. Louis and returning here in 1977. Ficher’s son was 8 and Schifferli’s daughter 10 when they became a couple. “Our children got along beautifully,” Schifferli said. “There were the inevitable conflicts of course, but it was pretty smooth sailing.” Ficher also later became a teacher at the school. The couple retired from teaching several years ago and now share an art studio, and Ficher runs a summer camp for children. While they share many interests, Schifferli said their differences complement one another. “She’s very outgoing, sort of willing to try everything, be part of the action all the time,” she said. “That’s the antithesis of my behavior; I’m more introspective and like to sort of stand back more. She brought me out. I’d probably be a recluse without her!” “She’s not as crazy as I am,” laughed Ficher. “She’s a lot calmer. But she’s incredibly creative and talented. She works with yarn and fabric and we share the studio and have a lot of fun. She’s very supportive of any crazy thing I want to do. She’s always willing to do new things — maybe not try a lot of new foods — but she goes along with things most of the time. We just have fun together.”

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

The women said that, once Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage, they decided it would be natural for them to tie the knot. “It just sort of seemed like the next step, inevitable,” said Schifferli. “One by one, our friends have been getting married so we decided, Hey, let’s do this.” The couple said the space is perfect for them. “Material Culture is one of our favorite, favorite places. The minute we heard they opened a café that could be used for a venue, I said to Dora, ‘We have to do it there,’” Schifferli said. “They have oriental rugs, Asian antiques, and you have no idea what furniture will be there depending on what they sell; it’s just a visual paradise.” The couple will leave the day after the wedding for a Viking River Cruise of Paris, Germany and Prague. While LGBT acceptance is quickly evolving, Ficher said the best way to find happiness as a couple is to first attain it as individuals. “You have to be who you are, don’t worry about what people think,” she said. “You have to think with your heart, feel with your heart and do what you feel is right for you.” n — J.C.

Michael Keith and Robert Pierce

Michael Keith’s Valentine’s Day dessert was extra sweet this year. His partner of seven years, Robert Pierce, proposed Feb. 14 — with the help of some chocolate cake. The week of the holiday, Pierce called to make reservations at their favorite restaurant, Paloma, where they’re friendly with the husband and wife owners, who eagerly made room on their reservation list when they learned of

his plan. “They make all the desserts there themselves and they know Michael always orders dessert so I said, ‘When you bring it out, can you write on it, ‘Michael, will you marry me?’ And she said, ‘Oh my god! You’re going to be here Saturday night no matter what!’ And she made sure to get us a table.” During their dinner, Keith jokingly chided Pierce for not having proposed yet. “They sat the plate down and I held out the ring, and for once in his life Michael was quiet,” laughed Pierce. “I thought he’d go right for the bling, but he was just staring at the plate. So finally everyone in the restaurant was like, ‘Say yes!’ and he did.” “I was shocked,” Keith said. “Shocked and elated.” The couple is planning to wed locally next summer. They met in July 2008 at a wine and cheese party, where they talked for two hours. “I thought he was charismatic, intelligent, very well-spoken, just very sweet,” Keith said about their first encounter. The couple started dating shortly afterwards. Pierce said it’s been an “opposites-attract” type of scenario. “He’s the complete opposite of me,” he said. “I’m very intense, organized, detail-driven, a Type A personality, and Michael’s the complete opposite, which is good.” Keith, 32, a native of Northeast Philadelphia, works in the mental-health field. Pierce, 55, grew up in Coudersport, Pa., and works in human resources. The couple lives in Queen Village. Pierce is a wine collector and together the couple enjoys trying new wines and foods, as well as traveling; they’ve been to such locales as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, France, Egypt and Greece. Keith said good communication, and understanding of both their strengths and weaknesses, has helped them stay strong. “It’s important to accept one’s flaws because no one can be perfect,” Keith said. Pierce added that keeping an open mind, and a healthy sense of humor, has also been key. “You need to be able to laugh a lot. Even when things get tough, being able to laugh helps,” he said. “And you have to be open to new ideas, new things and new approaches.” n — J. C. PAGE 26

Wedding PGN issue

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

ENGAGMENTS from page 25

Kevin Jordan, Sr., and Frank J. DiCamillo

Frank DiCamillo joined Match.com just in time. Kevin Jordan, Sr., had messaged DiCamillo through the dating site but, per the site’s rules, DiCamillo couldn’t respond until he officially joined. His interest piqued by Jordan’s note that he too had children from a previous marriage, DiCamillo joined and replied — on the very day Jordan’s membership expired. The couple had their first date Nov. 17, 2011, at the Cheesecake Factory at Christiana Mall. “He made me feel so comfortable,” Jordan said about their first meeting. “There was just a very relaxed, comfortable feel, like I was at home — as much as he tried to push limits,” laughed Jordan. “I like to know where the line is,” DiCamillo said. “I said to the waitress, ‘Don’t you think he has nice eyes? Don’t you think we’d make a nice couple?’ And she goes, ‘Oh yeah’ and he starts laughing, and I was like, ‘OK, I don’t see the line yet. He was very fun to play with.” Jordan, 48, who hails from Southwest Philadelphia, is a travel agent, while DiCamillo, 53, originally from Northeast Philadelphia, works in insurance sales. Among their commonalities, the couple said, is that they both came out after marriages to women and have adult children; Jordan has a 25-year-old daughter and 22-year-old son, while DiCamillo has a 21-yearold daughter. Blending their families, DiCamillo said, has been

smooth. “It’s been going really well. I think what makes it easier is the ages: They’re all in the same age range, so they have a lot in common,” he said. The couple moved in together in Boothwyn after about a year of dating. Jordan said they try to avoid falling into a routine, planning outings like to Our Night Out socials in Wilmington and other excursions. “You can’t get stuck in the routine of get up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, do the dishes, sit on the couch, fall asleep,” Jordan said. “We like to mix it up; the other night we actually just stood in the kitchen around the island and talked because some nights you shouldn’t just sit on the couch. You’ve always got to keep it interesting.” Each fall, the couple has taken a trip for DiCamillo’s birthday — Mexico, San Francisco and, this past October, Italy and France. They had talked about getting engaged and decided to mutually exchange rings while on a gondola ride in Venice. “We both agreed to do it somewhere on our trip. I think we’re both still somewhat old-fashioned in the sense of wanting an engagement and then a marriage; we both have the same common ground of commitment,” Jordan said. “When we got off the gondola, everyone on our trip was waiting for us and shook our hands and said congratulations. It was a trip with people from all over the world, all different ages, some people in their 80s, and they were so accepting. It was a great feeling.” DiCamillo said the couple plans to approach the next phase of their relationship with the lessons they’ve already learned. “You just have to laugh. Do the dumbest things, don’t be afraid to be silly,” he said. “And just spend as much time together as you can.” Jordan’s daughter is getting married next year, with DiCamillo’s daughter as one of her bridesmaids. The couple plans to wait until after her wedding to plan a destination wedding with their families. “We’re really lucky guys,” said Jordan. n — J.C.

Angela Thomas and Rita Burns

Rita Burns jokes that her first line to former PGN staff writer Angela Thomas on an online dating site wasn’t all that suave — “I messaged Angela with the very smooth line of, ‘So what kind of articles do you write?’ which she still makes fun of me for to this day.” But, the intro worked. The couple got engaged in December and is planning an August 2016 wedding. Burns, 27, is a native of Yardley. She graduated from Temple University in 2010 and is starting law school in the area in the fall, and currently works at a local law firm. Thomas, also 27, hails from Lansdale and graduated from West Chester University in 2012. She currently works as development and marketing associate at Bethesda Project. The couple met online in 2013 and had their first date that October at Perch Pub. “Talking with Rita was so effortless. Even in between the awkward silences, it just seemed natural,” Thomas said. “Her company is just so refreshing.” “I knew I was in trouble that night because I was already falling for her,” added Burns. The couple moved in together in West Philadelphia last March — “like the stereotypical lesbians, we ‘U-Hauled’ it five months after we made it official,” Thomas joked. They enjoy exploring the city together, trying new foods and craft beers and crafting. “We share a (sometimes slightly obsessive) love for our two cats,” Burns added. While they have a lot in common, the women also appreciate their differences. “Just the other day, she decided she wanted to fix the plumbing in our bathroom sink. She watched a

YouTube video on how to unclog a sink, went into the bathroom and literally fixed our sink, which had been a mess for weeks,” Thomas said. “If it were me, I would have called maintenance to help out, but Rita always wants to learn how to do things and to be self-sufficient, and that is something I admire greatly. She is a go-getter.” Burns said Thomas’ drive and passion are contagious. “She’s full of life and wants to always strive for better things for us and society in general,” she said. “She makes the everyday mundane things so exciting and always chooses to see the good in things. She just radiates a presence that I always want to be around and makes me want to strive to be better myself.” Burns began planning the proposal in the fall. She ordered a handmade ring and a book of photos of the couple, which ended in a written proposal. “I knew I’d be too nervous to say it,” Burns said. The couple went to Melrose Diner Dec. 12 and walked to see the Christmas lights on South 13th Street, where Burns presented the book, followed by the ring. And, right before Valentine’s Day, Thomas proposed back through a written entry she had covertly sent to the Philadelphia Secret Admirer, a newsletter Burns enjoys reading. “Everyone, regardless of gender, should have that special moment. I wanted Rita to feel as loved and as happy as I did when she proposed to me,” Thomas said. The couple has begun wedding planning and said they’re enjoying the process of working together. “I find it fun and rewarding to work through ideas and problems together because in the end we’re bringing together what we both want for our wedding day and I feel like there’s something magical in that, as if it’s laying out a template for our marriage,” Burns said. No matter the details they decide on for the big day, Thomas said, she’s most excited for the end result. “Just that I get to marry my best friend,” she said. “At the end of the day, I get to come home to her and that is such a great thing. I am excited to finally be able to legally marry in our state, but most of all, I am just excited to see what dreams we get to accomplish together.” n — J.C.

Free wedding expo returns for same-sex couples By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com One of the largest boutique same-sex wedding expos will be returning to the Philadelphia area next week. The eighth annual “Same Love, Same Rights” LGBT wedding expo, produced by the Rainbow Wedding Network, will take place 12:30-3:30 p.m. March 15 at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, 400 N. Oxford Valley Road in Langhorne. The event is free to attend, but participants are encouraged to RSVP at samelovesamerights. com. The intimate expo will feature about 30 LGBT-friendly exhibitors committed to helping couples plan the perfect wedding. Vendors include photographers, DJs, officiants, wedding planners, venues, jewelers, invitation designers and more. Local legal go-to source and PGN columnist Angela Giampolo will be on hand to give a brief presentation about current laws and issues affecting LGBT couples. “The truth is, we’ve found that our couples really want to have quality one-on-one time to meet and talk with vendors,” said expo event coordinator Marianne Puechl. “The event is purposely scaled to a smaller size to provide couples with the opportunity to build up a network of professionals as they move forward with their wedding plans.” Puechl says couples tend to be planning 12-18 months in advance, and are very mindful of their wedding plans. “They want to create a truly unique experience,” she said. “They come with the full range of budgets too.” One of the event highlights will be the giveaway of two free airline tickets to anywhere in the United States, courtesy of Equality Travel, one of the event vendors. For more information on the expo and to RSVP, visit www. samelovesamerights.com. n

Wedding PGN issue

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

Weddings James Sherrat and Brent Reinhard

On Feb. 7, 1997, James Sherrat and Brent Reinhard exchanged words and had their first dance to Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart.” On Feb. 7, 2015, the couple exchanged vows and had their first dance as a married couple. The couple married at the Franklin Institute on the 18th anniversary of the night they met, at the Cartwheel in New Hope. “I thought he was making eye contact with me all evening so I finally got up the nerve to say hi and it turns out he hadn’t noticed me at all,” Reinhard laughed. “But he gave me a shot anyway.” They returned to the Cartwheel for dinner the following night. “And we’ve been together ever since,” Sherrat said. Sherrat, 44, works in product management for an insurance brokerage, and Reinhard, 40, is the general manager for JP Morgan Chase’s small-business credit-card program. In their nearly two decades together, Sherrat said they’ve learned how to overcome any obstacles. “Communication, managing expectations and being respectful. And being willing to laugh,” he said. “We got into a fight one time and he was so mad and at the end, he did what I perceived to be a hair flip. I was like, ‘Did you just do a hair flip?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, I know. I lost all credibility,’ and we laughed. Any fight always ends with laughter.” “We don’t sweat the small stuff,” Reinhard added. “Things that upset him or are important to him are things I can manage and vice versa. We strike a good balance. I’m more of the one with my head in the clouds and he keeps me centered. He makes

me laugh every day and is such a wonderful person to be around. He taught me to be a better person.” Sherrat echoed that sentiment. “He’s the kind of person who makes me want to be deserving of him,” he said. “He truly is the most kind and giving person I’ve ever met. He has a flexibility and genuineness that just makes everybody happy.” The couple had long talked about marrying when it was legal here, or by their 20th anniversary, whichever came first. Reinhard decided to propose on their 17th anniversary, as marriage equality was quickly spreading — and, logistically, their 18th anniversary was slated to fall on a Saturday. Sherrat thought they were meeting two friends for dinner at The Raven but found 12 friends in a private dining room, each of whom presented him a sterling rose. “I wasn’t connecting what was going on. I just thought, Oh isn’t this fun! We’re all going to celebrate our anniversary,” Sherrat laughed. “And then I turned and Brent was on one knee. I said, ‘Oh shit, this is happening!’ He proposed, I said yes and then we had a lovely engagement dinner.” “I’ve resigned myself to never plan another surprise, it took so much work,” joked Reinhard. But the work paid off for the couple. “The wedding day was the most incredible, magical experience I could ever imagine,” Sherrat said. They originally planned to have a legal ceremony in New Jersey and then a reception in Pennsylvania, but the Keystone State legalized same-sex marriage three months after their engagement. They selected the Franklin Institute as the venue; they took photos on the roof, had the ceremony in the Planetarium, cocktail hour in the Heart and Brain structures followed by a dinner with their 180 guests. “The venue itself was spectacular,” Reinhard said. “But what most struck me about the day was that this is the one time in your life where every single person who’s important to you will be together in the same place, celebrating you. And when you let that emotion sink it, it’s an amazing feeling. We really let ourselves enjoy the enormity of that love and support.” n — Jen Colletta

Kijuan and Desmond Paige

Kijuan and Desmond Paige first met in 2012. Kijuan had recently moved to Philadelphia from Brooklyn and, thanks to PlentyofFish.com, he and Desmond were on their first date shorty thereafter at Sampan restaurant for happy hour. “He was a little stand-offish at first,” said Kijuan, 27. “But I am more the aggressive-personality type, so when I know what I want, I go after it.” After going back and forth for a little while, Kijuan ultimately persisted in persuading Desmond, 23, to meet for drinks. After a great time at Sampan, the two walked over to Penn’s Landing where Kijuan says they talked for five or six hours. “We just talked and started connecting,” he said. They officially became a couple in June 2013. Kijuan, originally from Saint George’s, Del., attended Lincoln University. Desmond, a Philly native, went to Cheyney University. As fate would have it, Kijuan lost his job in September, which he said sent him into a depression, in which he cut himself off from his friends and family, including Desmond. “I fell back on all my friends, and even Desmond,” Kijuan said. “At times I go through a little depression phase and cut people off. I tend to block people.” The couple reconnected about a year later. “Desmond was very supportive of me getting back on my feet,” Kijuan said. On Oct. 3, 2014, Desmond proposed to Kijuan inside Tiffany’s jewelers in Philadelphia.

“We had our ups and downs, but we talked about it and decided we were better together,” Kijuan said. The couple got married in a small ceremony on Jan. 30, just the two of them. Kijuan said the couple enjoys spending time together wherever they can — shopping, going out to eat, the movies. And, he said, they’re both family-oriented. “He loves my family,” Kijaun said. “Every time we have family gatherings, from Christmas to Thanksgiving, the little dinners at my mom’s house, he’s there. He loves his family too.” Kijuan is a personal shopper and Desmond works for the City of Philadelphia. They live in Philadelphia. n — Ryan Kasley

Mark Labancz and William Lipski

“If you see me, you see him. You’ve heard the term ‘joined at the hip’? That’s us.” Mark Labancz said he and his husband, William Lipski, share just about everything. “Except I like salted butter, Bill likes unsalted,” laughed Labancz, while Lipski added, “Mark likes gravy, I prefer ketchup.” Their nearly two-decadelong romance began on a blind date Dec. 7, 1996, at 12th Air Command. On Nov. 9, 2014, the couple was married at Trinity Memorial Church by the Rev. Donna Maree, and friends marked their 18th anniversary the next month with a wedding reception. Labancz, 57, and Lipski, 58, moved in together shortly after their first meeting. “I was in the Art Museum area and Bill was living in a home in

Society Hill,” Labancz said. “We hit it off right away and we’ve been exclusive since day one. It was short into our relationship that Bill moved in here.” Labancz hails from the Detroit area and Lipski from New York City, but both were transferred to Philadelphia for work. Lipski worked for more than 30 years in the financial and actuarial industry, and Labancz for Sunoco, most recently in systems implementation and development. They have both since retired. Lipski said he and Labancz have so much in common that their relationship is seamless. “We lucked into it; I don’t think it feels like work at all,” he said. “It’s just a perfect fit if there is such a thing,” Labancz added. “We may argue about what to have for dinner, but we agree on all the important stuff.” Shortly after Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage last spring, the couple decided to “make it legal, so to speak,” Labancz said. “We don’t need a piece of paper to tell us we belong together,” Lipski said. “But a marriage license allows us to take advantage of benefits that are applicable to married couples that we couldn’t take advantage of before. And I think part of it for me, in the back of my mind, was also to make a statement, to finally get this on the books.” After 18 years together, the couple said that being legally married hasn’t changed much about how they view themselves or one another. “We’re just doing the same thing, the same way we did all along,” said Labancz. n — J. C.

Patrick Crofton and Robert Sampson

Patrick Crofton and Robert Sampson’s love story has gone from South Africa to New York City to New Hope and, now, to Philadelphia. PAGE 32

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

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The couple, together for more than 33 years, was married Jan. 16 at City Hall by Mayor Michael Nutter. They met in 1981, after both went to the movies with separate groups of friends, saw each other across the lobby and struck up conversation outside the theater. At the time, Crofton, a native of South Africa who grew up in Cape Town, was on vacation in America. Upon his return home, the two maintained a long-distance relationship before Crofton could move to the United States in 1982. “That was back in days where you had to write letters, and long-distance phone calls were too expensive, pre-Skype,” he said. “So we have a nice bundle of letters from that period that we saved.” Crofton, 64, worked as a makeup artist and Sampson, 71, a native of the Bronx, as an accountant and later a comptroller. While the world was very different in terms of LGBT acceptance three decades ago, the couple said they never faced much

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homophobia. But, they began their relationship as the HIV/AIDS crisis began to take shape, to which they lost many of their friends. “I’m glad we met before the AIDS crisis really peaked because it was a comfort to have someone to go home to when the world around us was changing. It was pretty scary,” said Crofton, who used to volunteer at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York, teaching makeup lessons to help men cover the lesions that were associated with the disease. “I saw a lot of it, fairly up close.” After many years in New York, the couple bought a home in New Hope and often commuted to the city but, in 2007, decided to follow their joint passion for painting and move to Philadelphia to both study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. They live in Academy House, right near the epicenter of Philadelphia’s arts and cultural scene. “If we want to see an opera, a ballet, we don’t even need to cross the street,” Crofton

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said. “We could find our way there in a blizzard.” The couple said their shared interests in art, history, travel and archeology have been able to blossom since they moved to Philadelphia. “When we lived in New York, there was no time for theater; I worked late hours and Patrick was often traveling,” Sampson said. “Now that we’re in Philadelphia, we can do so much more.” The couple shares a studio on Spring Garden Street where they paint, and exhibit their work in an Old City gallery. They said that, when the opportunity to marry became available in the state last spring, they knew, as they approach their later years, they wanted to take advantage. “We realized that at this point in our lives we needed that security,” Crofton said. “I’m sure there are tons of totally romantic stories but, the reality is, at our age that you do need to make plans.” While their approach was pragmatic, the emotion of the wedding itself surprised them. “I was unexpectedly moved,” Crofton said. The couple knows Nutter through friends and he offered to officiate when his schedule allowed; they said they didn’t have a specific date in mind, so they waited until the timing worked for the mayor. “His office called and said, ‘Come on down,’ and we had some friends who were ready and waiting. It was small and intimate and terrific. It was the standard ceremony but was tweaked to be made much more personal; I was choking up a bit.” Sampson said the response has also been overwhelming. He recently found cousins of his in Ireland that he and Crofton have become close with, and received a wedding card from a cousin in her 80s. “I was very moved by that, especially from someone of that generation,” he said. “It does feel different now to be married, in very subtle ways. It feels legitimate.” — J.C.

Robert Mason and Larry Sechrist

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A couple that has been together for almost four decades finally tied the knot this past summer after same-sex marriage became legal in Pennsylvania. Robert Mason and Larry Sechrist were married May 29, 2014, in Borough Hall in Phoenixville, in a private ceremony officiated by the mayor of Phoenixville, Michael Speck. They were the first same-sex couple to be wed by Speck. Mason, 71, and Sechrist, 68, met on Aug. 27, 1977, at the former Club Bath bathhouse in Philadelphia.

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“We were together every weekend from then on,” Sechrist said. At the time, Mason was living in Phoenixville and Sechrist in Philly. They dated for about two years before deciding to move in together in May 1979. Mason’s parents lived on the first floor of their family home in Phoenixville, while Mason and Sechrist lived on the second, acting as caregivers for 19 years. “They were the most wonderful in-laws you could’ve asked for,” said Sechrist. “They were very supportive of our relationship, which was amazing considering the times.” When same-sex marriage became legal last summer, the couple could not believe it. “For our generation, we never imagined that marriage would be a possibility,” said Sechrist. “When young people began pushing for it, we thought that was interesting but that it would never actually happen, especially in Pennsylvania.” Instead, the couple was tentatively planning to head to Delaware to tie the knot on their Aug. 27 anniversary. But their plans were postponed when they had to help care for their neighbor, who was undergoing cancer treatment. After it became legal in Pennsylvania, they decided to approach the mayor of Phoenixville to officiate a small private ceremony. They said they were pleasantly surprised that he agreed and said it would be an honor. The couple went with a “something old, something new” theme, and each carried small photographs of their parents in their pockets. They got their suits from Boscov’s and rings from Zales. While the couple felt their parents were there in spirit, they found additional confirmation of their blessing with a good omen after the ceremony. “We were sitting in the mayor’s office afterwards, and he reached into a bowl behind his chair and offered us Werther’s butterscotch candies,” said Sechrist. “They were Bob’s mother’s absolute favorite. She carried them with her everywhere. We knew that was her way of giving us her blessing.” Sechrist, originally from Tunkhannock, worked as a bookkeeper for the Philadelphia branch of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens, and later worked for a group home for intellectually challenged people. He retired in May 2013 after 39 years. Mason, a Pottstown-area native, worked as a paint-shader in Phoenixville. After developing an allergy to chemicals in some of the paint, he became an aid at Phoenixville Hospital. Both Sechrist and Mason are retired now. They enjoy spending their free time researching their family histories on Ancestry.com. n — R.K.

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Recently married couple faces unexpected challenge By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Ron Presby and Bob Shuman tied the knot on Aug. 4 after having met for the first time more than 35 years ago in a Philly bar. As PGN chronicled in our wedding announcement last summer, the couple parted ways for a while, but eventually came back to each other 18 years later, and have been together ever since. When marriage became legal in Pennsylvania, they couldn’t wait to make it official. Little did the couple know that shortly thereafter, they would face a challenge that would put their relationship to the test, changing their dynamic forever. It began at a surprise anniversary party in Connecticut for Shuman’s niece, about a month before their wedding. That is when Presby fell over unexpectedly. After their wedding, Shuman began to notice that Presby was not walking like he normally did. That is when he began to suspect that something was seriously wrong. The first diagnosis said it was

a neurological problem related to the spine, and Presby was scheduled to have spinal surgery. Upon further examination by his neurologist, Presby was instead diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. “I saw how the muscle began to gradually break down,” said Shuman. “Coupled with the increasing fatigue, I knew it was something more serious but I didn’t want to believe it.” ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, individuals with ALS lose the ability to control muscle movement. Over the course of their longterm relationship, Presby and Shuman have experienced ups and downs, but this was something neither of them ever expected to have to deal with. “It’s a bumpy ride now,” said Shuman. “But Ron’s spirit is great. He always has a great sense of humor.” Shuman, 72, is thirteen years older than Presby, 59. Presby’s sudden decrease in independence

Media Trail NYC mayor marches in gay pre-St. Pat’s parade ABC News reports New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told hundreds of participants at an LGBT-friendly St. Patrick’s Day parade March 1 that a society for all is one that embraces and respects everyone. The St. Pat’s for All parade stepped off in Queens under a heavy snowfall. It was held as an alternative to the city’s centuries-old St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan, which for years has excluded gay groups and this year is scheduled for March 17. De Blasio arrived about 15 minutes late, sporting a lavender shirt and green tie. Despite the snow and cold, he said, “It’s a sunny day in my world.” “You are a hardy troupe,” he told people gathered for the parade. “You are here to celebrate no matter what. That is what pride is all about — pride in the fact that in New York City you can be whoever you are.”

BOB SHuMAN (LEFT) AND RON PRESBY

has shifted the role of caregiver to Shuman. “He used to be the caretaker of me,” said Shuman. “He’s always been my rock, and now it’s my turn to be his.” Presby makes use of a walker and cane, and often needs help getting up from the seated position. Shuman says, at this point, he sometimes helps him walk, but tries not to overstep. “I’m trying to let him do what he can for himself,” Shuman said,

De Blasio, a Democrat, refused to march in last year’s Manhattan parade because it wasn’t fully inclusive, and Guinness beer dropped its sponsorship. Organizers said last year, though, that they would welcome one gay contingent under its own banner this year. The mayor said on March 1: “A society for everyone is a society where everyone is respected, where everyone is embraced, where everyone has a say at the table.” In the past, gays were free to march in the world’s biggest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade but not with banners saying they’re LGBT. Most marching units in the parade carry identifying banners. There are about 320 units in this year’s parade, the parade committee said. LGBT activists say the main parade organizer, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has been under increasing pressure to allow diversity, especially after New York state passed its Marriage Equality Act in 2011, allowing marriages for same-sex couples. The two grand marshals at the 15th annual St. Pat’s for All parade were longtime human-rights activist Kerry Kennedy and Tony Award-winning actor Brian O’Byrne. Patti Lowenhaupt, a retired art teacher and Queens resident who showed up for the parade, said people “are all human beings underneath it all.” “We here in Queens have the ability to accept all kinds of people,” Lowenhaupt said.

“in the hope that he can retain his independence longer.” Presby acknowledges his new reliance on Shuman but said he isn’t ready to relinquish his independence yet. “I need his help for almost everything now,” said Presby. “But I am a pretty independent person and I believe that, by helping myself as much as I can, I can keep what muscle I have left working.” While it is unclear at this point just how fast or to what degree the

Several protesters, however, stood on the side holding signs that read “Sodom & Gomorrah.” Other elected officials participating in the St. Pat’s for All parade included City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

W.Va. Senate leader: ‘No way’ considering discrimination bill According to the WV Gazette, state Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael said there’s “no way” the Senate will consider a proposal to nullify local ordinances that protect LGBT people from housing and employment discrimination. The Jackson County Republican made the remarks Feb. 26. The West Virginia Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act would prohibit any local nondiscrimination ordinances stricter than state law. West Virginia doesn’t include LGBT housing and employment protections. A House committee cleared the bill Feb. 25. Five cities, including Charleston, have similar nondiscrimination ordinances. Republican sponsor Del. Lynne Arvon said rules should be uniform and predictable.

disease will progress, Presby and Shuman are grateful they got married when they did. “I am so grateful that Pennsylvania allows marriage,” said Shuman. “We would be going through a lot of trauma right now, with me getting shut out of care at hospitals and things like that if we weren’t.” The couple is also making the most out of their time. “We are taking Ron’s grandson to Disney World in April,” said Shuman. “It’s going to be a happy time for us and our grandson.” “Emotionally I try and stay positive and remember how I have been blessed in life,” said Presby. “Sometimes it gets to me, like when my mind thinks I can do more than my body can handle.” Together, Presby and Shuman are taking things day by day. “We are one person,” said Shuman. “Whatever we are facing, we will face it together.” For more information on ALS and how you can help, visit www. alsa.org. Presby and Shuman’s wedding announcement is under the “Announcements” section on PGN’s website, epgn.com. n

Democratic Del. Stephen Skinner, the only openly gay state lawmaker, said it’s “legislative gay-bashing.” A similar law recently took effect in Arkansas.

KY Senate approves ‘trans’ bathrooms in public schools The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Kentucky’s state Senate voted to force transgender students to use separate bathrooms in the state’s public schools. The Senate voted 27-9 on a bill that was in response to a Louisville high school’s decision to allow a student who was born male but identifies as a female to use the girls’ restroom. Supporters of the bill characterized it as protecting student privacy, while opponents labeled it as discriminating against a group of people out of fear. Sen. Danny Carroll argued the bill would protect the rights of everyone by requiring transgender students to use the bathroom of their biological sex or a separate bathroom provided by school administrators. But Sen. Reginald Thomas said the Senate has failed in the most important civil-rights issue of the era. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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

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International First lesbian kiss on South Korean TV sparks complaints A lesbian kiss on TV in South Korea has led to a number of complaints to the country’s regulator. Two students shared a kiss on the school drama “Seonam Girls High School Investigators” on Feb. 25 — which is thought to be the first lesbian kiss on TV in the country. However, the moment sparked outrage among conservative viewers — and the broadcast regulator has now pledged to investigate whether the scene violated regulations. The Korea Communications Standards Commission said: “We will decide whether this is an issue after we look into it, and whether there is any violation of broadcast policy.” The creators of the show have defended the kiss as “necessary to the plot.” Last year, a kiss between two female characters was edited out of a broadcast of “Doctor Who” in the country by BBC Worldwide.

A BBC spokesperson had said: “In order to comply with broadcast regulations in Asia where our BBC Entertainment channel airs, BBC Worldwide made a brief edit to the first episode of ‘Doctor Who’ Series 8, but did so without detracting from the storyline.”

Egyptian police arrest ‘transsexuals’ Egyptian police recently arrested seven “transsexuals” in a Cairo neighborhood popular with tourists. Members of the country’s Morality Police arrested the seven who were part of what it described as a “network of debauchery in Cairo.” Major Gen. Magdy Moussa of the Morality Police said his investigators had proof the seven people who were arrested had “published nude photos of themselves” on social-media networks. The newspaper further reported officers created “fake websites” to follow up on the activities of the “perverts,” according to what former Human Rights Watch staffer Scott Long wrote on his blog. Moussa said that his officers “coordinated meetings” with the seven people who were arrested at a nightclub along Al-Haram Road in Giza. Egyptian newspaper Al-Youm al-Sabah broadcast a video that shows the seven people talking with the police. The newspaper blurred the faces of those who were arrested, but it did not attempt to obscure their identities in a picture it posted on its Facebook page.

An estimated one-third of LGBTs in Philadelphia have children. Every month, Dana Rudolph dissects parenting from our perspective, from watching your children grow up to teaching them how to deal with bullies, to interviews with authors and filmmakers.

The Senate of Kazakhstan has passed a draft bill outlawing promotion of “non-traditional sexual orientation.” Although homosexuality has been legal in Kazakhstan since 1998, it is still widely frowned upon in society. Aldan Smayil, member of Kazakhstan’s lower parliament, said: “The draft provides a ban on information products depicting cruelty and violence, provoking children to life-threatening acts, including suicide, containing scenes of pornographic, sexual and erotic nature, promoting non-traditional sexual orientation. We have to admit that the information space is now filled by those who misinterpret freedom in their favor, i.e. with those who use the freedom not for the benefit of society and the people, but for selfish interests and sometimes criminal activities, so our public and personal duty is to protect children from harmful information.” Smayil said the draft’s intent was “to protect children from information that kills the feeling of warmth and humanity, which is harmful to the health and psyche, promotes violence and is, in short, spiritually devastating to the younger generation.” It contains provisions for searching electronic devices and monitoring information presented to children in education. Smayil has previously attempted to make laws allowing the government to close down gay clubs and Pride events.

South Africa: ‘Gaycure’ camp leaders guilty of murder Two men who ran a camp linked to “gay conversions” have been found guilty of murder, child abuse and assault. Three teenage boys died after attending the Echo Wild Game Rangers military-style camp, which was intended to “make men” out of teenage boys. Raymond Buys died after two weeks in hospital on life support. Buys was beaten, starved and forced to eat his own feces at the camp in 2011. He had brain damage, a broken arm, severe dehydration and cigarette burns all over his body. His mother was told his chances of survival were “virtually zero.” Alex de Koker and Michael Erasmus beat Buys with a spade, sticks and a pipe, forced him to eat soap powder and feces and chained him to a bed when he tried to escape. His mother, Wilna Buys, said, “I have mixed emotions, but I’m happy that they were both found guilty and that it’s come to an end. I think he’s sitting and smiling down on us and is proud of everything we’ve done. It wasn’t easy to be here all the time, but we made a promise to Raymond.” n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Ever wonder how other LGBT people spend their 9-5? From bankers to bartenders, educators to entrepreneurs, our community is represented in all workforces — and here’s your chance to get on-the-job look at a day in their lives.

Read about the issues and ideas impacting local teens — from school bullying to campus safe spaces to legislative developments — written in their own words. PGN’s first-ever section created for and by LGBT youth hits stands Jan. 31 and returns quarterly.

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also award other students $2,500 every time they discover a transgender student in a school restroom, a move that would obviously begin a transgender witch hunt. Republican state Sen. C. B. Embry, Jr., who calls this a “common-sense” bill to protect the safety of students, sponsored the legislation. Again, the argument is that the rights of transgender people pale in comparison to a threat that simply has not been shown to exist. Thankfully, the bill has little support in the Kentucky House of Representatives and will likely die before it has a chance to be taken up. Florida has opted to take things one step further than Kentucky. House Bill 583, introduced by Republican Rep. Frank Artiles, would criminalize restroom use by transgender people. If a transgender person was caught in a single-sex restroom that did not match his or her gender assignment at birth, he or she would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, and could face a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. It would even open the owners of the facility to civil lawsuits by others who use the same facilities. Artiles claims he doesn’t mean to punish transgender people, but just wants to protect the safety of the general public. “It’s not that the transgender or the gender-identity community is dangerous by any means,” he told the Miami Herald, “but [the ordinance] creates a giant loophole for criminals, sexual predators to walk into a shower, a woman’s locker room under the cover of law.” Texas was not about to be outdone by Florida. House Bill 1748, introduced by Republican Rep. Debbie Riddle, would make restroom use by transgender people a Class-A misdemeanor, subject to up to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail. The owner of the restroom could face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Rep. Riddle further proposes that DNA tests be used to assure that the “actual” gender of the perpetrator be determined. Because apparently Riddle feels that costly DNA testing is a rational and simple response to the complicated issue of gender. The bill even spells out that gender is based on simple X and Y chromosomes in a way that would further affect intersexed individuals. Civil-rights battles seem to always include issues with bathroom accommodations, and the transgender fight is no different. Yet transgender people face an extra wrinkle in the whole affair, with the assumption that our very basic biological needs must be criminalized for the “public’s safety” in the face of fairy tales. It is time for this nonsense to end, and for sanity to prevail in the face of fear and panic. n Gwen Smith will just have to hold it, I guess. You can find her on Twitter at @ gwenners.

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Out rock band showcases its roots on new EPs By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com All-female indie-rock band Antigone Rising is on the road again to support its latest EP, “Whiskey & Wine Vol. 1,” and gearing up for the release of the second volume of the project later this year. Kristen Ellis-Henderson, the group’s bassist and vocalist, said the group decided to release two EPs instead of an entire album because it makes more sense in these times to dole out new music in smaller portions. “We thought in this day and age, the way people are consuming music is very different,” she said. “We could put out this one album and have this big splash or we can split it in two and be able to release music more frequently so there is always something in the news feed from a social-media

standpoint. That was our thinking. It would make more sense to release it in bursts just to keep the fans engaged and keep it all exciting.” Ellis-Henderson added that the group has made some artistic strides in between the two EPs. “They are similar but, interestingly enough, we recorded them in Nini’s, our lead singer, home studio,” she said. “I think you can see a maturing process going on from a production standpoint as we move into volume two. We were upgrading equip-

ment as we went along, so there are some really lush productions of volume two.” Ever since Antigone stepped into the spotlight in 2005 with its first major-label album, the group — comprised of new lead singer Nini Camps, drummer Dena Tauriello and founding sisters EllisHenderson and Cathy Henderson on guitar — has garnered feverish critical acclaim for its strippeddown style and toured the world, opening for rock royalty like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers Band and Rob Thomas.

Their sound covers a lot of ground, and the band has been described as everything from rock to alternative country and folk. Ellis-Henderson said Antigone Rising is more about sticking to its influences than conforming to labels people want to attach to them. “It’s such a blur,” she said about the genres of music the group is associated with. “There are some artists where the music is exactly what it is. It’s rock or it’s country. As a songwriter, I’ve always leaned a little more country. Country songs, the songwriting itself is a little more melodic and honest. My inspiration comes from artists like Rosanne Cash and Shawn Colvin, who I think is more folk. Then my sister is more of a rocker. She pulls us in that direction from a production and arrangement standpoint. Nini joined the band a few years back and we became PAGE 40

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

ANTIGONE from page 39

songwriting partners. She definitely comes from a more traditional country-songwriting background. I think that once you hone in on the songs like that, it can fall into a more-country style. I don’t think the way that we arrange or perform is straight-up country and I don’t think we’re alt-country, but I think we’re rock with an alt-country spin. It’s like a green-blue crayon versus a blue-green crayon. It’s a subtle difference.” Ellis-Henderson said that even before Camps joined the band as a replacement for former lead singer Cassidy, her songwriting style helped steer the band in a more country and folk direction. “Any time somebody new enters a band, it’s going to shift the trajectory in some way, but it was a very natural progression because, before she joined the band, when we still had our prior singer, I was doing a lot of songwriting with Nini and I was starting to introduce those songs into the band,” she said. “It really wasn’t such an abrupt shift for us mentally. Our singer left and we were being offered some great opportunities to play with The Bangles and Joan Jett. Nobody knew the songs better than Nini, so we had her perform for those shows and that’s how we made that transition. When you change a lineup the way we did, we run that risk. We could have cast a twin of our former lead singer and kept moving in that direction. But the reality is our former lead singer and I were the songwriting force

in that band. Her style made up a large part of what that was. For us, we had to find someone who was going to work with us creatively and create a natural fit. We may have lost some fans in that shift, but we’ve gained quite a few too.” After a few years on a major label, Antigone Rising now operates as independent artists with a little help from fellow rocker Jett and her imprint, Blackheart Records. Ellis-Henderson said the group’s brief stint with the majors served its purpose. “We’re still distributed through Blackheart Records; we’ll be in stores through their channels, but we also do some selling at our shows and through independent Internet spaces that we sell downloads through,” she said. “I like both situations, [independent and major labels]. I’ve always liked to be in control. Before we had signed to Atlantic/ Lava Records, we had built that band up to a point where we were completely inde-

pendent on our own and didn’t necessarily need the label. So we were running it ourselves. So it was a little strange once we signed to the label, having them take over our email list and the dayto-day nitty-gritty stuff that we were used to having our hands in. But you can’t deny that they have access to things that can propel you much further. So our situation is ideal because we built up the business and knew how to run it and knew our fans and who we were as artists. Then we got this push from a major label. And then we left and, since leaving, we’ve quadrupled our fan base. We benefited from that and now we’re back to running it ourselves. Blackheart Records is our distributor but we are our own label. So we are in charge of all our marketing and publicity. So it’s kind of nice to be back in control with an audience to talk to.” When we last spoke to a member of Antigone Rising, back in 2008, Cathy Henderson was willing to talk about her own sexuality, but not about the sexuality of the

rest of the band. Antigone Rising these days identifies as an all-lesbian band and EllisHenderson has appeared on the cover of Time Magazine with wife Sarah Kate EllisHenderson (president/CEO of GLAAD) for a feature on marriage equality. Ellis-Henderson said the band members have become more confortable talking about their personal lives over the years. “You get older,” she said. “You evolve. I’ve always been pretty open and out. I think during our time on a major label, it was a different time. It’s changed quickly in the last 10 years. To our fan base, especially as an independent band, I think they knew we were gay. We weren’t all gay then, though, so we’ve evolved and our lineup has shifted. The four of us are gay and I think everyone is comfortable with being open about it. We’ve all been in long-term relationships and, as you get older, you become more comfortable in your own skin. I think it’s so important for us as role models for younger people coming up that you don’t have to be ashamed of who you are. We’ve found that it has diversified our audience more than anything. I think people respond really nicely to artists who are being genuine and honest.” n Antigone Rising performs 8:30 p.m. March 7 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400 or visit www.antigonerising. com.

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PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

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

Suzi Nash

Danny de Vil: Behind the scenes with the animated cabaret star Danny de Vil is not a Gemini, but he definitely has two personas: By day, a mild-mannered businessman and, by night, a rollicking cabaret performer — and at all times a very animated speaker. PGN: Tell me about your daytime persona. DD: Well, Danny de Vil lives a pretty fantastic life. I work in performing-arts sales and marketing and I’ve been doing it for the past six-and-a-half years. It’s fantastic; I have a performing-arts background as an animator and performer and I just stumbled into the administrative side. I quickly realized that, without the business side, the arts don’t exist as we know them. I get to talk with people every day about the wonderful shows we have here in the city. I get to connect with people and share their excitement and it reaffirms every day that the arts are not dead. There’s always an audience out there; you just need to engage them. PGN: What’s your favorite part of your job? DD: I love when I work with shows that engage the community. I worked with a holiday show where we had local organizations and churches participating with us. They were so excited about being about to perform on a large stage and it was exciting to bring them and their families into the theater. I love bringing in people who have never had the chance to see live theater before, especially kids. It’s very rewarding. PGN: Favorite holiday? DD: Christmas because of the presents and Halloween because of the costumes! PGN: Are you from Philly? DD: I was born in New York, in Queens — go figure — and then my parents thought it would be a great idea, when I was 4, to move to just outside of Scranton, Pa. They had the best intentions, they didn’t want me going through the New York City school system. Fantastic, but growing up in Clark Summit — good old Northeastern PA — had a lot of challenges. PGN: Give me an example of not fitting in. DD: Oh, I started out with a blast. Fouryear-old Danny absolutely loved the musical “The King and I” — I was very “gay” from a very young age. My parents were not very religious but my mother felt that, since we were moving into a new community that was very religious, we should go to services and worship and make ourselves part of the community. So we went to church and in the middle of service they rang a gong or a bell and it triggered

something in my 4-year-old head to act out the scene from the movie. I ran out into the middle of the aisle, got down on all fours and sang out [singing — in a very nice voice, I might add], “Praaaaise to Buddha!” I was having my own little personal “King and I” moment but, needless to say, we never went back to that church again. It cemented our reputation as the New York outsiders. Gay was not OK up there. Thankfully, things have changed there as they’ve done most everywhere else, but back then it was difficult. I was the first person to come out in my high school and I did it freshman year. PGN: Whom did you tell first? A friend, teacher or counselor? DD: The first person I told was my best friend. All throughout middle school, everyone called me gay every single day and in high school it was starting up again. I’d come to the realization to myself that I was indeed gay. My parents didn’t raise me to be anything but myself, so instead of fighting it or denying it, I just came out. Most of my friends, being choir, theater and the artclub kids, embraced it, but the rest of the school definitely had a lot of issues with it. PGN: What was the lowest point? DD: It sounds cliché but one day the quarterback of the football team came and threw me up against a locker. It was the first real physical action that someone had taken against me. As he did it he said to me, “Faggot, I hope you get AIDS and die!” That was really hard for a freshman to deal with. The administration got involved and, as a result, I ended up having to come out to my father. I’d already come out to my mother and that was easy. I told her and she said [mimicking a New York accent], “Oh, sweetheart, I knew a long time ago. Now dry the dishes.” I was still afraid to tell my dad. But he got called into the school because of that and other incidents and said, “What is going on, why do they keep calling you that?” I came out to him and he was not happy. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that his concern was not about me being gay, not at all, it was because he was afraid for me. Afraid that people were going to physically hurt me or — and this never dawned on my high-school self — that I could get terribly sick. My parents lived in New York in the ’80s and they both worked for the city — my mom worked for the mayor — and they had a number of gay friends. So the AIDS epidemic had a very real impact on them that I never even considered. My coming out brought a lot of that back. They were worried about me being safe.

PGN: I bet. What other interests did you have in school? DD: Always art, I was really into animation, and always theater. For me to feel complete, I have to have my hands in both worlds. PGN: I understand that you’re Philadelphia’s unofficial Disney expert. DD: Oh yes, I joke that I have a Ph.D. in “Little Mermaid.” PGN: Give me a fun fact. DD: OK, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jodi Benson, who did the voice of Ariel. She’s made an entire career out of it. In addition to the movies, she does appearances and does the voice on all the merchandise: dolls, books, video games, Hallmark cards, you name it. The character has changed her life. I live for animated errors, they’re so much fun. There’s one scene when Ariel is human and she’s racing to stop the prince from marrying. In some shots, she has high

PGN: You did that very well! DD: [Laughs] I’ve had some practice. PGN: So how did you get out of the Scranton area? DD: The University of the Arts. I knew I was going to go to school for something creative. I loved singing, but I didn’t see a fully realized career path in music. But with animation I could see actionable steps, so I started looking for a school that had both animation and music programs, and UArts was really the only one. When I came to Philly to check them out, it was during OutFest. I remember driving with my dad and when he turned from Market Street onto Broad, the whole street was lined with rainbow flags. I was like, “Holy mother of God, I’m home!” I was done, that was it. I’ve been here ever since. PGN: Growing up in Clark Summit, what was a misconception you had about being gay? DD: That everyone wears sparkly clothing or tight jeans. When you look back at my highschool photos I was such a … sparkly boy. Well, I still am. But now I’ve come to realize that we’re just like everyone else, just a little more fabulous! PGN: Any siblings? DD: Yes, a younger brother. We’re polar opposites, even though we look and sound alike. He can sing, but never will. He’s about to get married next month. I love it. I finally get a sister.

heels on and in some she’s barefoot. It’s rare because in animation they’re usually meticulous about that kind of thing. PGN: What’s a favorite line from a film? DD: Hmmm, so many. The first one that pops into my head is Ursula when she said [in a deep, throaty voice], “Come in, come in my child. We mustn’t lurk in doorways. It’s rude. One might question your upbringing.”

PGN: What are some of your entertainment creds? DD: In college I sang backup for Barry Manilow and Broadway diva Linda Eder. I sang with the Philly POPS! and took on other musical jobs; for instance, I was the musical director for the Department of Recreation in Philadelphia. And then I took a little break after graduating. About two years ago, I was taking a ballet class with Christine Fisler — aka the fantastic Lelu Lenore — and she told me that she and Annie A-Bomb from the Red Light Cabaret were starting a new troupe called the Cabaret Administration. They needed a male to join and she liked my work. What I love about them is that they do a wonderful mix of burlesque and ballet with some glitter thrown in for good measure. It just blew my mind. PAGE 50

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

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

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

ELLIOTT ERWITT DOG DOGS

MARCH 7 – MAY 24, 2015 There is no love like the love of man’s best friend! Discover photographs taken around the world by photojournalist Elliott Erwitt as he recorded the relationship between humans and their canine companions.

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Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

Elliott Ewitt: Dog Dogs is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions. This exhibition is made possible, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Left to right: New Jersey, 1971. New York City, 1946. New York, 1999. Elliott Erwitt (born 1928). Gelatin silver print. © Elliott Erwitt / Magnum Photos.

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

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Gay Yiddish singer’s unique background no obstacle By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com An upcoming pre-Passover Seder at the Gershman Y will feature an acclaimed Yiddish gospel singer whose background is as fascinating as the music he sings. Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell is a black, gay and Jewish-by-choice former opera singer from Oakland, Calif. During the March 15 Seder, Russell will lead an important part of the dinner called the Four Questions. He will also help chronicle the narrative of the exile of the Israelites from Egypt by singing in traditional Yiddish. The event will mark the first time Russell has visited Philadelphia, as well as his first time cohosting a Seder. “The narrative that the Seder creates through the story of the Israelites is very close to my African-American heart,” Russell said. “I get to embody both sides.” Russell is no stranger to performing for crowds: He has graced the stages of New York’s Symphony Space, The Ideacity Conference in Toronto and the Montreal and Berkley Jewish Music festivals. Russell, 35, grew up in a very religious Christian family in Vallejo, Calif., and was enthralled by stories in the Bible, especially from the Old Testament, at an early age. “I was a very religiously minded child,” said Russell. “I read the Bible avidly. I was in love with the narratives, the conflict and the drama of it.” After his parents went through a divorce, it became hard for Russell to take certain parts of the scripture seriously, he said. “It became obvious that principles like ‘marriages were made in heaven’ were not the case,” he said. “The divorce played out in front of me. I stopped going to church.” But he never stopped believing in God. “I felt that all of my religious teachings had betrayed me,” Russell said. Then maturity and adulthood came and made that even more of a reality for him, Russell said. Still, the passion for telling stories persisted, and he made his way to opera. “I don’t think it was strange that I became an opera singer,” said Russell. “The narratives work on a similar scale to those I loved in the Old Testament.” Russell turned back to religion when, as fate would have it, he began dating a rabbi. “I had been in contact with a man named Michael Rauthbaum who lived in New York, before I ended up landing a role in a Mozart opera there,” said Russell. “I texted

him the minute I landed it and we ended up going to a Mets game.” The two fell in love that summer. When the relationship became serious, Russell said Rauthbaum expressed how important his faith was to him and asked if Russell was interested in converting to Judaism. “I said yes,” Russell said. “I knew that, in some way, connecting with Judaism would allow me to connect with a part of myself that I had put away.” (Side note: The couple is tying the knot this summer after seven years together.) As Russell’s interest in his newfound faith flourished, he began to realize the constraints opera had on him as an artist. “I had a couple defining, bad experiences in opera. I am a bass singer, the lowest part of the vocal range. Bassists play these very cardboard roles. I would constantly get pushed down and told I was singing too emotively for the part. I wanted to emote, to tell a story through my voice.” Eventually he discovered the music of Sidor Belarsky, a Ukrainian-American Yiddish singer in the early 1900s. Belarsky was also a bass opera singer before switching to Yiddish. Russell selected 10 songs from a songbook by Belarsky and, in 2012, performed in Yiddish for the first time at a synagogue in upstate New York before 1,500 people. “I’ve been singing in Yiddish ever since,” Russell said. “I finally found the vehicle for telling stories that I was looking for.” Russell said he knew from the crowd’s emotional reaction to his first performance that this was the right medium for him. He now performs all over the country and Canada and just joined a newly formed Yiddish quartet called Julias, another member of which is gay. “There’s something about Yiddish that attracts queerness,” said Russell. “It is a very welcoming space. There are amazing queer and queer-positive people in the Yiddish world.” Russell said he has never encountered any kind of negativity from the Jewish community because of his sexuality or race. “The conservative sect is extremely welcoming and LGBT-friendly,” he said. As a kid, Russell never doubted his sexuality, despite his religious upbringing. “I’ve always known who I was. God made me this way,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to never have a conflict between my spirituality and sexuality.” Russell said he came to Judaism as he was, and has been creating and establishing his unique identity as a proud African -American, gay and Jewish person with much support from the community. For more information on the Seder at the Gershman Y, visit www.gershmany.org. To learn more about Russell and his music, visit www.anthonyrussellbass.com. n

Theater & Arts Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None Walnut Street Theatre presents the thriller about a group of people trapped on an island who get picked off one by one March 10-April 26, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550.

Victor Johnson Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of decorated Germanic documents featuring brilliant colors through April 26, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. duplicate.until response. Hooloon Art Gallery presents an exhibition of duplicates of art-

Ghost the Musical Media Theatre presents the supernatural love story through March 29, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100. Greg Fitzsimmons The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs through March 7 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.

Allora & Calzadilla: Intervals Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of new and recent projects by Puerto Rico-based artists Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla through April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. And the Word Is … The Gershman Y hosts an exhibition exploring religious text in contemporary art through May 14, 401 S. Broad St.; 215545-4400. Ax Plays Beethoven The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through March 7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Beethoven’s Pastoral The Philadelphia Orchestra performs March 12-14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Drawn with Spirit: Pennsylvania German Fraktur from the Joan and

RISE AND ‘SHINE ON’: Alt-rock/ pop singer Sarah McLachlan serenades Atlantic City with songs from her latest album,”Shine On,” 8 p.m. March 13 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

work created and inspired by the act of community balloon releases through March 15, 53 N. Second St.; 215-560-8167. Field Hockey Hot 11th Hour Theatre Company presents a gender-bending musical about a girls’ high-school field hockey team through March 22 at Mainstage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; www.11thhourtheatrecompany.org.

Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting the artistry of the esteemed Kano painters through May 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Moon Cave Azuka Theatre presents the world-premiere drama by Philadelphia playwright Douglas Williams through

March 22, 1636 Sansom St.; 215563-1100. Mothers and Sons Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-nominated play by Terrence McNally about a woman who pays an unexpected visit to Cal, her late son’s partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son, through March 18 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. The Natural, the Material and the Physical: Landscape Through the Photographic Eye The Gershman Y hosts an exhibition of landscape images by various regional photographers through March 29, 401 S. Broad St.; 215545-4400. Proud Marys: a Diva Sing-aLong Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs songs by iconic divas like Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Gloria Gaynor and more, 8 p.m. March 12-14 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; www.pgmc.org. Represent: 200 Years of AfricanAmerican Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting its collection of African-American art through April 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Swan Lake The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the classic story through March 15 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Under the Skin Arden Theatre Company presents the drama about a daughter struggling with the decision to donate her kidney to her estranged father through March 15, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122. Vitra-Design, Architecture, Communication: A European Project with American Roots Philadelphia Museum of Art presents some of the most innovative designs from the family-owned Swiss company Vitra through April 26, 26th

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

500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-9941400.

Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

One Night of Queen The Queen tribute band performs 8 p.m. March 7 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

Music HMFO The Hall & Oates tribute band performs 8 p.m. March 6 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons Drag performers from the reality series perform 9 p.m. March 7 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Maroon 5 The rock band performs 8 p.m. March 9 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Arianna Grande The pop singer

ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR … : Pop-rock superstars Maroon 5 are on the road in support of latest album “V,” coming through town 8 p.m. March 9 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543.

performs 8 p.m. March 12 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-3899543. Scott Weiland The rock singer performs 8 p.m. March 12 at World Cafe Live,

3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Nightlife Happy Bear The bear-themed happy hour, 5-9 p.m., March 6

at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675. Weird Hot The art-pop group performs 9 p.m. March 6 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-7350735.

Outta Town Mike and the Mechanics The ‘80s rock band performs 9 p.m. March 6 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1

Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Michael Bolton The soul singer performs 8 p.m. March 6 at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City; 609-441-5501. The Fox and the Child The French children’s film is screened 2 p.m. March 7 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Los Lobos The Latin-rock band performs 8 p.m. March 7 at World Cafe Live,

The Producers The classic Mel Brooks comedy is screened 2 p.m. March 8 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Steve Aoki The DJ performs 10 p.m. March 9 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Mur Mur Nightclub, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Chuck Negron The rock singer performs 8 p.m. March 12 at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City; 609-441-5501. Sarah McLachlan The singer performs 8 p.m. March 13 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. n

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

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

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New Year’s resolution ...

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

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Q Puzzle It’s Our Turn to Cry Across

1. Queen’s beehive, e.g. 5. NG: Neighbor of Pakistan 9. They won’t pose for nude photos 14. Sometime defender of gay rights 15. Oral gratification from the fridge 16. NG: “Me too” 17. Lesley’s song about getting a rebound lover 19. Come next 20. Sexy one at a bar, e.g. 21. NG: Scales 22. Hail Mary ___ 23. Like the

Oscars? 24. NG: Vocalist Vic 27. Study hard, as erectile dysfunction? 30. NG: “___ first you don’t succeed ...” 31. Golf classic Dinah 33. NG: Lots of 34. Myrna of “The Thin Man” 35. With 55-Across, Lesley’s feminist anthem 36. Initials of Stonewall Jackson’s boss 37. WNBA star Rebecca 39. NG: Salon jobs 41. NG: “What’s ___ you?” 42. “Angel of the

Waters” sculptor Emma 44. Deep crack in Mother Earth 46. NG: Ex of “The Donald” 47. Lesbian ___ fiction 48. Orally appealing, perhaps 50. Crack down 54. Tried to tackle tight ends, e.g. 55. See 35-Across 56. NG: Overplay a part 57. Russian river 58. NG: Schedule guesses, briefly 59. Tool for Edith Head 60. Cut 61. Dancer Reagan and Wood of the Stones

PORTRAIT from page 41

I started working with them. A few years later, I met the fabulous Josh Schonewolf and got involved with both the man and the Weird Beard Revue. Life is good. PGN: Tell me about Manilow and Eder. DD: Mr. Manilow is a very sparkly man. I’d never seen a purple bedazzled tuxedo until I worked with him. He was very sweet, and very kind to his Fanalows. I really enjoyed working with Linda Eder on her holiday tour. The first half of the show was all Christmas stuff and the second half was all Broadway classics. She was very approachable and would talk to everyone backstage about her marriage to composer Frank Wildhorn. That was tremendous. PGN: Xena Warrior Princess always says, “I have many skills.” Tell me some of yours. DD: I absolutely adore singing. I love ballet. I’m a little too old to be considered a professional dancer but I’ve been doing it since high school. [Laughs] I turned in my black belt for ballet slippers. I always feel so free and expressive when I’m dancing. I do some acting, kind of. I liken myself to a Barbie doll, you know how she changes costumes and she’s something else, but it’s still always Barbie. “It’s Barbie … as Rapunzel” or “Barbie … as Joan of Arc.” That’s me, it’s Danny as … whatever. It’s still just me with a costume on. PGN: So did you really have a black belt or was that just a figure of speech? DD: I did. Most definitely. Growing up in Northeast PA as the gayest boy in the world, you have got to know self-defense. It’s a matter of survival. PGN: What other hidden talents do you have? DD: I’m a gamer, through and through. Spelled gay-mer. Through the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus I’ve met some fellow

Down

1. It’s stuck under G-strings 2. Two foursomes, to Lorca 3. NG: “Why should ___ you?” 4. NG: Stickler for details 5. NG: Flavors by soaking 6. Tops of houses 7. NG: Dating from 8. Org. that makes Stanley wear a cup? 9. NG: Nutrition writer Davis 10. Two drinks, at some gay bars 11. Lesley’s song about a stolen beau 12. Broadway ticket souvenir

13. Tools for cultivating pansies 18. NG: ___ alltime high 21. NG: Movie theater 23. “Julius Caesar” setting 24. Stick them in with your pickle 25. NG: In the works 26. Lesley’s song about a cheating lover 27. NG: Ill-bred individuals 28. ___ a customer 29. Material on a drag queen’s legs 32. Whoopi, in “The Lion King” 38. NG: Render unnecessary 39. Mulan’s male persona 40. Send to the

gamers. We like to play and play, whatever games we can get our hot little hands on. It’s hilarious, the other day Josh came in the room and was like, “Danny, do you recognize that you’ve been talking to yourself for the last hour?” I said, “No honey, I’m wearing a head set. I’ve been talking and playing with friends through the XBox.” He walked away shaking his head and saying, “I will never, ever understand it.” PGN: Ha. It seems like cabaret and burlesque have really had a resurgence lately. What do you attribute that to? DD: I think that people are really starting to look for art that makes them feel good about themselves. Cabaret/burlesque is all about body positivity. I remember the first time I did it, I felt so free. I was on a stage full of people of every shape, size and color. We were all just living in our bodies and loving and enjoying every moment of it. It’s so powerful and strong that it’s not surprising to me at all that people are embracing it. PGN: Do you play different characters or just one persona? DD: I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to play a wide variety of characters, from the romantic love interest who dies at the fangs of a vampire to the scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and, of course, a narcoleptic swan. You can never go wrong with a narcoleptic swan part, I mean really. PGN: I read that Josh spent most of the evening sweeping up all fallen feathers from the floor of L’Etage. DD: Yes, occupational hazard. PGN: Craziest onstage mishap? DD: During the Fringe Festival I was directing a show at Plays & Players Theatre. It was about a guy who has a sexual attraction to mechanical objects. One of the girls had to pull out of the show at

bottom 41. Like a queen on the throne 43. NG: Playful talk 45. Karen Carpenter, for one 47. Like an institution for penile penetration? 48. NG: Hawkish deity 49. Word before “sex,” in marriage discussions 50. Lesley, who sang “Judy’s Turn to Cry” 51. NG: Golden Rule word 52. Guy under Hoover 53. NG: Big name in oil 55. You won’t get a bang out of it

the last minute so I did the role in drag! There was music in the show on a track. One performance, the power went out so I sang the underscoring for everyone’s parts. When they finally got the power back on, we were exactly on beat with the recorded track! PGN: I understand you met Josh when you were being auctioned off for a fundraiser? DD: Yes, he didn’t win the bid [cough cough], but he won my heart in the end. PGN: [Laughs] Josh used to do a glass-shattering rendition of En Vouge’s “Free Your Mind” when I hosted karaoke at Sisters. DD: Oh, I’m highly aware of his glass-breaking singing, as is my dog who likes to sing along with him. PGN: What were your best and worst subjects in school, outside of the arts? DD: The best was English. Worst was physical education; my teacher would just send me and my best friend to play ping pong. And calculus was tough, but I did pass because, though I bombed the final test, on the back of the paper I wrote out “Calculus: The Musical.” My teacher thought it was clever enough to pass me. PGN: When do you feel fiercest? DD: When I’m wearing my sparkly pasties. PGN: Worst movie of all time? DD: “Scream” or anything scary. Nope, can’t do them. When I saw “Scream” I was in high school at my friend’s house, which looked just like the house in the opening scene: French doors opening onto a pool. I got through about 10 minutes of the movie before having to bail. Done. PGN: The most inappropriate present you’ve received? DD: A little bear dressed in bondage attire,

leather and chains that I received during a high-school chorus event at our teacher’s house. PGN: Worst etiquette breach? DD: There are just so many: People who constantly check their phones when you are having a serious conversation with them. No. There’s a time and place. It drives me bonkers. Seriously, you can call them back. PGN: Which deceased entertainer would you bring back for a final performance? DD: Robin Williams, without a doubt. That was such a tragic loss. PGN: What would you leave for Josh in your will? DD: My Swiffer! With instructions on how to use it. PGN: What’s on the horizon? DD: The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus’ “Proud Marys: A Diva-Sing-A-Long,” March 12-14 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and the Weird Beard Revue March 27 at L’Etage. Come out! n To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

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

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Rent

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

SPRING GARDEN AT 11TH ON BRANDYWINE 3 or 4 BR, 1 large 2 sink bath. Architectural redesign of 1840’s townhouse. Gourmet kitchen, W/D, G/D, A/C, newly painted, floors refinished. All amenities. Short walk to Reading Terminal/Chinatown. $1761/mo. Ongoing improvements if agreeable. Must see! Call 215-849-4049. _____________________________________________39-10 Condo-1BR, new kitchen, balcony, pkg, 2 pools, tennis ct. 20 minutes south of Center City on I95 in Glenolden DelCo. At Train St. $925.00/mo. James 215-783-2832. ________________________________________39-13 BLUE BELL CARRIAGE HOUSE 110 yr. restored, 2 BR,1 BA, pvt. lane, archetecturally exquisite. $1965/mo. 267-222-0607 or sand280se@yahoo.com ________________________________________39-13

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Vacation/Seasonal Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________39-10

PGN Auction PUBLIC AUCTION Former Private School on 9.1+/- Acres Chester County 3/28 * Noon ON-SITE: 429 Greenridge Road, Glenmoore, PA. Preview: 3/7 * Noon-2 PM. Bid Now! bidlegacy.proxibid. com 570-656-3299 United Country - Legacy Auction & Realty AY002051 10% BP. ________________________________________39-10

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY Damage to your Home or Business? Fire, Smoke & Soot Floods

Lightning Vandalism Wind and Rain

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.

Real Estate Sale

Adoption

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

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

PGN

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

live the

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3/3/15 9:46 AM

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

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $4,397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________39-10

PGN

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Monday - Thursday

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(closed an hour for cleaning)

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Open 24hrs

ADMISSION: $12.00

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WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More

PLEASURE PRINCIPLE Saturday, March 14th Time: 11pm-3:30am

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Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________39-14 Philly boy looking for mail correspondence with guys in Philly while I finish my incarceration. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes. Lots to discuss. Will reply to every letter. Give this a try, I guarantee you’ll have fun. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, Englewood FCE, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________39-14 BM with big tool wans to nail a bottom to the ﬂoor. BM has equipment to make a bottom wish he wants more. I’m 6 ft and 198 lbs. and have 8.5 inches and 1.25 girth and know how to use it. Call anytime 215-763-3391. All replies answered. ________________________________________39-11 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________39-11 A-B-C’s: would like to meet men from Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, and the Caribbean: Anguilla, Barbados and Costa Rica, also Puerto Rico and Mexico for friendship and more. 856-547-4163. Habla Espanol. ________________________________________39-17

PGN Massage David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________39-27 Hi, my name is Diego. I’m a black male, med. honey brown gold complexion. I’m interested in massaging guys, all different sizes, body types, ages and races. I’m 5’2”, 110, strong muscular hands. $50/hr, $80/2 hrs. 267-333-5026. Couples also welcome, $10 extra. Transgender, C/D welcome. CC Phila., Art Museum area. Great comfortable bed! ________________________________________39-08

WEEKLY SPECIALS:

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00 MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

LATE NIGHT CREEP

Half Price Lockers (12 Midnight- 8am/ Mon.- Thurs.) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

TUESDAYS

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

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

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

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

- ROOMS GO QUICKLY SO CHECK IN EARLY - www.sansomstreetgym.com

THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...

PGN

Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco.dudes@ uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www. gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658. T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-8511822. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/. Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www. pridecenter.org.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058. HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. Project Keeping it Safe LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856963-2432, camden-ahec.org/.

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

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330

PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Nellie Fitzpatrick, 215-6862194; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

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

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

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

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

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

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

Health

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw. org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a website where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and

ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

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

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

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

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

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

PGN