PGN March 15-21, 2013 issue by The Philadelphia Gay News

What’s a Fela to do?

Family Portrait: DeAnn Cox PAGE 23

Penn LGBT Week arrives with spring

PAGE 29

PAGE 6

March 15-21, 2013

Vol. 37 No. 11

Philly only archdiocese in nation to sponsor antigay D.C. event Buses to leave from five Archdiocesan locations March 26 to transport participants to the March for Marriage in nation’s capital

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A Central Pennsylvania student and her family successfully fought back against her school district’s discriminatory policy against students bringing same-sex dates to school dances. In January, Elizabeth Lord and her wife found out that their daughter, a ninth-grader at Forbes Road Junior Senior High School, was told she could not bring a same-sex friend to a school dance. The school is part of the 500-student Forbes Road School District of Fulton County, about 40 miles west of Shippensburg. Equality Pennsylvania and the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania warned the district that it was violating students’ constitutional PAGE 22

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The antigay National Organization for Marriage is mobilizing supporters to head to the nation’s capital to demonstrate against marriage equality the day of the historic U.S. Supreme Court hearings on Proposition 8 — an effort that has garnered support from local Catholic groups. The March for Marriage, scheduled for March 26, includes among its sponsors the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Philadelphia’s is the only archdiocese in the nation listed as a sponsor. NOM did not respond to a request for comment. Archdiocese spokesperson Kenneth Gavin told PGN that the Archdiocese is not financially supporting the event. “To my knowledge, the only assistance we are providing is organizational, in terms of getting the word out and providing information,” he said. “We’re not making a financial contribution to the event.” Gavin said the Archdiocese is “encouraging faithful from across the five-county Archdiocese to participate in the event in support of traditional marriage.” The Archdiocese is running buses to the march from parishes in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Bucks counties and from the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center on North 17th Street in Philadelphia. Participants can reserve a seat by making a $10 “donation,” with checks payable to the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese is operating a March page on its website (archphila.org/marriagemarch/marriagemarch.phop), with information for individual parishes, including talking points, bulletin announcements and promotional materials. Amy Hill, spokesperson for the PA Catholic Conference, the public-affairs arm of the state’s Catholic bishops and dioceses, said PCC is not providing any monetary contribution to the event. “The extent of the PCC’s support of the Marriage March is in promoting it to Catholics in PAGE 18

PA student wins right to samesex date

Police: No comment on Morris redactions HEARTS ON THEIR SLEEVES: Models strutted their stuff down the runway at “Transform/Renew Together” March 7 at the Art Institute’s Philadelphia Gallery. The event raised awareness about University of Pennsylvania’s HIV vaccine trials. The show allowed students to use their fashion finesse to spice up T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan of the trials. There was ultimately a tie for first place between student designers Kevin Garino and Honey Kim. For more information on the HIV vaccine trials, visit www.phillyvax.org. Photos: Scott A. Drake

Group to revamp drag presence at Mummers By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A group of LGBT leaders and allies met this week with the Mummers Fancy Brigade Association to start solidifying an LGBT presence in the annual tradition. The Mummers invited Brittany Lynn and the Drag Mafia to participate in the 2013 event but, next year, drag performers will be selected through a series of contests, a proposal spearheaded by a new committee tasked with streamlining drag inclusion in the event. The committee consists of Councilmen Jim Kenney and Mark Squilla, Franny Price, Tami Sortman, Mark Segal, Lisa

Thompson, Michael Byrne, Ian Morrison — who portrays Brittany Lynn — and Scott Brown, who will serve as the liaison between the group and the Mummers. There will be 11 spots available in the drag contingent, Price said, and two will automatically go to the 2013 Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride and Miss Philly Pride. The other nine performers will be identified through drag contests at Gayborhood bars, with the winner of each contest representing that venue in the Mummers event. “We want to make it fair and competitive,” Price said. The contests will start next month. The committee will PAGE 18

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Nearly 10 years after Philadelphia police released a redacted version of the Nizah Morris police report, the department has refused to comment on the redactions. “I’m not going to speak about the particular details of a case that I’m not familiar with,” said police spokesperson Lt. John Stanford last week. His predecessor, Capt. Ray Evers, has emphatically denied the redactions. He claimed that Officer Thomas Berry wrote two reports about the Morris incident that were never redacted. Stanford stopped short of denying the redactions. “I can’t speak for my predecessor,” he said. Morris was a transwoman found with a fatal head injury in Center City at 3:25 a.m. Dec. 22, 2002, shortly after she received a courtesy ride from police. The homicide remains unsolved. The unredacted version of Berry’s report didn’t surface until 2011, PAGE 12

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

LOCAL PGN

IBA, PNC call for business award applicants By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Independent Business Alliance and PNC Bank are gearing up to help move forward another local LGBT-owned business. The PNC LGBT Business Award, now in its third year, is a one-time $5,000 cash award given to support an IBA member in good standing that demonstrates the capacity to grow. Applications for the award are due at the end of the month. According to IBA president Evan Urbania, the award was created to bolster the LGBT business community. “We wanted to strengthen member benefits and make sure that businesses here in Philadelphia are growing and supported and PNC Bank has gotten behind that,” Urbania said. PNC Wealth Management advisor David Huting said the award is in line with the company’s commitment to diversity. “It is important to us on our overall diversity and inclusion efforts,” he said. “As we look at who comes in and out of our buildings every day, it is an increasingly diverse customer base. The LGBT community is a very important community group that we want to be connected with.” Huting said he hopes the award has both an individual and community impact. “We want to encourage the small business owners in the IBA to make a focus on the businessplanning efforts,” he said. “We want to help the winner, through the cash award, have a better business as well as all businesses in IBA.” Although the award is only granted to IBA members, Urbania said interested individuals could apply for membership. The award application process, which started in January, will end at 5 p.m. March 29. The process requires individuals to submit a basic form about their business and a five-page mini-plan.

“The idea is about expanding businesses and growing and asking them to submit plans and ideas and how they would use the cash reward to make their business stronger,” Urbania said. A selection committee comprised of a representative from PNC Bank, Temple University Fox School of Business, another IBA leader and Urbania will choose the winner. Huting advised potential applicants to put together a creative and solid business plan that is clear, concise and has measurable objectives. Urbania said the applicant pool has expanded each year. “It is interesting because we have learned about different types of businesses and people that are inclined to apply,” he said. “Each year, we get more applicants and more aggressive plans. Last year was really neck-and-neck and there were great ideas. People are getting more creative on how they will use this money.” Last year’s winner, Gavin McKay, said the award has been a tremendous help to his business, Unite Fitness. “Last year, we had been moving from a local mom-and-pop studio to having a full online and franchise business,” McKay said. “We did most of it on our own and every dollar counts.” McKay said much of the award money was used for building an online presence, including a mobile-friendly website and a Unite Fitness app. Interested businesses should be located in the Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, or in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer or Salem counties in New Jersey or New Castle County, in Delaware. Applicants must be over 18 and operate a privately owned company that has been in business for at least three years. For more information on the award and the application process, visit www.independencebusinessalliance.com/award2013. ■

News Briefing Transwoman continues quest for trial Attorneys for transwoman Janis Stacy filed a 31-page brief this week, refuting assertions by her former employer that her dismissal wasn’t motivated by discrimination. In 2010, Stacy sued LSI Corp. in federal court, claiming she was terminated from her engineering position because of her gender, gender identity and disability. Stacy worked at the Allentown electronics firm for about 10 years prior to her termination in 2008. In September, U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno dismissed Stacy’s lawsuit, citing insufficient evidence that LSI committed unlawful discrimination when terminating Stacy. But Stacy is appealing Robreno’s ruling to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, contending that a jury should decide the matter. Stacy’s March 11 rebuttal brief emphasizes she was targeted for discriminatory reasons. Her lawyers also contend her job skills were “deliberately rated less than she deserved” in order to mask the discrimination.

In a prior defense brief, LSI contended Stacy was terminated due to an “adverse economy” and because Stacy lacked the requisite skills to help move the company forward. Stacy’s attorneys have requested an opportunity for oral arguments before a three-judge panel. Stacy is seeking an undisclosed amount in compensatory and punitive damages. — Timothy Cwiek

Temple to host marriage panel Temple University’s LGBTQ Alumni Society will host a panel discussion this week on marriage equality. The free event, which is open to the public, will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 20 at 1810 Liacouras Walk. The discussion will include p a n e l i s t s Te m p l e B e a s l e y School of Law alum Angela Giampolo, Temple faculty member Aishah Simmons and Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.alumni.temple.edu/s/705/ alumni/2col.aspx?sid=705&gid=1 &pgid=4541&cid=6337&ecid=6 337&crid=0&calpgid=3661&calc id=5324. ■ — Jen Colletta

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton sts. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Kris Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY

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

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER

Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

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LOST AND

FOUND A REVOLUTION IN HAIR RESTORATION

CAMP FROM THE COURT: The Rev. Jeff Jordan, as drag alter ego Royal Empress Ionna Benzz, made his Philadelphia drag debut March 8 at William Way LGBT Community Center in the inaugural performance of the Court of the Most Grand, a social and performance group that aims to support the Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia. About 100 people turned out for the show, which brought in about $1,500 to fund MCCP’s upcoming trip to the annual MCC Conference, this year held in Chicago. “It was awesome,” Jordan said. “The performers were great, and the audience was spectacular. And Andrea Lamour made me beautiful.” Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

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ONO partners with DVLF By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Monthly LGBT gathering Our Night Out this week officially joined LGBT grantmaking agency Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. ONO, founded in 2001, had previously functioned as a standalone steering committee, but will now operate as a committee of DVLF. ONO chair Ron Lucente said the group has been looking to partner with a larger nonprofit in the region, as it is not its own legal entity. “We’ll now have the backing of such a well-respected organization as DVLF,” Lucente said. “From a legal standpoint, this insulates us from certain liabilities and risks.” DV L F exe c u t ive d i r e c t o r Samantha Giusti said the group will be similar in structure to DVLF’s Wonder Women. “We have a lot of committees and some focus on DVLF’s actual work — like the marketing, development and executive committees — but then others like Wonder Women are really more programmatic, and that’s how we see Our

Night Out operating,” Giusti said. She added that DVLF could provide funding to ONO in the future, and the committee will have access to other agency resources. “Certainly as a committee of DVLF, Our Night Out can take advantage of anything our other committees have to offer — so, staff, resources, sometimes finances. We have our own service that sends out e-blasts so they can certainly switch to that,” she said. “We haven’t talked about specifics, but anything Our Night Out needs, DVLF is happy to provide.” The makeup of the ONO committee will not change, although they will be asked to submit periodic organizational plans to Giusti for approval. “My job will essentially be to make sure the committees are working cohesively and that their plans are in line with the mission of the organization,” Giusti said. “We want them to be as autonomous as possible while working with the DVLF mission.” The ONO committee looked at an array of potential partners throughout the region and nar-

rowed their choice to between DVLF and William Way LGBT Community Center. Lucente, who, as a DVLF board member, abstained from the vote, said both agencies were viable options. “[William Way executive director] Chris Bartlett and Samantha did write-ups about how they envisioned us working together, and then the committee voted based on that information,” Lucente said. “And it’s not that one was tremendously better than the other; they were both great and pretty equal. But William Way does a number of other outreach activities, so the committee thought DVLF might be a better fit. If you look at DVLF, their mission is really about building community, which I think is why the committee decided to go with them.” The ONO events will not be impacted by the partnership, Lucente said. “From an outsider perspective, there will be no change for Our Night Out,” he said. “We’re still going to hold our monthly events and still each month have a host that’s an organization here in the

A NEW NIGHT: About 200 people turned out to Our Night Out March 11 at R2L. The event, this month hosted by DVLF, served as the jumping-off point for the new partnership between the grantmaking agency and the monthly LGBT happy-hour event, which will now function as a committee of DVLF. Photo: Scott A. Drake

city. From someone looking in from the outside, you won’t be able to see any change.” DVLF served as host for Monday’s ONO at R2L, which drew about 200 people; other events have featured hosts such as Mazzoni Center, William Way and the Elements Organization. Giusti said the agency’s capac-

ity to develop new supporters for local nonprofits fuses well with DVLF’s work. “They have an excellent model that works,” she said. “It’s such a mission match for DVLF and Our Night Out. And in the future, I think it’ll be great to find even more ways to increase philanthropy using Our Night Out.” ■

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Penn celebrates LGBT Pride By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

Every Wednesday night 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. you can get a free conﬁdential HIV test at

Philadelphia FIGHT

and receive free admission to Woody’s dance ﬂoor, a free slice of pizza from 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, and a chance to win great prizes.

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www.ﬁght.org 215.985.4448

University of Pennsylvania is gearing up for its annual weeklong LGBT Pride celebration and, this year, organizers have launched a new partnership with an ally minority group. QPenn 2013 will run March 17-24 on campus and throughout the city. The closing ceremony will, for the first time, be celebrated in conjunction with the Latino Coalition, which will host its own Festival Latino the following week. QPenn communications chair and freshman Roderick Cook said that while the closing-ceremony partnership is a first, the Coalition has previously supported efforts of LGBT groups on campus. “It is important because there is so much intersection of these issues between the LGBT and Latino communities and there is so much to discuss,” Cook said. “It is always relevant and we have people who belong to both in communities who wanted to see these collaborations. They have been very welcoming.” QPenn is organized by Lambda Alliance, the umbrella group for campus LGBT groups, which enlists all of the organizations in staging the week’s events.

“We always reach out to LGBTQ groups and we tell them we are having a week of queer events and if they would like to host an event, we will help get the word out,” Cook said. The celebration, which has been held annually for more than 10 years, includes performances, workshops and outings, nearly all of which are new this year. The week will kick off with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. March 17, which will include a tribute to Dr. Lance Wahlert, codirector of Penn’s Project on Bioethics, Sexuality and Gender Identity, followed by an address from keynote speaker Janet Mock, a transgender activist, writer and editor of People.com. “Having Mock as the keynote speaker is really relevant, especially since gender identity and transgender activism is on the rise,” Cook said. B o t h eve n t s w i l l t a ke p l a c e a t International House, 3701 Chestnut St. You can purchase tickets to Mock’s discussion, which are $5, at janet_mock_qpenn_2013. eventbrite.com/#. Discussions throughout the week will include such topics as being out in the workplace, trans history and body image. Penn will welcome queer performance artist Dan Fishback for a rendition of his “thirtynothing,” 7 p.m. March 19 at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., and Fishback

will also lead a workshop on queer performance art, 1-3 p.m. March 23 at the LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce St. Penn Athletes and Allies Tackling Homophobia will stage its annual Pride Games, designed to bring together athletic groups and LGBT communities, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24, which will be followed by the closing ceremony from 510:30 p.m. at Cohen Hall Terrace Room, 249 S. 36th St. Cook said he first encountered QPenn when he was a high-school junior on a visit to Penn’s campus. “I happened to come here during QPenn Week and there were people selling Tshirts and handing out fliers and talking about queer pride — and this was all before I came out to my family,” he said. “I saw that Penn was a safe place, which embraced the LGBTQ community and that they were interested in activism, which is what I was interested in.” In addition to reaching individual students, Cook said he hopes this year’s QPenn demonstrates to the wider community Penn’s commitment to LGBT acceptance. “I think that everyone knows that Penn is a safe space, but I want them to know how active we are as a community,” Cook said. For more information about QPenn, email Cook at rodcook@sas.upenn.edu. ■

Dance show back on stage with new moves By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Last year, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual “Shut Up & Dance,” a benefit for the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the event will return next week for another extravaganza of dancing and fundraising. The event, which started in 1993, will kick off at 8 p.m. March 23 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. According to MANNA events manager Rob Nonemacker, the show last year raised $150,000 and brought in more than 1,600 people. Nonemacker said organizers are anticipating even higher attendance and fundraising levels at the upcoming “Shut Up & Dance” but also an increased awareness for the work that MANNA does. “We have been around for more than 23 years and I want to bring awareness to what we do and how important our program is to the area,” he said. MANNA provides nutritional meals to people facing life-threatening illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, throughout the region. While the event is centered on serious issues, Nonemacker said it also pays tribute to MANNA’s life-saving legacy.

“I want everyone to have fun. What we do is very serious, but we should also take the time out to celebrate the lives we have helped save and remember those we have lost,” he said. Nonemacker commended the PA Ballet performers for their longstanding commitment to the event. “Two amazing nonprofits have come together for this one-night-only performance, which is really an iconic performance in Philadelphia: No one else does an event like this in the city. The Pennsylvania Ballet dancers really put their careers on the line for us.” For out production director and PA Ballet cast member Ian Hussey, “Shut Up & Dance” has been a commitment he has been passionate about for years. “When I first joined the company in 2004, ‘Shut Up & Dance’ was already established and it was something all company members were passionate about. I was excited to be a part of it and I am from the area, so I knew about it and it was a cool opportunity,” he said. The Westmont, N.J., native started out as a dancer and choreographer before moving up to production manager. He is now in his second year as production director. “After the first year, I fell in love with it and MANNA’s mission,” he said. “The

first time I performed, it was the most fun night I had. And after a couple years of dancing and choreographing, I became more interested and involved. It is such a powerful event, and it is awesome that we do this every year in benefit for a company that is so special.” Hussey said the new position has been a challenging but also a rewarding experience. “It is a fun job and a lot of work and contacting people, but I really enjoy doing it and last year we raised more money,” he said. Hussey said “Shut Up & Dance” always presents unique and entertaining dances. “So many of the pieces are done during our free time, so the week before is when you start getting a feel on what you have. I think it will be really fun,” he said. “You will see a lot of funny stuff and comedy routines and contemporary dance pieces. We usually try and have an eclectic and diverse group of pieces.” Like Nonemacker, Hussey said he hopes the event highlights MANNA’s work. “The main thing I hope the audience learns it how important MANNA is to our community and how special they are with the work they do for our neighbors.” Tickets range from $25-$100 and can be purchased at www.mannapa.org/ dance. ■

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PA group raises awareness on domestic violence through theater By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

actor to help them grow their character. “I really feel like I could help people cultivate and become the character that they Even though Congress recently reautho- are portraying. It is the most interesting part rized the Violence Against Women Act, of acting. It makes me appreciate the actors there is doubtlessly much more work to be from Hollywood who transform themdone to fight domestic violence, which one selves and become someone else,” she said. “I really feel that way Bethlehem organization about our group, espeis looking to demoncially because we take strate through theater. the time to practice and V-Day Bethlehem will develop the character.” perform two plays, “The Gabovitz said that Vagina Monologues” getting into character and “A Memory, A can be a challenge, but Monologue, A Rant and a welcomed one. A Prayer,” in Bethlehem HUGHES GABOVITZ “I think anybody who and Allentown in the coming weeks to raise money for the has done theater knows that when you have YWCA of Bethlehem and Turning Point of a character, it doesn’t matter if you identify with them or not, you know when you have the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Director Kate Hughes has been a part of it in your head and when you don’t,” she the group’s annual productions of the works said. “It is something that can be hard to fix since the chapter’s inception six years ago. or overcome, but you work on for the next “One of the women who originally orga- time.” There are a total of 20 actors in both pronized the plays told me about the show and told me I should audition and I ended up ductions, which this year will incorporate with a great part. Since then, I have taken it both song and a short film. “It has changed the dynamic of it and very seriously,” she said. Among the cast members is out actor having that visual and music has changed it Noelle Gabovitz, who first performed into something really great,” Hughes said. She noted that all of the actors are volunin a 2004 production of “The Vagina Monologues” in college and will mark teering their time and that the local commuher fourth year performing with V-Day nity has pitched in to donate artwork, gift cards and other prizes for silent auctions at Bethlehem. “It is often a college-based production, so each performance. In the past six years, the productions when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of it, I jumped,” she said. “I just feel have raised more than $40,000, with $9,000 like people are put off by it, but sometimes brought in last year alone. “The YWCA helps a lot of women and I think that you have to have that ‘in-yourwhat they do in this area is unbelievable,” face’ and angry quality to motivate.” Hughes said she has enjoyed her role as Hughes said. This year, Hughes aims to raise more than director because it allows her to help the $13,000 for both organizations. performers with character development. Gabovitz said she also is eager to She spends one hour a week with each

heighten awareness of domestic violence in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. “Allentown is the third-biggest city in Pennsylvania. There are statistics that say one woman in three has been a victim of domestic violence. If we did the math, yes indeed, there is definitely a need for greater awareness and more action against violence against women in Lehigh Valley,” she said. Hughes said she hopes the show demonstrates the real impact and ongoing problem of domestic violence. “I want them to be informed and entertained and see they can make a difference in their everyday lives. I always tell our cast members that they have two roles: Treat everyone how you want to be treated and be the change you want to see in the world.” ■ “Memory” will be performed 7 p.m. March 15, 4 and 7 p.m. March 16 and 4 p.m. March 17, at the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St. in Bethlehem. The Salemme Foundation, 542 Hamilton St. in Allentown, will host a staging of “Memory” 7 p.m. April 19 and “The Vagina Monologues” 4 and 7 p.m. April 20 and 4 p.m. April 21. Tickets for the productions are $10, with VIP seating available for $25. For more information, contact Hughes at intoxikatephotos@gmail.com.

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A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Friday, March 29, 7:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Passover Seder/Shabbat Dinner Please join us for our Passover-Style full course dinner and discussion facilitated by Rabbi Sue-Levi Elwell at Congregation RS. Dinner is $25. Send check to Marcia Biggs, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 and RSVP 215.627.6747 x12 or mbiggs@rodephshalom.org Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

LOCAL PGN

William Way hosts eighth-annual juried-art show By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The William Way LGBT Community Center will celebrate the opening reception for its eighth-annual Juried Art Exhibit from 6-8 p.m. March 15 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. The exhibit, which will run until April 5, will feature 19 LGBT artists from the tri-state area in the center’s art gallery. Director of center services Candice Thompson said the exhibit was an open call to all LGBTQ artists. “It’s a show that’s more accessible to artists just starting out, who may not have a large body of work yet, because we limit the number of submissions from each artist to two works,” she said. “Every year we accept artists into the show who are just beginning to find their voice and we hope that this show gives them good experience, good exposure and good feedback.” One of the artists featured in the exhibit will be Thom Duffy, 47, who has been painting since he was 8 years old. Duffy, a South Philadelphia resident, will have two pieces featured in the exhibit. He was previously featured in exhibits at William Way in 2004 and helped launch the first juried show to the center. Duffy, who currently specializes in portraits, said he is proud to have his work in the exhibit. “I took a break from exhibiting so it is rewarding to be accepted into the William Way show,” he said. The artists were selected by guest juror

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Amy Sadao, the Daniel W. Dietrich II Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art. The three winners of the show will be announced at the reception. Thompson said she hopes the exhibit demonstrates the flourishing LGBT arts scene in the city. “I hope that when guests at the center see this exhibition that it affirms for them that LGBTQ people are and always will be at the forefront of arts and culture and that, because of this, our city is a more provocative, vibrant and wonderful place to live,” she said. Duffy said he was able to get a sneak peak at the exhibit last weekend and said it was an eclectic selection. “Some of the work is by younger artists who might still be finding their ways and then there’s work by seasoned artists,” he said. “The work in there is worth exhibiting and viewers will have a wide range of pieces to look at.” Like most of the programs at the center, the exhibit is free to the public — largely made possible by community support, Thompson said. “By giving financially, the community helps to offset the gallery costs and by giving of their time and talent, the community keeps our costs lower than they would be if we had to hire additional staff to, for instance, design the gallery postcards or install the exhibitions,” Thompson said. The gallery will be open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

3/13/13 11:55 AM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Richard Land

Editorial

Showdown in D.C. LGBTs and allies will gather at vigils around the nation later this month to herald in one of the most momentous occasions in the marriage-equality movement, as the U.S. Supreme Court begins its consideration of the challenges to Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Courtwatchers in Washington, D.C., however, will be joined by activists looking to keep LGBT discrimination enshrined in our state constitutions and federal laws, including a contingent from the Philadelphia Archdiocese. The local archdiocese is sending buses from five locations in the region to the March 26 March for Marriage, sponsored by chief marriage-equality opponent National Organization for Marriage. According to NOM’s website, the event is designed to show that it is “imperative that political leaders, the media and the culture see that we care about protecting marriage enough to stand up and march for it.” The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the only archdiocese or diocese in the nation to officially list itself among the march’s 27 sponsors on NOM’s website. In doing so, it has aligned itself with fellow sponsors like the Family Research Council — which in 2010 was designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. While the Archdiocese has never been a friend to the LGBT community, its participation in this event brings a stain to the city itself. Philadelphia has made tremendous strides in establishing itself as a bastion of LGBT acceptance and celebration — and last year was even named among the top cities in the nation for LGBT equality by the Human Rights Campaign. But now, while the city is home to innumerable pro-LGBT programs and policies, it also is home to the only archdiocese in the country to publicly sponsor an event in which supporters believe LGBT people do not deserve equal rights. Perhaps, instead of organizing a bus trip to Washington, D.C., to fight back against a movement that even most conservatives believe will inevitably see eventual success, the Archdiocese could use those buses for a more worthwhile purpose. How about transporting supporters from the five departure locations throughout the region to serve food at shelters in West Philadelphia, one section of which has nearly 90 percent of residents living below the poverty level? Or to work with the homeless in Camden, one of the most economically depressed cities in the nation? Or to help the sea of HIV/AIDS service organizations in the region provide direct care to the nearly 26,000 people struggling daily with the disease in the Greater Philadelphia area? There are countless people right here in our area whose lives could truly be impacted by others “standing up.” Believing in a cause is one thing. But believing in a failing cause that is clearly harming others is another. That time, energy and money should be better redirected to fight ills that are really harming our society — and not to fight against the love of two people. ■

I’ve been critical of antigay folks for a long time. I’ve even been known to call them names (“creep,” for example), but for as long as I’ve been writing this column, I believe I’ve used real discretion when it comes to, say, comparing people who oppose marriage equality to the Ku Klux Klan. I mean, such a thing might come off as gratuitous and, worse, distract from whatever closeted-conservative-caught-ingay-sex-scandal joke I’m trying to make. Thankfully, I don’t have to make the comparison because Richard Land, of the Southern Baptist Convention, made it for me during a Feb. 26 interview on Istook Live, a radio show hosted by former Congressman Ernest Istook. The show begins with, “Warning: This program features civility, celebrates freedom and is focused squarely on the American Dream.” Then the show’s intro music begins: Mötley Crüe’s “Dr. Feelgood,” a song about cocaine-dealing. Later we hear “Give It Away” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a song about socialism. Whoever picks Istook Live’s music has a great sense of humor. It was against this backdrop that Land discussed the Boy Scouts of America’s ban on gays, which he supports. “Why would you put adult leaders and mentors in places of authority and leadership of a boys’ organization when they have defined themselves as homosexual, meaning they are sexually attracted to males?” Land asks. “It would be the equivalent of allowing heterosexual men to be scout masters for Girl Scout troops. One does not have to assert that one group is more prone to pedophilia than another to say, if you put men in mentoring positions of trust and authority in camp-out situations with young teens to whom they are sexually attracted, either heterosexually or homosexually, human tragedies will follow.” Apparently, Land believes that all men are terrible sex-crimers who can’t keep their hands off kids. Considering Land is a man, I’m very worried about his personal mental and sexual health. Also, the Girl Scouts do not have a “ban men because

they are pervs” rule like the Boy Scouts have for gays. But don’t get Land wrong. He’s not a gay-hater. “The Bible has told us to hate the sin and love the sinner,” he says. “We’re not talking about ostracizing people. I have relatives who are homosexual, I have friends who are homosexual and lesbian, and I treat them with dignity and with respect. They know that I do not approve of their lifestyle, they know that I believe the Bible does not approve of their lifestyle. But that does not give me any reason to treat them any differently than I would anyone else when it comes to the workplace or when it comes to social activities.” It is kind of hard to wrap my brain around such a glaringly contradictory position. Because how’s telling a kid, “You can’t be a Boy Scout if you’re gay” and telling gay men, “You can’t be troop leaders because you’ll rape everyone” not ostracizing them? How’s that not treating them “differently?” And don’t get me started with this “I have gay friends” shit. Friends don’t accuse friends of being child molesters based on nothing but personal prejudice, then turn around and say, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” Wait, what am I saying? It’s the gays who are intolerant ones. “They do not believe in a live-and-letlive philosophy. Let’s be very clear about what their agenda is: Their agenda is to have the homosexual lifestyle affirmed by society as healthy and normal,” Land complains, “and to have those who disagree with that ostracized to the level of being Ku Klux Klansmen.” You know why the KKK is so reviled? Because they’re wrong. They’re hateful and disgusting and ignorant. So if Land wants to compare himself to them, be my guest. ■

And don’t get me started with this “I have gay friends” shit. Friends don’t accuse friends of being child molesters ...

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

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

A lesson learned later You were right, I was wrong, but since it on that now, 40 years later, I have a new was about me, give me a little leeway. You perspective on, and it was a revelation for might ask what makes this column different me. For years, it has always made me shrug when people referred to me as brave for from my Philly.com column. This column taking the risk to do those zaps (that’s what is a personal column that is written for our we called the disruptions). Her questions community and our allied friends, while had me feeling and recalling the other is for a vast audience where some might be pondering those moments before I stepped LGBT issues for the first time. before the camera. And then it caught me. Doing something So here’s that personal story that you knew could cause you mentioned above. harm in the name of something Earlier this week, I sat for an you believed in is indeed brave. interview that will be included You might say that we should in a new book on LGBT history. The interviewer asked have understood that, but I did not at the time. Before I stepped some questions that hit a nerve before that camera, I was always and actually allowed me to see frightened — to me being scared my actions in a new light. That is the sign of a good journalist. meant I was not brave. It took She actually had me in tears at that interview 40 years later to one point. So here’s the scoop. make me understand. What I She was asking me about the didn’t tell the interviewer was Gay Raiders and our campaign Mark Segal about some of the ways we were against the networks, which jailed. In Burbank, it was with took place in 1972-73. That campaign a guy in the next cell who was bragging resulted in the first agreement with TV net- about having just killed a fag. works on the way LGBT characters would Then she asked me to tell her something be portrayed, a new organization for the that I’ve never told about the Cronkite zap. networks to work with to help the inclusion Did you ever have one of those moments of LGBT characters and the development when a lifetime of pictures on one subject of new guidelines for LGBT news. This rush before your mind in just a second? was long before — and led the way for — Well, that is what happened to me, and all programs like “Ellen” and “Will & Grace” I could say was that Walter was the best and the LGBT-inclusive news coverage we mentor I had in my life. I’ve never said that now have. And it all came from disruptions before or thought about it like that, but I’m of TV shows ... many of them. You most sure he’d be smiling at that. And you know likely only know of a few actions, the ones what? That’s the way it is. ■ that focused on figures like Barbara Walters Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s or Walter Cronkite and his “CBS Evening News.” But we did many of them and spent most-award-winning commentator in LGBT some time in jail and court. media. He can be reached at mark@epgn. com. But there are two issues that she touched

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Street Talk Should St. Patrick’s Day parades have LGBT contingents? “Yes. I’m all about diversity. If LGBT people who are Irish want to show pride in both identities, they should have every Stefanie Jolles opportunity storeowner to do that. It’s Queen Village not like St. Patty’s Day is so sacred that it can’t have an LGBT theme to it.”

“No. Let the Irish have their day. Let the LGBT community celebrate their pride in June. I don’t see the point in turning Savannah Siwiec the St. Patty’s student Day parade Northern Liberties into a cause celebre for LGBT rights. To do that, you risk turning off potential supporters.”

“Yes. As a queer woman, I fully support LGBTinclusive St. Patty’s Day parades. It strikes me Sara Vinik as meanstudent spirited to New York City deny LGBTs the right to march as an organized contingent. It’s not the charitable thing to do. The LGBT community has a right to be recognized.”

“Yes. I support equality for all. Years ago, the Irish were discriminated against in this country. Brett Mensinger Remember financier the NINA [No New York City Irish Need Apply] signs? How quick some people are to forget. Of all people, why would the Irish choose to oppress another minority group? Why can’t we all just get along?”

Letters and Feedback I would like to commend the gay community of Philadelphia for its persistence and commitment in the community and for being there when an individual in the community needs help or guidance. I wish I could say the same for the transgender community of Philadelphia. Being transgender and a former resident of Philadelphia, my experiences conclude that the transgender community does not have its act together. When you go to the community for support, every little separate group is against each other. I have witnessed some particular groups not accept fellow transgender persons in their group if their transition was going slow and not up to that group’s particular standards. I have seen some groups dissolve and become extinct due to these types of actions. I once had one transgender individual put her fist in my face because I had not changed my legal birth name to a

female name or changed the gender on my driver’s license. I want to thank the gay community for helping me when I needed help. I wish I could say the same for the transgender community. — Jaclyn Tuckett In response to “Why does the LGBT community eat its young?” March 814: Trust me, I am not a person who passes up the chance to support a fellow lesbian for political office. Heck, I was a major supporter of Sherrie Cohen’s candidacy back in 2011 and I hope she runs again in 2015. That being said, Christine Quinn does not speak for us lesbians, and she would be a terrible choice for mayor. She has abrogated democracy, she refuses to support paid sick leave

(which affects women disproportionately), she has been dismissive towards the transgender community (which is pretty much dismissed in New York City already, even more than here in Philly). She just uses her lesbianism as a crutch against charges of being just another politician. I believe in judging people not by the color of their skin, what they believe or don’t believe, their ability or disability or sexual orientation or gender identity, but on the content of their character, and Christine Quinn’s character stinks to the high heavens. This lesbian says no to Quinn, because

she eats the young, not the people who rightfully criticize her. — JordanGwendolynDavis In response to “Court maintains legal challenge to Conshy ordinance,” March 8-14: “He wants the ordinance invalidated, partly on the basis that it allegedly violates protected religious freedoms.” Sorry, that goes both ways. Your religious freedom does not overrule that of any transgender or LGBT person. — SashaBirman

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

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

MORRIS from page 1

when police located the homicide file in a city-archives unit. The city’s Police Advisory Commission is reviewing the incident. Berry’s uredacted police report has conflicting male/female references to Morris. It also has investigation-control numbers. Berry’s redacted report has no male references to Morris or any investigation-control numbers. Aside from the redactions, the two reports appear to be identical. (See copies of the reports at www. epgn.com.) If the reports were identical, it would indicate Berry delayed writing a report until another officer could take control of the investigation and revise its starting point. Enter Novak and Skala Officers Kenneth Novak and Elizabeth Skala were dispatched to investigate Morris at Key West Bar at 3:10 a.m., where she was staggering out front, severely

intoxicated. Skala arrived at the location first, and says she transported Morris to 15th and Walnut streets, where she thought Morris lived. Berry says he first spotted Morris when she was inside Skala’s vehicle near Broad and Walnut streets, near the ride’s conclusion. Then, he looped around Rittenhouse Square and returned to the area of 16th and Walnut, where he spotted Morris again, this time lying in the street, bleeding and unconscious. Berry indicated to a dispatcher that a drunk female was being transported by medics to Jefferson University Hospital, and he would write a report. Novak was summoned to Jefferson about two hours later because Jefferson was his assigned facility. Doctors thought Morris was an assault victim, and no one realized Morris was Berry’s job. Novak eventually summoned Berry and Skala to Jefferson and explained that Morris was biologically male.

Neither Skala nor Novak had filled in the Key West entries of their patrol logs at that point. So Novak reopened the initial “investigation” of Morris at Key West. Then, their patrol logs were filled in to reflect that they had some type of earlier involvement with Berry’s hospital case due to an unfounded 911 call at Key West. But the courtesy ride was never specified in their logs. If Berry were in control at Jefferson, the logs couldn’t be filled in that way, because Key West wasn’t in Berry’s district — and Berry couldn’t extend the starting point of his hospital case into another police district. Only Novak could extend Morris’ hospital-case status to Key West, after he took control at Jefferson and reopened the Key West investigation. Then, Berry wrote a report reflecting he thought the person was a drunken female at Walnut, but was later informed at Jefferson the person was biologically male.

In the past, police have denied that Berry delayed writing a report until Novak could take control at Jefferson and reopen the Key West investigation. They said Berry wrote a report at Walnut, but it wasn’t needed for investigative purposes because it had a wrong gender for Morris. Police say Berry’s “first report” doesn’t have investigation-control numbers and reposes in a “miscellaneous” folder in the department’s Morris homicide file. But police have never explained why Berry felt the need to refer to Morris as a female in his “second report,” if his “first report” already noted that he thought Morris was a female. Nor have police explained why a copy of Berry’s “first report” without investigation-control numbers was faxed to a homicide detective, if it wasn’t needed for investigative purposes. Were officers supervised? Advocates for Morris have long questioned why Berry described

Morris’ fractured skull as a mere “cut on head” in his report. But, Berry was limited in his ability to document Morris’ injuries because Novak was in charge of the investigation at Jefferson. In response to concerns of a cover-up, police have noted that Sgt. Michael Dougherty, Skala and Novak’s supervisor that morning, was kept fully apprised of the ride and its aftermath. But if Dougherty was kept fully apprised, it remains unclear why he signed off on potentially questionable paperwork. An earlier set of PAC commissioners never knew about Berry’s unredacted report and never explored the possibility that Berry delayed writing a report until Novak could take control at Jefferson. The earlier PAC issued a report about the Morris case in 2007 that never considered those issues. A new set of PAC members continues to review the Morris case, and their final opinion is expected in the coming weeks. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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you are taking any of the following medicines: – anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital (Luminal); phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) – anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin); rifapentine (Priftin) – proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo); lansoprazole (Prevacid); dexlansoprazole (Dexilant); omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid); pantoprazole sodium (Protonix); rabeprazole (Aciphex) – more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate – St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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If you take COMPLERA, you should not take: – Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Stribild, Truvada, Viread)

What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: � Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs

– Other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (Combivir, Emtriva, Epivir or Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Truvada, Stribild) – rilpivirine (Edurant) – adefovir (Hepsera) What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: � have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, kidney problems, mental health problem or bone problems �

– feel dizzy or lightheaded Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take COMPLERA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems:

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– your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools)

are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. Do not breastfeed if you are taking COMPLERA. At least two of the medicines contained in COMPLERA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know whether this could harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

– loss of appetite for several days or longer

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

– nausea

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– stomach pain �

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

– have a fast or irregular heartbeat �

Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take COMPLERA, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking COMPLERA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV with your healthcare provider. – Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. – Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider. – If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking COMPLERA.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time.

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COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your body may be too low and it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it.

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Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: � an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. If you take an antacid during treatment with COMPLERA, take the antacid at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. �

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a medicine to block the acid in your stomach, including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac). If you take one of these medicines during treatment with COMPLERA, take the acid blocker at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. any of these medicines (if taken by mouth or injection): – clarithromycin (Biaxin) – erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone) – fluconazole (Diflucan)

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trouble sleeping (insomnia)

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abnormal dreams

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headache

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dizziness

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diarrhea

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nausea

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rash

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tiredness

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depression

Additional common side effects include: �

vomiting

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– ketoconazole (Nizoral)

stomach pain or discomfort

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– methadone (Dolophine)

skin discoloration (small spots or freckles)

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pain

– telithromycin (Ketek) – voriconazole (Vfend) medicines that are eliminated by the kidney, including acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and valganciclovir (Valcyte)

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA?

How should I take COMPLERA?

COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: � See “What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?”

�

Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA.

�

Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.

�

Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal.

�

Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking COMPLERA.

�

If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, take your dose of COMPLERA with a meal as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time.

�

Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose.

�

New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure, can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your kidneys before starting treatment with COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or need to take another medicine that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: – feeling sad or hopeless – feeling anxious or restless – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself

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Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with COMPLERA. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with COMPLERA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA.

�

Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones.

�

Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known.

�

Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.

The most common side effects of COMPLERA include:

– itraconazole (Sporanox)

– posaconazole (Noxafil)

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.COMPLERA.com Issued: January 2013

COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. ©2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. CON15584 02/13

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Philadelphia Gay News

3/1/13 11:31 AM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

NEWS PGN ARCHDIOCESE from page 1

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Pennsylvania,” Hill said in an email to PGN this week. PCC posted about the march on its Facebook page March 4, and Hill said the organization shared the information on its website and to local dioceses. Hill said PCC will not have an official presence at the march. “Some dioceses may be organizing groups to travel to D.C. for the event. We are simply passing along the information. I do not believe anyone on our staff will be there,” she said. Hill said PCC supports the mission of the event. “Catholics believe that a marriage between one man and one woman is something special and unique. It is the foundation of the family,” she said. “In turn, the family is the basic unit of society. Thus, while marriage is a personal relationship, it also has public significance.” T h e P e n n s y l va n i a Fa m i l y Council, based in Harrisburg, and The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, headquartered in Hanover, are also sponsors. The NOM-led event will include a march to the Supreme Court and a rally at the National Mall. The Supreme Court will hear arguments March 26 in the challenge to California’s Prop. 8, a voter referendum that overturned the state’s marriage-equality law. The court could potentially rule that gays and lesbians have an inherent constitutional right to marry. The following day, the court will hear arguments in a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage. ■ MUMMERS from page 1

also set up formal guidelines and requirements for participation and work with Mummers leadership to ensure that the performances at the Convention Center run smoothly. “This was Jim Kenney’s baby,” Brown said. “He wanted to get this started and asked how we can keep it up and running and keep it growing every year. So we told him we’d take the bull by the horns and start this committee, and now we’ve really got the ball rolling.” Brown said the committee ultimately wants to ensure that the LGBT community continues to play a role in the longstanding New Year’s Day tradition. “We want to communicate the importance of our community and show the creativity of the gay community,” he said. “We want to team up with the Mummers and help make a wonderful show.” ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

SENIORS PGN

Aging minds

Scott A. Drake Photography 267-736-6743

As we age, our minds change. Some estranged from biological families and changes, such as temporarily forgetting most do not have children to care for them. the name of an acquaintance or wondering Planning ahead for support and building a where you parked the car, occur with normal team is very important under these circumstances. aging. Others, however, such as difficulty Find resources and support for the carehaving a simple conversation or concluding givers. Caring for dementia patients is no that the lost car was stolen, can be symptoms of dementia. easy task. Most of those who suffer from Dementia is the general term for a decline Alzheimer’s also have one or more additional serious medical conditions. In 2011, in mental ability severe enough to affect normal daily activities. Loss of memory and 15.2 million family members and friends provided 17.4 billion hours of care to those other thinking skills may occur. Dementia with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. may be the result of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease or other ailments. Dealing with the medical and care issues Only a physician (namely a neurologist) is stressful, grueling work and emotionally taxing for all involved. For can diagnose dementia. There LGBT people, an additional are warning signs to look for: misplacing things and being layer of stress exists due to fear of discrimination and lack of unable to find them; losing interest in hobbies or social activities; cultural sensitivity on the part of getting lost driving to a familiar service providers. location. How can LGBT patients and Sixty-80 percent of dementia caregivers feel comfortable using medical and social-service agencases result from Alzheimer’s cies? In the Delaware Valley, disease. Alzheimer’s cannot be several organizations provide prevented or cured. When sometraining to agencies to create safe one is diagnosed, several categories of prescription medication and welcoming environments may help delay or prevent worsfor LGBT older adults. You can Joel Sartorius find out more about these trainening symptoms for a limited time. ing services by calling the LGBT One in eight Americans 65 and over Elder Initiative at 267-546-3448. has Alzheimer’s, which is the sixth-leadFor caregivers who need immediate help, ing cause of death in the United States. the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware The other five causes are decreasing due to Valley Chapter provides a 24-hour hotline medical advances. Alzheimer’s, however, at 800-272-3900. Help is also available at is increasing as the Baby Boomer generawww.alz.org/desjsepa. tion ages. Significantly, it occurs more freThe Philadelphia Corporation for Aging quently, but is diagnosed less often, among website, www.pcacares.org, provides links African-Americans and Hispanics. to social services, respite care, support What can be done for dementia sufferers, groups and educational resources. You can including those with Alzheimer’s? Where also call PCA at 215-765-9040 or toll-free at can you find information on these condi888-482-9060 outside of Philadelphia. tions? Who cares for LGBT seniors with The Center for Advocacy for the Rights Alzheimer’s? Who cares for the caregiver? and Interests of the Elderly has a hotline at 215-545-5728 or 800-356-3606. CARIE Here is what you can do also sponsors CAREGIVER GPS, an online Learn about dementia and Alzheimer’s. self-help tool for caregivers at www.caregivergps.org. The GPS gives caregivers the In early stages, the sufferer benefits from ability to access the information or resources engagement in mental-stimulation activities and in social engagement. Anxiety they need at any time. and depression, which often accompany More information and resources are available. The medical, psychosocial and caregivincreasing dementia, can be controlled. The ing issues surrounding mental wellness as Alzheimer’s Association provides a great we age will be addressed at the LGBTEI’s deal of useful information. Visit www.alz. free Conversation, “The Aging Mind 101,” org or call the hotline at 800-272-3900 for more information. from noon-2 p.m. April 20 at The Church of Organize the care team. As Alzheimer’s St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. progresses, a dedicated caregiver is essenFor details, contact the LGBTEI at tial. An estimated 800,000 individuals with info@lgbtei.org or call 267-546-3448. ■ Alzheimer’s (more than one in seven) live Joel Sartorius is a member of the LGBT alone. Up to half of these people have no caregiver and, thus, are exposed to high risks Elder Initiative. The LGBTEI fosters and advocates for services and resources that such as poor self-care, malnutrition, falls are competent, culturally sensitive, inclusive and wandering from home. and responsive to the needs of LGBT older LGBT seniors often lack adequate support. Friends and members of families of adults. To comment on this article, suggest choice often provide the care that is needed. topics for future articles or for more information, visit www.lgbtei.org or call 267However, these caregivers are usually also 546-3448 and watch for “Gettin’ On” each aging and face ailments and challenges of month in PGN. their own. Many LGBT older adults are

Gettin’ On

LEGAL PGN

Obama’s first term provided unparalleled rights to the LGBT community In President Barack Obama’s Jan. 21 for the founding of the National Resource inaugural address, he stated, “[O]ur jourCenter for LGBT Elders. Obama bestowed ney is not complete until our gay broththe Medal of Freedom, the highest honor ers and sisters are treated like anyone else available for civilians, to Harvey Milk and under the law — for if we are truly created Billie Jean King, enforcing the value of equal, then surely the love we commit to LGBT-rights advocacy in the community. one another must be equal as well.” It was The White House also assisted LGBT foster youth by giving the Gay and Lesbian a speech indicative of his goals and values that reflected how he will proceed on Community Services Center a grant in numerous social issues, particuOctober 2010 so that the agency could continue to operate with larly gay rights. Regardless of greater funding and latitude. how particular groups may feel Obama participated in the “It about Obama’s effectiveness as Gets Better” project, delivering a leader, it is irrefutable that his a message to LGBT youth that first presidential term yielded immense progress for the LGBT they are not alone in their strugcommunity. gles, and that they have advocates and supporters both inside The election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the and outside of the White House. United States was the first step It is reasonable to expect that with his second term, Obama of many in reforming a government that has previously codiwill be even more heedful of the fied LGBT discrimination into of the LGBT community, Angela needs as more moderate policies are law. Though Obama has been credited for some of his adminGiampolo no longer crucial for the sake of reelection. istration’s largest achievements In fact, President Obama’s second term regarding gay rights — such as the repeal of has already demonstrated a tendency “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — his first term as towards positive, LGBT-friendly policy. His president resulted in changes to other laws that had been detrimental to LGBT equality. second administration is starting off strong with a momentous stance on marriage equalHe signed the Matthew Shepard and ity, as the Obama administration submitted James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention amicus briefs in support of marriage equalAct into law Oct. 28, 2009, which qualifies actual or perceived gender, sexual ity in both the Windsor v. United States and orientation, gender identity and disability Hollingsworth v. Perry cases, which challenge DOMA and Proposition 8, respecas characteristics protected by previously tively. The president of the United States established hate-crime laws. HIV/AIDS does not normally submit amicus briefs in patients, who had previously been banned cases where the federal government is not a from entering the United States, were party, yet Obama has still chosen to firmly granted entrance into the country when urge the Supreme Court justices to rule Obama lifted the travel ban at the beginning against California’s ban on gay marriage. of 2010. And in June of the same year, he The past four years have yielded extraorrevised the Family and Medical Leave Act dinary progress for the LGBT community so that LGBT employees would be afforded under President Obama’s first adminisfamily leave the same as their heterosexual counterparts. tration, though there is still considerable Obama’s first term was not simply charchange to be made. Rather than being conacterized by wishy-washy or quasi-impletent with the advances for gay rights thus mented policies aimed at bolstering the far, it is imperative that the public uses these LGBT vote when it came time for reelecdevelopments as fuel for further advocacy tion. Not only did he consistently advocate and policy change. With a concerted effort gay rights throughout his term, but when over the next four years that matches that the law was changed to reflect his ideals, he of the first four years, we will move closer ensured that it was implemented properly to the goal of increasing equality for LGBT and appropriately enforced. Obama’s first individuals everywhere. ■ administration oversaw the declaration of Angela D. Giampolo, principal of the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional, and he vowed to cease legally recogGiampolo Law Group, maintains offices in nizing its constitutionality. Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate President Obama’s first administration law and civil rights. Her website is www. also helped to promote LGBT rights and giampololaw.com and she maintains two equality through non-legislative avenues. blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www. In June 2009, the White House hosted the lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal first-ever LGBT Pride Reception, and by questions at angela@giampololaw.com. October of that year he was responsible

Out Law

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

DANCE from page 1

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rights, and the school this week agreed to change its policy to allow students to bring any date of their choice, regardless of sex. “We had issues with this last year and it began as a completely innocent thing,” Lord said. “My daughter wanted to take a friend to the dance last year to have a good time. She wasn’t dating anyone at the time and it blew up into this huge ordeal.” Lord, whose daughter is an LGBT ally, said the district was originally going to make an exception for Lord’s daughter for the next dance this past January but, when the district hired a new superintendent, the attitude quickly changed, Lord’s wife learned about the district’s intended action when she turned in mandatory forms for students who wished to bring a student from another school district to a school dance. “That’s when we realized what was going on,” Lord said. “There were a lot of requests on the desk that were denied.” Lord said she is unfamiliar with the school’s superintendent and that her daughter has never faced any harassment from other students or staff about her LGBT ally status. She said the area, however, is fairly traditional and conservative. Lord contacted Equality PA at the beginning of the year to enlist the organization’s help in the situation. Equality PA executive director Ted Martin said he warned Lord about the attention she and her family could get from going public with the situation but, when the family agreed to move forward, Equality PA joined with ACLU to demand the district rescind its policy or face legal action. “We do a lot of work with ACLU and brought them into the equation and worked together,” Martin said. “The school board was fairly cooperative and, once the situation was pointed out to them and once they understood the implications, they changed it.” Martin said situations such as this and the recent incident at Chambersburg Area School District — which banned the formation of a gay-straight alliance — show educational institutions that people are paying attention to what they do. “I think for students who are frustrated about being turned aside in high school or harassed can see that something right does work out in the end,” Martin said. Lord said she’s proud that her daughter stood her ground. “From the beginning, she wanted to stand up for herself,” Lord said. “She never backed down from it and she knew we would support her.” ■

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Barcrawlr Family Portrait Out & About Outward Bound Scene in Philly Q Puzzle Worth Watching

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MICHELLE WILLIAMS AS SANDRA ISADOR AND ADESOLA OSAKALUMI AS FELA WITH THE CAST OF ‘FELA!’ Photos by: Carol Rosegg

Michelle Williams takes the stage in ‘FELA!’ By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com After dazzling Philadelphia audiences last year, the Tony Award-winning musical “FELA!” is back in town through March 17 at Merriam Theater. Directed and choreographed by out choreographer Bill T. Jones, “FELA!” explores the world of legendary international Afrobeat musician and activist Fela Kuti. And even if you caught it during its Philadelphia premiere last year, you’re going to want to see it again—because, this time around, the

production will feature singer and actor Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child as Sandra Isador. For Williams, her role in “FELA!” is another feather in her acting cap, as she has performed in other big-name stage productions like “Chicago,” “Aida” and “The Color Purple.” Her stint in “FELA!” also comes at a busy time in a year that saw Williams reunite with Destiny’s Child in the Super Bowl halftime show and as she gears up to release a new solo album. PGN got to talk to the infectiously cheerful singer about her role in “FELA!” and all the other things she has going on in her busy

schedule. PGN: How did you end up getting cast in “FELA!”? MW: A couple months ago, I met Bill T. Jones through another situation that he is directing this year. He’s also the director of “FELA!” After that, I got the call to tour with the cast of “FELA!” I’m very excited. I’ve been aware of “FELA!” for a long time but I really didn’t start studying his music until about six years ago, not knowing that I was preparing myself for this role. PGN: How does the singing and the choreography in “FELA!” compare to some

of the other productions you’ve been a part of? MW: I played Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” and she danced a lot. So to me it was similar, as far as staying true to the form of the dance, like Bob Fosse movement. In “FELA!” it was trying to stay true to African movement, but at the same time, with the choreography of Bill T. Jones, to modern dance as well. I commend the amazing dancers in this show that do more than I have to do. PGN: What is Sandra’s story and what motivates her in “FELA!”? PAGE 24

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

FELA from page 23

MW: Sandra is [Kuti’s] lover and teacher. He came to Los Angeles from Nigeria. They met and fell in love. They were able to teach each other things. They realize their lives are parallel. They were experiencing the same injustices. Sandra’s passion is to see Fela grow. She wanted him to be more grounded and have more education because you never want to argue without facts. Even if you know something is wrong or something wrong was done to you, once you get education and knowledge about something, no one can ever take that from you.

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PGN: Does performing in a production like this demand more discipline and attention to detail than what you would have to do touring as a singer? MW: Absolutely. When you come to a concert, you know you’re going to be on your feet singing to your favorite artist and you’re excited to be there. When you go to a theater, you automatically sit down and take that posture that you are coming to be entertained and watch. So in theater, you have to know your lines, your stage and your blocking. And you have to do it night after night, eight shows a week. With this show, it’s a pretty interactive show with the audience as well. No two shows are the same, actually. PGN: You’re no stranger to dancing, but even so, does working with an iconic choreographer like Bill T. Jones make you nervous? MW: Oooh, absolutely! Because he comes from the old school. Everything is full-out. Do this. Do this right. There are no alternatives. He’s still ripped. He’s got a six-pack. He’s toned. He’s like, “If I can do it, you can do it. No excuses.” PGN: What was it like to perform at the Super Bowl? MW: It was spectacular. Can you imagine? That is one of the most amazing things you can do in your career. Imagine being a football player; they dream about going to the Super Bowl. But then imagine being a performer that gets to the halftime show. It happens once a year in front of millions and millions of people. It was just really, really cool. PGN: What can you tell us about the album you have coming out this year? MW: I’m so excited about this record. It’s a great look into my journey. I know that sounds cliché, but I really want to be that artist that takes people on a journey through my life. It’s been four years since I released a record, so I’m literally telling you everything that went on in those four years. PGN: I know you’ve done gospel and secular records in the past. Is this one going

WILLIAMS to be gospel or is it going to be more pop and R&B? MW: It’s going to be everything. It’s going to have your gospel, your inspirational, your pop, your R&B, all those influences. One of the producers I worked with, he’s Nigerian. So you’re going to get a little bit of that beat underneath some of the music as well. It’s really cool how it was crafted. PGN: With everything you have accomplished, is there anything you haven’t done in your career yet? MW: One day I’d like to do television or film. One of those I would love to do. I’ve never been able to choose just one. As you can see with my career, I’ve done it all. So many people influenced me to be able to sing, to be in the studio today, to be on the theater stage tonight, to be on set to do television one day. I just really want to not limit myself and do as much as I can. PGN: Having been in the entertainment industry for most of your life, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in it? MW: Artists have to be more involved. It’s no more management going in for you to do the dirty work. Artists are realizing they have to do the dirty work. You have to take charge now. Times are changing. You have to be more vocal about everything. Back in the day, you could blame the label or someone else for something failing. Now it’s not like that anymore. People have more access to the artist too. There’s no mystery anymore. PGN: Are there any plans to tour with the new album? MW: Absolutely. The album comes out this summer so immediately after. ■ The Kimmel Center presents Tony Awardwinning musical “FELA!” through March 17 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215790-5800.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

KAMI KARAOKE

1709 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor . tensixclub.com 215.751.0201

twitter.com/tensixclub

facebook.com/tensixclub

info@tensixclub.com

Outward Bound

TRAVEL PGN

Jeff Guaracino

March dance events are either black or white Even if you missed the Winter Party Festival in Miami earlier this month, you still have time to travel to one of your favorite dance destinations. For 32 years, a decadent dance party helped to define the New York springtravel calendar. Next weekend, The Saint At Large will stage RITES XXXIV: THE BLACK PARTY. This year’s theme is “Rough Trade at Luna Park.” Held on the weekend closest to the vernal equinox, the party starts March 23 at the legendary Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Get ready for an adventure. This dance party is set in the outskirts of Rome in an abandoned amusement park. Strange Live Acts will be played out as a five-act opera set in a cinematically inspired, immersive environment. The fantasy ends sometime Sunday. If staying up all night dressed in your best leather is not for you, you might be interested in The BPX: The Black Party Expo, held March 22 and 23 at the Roseland Ballroom. The expo consists of a fashion show, art exhibition, concert, exhibitors and an awards program called “The Hookies.” Making appearances on Friday night

are Sharon Needles, the reigning seasonfour winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and professor on “RuPaul’s Drag U,” ;gossip columnist Michael Musto; comedian Cole Escola; male burlesque star Go-Go Harder, directors Chi Chi LaRue, Michael Lucas and Mr. Pam; playwright David Leddick and the cast of “Rentboy the Musical” ; TV host Robin Byrd and author Mike Albo. Matt Humphrey, director of the Black Party Expo, offered this insider’s tip: To avoid the long lines at RITES XXXIV: THE BLACK PARTY, get your tickets at the will-call window at the expo, which will help you skip the line at night. And show your party ticket for a special gift bag. It is recommended that you buy tickets in advance online. There are two host hotels, The Out NYC and the Yotel. Visit epgn.com for previous stories on The Out NYC, which is sold out for the weekend. But close to The Out NYC is the Yotel. The stylish hotel has great deals, with rooms beginning at $189. Other hotels with Black Party deals include the Hudson Hotel and New Yorker Hotels. Visit www. blackpartyexpo.com/travel and www.sain-

tatlarge.com/travel for more information. White Party, Palm Springs Billed as “the largest gay dance festival in the world,” Jeffrey Sanker presents The White Party Xtreme 2013 in Palm Springs, Calif., March 29-April 1. Spinning poolside will be the top DJs in the business, including Lehman and Rauhofer. And making special appearances are Icona Pop, Carmen Electra, “Real Housewives of Miami” star Adriana Demoura and several “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants. Travel expert and ManAboutWorld editor-in-chief Ed Salvato offers this insider tip: Hit the daytime parties. And Palm Springs is part of the fun of the party, so take a few extra days to relax at one of the many great guesthouses. Tickets, hotel accommodations and VIP passes are available at www.jeffreysanker. com. ■ Jeff Guaracino is the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing” and co-chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

THEATER PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Iconic family takes the stage in new musical By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Theater is about to get extra-kooky with the Philadelphia premiere of “The Addams Family,” a new Broadway musical based on the eccentric family created by cartoonist Charles Addams. The darkly comic family, featuring unforgettable characters like Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Cousin Itt, Thing and Lurch, has been the inspiration for a number of TV shows, cartoons and movies since the 1960s. Out actor Shaun Rice, who plays Uncle Fester in the production, said the show is a mish-mash of takes on the family, from literature and television. “They wanted to go back to the feel of the original drawings from Charles Addams,” Rice said. “But it really has a feel comedy-wise from the TV show. It almost feels like an extended episode with music.” Even though there has been some kind of Addams Family project every decade since the TV show debuted, Rice said he still sees some people in the audience who are being introduced to the family for the first time. “We’re getting a lot of families that come,” he said. “It’s been a while since the

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY” CAST MEMBERS AMANDA BRUTON (GRANDMA, FROM LEFT), JENNIFER FOGARTY (WEDNESDAY), DAN OLSON (LURCH), JESSE SHARP (GOMEZ), KELEEN SNOWGREN (MORTICIA), SHAUN RICE (UNCLE FESTER) AND JEREMY TOOD SHINDER (PUGSLEY) Photo: Carol Rosegg

movies were out. I watched them growing up and the cartoons. So we’re getting a lot of people who don’t have any exposure to the Addams Family except for what they see that night and we’re getting people

PGN

who knew the TV show back in the day. It’s kind of fun to see the audience reaction and relive stuff with these characters.” Rice, who has been in a lot of Broadway plays based on popular characters — includ-

ing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical,” “Curious George Live” — said that so far Uncle Fester has been his favorite role to play. “When you look at the original drawings, he’s a loner,” he said. “He rarely appears with the family as a whole. He’s always with one or two of them or by himself off in the house. In the show he serves as the narrator so we see the family through his eyes. He’s got an old song-and-dance-man kind of feel. So all of his songs are Vaudevillian. It’s a lot of fun to watch the show and have the audience experience things through what he is seeing.” Rice said the Addams family’s inability to conform to others’ expectations of normality is a big part of their charm. “They are very odd,” he said. “They have an off kind of feel to them but they are very lovable and relatable. Everyone has an Uncle Fester or knows a kid who loves pulling wings off of flies and experimenting and things like that. It’s fun to watch them get to a crazy TV-sitcom level that you can laugh at.” ■ The Kimmel Center presents “The Addams Family” March 19-24 at The Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905800.

PGN TV & NIGHTLIFE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Spring summer feeling

Worth Watching

JUDGE JANET: Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno guest-voices as herself in the all-new episode of “The Simpsons,” in which Lisa has to defend Bart in court, 8 p.m. March 17 on Fox.

BACK TO HELL: Local out chef Christina Wilson won last season, so tune in to see who chef Gordon Ramsay runs through the gauntlet on a new season of “Hell’s Kitchen,” 8 p.m. March 19 on Fox. Photo: Fox/Patrick Wymore

PLAYING DOCTOR: Out characters Callie and Arizona (Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw) try to get the spark back in their relationship on a new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m. March 21 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless

GIRLS JUST WANT TO BODYSLAM EACH OTHER: “WHAT!? Logo Documentaries” is back with new episodes giving viewers a peek behind the curtain into unusual worlds. The new season starts with a trip back to the mid-1980s for “The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling,” 9 p.m. March 19 on Logo.

The days are getting longer and the nights are getting stronger! Before you know it, we’ll be running around in shorts and T-shirts, but for now we have a couple more weeks of chilly nights to deal with. This winter was a bust for me. If it’s going to be cold, then I want snow, dammit! And I mean real snow, not just a dusting or 2 or 3 measly inches. I want it covering the first step of my front porch, at least 8 inches or more. And yes, I’m still talking about snow. Maybe next year we’ll get a decent blizzard or two, but right now it’s time to spring forward. There’s so much going on in the next couple of weeks, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding somebody to spend these longer, warmer days with. And if the luck of the Irish is with you, maybe you’ll find 8 inches or more of your very own to enjoy. And no, I’m not talking about snow anymore.

Brittany Lynn’s Birthday Extravaganza Help Brittany Lynn celebrate her birthday 11 p.m. March 17 at Pro Bar AC, Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. Brittany will be joined by the Drag Mafia and some surprise guests for this one-time show that will include a special roast of the birthday gal! Catch the AC Divas show beforehand, then stick around to help Brittany blow out her candles. Doors open at 8 p.m. and a $5 cover starts at 9 p.m. If you want to stay the night, they have a special $52 room rate if you call 888-797-7700 and use the secret password, “VDRAG.”

Tucks, Tassles & Tits Oh my! Get a taste of each when Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia joins forces with the Peek-a-Boo Revue at 9 p.m. March 15 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Cover charge is only $10. See what happens when the two worlds of drag and burlesque collide.

QOTA Four-Year Anniversary Time flies when you’re having fun! Celebrate the fourth anniversary of Queers on the Avenue 6-9 p.m. March 20 at Paradiso, 1627 E. Passyunk Ave., with great food, discounted drinks, lots of hot, friendly folks to mingle with and, best of all, no cover charge!

Frathouse Friday — St. Patty’s Day Remix Frathouse Friday celebrates St. Patrick’s Day 10 p.m. March 15 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Cover is $10 for the 18-20 crowd and free for those 21 and over. There will be all sorts of Irish drink specials from 10 p.m.-midnight guaranteed to knock you on your arse, and even a green underwear contest. If you fill out your green jockey shorts in all the right ways, you could win some cash.

March Stimulus It’s a spring fling with the Stimulus crew that you won’t want to miss, 10 p.m. March 22 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. Celebrate the return of shorts and tank tops with four DJs, delicious shot girls, tantalizing go-go dancers and some amazing drink specials. Cover charge is only $10.

on March 17 at Top Dog, 2310 Marlton Pike (Route 70), Cherry Hill, N.J. Your $10 cover charge gets you $1 well drinks during the first hour, an authentic Irish buffet with all the trimmings, and loads of Irish eyes a-smiling. All this plus DJ Steve Singer and free parking!

Barcrawlr

Jim KileyZufelt

St. Patty’s Day ’80s Party There’s more than just St. Patrick’s Day on the menu 7 p.m. March 16 at Club In or Out, 19 N. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, N.J. They’ll serve up ’80s realness with a show chock full of pop-icon impersonators. When you add in the all-night drink specials, it makes you wonder how they can do this with no cover charge! Shamrocks & Jocks Get your Irish on 9 p.m. March 16 at Westbury, 261 S. 13th St., with the Gryphons Rugby Club. Toss back a pint, sing along to some old Irish standards and help the lads warm up for their first match while they raise money for the club. Ladies 2000 St. Patty’s Day Bash If you can resist everything except temptation, then join Ladies 2000 from 3-9 p.m.

Gospel Drag Brunch Whether you’re looking to get saved or do some saving of your own, answer the call from noon-5 p.m. March 24 at Fire & Ice, 312 Market St. There you’ll find out what happens when old-time religion meets new-school drag over a plate of eggs benedict and a bloody mary (or five). It’s only $35 for brunch and the show, or $10 general admission if you grabbed a McMuffin on your way over The drag is courtesy of your hostess Miss Maddy Milan and special guests Tammy Faymous, Cleo Phatra and Lady Poison. The brunch is courtesy of chef Chris Nguyen. The Gospel is courtesy of God. And Jesus. It’s a match made in heaven! ■ Questions, comments, can’t wait to see Shirley Manson and Garbage at the end of the month? Me too! Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!

PORTRAIT PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Suzi Nash

DeAnn Cox: Leaving behind childhood challenges, staying true to Jersey roots Sarah Palin might not actually be able to see Russia from her house but, here in Philadelphia, we can look across the river and see the Garden State of New Jersey. Often overlooked unless we want to go to see some sharks at the Aquarium or buy some cheap booze, our sister state’s southern residents tend to get the short shrift from us. DeAnn Cox, founder of Jersey Lyfe, is helping to change that. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. I’m originally a Jersey girl too, but I was born in North Jersey. DC: Oh, that’s a whole different ballgame! I was born and raised in Camden and didn’t leave there until I was about 16 to move to Runnemede. PGN: Tell me about the family. Are you an only child? DC: I’m not an only child, I have two older sisters. As far as my parents ... I don’t talk to them much; we don’t have a relationship at all. PGN: I have all brothers. What’s a houseful of sisters like? DC: Oh my goodness, it was insane. We had a lot of fun when we were older but, before that, they used me as their plaything. I was just a baby so they would do all sorts of funky experiments on me. Feed me anything, tie me up, all sorts of crazy things that the youngest child gets subjected to. PGN: I can identify with the feeding-youthings. As a kid I loved Nestle Quik powder but of course wasn’t supposed to eat it. One day my brother called me into the kitchen and told me he had a spoonful of Quik for me. I stuck it in my mouth only to find out it was finely ground coffee! DC: [Laughs.] Yeah! I feel your pain; they used to lock me in closets, roll me up in blankets and roll me down the stairs, stuff like that. PGN: What’s the craziest incident that comes to mind? DC: They pushed me off of a roof! PGN: Ha! Was that an experiment to see if you could fly? DC: No, we were playing tag with some friends and these guys started chasing us. We ran into an abandoned building and ran up to the top where we got trapped, so everybody started jumping off the roof onto an old mattress that was on the ground — mind you they were all seven or eight years older than me. I was scared to jump so my sisters pushed me off. Thank God I landed on the mattress. PGN: What’s a good family memory? DC: Hmmm. I have to think a little harder

for that. I’d say going to family reunions. We’d take road trips to Rochester or North or South Carolina and the ride was always fun. We’d stop at a motel or something and have a lot of good family time.

ship or came from Pagan origins and don’t participate. They don’t even celebrate birthdays because they believe them to be a form of self-worship — so no Fourth of July, no Thanksgiving, no Christmas.

PGN: Silly question. Is it hard to be a lesbian named Cox? DC: [Laughs.] That’s too funny. No, though I did get teased as a kid. Now I embrace it. Though it’s funny, people will ask how I spell my name and I say, “Do you really think I’d spell it with a ‘ck’?” Though it is a good porn-star name. There’s a drag queen in New Jersey who goes by Seymour Cox.

PGN: Oh, that seems so unfair! [Laughs.] I’m an atheist and even I love Christmas. DC: I do too! I think I went overboard for a while to make up for lost time.

PGN: All right, back to business. Was your coming-out the reason for the estrangement from your parents? DC: Actually, no, it was because of religion. They’re Jehovah’s Witnesses. When I turned 18, I decided that I didn’t want that lifestyle anymore so I moved out and left the church. There are different levels of congregational discipline depending on the church you go to, and ours was very strict, so I was disfellowshipped and shunned. It’s a type of excommunication. So my parents weren’t supposed to have any contact with me once I was persona non grata. PGN: Wow, kind of like the Amish? DC: Yes. And like the Amish, they frowned on education. They wanted you to study the Bible only and become a missionary preaching about God and spreading the word. Higher education was not encouraged, but I did have a nice experience a while ago with my dad. I was telling him about school and he said he was actually proud I’d rebelled against them and gotten an education despite them telling me I couldn’t. He’d gone to college before he got married and was glad that I’d gone. PGN: Did you go door-to-door? I get a lot of Witnesses in my neighborhood but it seems they’re mostly older folks. DC: No, we had to do it too. It was mandatory. PGN: What was the worst part? DC: [Laughs.] Running into my classmates! I remember one time I rang the doorbell and it was opened by two boys who used to harass me all the time in school. When I saw the first boy my eyes got wide but I think they were just as surprised as me. For whatever reason, though, that was the one time they didn’t tease me about that particular incident. PGN: So as a Witness, I guess you grew up without any holidays? DC: Yes. Jehovahs believe most holidays are connected with non-Christian wor-

PGN: What’s your favorite holiday? DC: Halloween. PGN: Best and worst costume? DC: Worst was probably a French maid, that was pretty cheesy. My best was ... hmm. Oh, a bumblebee! PGN: Awww. So you grew up in Camden, which seems to have a bad rep. DC: As it should. It was just horrible. Growing up, I remember my peers getting hit by cars all the time.

PGN: Ha! I’m wearing some bobos now. DC: That’s funny! Yeah, it was tough, I’ve seen people murdered, assaulted, I’ve been shot at. It was hard. PGN: What was the incident that led to you being shot at? DC: Oh, boy. I was hanging with some friends and I was the only one with a car so I was driving and ... oh ... [tears up] ... I’m sorry. PGN: [After a period of quiet] Do you want to move on to something else? DC: No, I’m all right ... I was with my friend and she’d invited her boyfriend along. He asked if we could make a stop and we didn’t think anything of it but, little did we know, he was making some kind of drug deal. He left us in the car and something must have gone wrong because he came running back to the car yelling at me to drive. Next thing I knew there were people shooting at my car. It was terrifying. Of course I kicked him out of the car as soon as possible. We were terribly shaken. We didn’t know if we should call the police or what to do. We didn’t even have a clue who’d been shooting at us. PGN: Not easy to notice much when you’re ducking, I’d imagine. DC: Yes. It’s horrifying. PGN: So I assume you’re out of Camden now? DC: Oh yes. Though I almost had to move back a few years ago. I hit another rough patch when I got laid off of my job. My car was being repossessed, and I was still trying to run Southern NJ Pride and I just didn’t know what to do. PGN: A lot going on, huh? DC: [Quietly brushes away a tear] Yes.

PGN: Where did you go to school? DC: I went to Rutgers on Photo: Suzi Nash PGN: What? Why? a scholarship but at the DC: Well, there were no parks or playrate I was offered courses grounds to go to so everyone played in the it would have taken six to seven years to street. It was supposed to be a residential graduate. That didn’t seem feasible, so I area but cars sped through all the time and transferred to Camden County College and invariably someone would get hit while got my associates degree there ,and then playing. There was a lot of fighting and a transferred to Temple, where I am now. lot of bullying, not even because someone was gay; it could be for anything, just PGN: What was coming out like? because. You could be wearing the wrong DC: I don’t know, I don’t really have a outfit or looking at someone the wrong way coming-out story. I just always was, even or because you were wearing some bobos. though I didn’t quite PAGE 30

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS FUN CLASSIFIEDS PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle Keeping abreast of the Oscars Across

1. Gay-friendly student org. 5. Fit for a king 10. Rebuke from Caesar 14. Sign of calculating to get sum 15. Ooze out 16. Not just one of those things 17. Small amount in a stallion’s mouth? 18. “Twilight” heroine 19. Highland headgear 20. 2013 Oscars Host 23. City of _The Bird Cage_ 24. Asian prefix 25. Keystone figure 27. Queer, literally 30. Forego sleep 32. Stats from “A League of Their Own”

35. Jogs 36. Los Angeles group that sang with 20-Across 41. “Brokeback Mountain” setting 42. Practice for a boxing match 43. Mapplethorpe often shot them 45. Home of the “Jailhouse Rock” star 51. Cold war prog. 52. Red-ink figure 55. Emanation from Feniger’s kitchen 56. Song sung at the Oscars by 20and 36-Across 60. Dotterman’s “Antonia’s ___” 61. Tape over 62. Piece of Aaron Copland 63. Wrist bone 64. Mature, as fruit 65. Haul ass 66. One side of Ed Wood 67. Affirm orally

PORTRAIT from page 29

know what it was, but then when I learned, I embraced it. I guess my story would be my first attraction because after that I was never afraid. I didn’t have to tell anyone or make an announcement; just as simply as I brought a boy home before, I brought a girl home instead. [Laughs.] But my first attraction was my ex-boyfriend’s sister. I was dating him at the time and then when I met his sister I was just like, wow, I’m having feelings like I did when I first met him. I was really confused and then one day I was hanging out with my friends. We were pretty much all dating the same family — they had 10 boys — and I decided to tell my friends how I felt about the sister. They were all like, “Oh my God! Me too!” We were all attracted to the same sister! PGN: So how did Southern New Jersey Pride and Jersey Lyfe come about? DC: Me and my ex-fiancé used to do a lot of traveling. We enjoyed going around to different Pride celebrations, and one year when we were coming back from the Charlotte Black Gay Pride, we were talking about how well it was done. We thought, How come we don’t have anything like this for South Jersey? And we planned the whole thing on the car ride home. When we got home, we got a license to do it and organized a committee, and from there it took off and flourished. We held our first Pride event in 2008. We do “Out in the Park” at Cooper River and we have all sorts of performers, a drag show, a voguing contest. We have vendors, games, we’ve done a meet-and-greet night out at the bars, a pageant and an Equality Walk.

68. Teen temperance org.

Down

1. Orgasms, e.g. 2. Though 3. Etheridge instrument 4. Intake problem? 5. “Queen of Country” McEntire 6. Biz boss 7. Chasms 8. Ike’s opponent 9. Masters 10. Place in a Robert Redford movie 11. Oscar winner’s words 12. Breaks called by Dave Pallone 13. Naval characters 21. Lots of secs 22. Gambling game for drawers 26. It may come at the end of a love letter 28. Right to the ass 29. Sea eagles

31. JFK info 33. It had a fang for Marc Antony’s girlfriend 34. Rip-off 36. Grace’s “Nice boy!”? 37. Beach’s partner Monnier 38. Thumbs-up 39. Green stuff 40. Bygone Eur. realm 41. ACLU concern 44. They scatter their seed afar 46. Queen in Romeo and Juliet 47. Trial copies 48. Much ado about nothing 49. Saturated 50. Abused orally 53. Lebanon neighbor 54. In a lather 57. Penn of “Milk” 58. Brings into play 59. Gambling city 60. One of a wheel’s nuts SOLUTION page 34

PGN: And what’s Jersey Lyfe? DC: When I first started in business I needed funding, and now I like to help fund other organizations that are just starting, to help with whatever events or initiatives that they might have. Jersey Lyfe is there to provide media sponsorship because, again, I needed that when I got started and there were people there for me, so I feel it necessary to give back.

DC: Oh boy, that was pretty devastating. We found a whopping 30 percent admitted to not being out to their employers, family or even friends. It confirmed what I had suspected, that despite living in New Jersey, which has some pretty strong LGBT protections including civil unions, a lot of people are still struggling with it, especially in lower-income and less-educated communities.

PGN: And now the In The Lyfe newsletter has over 5,000 international subscribers? DC: Yes! It started out with 20 of my friends and, through vending, networking, marketing and using social media, it has grown exponentially.

PGN: You stated you wanted to know why and what could be done about it — did you come up with any answers? DC: Every day I still ask myself why it is. I just can’t imagine a life where I couldn’t be out to my friends and family. I just try through Southern New Jersey Pride and Jersey Lyfe to encourage people to be themselves regardless of the social stigmas they might feel. We fund workshops and organizations that are working for the LGBT community in Southern Jersey or sometimes I’ll even run workshops — whatever we can do to support the people and organizations that help our community in New Jersey and Philly, like the Mazzoni Center, DVLF or Garden State Equality. Part of the problem is that people aren’t even aware of the resources out there. Most of my constituents don’t know about Philly Gay Calendar or PGN and that you list organizations and do stories on things that would be of interest and helpful to them if they took the time to check it out. I try to educate people and make them aware of the resources available. PGN: I host karaoke at Sisters and when QFest rolls around, I’m astounded that

PGN: What’s the name of your company? DC: Cox Consultant and Management Firm. I do a lot of small studies and market testing. I also teach a course at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree on marketing and social media. At first, I wasn’t sure people were going to grasp or comprehend what I was talking about, but the response was amazing. I love being able to teach people how to market their businesses. I see people wasting their money a lot and I can help them put it to better use. The next class starts in May in case anyone’s interested. PGN: I might take you up on that. Back in 2011, Southern New Jersey Pride conducted a survey that questioned participants about the openness of their sexual and gender identity.

even though we have programs right there at the bar and the film festival is advertised all over town, most of the people in the bar have never heard of it. Or I’ll have someone from Mazzoni or the HRC come through because they’re doing an event and people have no idea who they are. DC: Yeah, and I don’t charge anything because I know how important these resources can be for people. For me, when I first discovered I liked women, I was aggressive in seeking out resources and finding support, but I think some people don’t know where to start or are just afraid. PGN: So as a media consultant, what are two top tips for beginners? DC: Number one, get online! Some people are afraid of the Internet. And it’s not just the older crowd, there are a lot of young people and business people who don’t have an email address. Get online, get on Facebook, create a LinkedIn account, create a Monster account. The Internet is where you need to be. It’s the world at your fingertips — and it’s free! You have to be there, that’s where the rest of the world is. Number two, don’t be afraid to market yourself. I talk to so many people who are so skilled at a specific trade or profession but they’re afraid to market themselves. Get out there and promote, no one is going to be as big a fan as you are. Be proud of yourself and what you can do. ■ To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, write to portraits05@aol.com.

STAGE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Performance artist to talk gender, sex and religion at Haverford

PETERSON TOSCANO Photo: Nony Dutton

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out performance artist Peterson Toscano will use his craft to fuel discussions on sexuality, gender and religion in the coming weeks, as he is featured in Haverford College’s artist-in-residence program. Toscano, an activist who uses comedy, Biblical scholarship and storytelling to address social-justice issues, has traveled internationally performing plays and hosting lectures and workshops that explore LGBT issues, faith, sexism, racism, violence and gender. Toscano said he will perform shows he wrote throughout his career as part of his residency. “It’s a wide range of work including my newest piece, ‘Jesus Had Two Daddies,’” Toscano said. “I’m also going to premiere some new material about climate change, raising the question, ‘Is there a queer response to the climate-change crisis?’” Toscano’s residency will also include his earlier pieces, like “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” which chronicles the years he spent attempting to change and suppress his same-sex orientation and gender difference until he finally came out gay in 1999, as well as “Transfigurations — Transgender Bible Stories,” where Toscano explores stories of transgender and gender-variant people from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Toscano said his interpretations of the scriptures cast a more positive light on the stories contained in them. “It does two major things,” he said. “It presents positive stories about people who are not typical — queer folks. That is important to have positive stories about these folks because so often people use the Bible to beat the shit out of us. So it’s good to see there are some positive stories. The other thing it does is it is a way to be subversive with the text, not only around

LGBT issues but also how to read the text through taking on different lenses. It helps people who have been oppressed by the Bible or who are oppressors to begin to see it in a new framework and break down some of that oppression.” One might think religious people wouldn’t be very open-minded to Toscao’s takes on biblical stories, but he said a surprising number of people have embraced his interpretations. “I have been shocked at how enthusiastic Bible scholars have been,” he said. “I was terrified when I first began to show it to reputable Bible scholars. People just loved it. They said I showed them things that they hadn’t seen before in the text and that my conclusions were all totally sound and supported with the scholarship that exists out there. They were thrilled about it, which made me very thrilled.” Toscano added that while his shows focus on Hebrew and Christian scriptures, people from a wide variety of religions have turned up at his performances. “Pagan, nontheists and all kinds of folk have been engaged in it,” he said. “I’ve been able to perform it in lots of places throughout North America, Europe and parts of Africa. It translates pretty well into other cultures because they are very human stories. It’s also a very physical play, where I act out all the characters and I morph and shift my own body in ways to help people understand the story better. Even conservative Christians respond well to the play.” ■ Toscano is featured in Haverford College’s artist-in-residence program March 18-April 7. He will meet with a range of on-campus groups throughout the month, as well as take part in a number of public events. For more information and the full schedule, visit www.petersontoscano.com or www.haverford.edu/quakeraffairs/friend_in_residence.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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Clay Studio gala honors longtime supporter By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

“There are more people coming around to all the galleries that used to be more spread out. But our area has many of the The Clay Studio will host a gala March galleries for furniture and glass and ceram16 celebrating Ruth Snyderman, a longtime ics,” she said. “People are more interested supporter of the studio and Philadelphia’s than they were when the Clay Studio first started. The Clay Studio now has a national craft community. Since the 1960s, Snyderman has been a name. It’s probably the most respected nonprofit center for clay juror, speaker, collector in the entire country.” and community organizer The Clay Studio’s in the arts community. gala, “It’s All About She is also the co-owner, Ruth,” besides celebratwith her husband, Rick, ing Snyderman’s impact of the Snyderman-Works on the arts community, is Galleries. also a fundraiser and auc“For almost 47 years tion to benefit the LGBTnow, we’ve been chamfriendly organization’s pioning clay artists, from studio-arts and education 1965 on,” Snyderman programs. said about Clay Studio. “They have something “That would be the most called the Claymobile, important venue for us in which is a van that goes this city.” around to schools that Snyderman said that, don’t have facilities to over the years, Clay teach young children Studio has helped showhow to work in clay,” case the work of artists at Snyderman said of the all stages of their careers. s t u d i o ’s e d u c a t i o n a l “There are many artists programs. “They also that have moved away have classes in the Clay to other areas,” she said. RUTH SNYDERMAN Studio, have a camp for “They’ve gone on to other galleries that are of the highest level. Garth students in the summer and an exhibit of Clark [Gallery] was the premiere gallery the work of the Claymobile students once for ceramic and some of the artists from the a year.” The Clay Studio hosts “It’s All About Clay Studio were picked up by him.” When asked how the arts scene in Ruth” 6:30 p.m. March 16 at Dorrance Philadelphia has changed since the Clay Hamilton Hall at University of the Arts, Studio opened, Snyderman said there’s now 320 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, visit a bigger audience for artists that there was www.theclaystudio.org/support/gala.php. ■ in the 1960s and ’70s.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 03/15 Eighth annual Juried Art Exhibit An opening reception for a new exhibit featuring LGBT artists, 6-8 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. No Tea, No Shade: A Standup Comedy Affair Out comedian Sampson McCormick performs 7 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220.

Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller The two conservative commentators perform 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Tucks, Tassles, & Tits! Brittany Lynn, Porcelain and The Peek-a-Boo Revue join forces for a night of “burlesque/drag fusion,” 9 p.m.2 a.m. at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772. MST3K: Gamera vs. Guiron Sarcastic robots dish on a campy sci-fi film, which

is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 03/16 The Tale of Despereaux The animated film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Run DMC The iconic rap group performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Hedwig and the Angry Inch The musical rockopera film is screened midnight at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Sun. 03/17 Point Blank The 1967 crimecaper film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Pink The pop singer performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.

Mon. 03/18 Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Rusted Root The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave.,

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Thu. 03/21 THEY ARE ONE: The Kun-Yang Lin Dancers, the dance company named for its out choreographer and founder, perform their new show, “One: Gifts From Afar,” March 22-23 at Mandell Theater of Drexel University, 33rd and Chestnut streets; kunyanglin.org/.

Andy Kahn The out songwriter and producer performs 7 p.m. at Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St.; 215-568-3131. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

Fri. 03/22

Photo: Matthew Wright

Sellersville; 215257-5858. The Muppets Take Manhattan The comedy film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215862-2081.

Tue. 03/19 Laurie Rubin The out opera singer and author of “Do You Dream in Color?: Insights From a Girl Without Sight” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322. KMFDM The industrialrock band performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds The rock group performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Wed. 03/20 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Amy Schumer The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Garrison Starr The out singersongwriter performs 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215928-0770. Sully Erna The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

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.

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A STAND-UP GUY: Out writer and comedian Sampson McCormick performs as part “No Tea, No Shade: A Stand-up Comedy Affair,” 7 p.m. March 15 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, call 215-732-2220. From page 30

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening The Addams Family The musical based on the classic TV show, March 19-24 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Art Gallery: 8th Annual Juried Art Exhibit A new exhibit featuring LGBT artists, March 15-April 5 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Josh Wolf The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs March 22-23 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Double Portrait Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from designer Paula Scher and illustrator Seymour Chwast, through April 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them Theatre Confetti presents a timely play about adolescence, homosexuality and abandonment, through March 24 at The Old City Power Plant Basement, 233 N. Bread St.; 215-592-8775. Everyone and I Azuka Theatre presents the story of a man and his love for Billie Holiday music, through April 7, 1636 Sansom St.; 215-563-1100. The Female Gaze: Women Artists Making Their World Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts presents more than 150 works from the Linda Lee Alter Collection of Art by women, through April 7, 128 N. Broad St.; www.pafa.org.

THE HEAT IS ON: Out dance/pop singer Tony Enos is back in town for a stop on his “The Heat Tour 2013,” performing 11 p.m. March 20 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. For more information, visit www. tonyenos.com.

Kun-Yang Lin Dancers The dance company founded by the out choreographer performs March 22-23 at Mandell Theater of Drexel University, 33rd and Chestnut streets; http://kunyanglin.org/. PGMC Concert: Big Broadway Sing Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs March 21-23 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St.; www.pgmc.org. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth The Philadelphia Orchestra performs March 21-23 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Continuing Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through May 19 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210.

Forever Plaid Media Theater presents the story of The Plaids, a classic 1950s allmale singing group that returns from the Great Beyond to perform the show they never got to when they were alive, through March 31, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100.

Good People Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of people in a Boston community trying to find success, through April 28, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Great and Mighty Things Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of outsider art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, through June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Journeys to New Worlds Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Spanish and Portuguese colonial art from the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection, through May 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. The Mind’s Eye: 50 Years of Photography by Jerry Uelsmann The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of iconic photographs from the famed photographer, through April 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-3409800.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Seminar Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a new comedy from the creators of “Smash,” through April 14 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215985-0420.

Closing A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Shakespeare’s comedy classic through March 17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. An Evening with Lennon and McCartney Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform songs by the iconic rock performers, through March 17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Fela! The Tony Award-winning show, directed and choreographed by out choreographer Bill T. Jones, explores the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, through March 17 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Sweet & Sour Richfield — Made In China! Miss Richfield 1981 performs through March 16 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 Eighth St.; 215-923-0210.

BOOK OF DREAMS: Out opera singer Laurie Rubin talks about her new memoir, “Do You Dream in Color?: Insights From a Girl Without Sight,” 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St. For more information, call 215-6865322. Photo: Jonathan Barkat

Viennese Masters The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through March 16 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Travel & Resorts

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Open Houses - Sunday March 17, 2012 12:00-2:00 PM 3031 Cambridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Totally rehabbed 2BR/1.5BA home in Art Museum Area. Perfect for ﬁrst-time home buyer. REDUCED! $224,900 936 N. 30th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Just Listed! Beautiful 3BR/2.5BA home in Art Museum Area. $350,000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey

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215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.558.1063 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

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

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Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, February Term, 2013, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 21, 2013 the petition of CHRISTOPHER THOMAS NORMAN WARBURTON was ﬁled, praying for a decree to change her name to CHRISTINA TALI WARBURTON. The Court has ﬁxed March 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., in Room No. 478, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________37-11 

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$574,200

Chris Seiler • 609-386-1636

For Sale

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Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012 PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

Services

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Help Wanted Company Driver: Solo Regional and OTR Lanes. Competitive Pay. Great Hometime. CDL-A with 1 year OTR and Hazmat End. Sign-On Bonus. $2000 Solo & $5000 Teams. 888-705-3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com ________________________________________37-11 AVERITT OFFERS CDL-A DRIVERS a Strong, Stable, Proﬁtable Career. Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads- Excellent Beneﬁts, Weekly Hometime. Paid training. 888-362-8608 AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________37-11

PGN

AVISO DE ELECCIONES PRIMARIAS GENERALES MARTES, 21 DE MAYO DE 2013

NOTICE OF GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

LOS PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS SIGUIENTES SON ELEGIBLES PARA NOMINAR SUS CANDIDATOS PARTIDO REPUBLICANO • PARTIDO DEMOCRÁTA

THE FOLLOWING POLITICAL PARTIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO NOMINATE THEIR CANDIDATES REPUBLICAN PARTY • DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Entre las 7:00 a. m. y 8:00 p. m. en todos los distritos y las divisiones electorales en la ciudad y el condado de Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, los votantes de la ciudad y del condado de Philadelphia nominarán personas para cubrir los siguientes cargos según lo certiﬁca el Secretario de la Mancomunidad y el Consejo electoral del condado de Philadelphia.

JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL SUPERIOR JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL DE CAUSAS COMUNES JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL MUNICIPAL JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL DE TRÁNSITO OFICINA DEL CONTRALOR DE LA CIUDAD FISCALÍA DEL DISTRITO JUEZ DE ELECCIONES INSPECTOR DE ELECCIONES CONSEJO ELECTORAL DEL CONDADO DE PHILADELPHIA Anthony Clark

Stephanie F. Singer

Presidente, Comisionados Municipales

Comisionado Municipal

Al Schmidt

Tim Dowling

Vicepresidente, Comisionados

Supervisor Interino de Elecciones Municipales

Between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. in all election districts and divisions in the City and County of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania there will be nominated by the voters of the City and County of Philadelphia persons to fill the following offices, as certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Philadelphia County Board of Elections.

JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE OF COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGE OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE OF TRAFFIC COURT OFFICE OF THE CITY CONTROLLER OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY JUDGE OF ELECTIONS INSPECTOR OF ELECTIONS

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS Anthony Clark Chair, City Commissioners Al Schmidt Vice Chair, City Commissioners

Stephanie F. Singer City Commissioner Tim Dowling Acting Supervisor of Elections

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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. ________________________________________37-11 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-11 Attractive GWM, 37, friendly, sweet, caring, funny, naughtyboy, brutally attacked in prison. Every guy I ever loved has abandoned me. I’m so very lonely. ISO guys to write to me. I will reply to all. Kenneth Houck #06743-015, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 1600, Butner NC 27509. ________________________________________37-11 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, all races for platonic friendship. Phila. area only. PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________37-12 I’m looking for a large build, burly WM, big ass bruiser. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________37-11 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-11 OLDER SEEKING YOUNGER Hispanic males: Mexican, Puerto Rican, South American, Asian, etc. Like reading, travel, TV, outdoors. Seeks someone for friendship & good times. Habla Espanol. 856-547-4163. ________________________________________37-14 Professional GWM, 49 seeks other GWMs, 35-55 for massage exchange. centercityghb@yahoo.com ________________________________________37-14

Handsome Certified Therapist 6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

Friends Men

B-7

David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-14 Massage in the burbs. $60/hr. 610-710-6213 for appt. ________________________________________37-11

STAY WARM WITH US!!! DRY SUANA & STEAM ROOM ARE AVAILBLE...

IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO WORKOUT AREA IN TIME Sat., March 9th, 2013 - Time: 11pm-3:30am

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P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group)

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

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MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

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

TUESDAYS

Hlf Price Rooms (6am-12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 & Non-Members: $22.50

WEDNESDAY &THURSDAY CRUISE

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4 Hour Lockers (8am-4pm) Members: $5.00 Non-Members: $15.00

For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

PGN

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at

Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ Early Night Out meets 5:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-985-9206. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. SundayFriday at the William Way Center. ■ Young People’s meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the William Way Center.

Emotional Support

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

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

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

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

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561; bebashi.org. ■ “Pozitive Light HIV/AIDS Support Ministry,” presented by Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia HIV/AIDS Ministry and Girard Avenue Pharmacy, meets 5-7 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., first-floor group room; 267-481-5085; blaclikme@comcast.net. ■ Encuentros, a group for HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, meets 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1201 Locust St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m.

at Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community

Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets 11 a.m. ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215-851-1898.

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

Debtors Anonymous

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

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

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 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-686-

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

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

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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

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

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance

abuse problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www. fight.org.

■ 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 9980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov ■ 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: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

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

Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com March 15-21, 2013

PGN

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